"First, I believe tending to the princess's injury takes precedence. Someone, please escort Her Majesty to her chambers. The sunlight seems unusually harsh today—her complexion appears rather unwell."
The queen's attendants, who had been standing by anxiously, quickly stepped forward to intervene. Even they couldn't ignore the impropriety of the queen leaving visible marks on the Crown Princess. Recognizing the need to preserve her dignity, the queen adjusted her skirts and withdrew with a haughty air.
Duke Capone watched her retreat with a faint smirk before turning back to Astrid.
"Take my hand, Your Highness. Let's address your injury first."
Astrid hesitated, biting her lip. She had tried so hard to avoid this kind of confrontation, yet here she was.
"I must look so pitiful. Thank you, Duke Capone, for stepping in."
The duke gave her a reassuring smile. "Rescuing a princess in distress is every knight's dream, Your Highness. Think nothing of it."
