Chapter 31 - A Contender For The Duke's Heart
After the small incident where I voiced my mind too freely, the ladies didn't dare to touch any diplomatic topic again. The rest of the afternoon passed with small talk and gossip.
When all the ladies left, Princess Lyland expressed her thoughts about the party with a simple, short 'well done!'.
Now that I think about it, I haven't done anything except drinking tea, but I feel so tired. I stretch out my hand and cut a piece of cake. I was so nervous that I didn't eat anything, and it would be a pity to send all of this back to the kitchens without even trying it.
Only after tasting both the cakes and so of the pastries, I realise that they aren't as good as they look. It's the second ti that I find my food not suitable for a duchess.
Maybe, it's the Empire cuisine that isn't to my taste. Still, the sweets look old rather than weird. Is that the reason why the ladies didn't eat much?
I sigh, beaten, and I lean the plate back on the table. I want my personal chef back.
?Do you want to know why the pastries aren't fresh?? a young and lodious voice interrupts my mont of self-pity. I turn in its direction with a relaxed expression.
?Lady Elisabeth, have you perhaps forgotten sothing??
?No, I haven't. I just was curious about you, my lady. The rumours were so confusing that I wondered whether you had two different personalities.?
?And what is your opinion??
?You're just a spoiled brat,? the girl utters.
Now that I think about it, she's younger than . She's not married, which is quite surprising given her status and outer appearance. Maybe, it's her character that scared away the young lords.
The reason why I can't stand her isn't related to the Duke. Not at all.
It's just that she's very troubleso. Why is she staring at like that? What have I done to her?
?His majesty, the Emperor, was maybe too harsh with Archduke Kyre... Oh, I ant, Duke Kyre. He didn't just order him to get married to a nobody that can't hold a conversation. His majesty also took away the title from an Archduke,? she exclaims.
I can't say she's wrong. After all, I didn't talk much. But what could I say? I had no clue who they were talking about... So nas are starting to be repeated, so I should start to actually follow the gossip.
As for the fashion trends, I don't like the clothes here in the empire. Too bright and too bulky. How can I tell them that, though?
?His majesty, the Emperor, has his reasons that we can't understand,? I voice plainly. Does she really think that a few words are enough to unsettle ?
?I know that, but how did the Duke react? He's always so gentle, but how can he forgive the loss of the title his father gained through his hard work??
?As you said, the Duke is gentle,? I utter, starting to feel bothered by her words.
So, he's not kind just to . How many ladies has he comforted in the past?
?You know... If you didn't pop up from nowhere, I would be the Archduchess right now.?
Oh, is that so?
?Were you engaged to the Duke?? I inquire, curious. Is this the reason she loathes so much? Because I ruined her life plans?
?Not yet, but it was just a matter of formalities.?
Hmm, the Duke was too uninterested during our first night of marriage, for him to be despairing over a not fated engagent. This one is just envisioning.
?What a pity,? I shrug, untouched.
?At least, love doesn't need marriage to be fulfilled.?
I snort, annoyed.
?The Duke has enough energies for both of us, right?? she continues, moving back a lock of her hair with a graceful movent of her hand. ?He's never tired.?
I straighten my back, ready for battle. What does this young maiden think? That I will despair because of her affair with my husband?
?You're right, lady Elisabeth. I'm glad that I'm not alone, in this case.?
?I know you're glad, but I'm not,? she comnts. ?And the Duke will find a way of getting rid of you without offending the Emperor. He will, sooner or later, ask for a divorce. Or he may take things in his own hands, and personally end your pitiful existence.?
?I'm looking forward to that mont,? I reply. ?It would be refreshing to see the Duke's cold stare. It looks like you're more familiar with his dark side than .?
She winces, taken back. I know, right? Who would talk like ?
?Your life lost its aning when you lost your crown,? she spits out. ?You failed as a queen, and now you're failing as a duchess. You lost a war, yet you behave as if nothing happened. You've lost your relevance together with your city, so I don't understand how you can still stand so straight...?
I know she's doing it on purpose, yet her words hit directly on a wound that's too fresh.
?Who do you think you are?? I exclaim, getting up from my seat.
I walk to her and look into her cunning eyes. She takes half a step back, almost frightened.
?What do you intend to do?? she mumbles. ?The Duke won't let you hurt !?
?You ca here to threaten ,? I note, my voice still low and icy. ?I haven't done anything to you, lady Elisabeth. Now, you can leave this place and never co back here again, or you can officially beco my number one enemy. You choose.?
?The Duke won't allow you to hurt !? she repeats, rather desperately.
?So what?? I shrug. I was raised in an environnt where I wasn't allowed to do anything, yet I managed to rule my country, sohow. The only man that could stop was indeed the Duke, but I don't think he really cares so deeply about his mistress.
And this lady doesn't know that I am the Duke's favourite toy. He will choose because he has needed more efforts to obtain .
I snort, annoyed, and turn my back to lady Elisabeth. I walk away with my back straight and my hands lifting my skirts delicately.
No one can see the turmoil in my heart, so I walk to my room without turning back.
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