?Chapter 1151:


    Lord Rosethorne was momentarily confused. “What? Her Highness’s guest? I would never dare! This youngdy seemed disrespectful, and with such distinguished guests around, I only meant to prevent any disturbance—”


    Words caught in Lord Rosethorne’s throat as Alistair strode over to El and reached for her hand, slipping his fingers into hers. His face set in a solemn frown, he lifted his gaze to her. “Did some mannerless fool try to push you around? Don’t worry. We’re on your side.”


    The sight robbed Lord Rosethorne of speech. He simply gawked, bewildered.


    Elyse couldn’t believe it. “You—how could a tramp like you know the royal family members?”


    Even at his young age, Alistair could silence a room with a single re. Royal blood gave him a certain presence, and his icy stare now made it unmistakable. He frowned at Elyse. “Watch yournguage. You’re not wee here. Leave while you still can.”


    A sharp look from Lord Rosethorne told Elyse to tread carefully.


    Years spent maneuvering through Yoswye’s tangled politics had made Rosethorne a master at reading people. It took him only a moment to realize Elena was the famous Healer who’d cured the King. With a sheepish smile, he replied, “It seems I spoke out of turn and didn’t realize who I was addressing. Please forgive my oversight. As Her Royal Highness’s guest, the Healer deserves respect. What happened earlier was a simple misunderstanding.”


    Lance released a low, mockingugh, his expression dripping with disdain. “So you think calling it a misunderstanding wipes the te clean? Tinsley, he’s looking down on you by disrespecting your distinguished guest.”


    Caught off guard, Lord Rosethorne faltered. Confusion crept into his features as he tried to figure out why Lance, usually so detached, had decided to stir things up today. Annoyance prickled beneath his calm surface, though he kept his irritation hidden.


    stering an ingratiating smile, Lord Rosethorne tried to smooth things over. “Your Highness, you must be joking. I would never look down on Her Highness.”


    With a slow swagger and a raised brow, Lance pressed the point. “If that’s the case, then apologize to her guest. Right now.”


    It took everything Lord Rosethorne had to keep his cool. Humiliation burned under his skin. Apologize? To a lowly woman? That was a total humiliation. For several seconds, Lord Rosethorne said nothing, wrestling with his pride.


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    Lance’s voice cut through the silence, taunting him. “What’s wrong, Lord Rosethorne? Cat got your tongue? Earlier you couldn’t keep your mouth shut, lecturing my sister’s guest, and you acted like you owned the ce.”


    Holding onto his status for years had been a point of pride for Lord Rosethorne, but today Lance’s words had embarrassed him in front of everyone. A flush crept over his face, and for a moment, Elena wondered if thest of his thinning hair would survive his outrage.


    Even with fury tightening his jaw, Lord Rosethorne had no choice but to grit his teeth and say to Elena, “I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”


    Shocked to her core, Elyse almost dropped her gaze, hands curling into tight fists. “How could you apologize to her?”


    “Shut your trap!” Lord Rosethorne, already simmering with anger, snapped. “You don’t get a say here.” Regret shed in his eyes. Had it not been for Elyse, he never would have indirectly offended the Princess. He sent her a re so sharp it made her shrink back.


    Sensing his wrath, Elyse stiffened, sulking with pursed lips. Losing Lord Rosethorne’s favor wasn’t an option. Once again, she pinned the me on Elena. None of this would have happened if Elena hadn’t made her lose control in front of Lord Rosethorne. She shot a venomous re at Elena. Her silent promise was clear: Elena would pay for this.


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