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The palace doors shut behind the monarchs.

The princess was now sealed within the villa walls; the thunderous rumble of their closing rattles her as it ripples throughout the impressive foyer.

Her confidence crumbles with every step she takes forth, 'No turning back now.' She dreads, slipping her hand into her pocket, brief comfort eases her as fingertips brush the harmonica's cool surface.

She clutches the instrument, sweet reminisces of that distant night slowly dissolve any lingering fear.

A pair of spying eyes capture the girl's uneasy expression; watching it subtly melt away, the onlooker restrains from intervening for the time being but is left all the more intrigued.

Following the rulers of Willow Leigh through the vast corridors of their home, the Måne family strolls through aisles of portraits and ancient artifacts. Every elegant detail that adorned the symmetrical architecture to the foreign, beautiful decor mesmerizes the princess. Every element of the villa was pristine and above all else, flawless.

Moments of brief chatter and wandering finally lead them to the banquet hall.

Stepping into the grand chamber, Esmeralda scours the table for a seat, it was practically infinite, capable of seating a whole village for dinner.

King Frederick pulls a chair open for his Queen. As Esmeralda quickly moves to sit next to her father, she is subtly surprised when Prince Raynard holds a seat for her.

With a dignified nod, she sits. Pushing her chair in with ease, the Prince then joins his mother on the opposite side of the table.

"Thank you for visiting us on such short notice! We've heard quite the deal about you." Queen Catelyn implies, her vibrant tone dulling slightly.

Esmeralda's eyes widened at her indication, she hoped the Belladonnas wouldn't know about her disgraces, though she figured she couldn't erase the reputation she forged in ink... Or more so sludge.

She glances at her mother who practically hid behind her fan. King Frederick chuckles nervously.

"Ah, all good things I hope!" His laughter rings throughout the chamber. A stale silence ensues.

Madelyn rubs her temples, softly glaring at her husband's anxious expression. Heat flares in the Princess's cheeks, she resists the urge to cocoon herself into the tablecloth and rot in embarrassment.

The Prince clears his throat.

"If I must say, I've never been one who blindly heeds court gossip. The evening has just begun, and I have yet to see any evidence of their hearsay." He says, his steady voice easing the tension.

His gaze settles on the maiden's stunned expression, with a fond smile he bows his head in a brief, subtle nod.

"Until Princess Esmeralda dares to prove them right, I see no reason to let them guide my judgment." He states.

Queen Madelyn furrows her brow, she glances at her husband who dons an equally skeptical expression.

"Are you saying the rumors don't concern you?" Madelyn questions.