In a conversation between a crowd gathered in Acamas, an unexpected scene unfolded. "A Prince and a Peasant sitting in a tree K I S S I N G," someone whispered, attributing it to an anonymous source. The atmosphere grew tense as the Prince, his eyes fixed on his father, declared, "Father, I assure you, I've never laid eyes on this girl before in my entire life."
The King, contemplating the situation, replied, "Very well, young lady. Your innocence must be proven, but given your current condition, I can understand your predicament." The townsfolk, having witnessed the exchange, erupted in laughter at the prince's denial. However, those who knew Lucia well knew her character – honest, chaste, and faithful to tradition.
Lucia, standing there, felt her world crumbling around her. She knew her fate was sealed, and in that moment, she couldn't help but think, "What will be, will be." As the truth became a matter of public speculation, she accepted her circumstances with a heavy heart, realizing the irony of being branded a fool and facing an uncertain future.
