The Duchess’ quickly picked herself up and removed the laughter on her face, donning a thoughtful look thereafter. And then she bowed. “I disrespected you, My Queen. Please forgive me. I never meant to laugh at you,” she sighed and continued, “Listening to the Queen, I thought“His Majesty’s anxious concern is useless, after all.”Regardless, it doesn’t excuse my disrespectful action.”Alicia tilted her head as Ivan’s name suddenly popped out. “What does that mean?”“His Majesty’s been on edge and anxious since planning the national marriage.” The Duchess looked at Alicia’s surprised face. “My Queen, I have lived in the royal palace with my husband until passing away. From then on, I lived a quiet life in the countryside without intents of coming back to noble society. Truth be told, I was satisfied with the quiet life I lived. But a year ago, His Highness called me back to the palace and informed me that he will marry and the kingdom will soon have a queen. His Majesty asked, no, ple
“If you’re wondering why, My Queen. It is not because I owe His Majesty, but on the contrary, His Majesty owes me.”“!”Alicia’s eyes trembled“My husband and I supported the young king when forced to pick a side. I persuaded my husband, who could not decide whether to back the queen or the young king at the time. I was once head of noble society. At one word I could sway the decision and thoughts of the aristocrats. I saw the king’s potential. My eyes are often precise, My Queen. The king knows this strength of mine well. After the death of my husband, His Majesty requested that I remain in the capital, but I refused. I left for the countryside hoping to spend the rest of my life in quiet solitude. And then, as if predestiTed… I came back to the capital…”The Duchess smiled brightly. Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower does. Alicia could tell that her smile came from deep inside to light her eyes and spread into every fiber of her being.“My Queen, I was c
When Alicia was decreed to be Helen’s companion, she remained at the princess’ side for a period of time before returning home unless a special occasion arose. Alicia oftentimes returned to the mansion before dusk.Last night, the Duchess reminded Alicia that she would check up on her early in the morning as she had work cut out for her until the day of the wedding.But contrary to her words, the Duchess did not come till the sun’s first blush painted across the sky. Alicia had finished washing her face and changed into a new set of attire embedded with regalia.The Duchess’ smile reached the corner of her eyes. “My Queen, did you sleep well last night? I was late. That big oof would not let me go till the first cockcrow.”Alicia tilted her head. “You mean Basil?”“Yes,” the Duchess nodded, “I’ll tell you the details later. First off, let’s have a meal, My Queen.”The couplet drank tea together after a simple breakfast. The Duchess soon relayed to Alicia what occurred in the early mor
Alicia looked up, eyes meeting the Duchess at her calling. She noticed Alicia’s quivering eyes and thought she was the sort of woman who wore her pain like an invisible cloak none could see unless one peers through her icy-blue eyes.The Duchess’ keen eye saw right through her.“My Queen, do you remember what I spoke of yesterday? That you’ll navigate through many profane men and women, that you’ll have no one to trust?”Alicia nodded. “Yes. I remember.”“If ever you need a tool, use me, My Queen. Trust me. Trust what my eye can see.”Alicia stared at her.A playful glint ran around in circles within the orbs of the Duchess’ eyes.“…..Why?” Alicia said.“I like you, My Queen.”Alicia let out a cute laugh at the Duchess’ out of the blue remark. She found herself believing in her.“Okay. I will trust your eyes more than I trust myself right now.”She had no choice but to and the Duchess was a person she could see herself placing her trust onto. And she had to prepare for the wedding cer
There, written in the letter, was a simpleton message welcoming Alicia back home to Ehrlich and that she hoped to see her as soon as possible. At the very end was her unique signature:From Mother Anna Corty.Alicia fell into a new set of deep agony. Ivan said she need not care for her, but all things considered, their past connection was not a thing she could ignore.For the time being, the promised dinner was near. A maid sent by His Majesty informed her of their appointment and came to pick her up. Alicia nodded, putting away the letter.“Are we going to his office?”“No, Your Majesty. Somewhere else.”“…Oh?”Taken aback, she raised her brows. She had no great anticipation, mainly a simple dinner at his office or the main palace. But she seemed to have guessed wrong.‘Well, that’s fine also.’She breathed a shallow sigh, a little too far away from the maid’s hearing field. The office was the last place she wanted to be in… the place she saw Ivan and Patricia tangled in carnal plea
Basil’s mouth fell to the floor, eyes flooded with shock. “My Lord! My God, you remember all that?!”Alicia giggled lightly, one hand covering her mouth. “Yes. I remember. I hid it secretly and ate it away from my mother’s eyes. She never gave me treats. Thought my teeth would rot if I did.”“You were young. I thought you wouldn’t remember at all, Your Majesty.”“Basil, I was only ten-years-old at the time. Of course I’d remember a lot of things. Hehe…”“No, no. Few people have clear memories of their youth. You’re smart…”“How long will you stand there?”Ivan’s voice rang from behind. Alicia and Basil stiffeTed at his sudden appearance. They had come to the door of the drawing-room and did not enter, merely talking casually to themselves.Basil coughed and bowed politely. “I’ll be taking my leave, My Queen.”As Basil’s figure faded in the background, the laughter on Alicia’s face quickly drained away as she said nervously, “I was talking to Basil. I had disrespected you. I’m sorry.”
Ivan fidgeted around awkwardly and only then did Alicia notice that he was trying his clumsiest best to communicate in his own way. It did not look like he was forcing her to eat, though it did come off as one. He had a difficult time speaking his thoughts out.Alicia was amazed, her lips parted slightly.After a moment’s bout of hesitation, she placed a slice of meat on a plate and cut it into small pieces before putting it in her mouth. It was not too bad but it could be better.“…..” Ivan looked up and his aura brightened. A faint smile spread around his lips. “Um… how’s the Duchess? Tell me if she isn’t qualified. I’ll recommend someone else.”“No,” Alicia shook her head, “it hasn’t been long since we met but I’ve grown to like the duchess. You need not worry.”“I’m glad to hear that. Though she’d been away from the capital and from noble society for a long while, her status and connections remain. She’ll be a great help to you,” he said, twirling the fork around in circles.Alici
“My God… what is all this…?”The next day, after Ivan’s departure, numerous offerings laid before here. Silk made of rare materials and top-of-the-line accessories quietly rested on the table. It is as Ivan said. He had prepared in advance.Alicia had no choice but to admit that Ivan never had plans to drag the princess of Coulson by the foot and slit her throat. If not, why had he renovated the Queen’s Palace for the princess to this extent?“You won’t have to worry about the lack of jewels for a while after the wedding. Isn’t that right, My Queen?” The duchess’ eyes smiled a twinkling light.Alicia chuckled. “That’s true.”She picked up a beautifully tailored blue cloth. From the surface, it looked plain, but the texture of the cloth spoke much depth. She was sure the designer placed much thought during composition.“I don’t know why he told me this now… it’d have been great had he informed me earlier,” Alicia said.It might have been easier to decide on the items she needed for the