A week later.
"Princess, you are ready." Adeline said as she clipped Aristia's hair with a pin.
"Thank you." Aristia thanked her and got down from the chair.
She turned behind her where Catherine sat on her bed, "I'm ready, mama."
Catherine nodded and stood up, moving to hold Aristia's hand as they left the room.
The Grand Duchess and her children were attending a tea party in the Anton Mansion.
They left the Grand Duke Mansion and headed to Duke Anton's Mansion.
In the carriage, Aristia turned to Catherine. "Thank you for agreeing to help me, Mama."
"You are my daughter. I love that I am able to help you." Catherine smiled gently, eyes filled with so much love that Aristia couldn't bear to look at them.
Guilt gnawed at her insides, knowing that she wasn't the woman's daughter and that the love she gave wasn't meant for her.
