Deviating from the original plot

Chapter seventy-four

The Marquis's voice resounded, the moment Victoria entered his study. "Where have you been all this while?"

Anne had already warned her with a guilty glance that her father was furious—and from the flustered look on her maid's face, she'd clearly endured her share of scolding. Now it was Victoria's turn.

"I was... with friends," she offered quietly.

Her father's gaze hardened. "Then explain the bruise on your cheek, Victoria."

"I... I tripped. Hit my face against something hard," she replied, fumbling for words.

"Be honest with me!" The Marquis's voice rose, thunderous, before he drew in a steadying breath. Victoria's head bowed, her cheeks flushing with guilt.

"You weren't in your chambers this morning," he pressed, his tone still sharp though quieter now, "and you return at this hour, battered and looking as though you've been brawling in the streets."

"Don't be too harsh on her, brother," came a familiar voice from the doorway.

Victoria's head snapped up. "Uncle Reginald?" she gasped. (A/N: One of her maternal uncles, in case you forgot)

Her father glanced toward him with a heavy sigh. "Your uncle wanted to see you. He only just arrived in the capital on an imperial mission—only to find that you'd vanished from the estate."

Victoria rushed to him, relief breaking through her nerves. "Uncle Reginald! I didn't know you were in the capital."

He rested a hand on her shoulder, his stern face softening for her sake. "I came this morning, but instead of a warm welcome, I was met with chaos. Your father and I scoured the city for you. Do you realise how dangerous it is for a young lady of your station to disappear without notice?"

"I'm sorry," Victoria murmured, guilt pricking her chest.

The Marquis folded his arms, still visibly frustrated. "Sorry does not heal a father's worry."

Reginald cut in gently, glancing between his brother-in-law and niece. "Let her breathe, Marquis. The girl has returned safely. doesn't that matter the most? Besides, look at her; she needs to rest."

The Marquis exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Very well. We'll continue this discussion after dinner. But understand me, Victoria—this matter is far from closed."

Victoria walked out of her father's study, her steps light but her chest tight. Her uncle fell into stride beside her.

"Thank you, Uncle," she muttered under her breath.

"It's alright, Victoria," Reginald replied calmly, though his tone carried weight. "But I can't help wondering what you really did to come back looking like that with a bruise."

"It's nothing," she said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

"You know I'm not your father. You can speak freely with me." His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Besides... I saw you at the barracks."

Victoria froze mid-step, her head snapping toward him. "You—what?"

He chuckled at her stricken expression. "When I arrived this morning, I intended to surprise you. But when you weren't at the estate, and Anne swore she had no idea where you'd gone, your father and I searched the capital. I stopped by the barracks to rally some men for the search, and imagine my surprise..." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "...I found my sweet niece headbutting the crown prince unconscious."

Victoria's eyes went wide. "Uncle!" she hissed, horrified. "Please—you mustn't tell Father!"

Reginald threw his head back, laughter booming through the corridor. "By the gods, Victoria! In all the time I trained with the prince, I've never seen anyone best him—let alone knock him out cold with a headbutt."