In the Doghouse - Chapter 112
Now, the onlookers’ gazes became even more blatant, but Courtney thought that perhaps this was for the best.
It was undoubtedly a disgrace, but then again, when hadn’t it been? She didn’t have much reputation left to lose anyway. In fact, if this incident made people distance themselves from the Devon family, it might actually be a good thing.
And, as always, Frederick crossed the final line.
“Hah, how embarrassing… What on earth does the Crown Prince see in someone like her…”
His sentence was never completed. Courtney had already kicked him hard in the shin with the pointed toe of her shoe before he could finish his ridiculous comment.
“Die, you scoundrel!”
“Are you insane?”
“Yes, I’ve lost it!”
“Argh—!”
Half-bent over, Frederick clutched his shin, and this time Courtney began wildly swinging her fan at his head. The dull thudding sounds of the blows and the sight of golden feathers fluttering around created an odd, mismatched scene.
“C-Courtney! Calm down!”
“Let go of me!”
Hendrick Devon rushed to grab his daughter by the shoulders while the maids quickly surrounded them, trying to shield the sight of the Crown Princess’s outburst. But it was no use—every gaze in the hall had already locked onto her.
“Freddy, are you alright?”
Elise rushed over, her voice trembling, and helped Frederick to his feet. Hendrick gestured for them to leave quickly.
Familiar murmurs replaced the music, drilling into Courtney’s ears. She tried to calm her breathing, but her anger wouldn’t subside, and now she felt as though she might cry. The once elegant fan she had been holding was completely ruined, bent and mangled. A single golden feather fluttered to the floor.
Courtney hung her head. It was over. She wasn’t the guest of honor at this banquet after all.
The truth was, the position of Crown Princess never really suited her. With this mess, the Emperor, the Duchess Herbert, and even the Crown Prince—everyone who had once thought kindly of her—would surely be done with her now.
While her actions might have appealed to Richard’s hidden tastes, he certainly wouldn’t have wanted such a public humiliation. And the fact that he hadn’t even shown up during the commotion…
Madam Berricker, barely managing to hide her shock, spoke up.
“Your Highness… perhaps it would be best to rest for a while…”
Too drained to respond, Courtney simply nodded with her head still lowered. Her face and eyes were burning with shame. As she turned to leave, suddenly her body was lifted into the air.
“Courtney, what happened?”
Richard had effortlessly scooped her up with one arm. His blue eyes, filled with worry and confusion, stared into her face.
Where had he been all this time? The moment Courtney saw him, the tears and frustration she had been holding back surged up inside her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Richard, momentarily startled, soon began to gently pat her trembling back.
He glanced around briefly. The crowd that had been gawking quickly averted their eyes. He gave a brief order.
“Disperse.”
And just like that, the commotion came to an abrupt end. Holding Courtney, Richard turned and carried her toward the terrace.
At the Emperor’s gesture, the music swelled once more. Under the watchful eye of Madam Berricker, the onlookers pretended not to have seen anything as they scattered, and Anton, with firm politeness, ushered the Devon family out of the hall.
From the dais, the Emperor, holding Duchess Herbert’s hand, descended to the dance floor. It was unusual for him to participate in the dance after sending off the departed Empress, and so the focus of the room quickly shifted to him. Courtney wasn’t aware of how swiftly things were being handled behind her.
On the terrace, Richard turned to her.
“Courtney, what happened? Tell me.”
No matter how many times he asked, Courtney just shook her head, still clinging to him.
Outside, the garden was eerily quiet. Richard gently set her down on the stone railing of the terrace. When she tried to cling to him again, he gently pried her arms away and made her look at him directly. The green eyes that had sparkled so brightly earlier were now brimming with tears. Richard frowned.
The moment a tear slipped down her cheek, Courtney quickly blurted out,
“I’m sorry…”
The instant she faced Richard again, regret filled her.
She had clearly lost her mind in a moment of anger. No matter how much Frederick had infuriated her, she should have held back. Richard had been right—she should have just given Frederick the money he wanted and avoided this humiliation. Now she had not only embarrassed herself but also tarnished Richard’s reputation in the process.
