Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ninety

Richard's expression twisted in disgust. "What—what is this? Are you serious?"

"She's drunk!" Amelia said quickly, her voice trembling. "She doesn't know what she's saying!"

"I'm not drunk; I am telling the truth," Genevieve insisted through her tears.

Richard took a step back, fury and revulsion in his eyes. "This is revolting," he spat.

Amelia turned to him, eyes wide, shaking her head. "No, please, it's not what you think—"

"I can't believe I married someone capable of something so vile," he hissed. "You make me sick." With that he stormed away

"Are you happy now?" Amelia choked out, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Genevieve stood frozen, her chest tight with regret. "Amelia... I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I just—I couldn't keep pretending."

Amelia laughed bitterly, wiping her tears. "Pretending? You just destroyed everything!"

"I only told the truth," Genevieve whispered, her voice breaking.

Amelia turned away, trembling. "And what good has the truth ever done?" She rose to her feet, brushing off her gown even as her hands shook. "Stay away from me. Don't come near me again."

"Amelia, please—"

But before Genevieve could reach her, Amelia fled into the manor, leaving her standing alone in the garden, the night wind cold against her tear-streaked face.

✦ ✦

The Queen's voice grew distant as she recalled, "I was foolish and heartbroken, and that night, I lost control. I drank far too much, and that's when everything began to spiral..."

.

.

.

"Honestly, Genevieve, must you drink so much? You're making a spectacle of yourself," her mother scolded, half guiding her through the cool night air.

"My heart is broken..." Genevieve muttered, tears streaking her flushed cheeks as she clutched her skirts.

"Stop saying nonsense like that," her mother said sharply. "You'll regret this in the morning."

"Is everything all right?" came a voice—smooth, amused.

They both turned. It was the crown prince.

"Your Highness," her mother quickly curtsied. "She's simply had too much to drink. I was just taking her home."

The prince chuckled softly. "Silly Genevieve... I didn't think I'd ever see you like this."

"I told you—" she hiccupped, glaring at him through bleary eyes. "Don't call me that! It's Lady Genevieve, you arrogant bastard."

Her mother gasped in horror, "Genevieve!"

The prince only laughed. "It's all right, my lady. I quite enjoy this. Consider this... our way of flirting."

"I'm not flirting with you!" She shot back, but her words tangled into hiccups.

He turned to her mother. "Allow me to see her home. You deserve to enjoy the evening, madam."

Her mother smiled, visibly relieved. "How very kind of you, Your Highness. Of course."

Genevieve's eyes widened. "No—no, Mother, don't leave me!" She cried, clutching her mother's arm desperately.

"Don't be ridiculous. Go with the prince. He's offering to help," her mother said, gently prying her off.