The next morning had arrived, and Priscilla was more than nervous. The fencing tournament had her in a dilemma: on the one hand, she wanted to participate and demonstrate her skills, but, on the other, the risk of being discovered tormented her. As she dressed, she walked back and forth in her room, muttering to herself and glancing at the window, as if the landscape could offer her an answer.

  Finally, she called Coral, her faithful maid, who had been her ally in keeping the secret of her practices. Coral arrived quickly, noticing the young princess' anxiety.

  —What is the matter, miss? —she asked as she adjusted a sheet on the bed.

  Priscilla sighed, dropping the dress she had chosen on a nearby armchair.

  —I don't know what to do, Coral. If I don't go to the tournament, it will look like I'm not taking my training seriously, and my mentor will notice something strange. But if I do go… I run the risk of someone discovering me. How can I do both without raising suspicions?

  Coral watched her thoughtfully. For a few minutes, they both remained silent, each looking for a solution. Suddenly, Coral jumped up with a little leap, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up her face.

  —I've got it! —she exclaimed.

  Priscilla turned towards her, intrigued.

  —What? What have you got?

  —Put on your trousers before you put on your dress! — Coral explained, speaking quickly. — That way, you can change in the carriage. I'll wait for you there with the rest of your outfit, and when the tournament is over, we'll do the same so that I can return to the palace in your clothes before your grandmother notices anything.

  Priscilla blinked, impressed by the simple but brilliant solution.

  —It sounds… possible. But what excuse do I give my grandmother if she asks why I'm away for so long?

  Coral hesitated for a moment before replying, her cheeks slightly flushed.

  —Tell her you have diarrhea.

  —Coral! — exclaimed Priscilla, at first horrified, but then she couldn't help but laugh. —Well… it's a good idea, I guess.

  The two of them laughed together for a few moments, relieving the tension of the moment.

  —It's decided, then. —said Priscilla as she began to discreetly put on her trousers under her dress. — Are you sure this will work?

  —Absolutely, miss. Trust me.

  When Priscilla was ready, Coral made sure that the dress hid the trousers perfectly. Then she took care of preparing the additional carriage where she would take the rest of the fencing clothes and where Priscilla could change before and after the tournament.

  With a last look in the mirror, Priscilla took a deep breath.

  —Very well. Let's give it a try.

  Coral nodded with determination.

  —Everything will be fine, miss. Now, hurry up before the queen asks for you.

  And so it was. Coral went ahead of the carriage, while Priscilla made a quick but convincing excuse to the queen, who barely looked up from her papers to nod dismissively.

  The plan was in motion, and although she was still nervous, Priscilla felt more prepared than ever to face this doubly complicated day. “Today, I will prove that I can be both,” she thought as she climbed into the carriage.

  Priscilla arrived at the venue accompanied by her grandmother and Leandro, taking a seat on a balcony reserved for royalty. From there, she had a perfect view of the tournament, although her attention was diverted for a moment to another nearby balcony. There were the Valois, sharing space with the Akvis. However, something peculiar caught her attention: Selene was not on top of Maximo as usual.

  —How strange… — she muttered to herself, unable to avoid a small smile at the sight of that strange absence.

  She decided to focus on the tournament, commenting with Leandro on the techniques of the fighters and the moves he was watching. Her half-brother seemed fascinated, asking questions and sharing his impressions.

  Priscilla, although nervous about what was to come, enjoyed that moment of connection.

  Seven fights went by without them calling her name, and she was starting to get restless. “Could it be that they won't call my name?” she thought, but just then the announcer's voice boomed through the venue:

  —Laurent versus Lucas, in seven minutes!

  Priscilla's heart stopped for a moment. She felt a mixture of excitement and panic, but she knew she had to act fast.

  —Grandma, I think this cheese has made me sick. I'm going to go to the bathroom.

  The queen, suspecting nothing, nodded with an almost motherly gesture.

  —Of course, dear. Run before it gets worse.

  Priscilla left the balcony with the best calm she could fake, but once outside, she quickened her pace. She reached the carriage where Coral was waiting for her with everything ready.

