Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirty-four

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The silence was deafening, until the prince finally spoke.

"Lady Evelyn, how have you been? I didn't expect to see you here today."

"It's the Founding Festival," she replied. "Am I not allowed to enjoy it like everyone else?"

"I know... It's just surprising to see you here, that's all. I—"

"Are you going to interrogate me like the others or not?" She cut in sharply. "I didn't come here for idle chatter."

The prince let out a dry chuckle, running a hand through his hair in clear frustration.

"I didn't bring you in here to interrogate you."

"Why not?" Evelyn snapped. "You're suspicious of everyone else, but I get a pass?"

"It's different with you."

"No, it's not. What if I was the culprit in this case you're investigating?"

"Evelyn, please don't start this—"

"No, and it's Lady Evelyn to you," she said firmly. "This is an abuse of power, and you know it. You brought me in here under the guise of questioning—just so you could what? Be near me for a few minutes?"

"I just want to make things right between us," he said, his voice low. "I know I've made mistakes—acted in ways I shouldn't have. But I meant what I said. I want us to have a real connection. No one's ever treated me the way you do... It's infuriating and confusing, but I'm drawn to you in a way I can't explain."

Evelyn stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, with a note of disgust, she said, "You're engaged."

"It's not official," he replied quickly. "Celeste doesn't mean anything to me. She's obsessive... unstable."

Evelyn raised a brow, folding her arms. "Funny. That sounds like someone else I know."

The prince stiffened, the weight of her words hitting harder than he expected. "That's not fair."

"Do you even hear yourself?" Evelyn snapped, eyes blazing. "You dragged me into a fake interrogation just to confess your feelings—while you're still engaged to someone else. And then you call her unstable? You don't get to judge her when you're no better."

His expression faltered, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes—but Evelyn was already on her feet, heading for the door.

"We're done here," she said sharply. "And you should release the rest of the group."

She opened the door and stepped out into the main room, where the last few people were still waiting nervously. Victoria stood up immediately when she saw her.

"Everything okay?" she asked.

Evelyn didn't respond at first, just gave a stiff nod. Moments later, the prince emerged, his composure visibly strained. He signalled to the guards.

"Release everyone," he ordered curtly.

The guard looked unsure but immediately began escorting the civilians outside, unlocking the temporary barriers around the shop.

Victoria cast a final glance over her shoulder at the prince, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Whatever had happened between him and Evelyn, it clearly hadn't ended well. For now, she said nothing and simply walked out beside her friend into the cool evening air.

Damien caught up with them moments later, his hands in his pockets as he eyed them both carefully.

"So... are we all okay?" he asked, attempting a light tone.