The Waitress in the Royal Ballroom

Chapter 3: The Girl Who Escaped the Fire

Adrian stepped in front of Alina before the guards could reach her.

"Touch her and you answer to me."

Celeste laughed coldly. "You are protecting a servant who has lied to you."

"No," Adrian said. "I am protecting the woman you tried to erase."

The ballroom erupted.

Some guests backed away in fear. Others leaned forward, eager to witness the fall of a powerful family. But no one came to help.

Matteo pulled Alina toward a side corridor.

Adrian followed.

Behind them, Celeste shouted, "Stop them!"

They ran through the servant passage behind the ballroom, past stacked silver plates, flower crates, and frightened maids pressed against the walls.

Only when they reached an old storage room did Alina finally stop.

Adrian turned to her, breathless.

"Is it true?"

Alina's eyes filled with tears.

"Yes."

"Then why did you hide?"

"Because I was a child when they tried to kill me."

The words struck him harder than any accusation.

Alina looked down at her trembling hands.

"The fire started after midnight. My nurse woke me and carried me through the smoke. She was dying by the time we reached the servant stairs. Matteo found us. He was only a stable boy then."

Matteo's expression darkened. "Her nurse gave me the princess and begged me to run."

Adrian whispered, "And my family?"

Alina looked at him with pain.

"Your mother was there that night."

Adrian stepped back.

"No."

"I saw her," Alina said. "She was standing with the regent outside the nursery door before the fire spread."

Adrian could barely breathe.

For years, he had admired his mother. Trusted her. Believed every lesson she taught about honor, loyalty, and duty.

Now he understood.

Their honor had been built on a child's grave.

Matteo opened a hidden floor panel and pulled out a leather folder.

"We have proof," he said. "But we needed the right moment."

Adrian looked at Alina.

"Why tonight?"

Alina's voice steadied.

"Because tonight, the regent is here."

The door suddenly shook under a violent knock.

Celeste's voice came from outside.

"Open the door, Adrian. Or I will have her killed properly this time."