  —Here are your clothes, miss.

  She quickly changed, putting on the costume and adjusting the mask that hid her identity.

  —Thank you, Coral. I'll see you in the dressing room later.

  —Good luck, miss! — exclaimed Coral, watching her leave with admiration.

  Priscilla ran towards her coach, who was standing by the court with an anxious expression. When he saw her, his face relaxed.

  —Laurent! I thought you weren't coming.

  —I would never disappoint you.

  Before he could reply, a tournament assistant hurried over.

  —Laurent versus Lucas, it's your turn!

  The coach gave him a light tap on the shoulder.

  —Good luck, Laurent. Break a leg.

  Priscilla took a deep breath and walked out onto the court with her opponent, Lucas, a tall young man with a distinguished reputation in the tournament. As they emerged, the roar of the audience greeted them enthusiastically. Although the sound was deafening, she focused only on the court in front of her eyes.

  The fight began.

  Lucas opened with a direct attack, seeking to surprise her with his speed. However, Priscilla dodged him with elegance, her body moving as if anticipating his every move. She responded with a precise lunge that Lucas barely managed to block.

  The audience was delighted, shouting and cheering on both competitors as the swords clashed with a metallic sound. Priscilla remained calm, remembering every piece of advice from her mentor: observe the movements, don't rush, and wait for the perfect opening.

  Lucas attempted a series of consecutive attacks, seeking to corner her, but she nimbly slipped out of his reach, taking advantage of his speed to confuse him. Then she found her opportunity: Lucas left his right flank exposed for an instant, and Priscilla took advantage of it with a quick and decisive move.

  Priscilla's foil touched her target with precision, marking the end point of the bout.

  The referee raised his hand to signal her as the winner.

  —Laurent is the victor!

  The audience erupted in applause and cheers, while Priscilla raised her foil in gratitude. As she left the piste, her coach was waiting for her with a big smile.

  —I knew you could do it! That was an impeccable bout.

  Priscilla nodded, still trying to catch her breath.

  —Thank you. It was harder than I expected, but it was worth it.

  She knew she had to hurry. She still had the hardest part left: to return to the royal balcony without arousing suspicion. Priscilla ran to the dressing room as if her life depended on it, her heart beating a mile a minute. As soon as she arrived, she took off her mask to catch her breath, but what she didn't expect was to find Leandro right in front of the door.

  —Priscilla? —he asked, clearly confused.

  She froze.

  —Leandro! Ah… Er… — she stammered, desperately searching for an excuse.

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  —Leo? —The queen's voice echoed from the nearby corridor.

  —Shit… — Priscilla muttered, feeling panic course through her body.

  Leandro reacted instantly, opening the dressing room door so she could hide.

  —Run, inside. — he whispered quickly before turning to face the queen, who was approaching. — Your Majesty, shall we go to the balcony? I'm sure you won't want to miss the next fight.

  Meanwhile, inside the dressing room, Coral waited nervously with the dress ready.

  —Miss, quickly, put it on!

  —Leandro saw me, Coral. I don't know what I'll do. —said Priscilla as she hurried to change, fear reflected on her face.

  —He won't say anything, you'll see. Trust me!

  Hurriedly, she took off her fencing costume and put on her dress, while Coral left with her uniform hidden in a bag, walking as fast as she could towards the carriage.

  When Priscilla returned to the balcony, she tried to keep her composure, although her legs were still trembling.

  —My dear, what took you so long? You missed a splendid fight. —said the queen as she saw her sit down.

  Priscilla took a deep breath, trying hard to appear natural.

  —I got… diarrhea.

  The queen laughed softly.

  —Oh, you'll have to drink some medicine afterwards.

  Priscilla nodded, but could barely manage a smile. Then she made eye contact with Leandro, who was watching her with a calm gaze. He leaned towards her slightly and whispered in her ear:

  —You did well, Laurent.

  Priscilla's heart skipped a beat. The tension she had been feeling all day dissipated a little at the sound of those words. She smiled at her brother, grateful for his silent support, knowing that, at least for now, her secret was safe.

