As soon as the carriage stopped, the guards surrounded it, and the coachman was so frightened by the sharp spears that he could hardly speak.

Jostled by the near overturning of the carriage, Maria quickly opened the door and addressed the guards. “We are relatives of Duke Andalusia.”

Although the guards hadn’t seen her before, they had noticed the Duke’s carriage making several trips to the palace in recent days. They were familiar with the Duke’s crest, and Maria’s reputation had spread throughout the noble circles, so the guards had heard of her.

Once her identity was confirmed, the head of the guard signaled the others to lower their weapons...