Appeal

Meeting the Queen would be her best shot. She was her aunt. And also she was more powerful than Adrien or the Northern Duke, it would be best to get in her good graces!

"You did what?" The Duchess's voice rose sharply, echoing through the drawing room. Her usually composed demeanour was nowhere to be found as she stared at her daughter in disbelief.

Selena, perched on the edge of the sofa, avoided her mother's wide-eyed gaze, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve. "I broke off the engagement," Selena repeated, her voice quieter this time but no less firm.

"At the banquet?" the Duchess clarified, her tone rising even higher. She pressed a hand to her temple, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "In front of everyone?"

Selena nodded, looking defiant but clearly bracing herself for her mother's reaction.