  After the fight, sandwiches were offered to those present. Maximo approached Priscilla directly, his serious expression immediately catching her attention.

  —Cil, can I talk to you? It's urgent.

  —Of course. — she replied, taking a sandwich before following him to a more secluded corner. Once away from prying eyes, she asked. — What's wrong?

  —Was it Selene and her friends who attacked you at the Akvis party? —he asked bluntly.

  Priscilla, who was just taking a bite of her sandwich, choked immediately. How did he know?

  —What? —she said between coughs, trying to regain her composure.

  —Do you need water? — asked Maximo, concerned.

  —No… I'm fine… — she managed to say after calming down. — Can you repeat that?

  —Did Selene and her friends attack you at the Akvis party? — he repeated more slowly, staring at her.

  She swallowed hard, feeling her heart begin to beat fast.

  —How… how do you know that?

  —I heard them talking. Grissalda was scared because, according to her, by pushing you, she feared her family would be disgraced.

  Priscilla blinked, incredulous.

  —Grissalda didn't push me… It was Selene. — She stopped short, realizing she had said more than she should have. —Shit.

  —Selene!? — exclaimed Maximo in a tone that almost echoed. His eyes widened. — Why didn't you tell me before?

  —Lower your voice! —He whispered, looking around nervously.

  —How do you want me to calm down? You almost bled to death!

  —But it didn't happen… — he replied sarcastically, trying to deflect the intensity of the moment.

  Maximo shook his head, clearly frustrated.

  —Why didn't you tell me, Cil?

  Priscilla sighed, looking away as she searched for the right words.

  —I thought you wouldn't believe me. Besides… I had my second dagger in my thigh. It was partly my fault for not being more careful.

  —Cil, don't say that. — he replied firmly. —None of this was your fault. You should have told me. I could have spoken to Selene.

  —I don't think talking to her is an option, Maximo.

  He looked at her for a few seconds before sighing resignedly.

  —You're right… I'm so sorry, Cil. I didn't think it would come to something so serious.

  Priscilla sighed, crossing her arms as she looked at Maximo.

  —You don't have to apologize, Maximo. It's not your fault.

  —But I feel responsible, Cil. Those people are… —He paused, clenching his fists in frustration. — Part of my circle, even if they don't want to admit it.

  She placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. —You can't control what they do, Maximo. Selene and her friends made that decision. I'm fine, okay? It happened a long time ago.

  Maximo looked at her seriously.

  —I'm not sure if I can leave it at that, Cil. What they did was wrong, and I want to confront her.

  —And what will that achieve? — asked Priscilla, raising an eyebrow.

  —That at least they know I won't stay silent when they hurt someone I care about.

  Priscilla's heart skipped a beat at those words, but she didn't let it show on her face.

  —Maximo, the situation isn't that simple. Selene has influence. Going against her could hurt you and your family.

  —That doesn't matter, Priscilla. What they did was wrong. And beyond that… —He lowered his voice and stared at her—I can't bear the thought of anyone hurting you.

  She looked away, feeling his resolve begin to waver.

  —I appreciate what you're saying, Maximo. I really do. But this is something I can handle. I don't want you getting into trouble because of me.

  —Do you really want me to let it go? — he asked in a soft tone of voice, but one full of concern.

  Priscilla nodded slowly.

  —Yes, Maximo. Please. This is behind us now.

  He exhaled forcefully, still looking reluctant, but finally nodded.

  —All right. I'll leave it for now, but promise me something, Cil.

  —What's that?

  —If they bother you again, if they try anything again, you'll tell me. Okay?

  She smiled slightly and held his hand for a moment.

  —Okay. I promise.

  Maximo seemed to relax a little at her answer, although concern was still reflected in his gaze.

  —Thank you for trusting me, Cil.

  —I always trust you, Maximo.

  They shared a moment of silence before Priscilla broke the tension with a slight smile.

  —Well, I think I've missed too many sandwiches while we've been talking.

  He let out a soft laugh, the atmosphere finally relaxing.

  —Come on. Although I warn you that the best ones have already been finished.

