章節 29: Chapter 29: A Surprising Twist

The next moment my maids rushed in and the long process of my transformation for tonight began. I went down to the studio alone, I had persuaded Martin to let me find my way. I had been crying my eyes out all night, after everything that happened yesterday I no longer feel the need to take part in this casting. The thing was, I would probably be found dead on the banks of the Thames and my family was in danger. I took as much time as possible on my way to the studio. Even my maids must have noticed how much I had suffered. I didn't know how much make-up I had on my face, but it was more than usual. I knew he was already off work and I would have felt bad if he wasn't paid for his performance. Even though he had experience in personal protection, it had to upset him that two girls had died at the same time. Although to be precise, only one had died so far. Annabeth was in intensive care. However, I feared that she had no chance of surviving. Especially not if Leopold still had his fingers in the pie. I wore black just like yesterday, only not with a veil and gloves. It was a knee-length, flared dress with a breach at the waist. When I arrived at the studio I was the first. The studio looked like a ghost town to me. Never since I lived in the palace was I the very first. Had I lost track of time? No, this seemed very unlikely. My maids would not drag me out of my bed for anything else. Even the light was switched off. I decided to sit in the darkness and think. How could I tell Nicolas that I wanted to leave the casting without having to tell him? I squinted my eyes and bit my painted nail. Then I remembered that I couldn't leave. It was a vicious circle and I was the hamster who would never reach his destination in his wheel. My heart was beating so fast that it seemed to fill the whole room. If I hadn't been alone, I'm sure everyone would have turned to me and looked at me funny. Calm down Belle, you mustn't freak out now. You don't need another scandal. It still pained me how mean and inconsiderate the prince had behaved towards me. I was the last of three women to be harassed and blackmailed by a criminal. How could he be so cold after all that had happened between us? How had I let myself go like that? The next moment the door swung open and Queen Valentina entered. I recognised her by her stature, she didn't seem to see me. It was too dark, then the light came on and we both looked at each other. What could I do? I felt caught, though I had done nothing wrong. I jumped up awkwardly like a mouse that has been discovered and curtsied. "Your Majesty, it is good to see you." She didn't answer me but turned to a technician. I was unsure and bit my lip. Should I walk out of the row of chairs to her and apologise? Her entourage stepped onto the stage. I sank into my chair in shame, she had just missed me. She was certainly not well disposed towards me. She was wearing a trouser suit and had a clipboard in her hand. "And how is the light? My son has to look good in everything." She turned to an assistant: "What is he wearing today? No, he can't wear that, he wore that last week. Yes, people remember details like that, Avantie!" She seems to be in her element. I got to know another facet of her. She was an interesting personality. The stern tone of voice, matched her appearance today. I hadn't seen her that much before, but I must admit I never followed all the events of the casting very closely. She looked around the room, probably checking all the details again. Our eyes met and I froze. She did not look happy to see me. After all, I was also responsible for Nicolas throwing everyone under the bus. Valentina beckoned me to her. I stood up hesitantly and forced myself out of the row of seats, slowly approaching the stage. My heart slipped lower with each step. She scanned me briefly before asking: "What are you doing here?" One small detail, and one I admired about her, was the little brooch of a dahlia. The one we also carried to Marina's grave. I liked that she was honouring a candidate, although she was probably doing it out of a sense of duty. But I couldn't imagine that she wasn't heartless... like her son. I gulped, her tone sounding cool. It was like a slap in the face, at the garden party she had been friendly and cordial to me and now she was dismissive and cold to me. This family seemed to have one thing in common: if something didn't go according to plan, they all went down. "I'm waiting for the decision to begin.", I replied meekly. "I see, get me a coffee! These interns are good for nothing.", she said with a quick wave of her hand and shooed me away. With my chest throbbing and without saying anything back, I looked for the catering table. Maybe she was also angry with me because of all the scandals I had caused her. Take the garden party, for example. Nicolas had, even though I had no idea in advance, but all the ladies before their heads I hoped she would forgive me eventually. I couldn't say I disliked her for it, I could already understand her. I headed for the table and poured the drink into a cup. When I came back and put the cup in her hand, I said: "I'm not an intern." She looked up from her clipboard and eyed me sharply, then her gaze softened: "Sorry, but usually the girls are more dressed up. It was a horrible week." I nodded and gritted my teeth. She had obviously insulted me. "My son tried to explain himself after the party." I had hoped she wouldn't bring it up. ''Don't worry, it sounded very plausible, at least I understand him now. He is young and has feelings for a girl for the first time.'', she smiled slightly. She turned her attention back to her work. The conversation was over. I went back to my seat and watched the place slowly fill up.