The narrative picks up with Violetta, engaged to Prince Antony, meeting with her childhood friend Princess Clarice. Their tea party, held in a gazebo within the royal castle gardens, is interrupted by the sight of Antony openly displaying affection with a baron's daughter, a recent addition to the nobility. Violetta, despite her outwardly amicable relationship with Antony, is deeply displeased by this public display, finding it vulgar and a stark contrast to the expected decorum of nobility. Clarice, however, admits to having orchestrated the meeting to observe the rumored couple.
Violetta reveals her engagement to Antony was a royal decree, initiated by Antony himself. Clarice, privy to courtly secrets, explains the intricacies of royal succession and Antony's precarious position as the son of a favored concubine with no direct claim to the throne. Antony, at fifteen, had requested the engagement to Violetta, the daughter of a Duke, to secure his future. For five years, their relationship has been a facade of civility, with minimal interaction, a situation Violetta has tolerated due to the inconvenience of rebellion. Her emotional solace lies in her admiration for a man she met at sixteen, a knight with a strong build and stern yet gentle demeanor, whom she refers to as her "oasis." This admiration is for Aubrey, the Vice Commander of the Knights and the King's nephew.
Clarice theorizes that Antony's public displays are a deliberate attempt to provoke Violetta into breaking the engagement, thereby allowing him to marry the baron's daughter without losing face or status. Violetta, though initially dismissive, begins to consider this possibility, especially after her maid, Annie, points out Antony's lack of genuine interest in Violetta. The potential for the annulment of her engagement excites Violetta, as it would free her to pursue her true affections. Annie suggests that if Clarice's theory holds true, Violetta might need to take a more active role.
Violetta, accompanied by Annie, visits the Knights' headquarters under the guise of delivering a gift. There, she encounters her eldest brother, Derrick, who expresses concern over the rumors surrounding her and Antony. Violetta clarifies their relationship is a "masked engagement" and that she harbors no romantic feelings for Antony. She then seeks Derrick's advice on how to handle the situation, hinting at a need for a more direct approach.
While at the Knights' headquarters, Violetta unexpectedly encounters Aubrey, her "oasis." Their brief interaction is interrupted by the arrival of Antony and the baron's daughter. Antony, enraged, accuses Violetta of harassment. Violetta, however, calmly confronts him, stating that if he desires another woman, he should seek an annulment before pursuing her. When Antony insists on discussing her "wicked heart," Violetta retorts by questioning the baron's daughter's propriety. The situation escalates with the arrival of Aubrey and Derrick, who stand protectively by Violetta. Violetta then directly proposes an annulment, citing the lack of love and trust in their engagement.
Just as the situation seems poised for a confrontation, Princess Clarice arrives with two senior officials. She misinterprets Antony's actions as defending his love and, with overwhelming force and manipulation, pushes for the annulment, presenting Antony with official documents. Despite Antony's protests, he is pressured into signing the annulment papers, with Clarice framing it as a celebration of true love.
Later, at a private tea party, Violetta questions Clarice about the orchestrated events. Clarice admits to orchestrating the encounter, revealing her father, the King, is swayed by displays of pure love. The annulment is finalized, and Violetta is left contemplating her newfound freedom. As their conversation concludes, Aubrey, dressed in his knightly attire and holding a bouquet of roses, arrives. He declares his love for Violetta and requests the right to propose, overwhelming Violetta, who faints from the emotional intensity. Clarice, observing this, reveals that Aubrey had sought her mediation and that she had been subtly pushing for this outcome to ensure Violetta's happiness. The narrative ends with Clarice planning to finalize the engagement between Violetta and Aubrey.