  —And you didn't save any for me? How disappointing, Maximo.

  —Sorry, I'm a lousy friend. — he joked as they walked back to the event together.

  Priscilla glanced sideways at her friend, feeling grateful for his support, but also a little afraid of what might happen if Selene found out that Maximo knew the truth.

  As Priscilla walked away after her conversation with Maximo, she couldn't help feeling a slight weight on her chest. Although her friend's words had reassured her a little, the memory of what had happened at the party was still a persistent shadow on her mind. As she walked back to the main table to get something more to eat, her gaze met Selene's almost by accident.

  Selene, who was chatting with some of her friends, froze on seeing her. There was a slight gleam in her eyes, but it was not the usual haughtiness she usually showed Priscilla. It was something else. Something much more unusual: fear.

  Priscilla stopped for a second, taken aback. She had never seen Selene with that expression. The young Akvis quickly looked away, as if afraid of having been discovered, and began to play nervously with the rings on her fingers. Even her posture, normally haughty, seemed to be slumped, almost as if she wanted to disappear into the group of her friends.

  Priscilla continued on her way, pretending not to have noticed anything, but she couldn't stop thinking about that reaction. Could it be because she saw me talking to Maximo? Does she know that he found out? The thought unsettled her and, at the same time, gave her a strange feeling of power, though not the kind she was looking for.

  From her place, Selene would steal furtive glances at Priscilla every few seconds. It was clear that something was deeply troubling her. Her conversation with the others now seemed forced, the laughter of her friends sounded out of place in contrast to the tension radiating from Selene.

  As Priscilla left the snack area to meet her grandmother, she could still feel the weight of the recent conversation with Maximo. She walked calmly, trying to appear carefree, although her mind was still racing.

  When she reached the queen, she gave her an approving look as she finished talking to a group of nobles.

  —Ready to go, dear? — the queen asked with a smile.

  —Of course, grandmother. — Priscilla replied, bowing her head with a respectful gesture.

  As they both made their way to the exit, the murmur of those present faded behind them. However, just before leaving the room, Priscilla felt a gaze fixed on her back. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

  From her seat in the hall, Selene watched Priscilla with a mixture of fear and mistrust. Her hands, which had previously held a glass of wine with elegance, now trembled slightly. She had clearly seen Maximo talking privately to Priscilla, and that put her on alert. “What could he have told her? Could he have said something about what we did?”

  Priscilla, noticing that persistent gaze, gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile as she continued walking alongside her grandmother. She didn't need to turn around or give Selene any attention; her indifference was answer enough.

  They got into the carriage that was waiting for them at the entrance, and the queen, noticing her granddaughter's silence, decided to break it. “You seem pensive, dear. Did you enjoy the event?”

  Priscilla, still with a slight smile on her lips, replied:

  —Yes, grandmother. It was… exciting.

  As the carriage advanced, leaving the tournament grounds behind, Priscilla felt a slight satisfaction at knowing that Selene was nervous. Although she still had a lot to think about, at least for now, she had regained some control of the situation.

  On arriving at the palace, the queen, exhausted after a long day, retired directly to her chambers, saying goodbye to Priscilla with a gesture of tenderness. Priscilla, for her part, was about to do the same when she saw Leandro approach her in the main corridor.

  —Before you go to sleep. —Said Leandro, with a knowing smile. — Tomorrow we'll go to the amphitheater. And there you can tell me everything about what I saw today.

  Priscilla laughed lightly, although she was somewhat nervous.

  —That seems fair. —She replied, crossing her arms.

  Leandro bowed his head in a brotherly gesture.

  —Sleep well, sister.

  Priscilla looked at him for a moment before replying.

  —Sleep well, brother.

  Those words left an unexpected warmth in her heart. For a long time she had wanted to have a brother, someone with whom to share confidences and laughter, and now, although her relationship with Leandro was new, it felt more and more natural.

  As she walked to her quarters, a small smile remained on her face. That night, for the first time in a long time, she felt surrounded by support, even with all the secrets she carried with her.

  They weren't going to expose her, not today.