Deception Unveiled

Helen's gaze pierced the empress, her lips parting to reveal a cold smile. "Your Majesty," I gracefully uttered, "I have prepared a small gift for all the distinguished ladies gathered here today." With a deft motion, I retrieved the packet that Lusav had bestowed upon me earlier, containing the seeds of the rarest and most exquisite flowers money could buy. These seeds had been acquired at a high price from the prestigious auction house, serving as a testament to their unparalleled beauty and scarcity. Additionally, I presented a bouquet of flowers so extraordinary that they had never before graced the soils of this nation. Extending the arrangement towards the empress, I expressed my gratitude for the consideration shown towards me and my passions. "Your Majesty, I thank you for acknowledging my interests and hobbies. It is true that I should never have squandered my time on insignificant matters and people," I proclaimed, tenderly presenting the bouquet.

The empress found herself engulfed in a tide of embarrassment, her composure faltering under my unexpected grand gesture. Sensing the shift in dynamics, I turned my attention to the prince and addressed the empress once more, my voice tinged with both hurt and resolve. "Oh, Your Majesty, I had only brought gifts for the ladies who were invited to this gathering. I had no idea that the prince would unexpectedly intrude upon a ladies' tea party and lay blame upon me for loving him so deeply. While it is true that I once harbored a profound affection for the prince, I now understand that I was mistaken to come between two lovers, even though he was my officially betrothed fiancé, and despite the prohibition of polygamy. I should have realized that seeking respect, love, and care from my intended spouse was a misguided endeavor. I was mistaken to accuse Clivat of stealing my beloved," I declared, my eyes welling up with tears. My theatrical talent shone through, and the ladies present could not help but exchange whispered conversations.

It quickly became apparent that the true culprit responsible for the love triangle was none other than Miss Clivat, and the one who had betrayed my trust was the crown prince himself. Consequently, the animosity towards me transformed into sympathy for a young lady who had her betrothed snatched away by another woman. The queen, her brows furrowed with concern, sternly urged the prince to apologize to me for his hurtful words.

Caught between the weight of truth and his reluctance to accept responsibility for his actions, the prince felt an overwhelming sense of awkwardness. Clivat's face turned as pale as a ghost, humiliated by the revelation. Her previous moniker, "the forgiving angel," was swiftly replaced by "the lady who stole the Duke's daughter's fiancé."

I allowed myself a small smirk, savoring the swift turn of events brought about by a mere few words and tears.

It was common knowledge that as the only daughter of the influential Mackil Duke, I possessed the authority to quell any insults from the empress and crown prince. However, I had always hesitated to engage in confrontations, fearing that such behavior would tarnish my reputation in their eyes. The longing for affection and acceptance from my future mother-in-law and husband had always weighed heavily on my heart. Yet, the Helen before them now was different; I had grown weary of caring about the opinions of the empress and prince. And so, I spoke once more, my voice carrying an air of resolute finality.

"Given the circumstances, I hereby declare the official annulment of the engagement between the Crown Prince and myself."

The empress, the prince, and all the other ladies present stood frozen, their faces etched with shock, astounded by the abrupt transformation in my demeanor.

Prior to attending the party, I had confided in my father, the Duke Mackil, about my fervent desire to dissolve the loveless engagement with the crown prince. Deeply understanding my predicament, my father wholeheartedly supported my wishes and promptly initiated the proposal for the annulment to be presented to the emperor. Coincidentally, the discussion regarding the dissolution of the engagement between the illustrious Mackil Dukedom and the imperial family unfolded during the very same tea party.

As the murmurs of shock and disbelief filled the air after my announcement, I sensed the weight of anticipation and curiosity settling upon the room. All eyes turned towards me, awaiting an explanation for this unexpected revelation.

"Ladies " I began, my words carrying the weight of generations of noble lineage, "it is with a heavy heart that I confirm the my intentions, to dissolve the betrothal with the esteemed Crown Prince."

A hushed silence fell upon the gathering as I continued, my unwavering gaze meeting the eyes of each and every individual present. My voice, steady and resolute, carried the undeniable air of someone accustomed to commanding respect and attention.

"Our family has always held honor, love, and happiness in the highest regard," I stated, my voice unwavering. "And it is within the realm of these principles that we find ourselves at this critical juncture. The bond between two souls should be one of affection and mutual understanding, not one of duty or obligation."

My words resonated deeply within the garden, validating the choices I had made and the path I had decided to embark upon. The atmosphere within the room shifted, as if the invisible chains that had bound me to this loveless union were finally being shattered.

The empress and the crown prince stood there, their expressions a mix of astonishment and indignation. The empress, a symbol of grace and authority, struggled to find her voice amidst this unexpected turn of events. The crown prince, caught off guard, seemed to grasp for words that would redeem himself in the eyes of those present.

However, my words had struck a chord, and the room gradually transformed from one of shock and disbelief to one of understanding and empathy. Whispers of support and sympathy began to circulate, as the gathered ladies realized the courage it took to break free from the constraints of a loveless betrothal.

In that moment, I knew I had made the right choice. The weight of societal expectations and the suffocating confines of a loveless union no longer held power over me.

As the echoes of my words lingered in the air, I cast my gaze upon the empress and the crown prince, feeling a newfound sense of liberation. The path before me was uncertain, but I knew that by embracing my own desires and aspirations, I had taken the first step towards reclaiming my own happiness.