The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 493

Natalia had long seen through Rowell's facade, and that's why her gaze was icy as she addressed him with biting sarcasm. "Lord Rowell, if it wasn't for the fact that the Queen summoned me, I bet you wouldn't even have bothered with my existence, would you? You probably wouldn't even know I walked this earth! So please, spare me your hollow pleasantries. I do not need them."

With that, Natalia turned on her heel and walked away without a backward glance, refusing to engage with Rowell any further.

Rowell's face darkened with anger, but he was in a public setting and needed to maintain the demeanor of a nobleman. Thus, he could only force a strained smile and turn to Callum, who was preparing to leave with Natalia. "Duke Callum, look at this daughter of mine, refusing to even acknowledge me. How undutiful."

"Duke Rowell, as they say, you reap what you sow. It's the circle of life, isn't it?" Callum responded with poise, giving a slight bow before turning to follow Lexi. He had no interest in exchanging more words with the hypocritical Rowell.

Rowell was fuming inwardly after being rebuffed by both of them, but since Natalia was the Queen's esteemed guest, he dared not trouble her openly. He had no choice but to swallow his pride and slowly work on mending relations with Natalia moving forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Callum announced as the host of the banquet, noticing the Queen's arrival with her entourage. "Let's welcome Her Majesty with a round of applause."

As the Queen approached, the room erupted in applause. She raised a hand to quiet the crowd before speaking gracefully, "Thank you all for attending this dinner in honor of the talented designer Natalia. Her last creation, a crown with a touch of vintage charm, received much acclaim during my international tour. Tonight, I would like to commend her and also to request another unique piece of jewelry."

The Queen looked toward Natalia. "Miss Natalia, would you do me this honor?"

A confident smile graced Natalia's face. “Your Majesty, I am flattered by your praise and will endeavor to create a piece that is truly unparalleled.”

The applause that followed was thunderous and prolonged.

As the dinner commenced after the Queen’s speech, Natalia became the center of attention, with guests vying to curry favor with the designer in the Queen’s favor.

However, Natalia was not one for socializing. After exchanging pleasantries with a few society ladies, she felt her face stiffening from the forced smiles.

Nevertheless, she managed to endure until the end of the event and stepped out of the banquet hall at Magnus' urging.

Outside, the moon and lanterns softly lit the palace's tree-lined paths, but Natalia was in agony. She rued her choice of stiletto heels, which made her feet feel as if they would break after hours of standing.

Magnus noticed her faltering steps and asked softly, "Are you in discomfort?"

Natalia nodded miserably. “Yes, my feet feel like they are about to fall off. They hurt so much."

"It must be from standing too long," he said, examining her swollen feet before sweeping her up in his arms. "My dear, if your feet hurt, you shouldn't walk. Let me carry you."