Daphne felt sweat form on her temples, and her mouth felt dry when she was faced with multiple pairs of eyes, waiting for her answer. She had indeed, foolishly thought that it would be enough, especially since Francessa had not said anything the first ti around.
Turns out she was simply waiting for the right opportunity to strike!
"Don’t tell you have nothing planned?" Francesa asked knowingly. "In that case, might I suggest―"
"Surely you jest, Marchioness Seibert. Of course I have an idea!" Daphne interrupted with every confidence she did not feel.
She smiled back at Francessa sweetly as her mind whirled quickly. She thought about her letter to Prince Nathaniel and quickly stumbled upon a solution.
"In fact, I was just about to bring it up to everyone."
"Oh? Then let’s hear it," Francessa said imperiously, her eyebrow raised in disbelief.
"What better way to celebrate the beauty of Vramid’s spring than with a beauty contest?"
Even though Daphne was technically her queen, Francessa had nearly a decade on her. While Francessa Seibert had been a candidate to beco Atticus’s bride before he had gotten married to Daphne, she was still the most popular pick of the people.
It was with all due right. Francessa Seibert had an expert grasp on the social politics of the people in Vramid. She was clear about the ins and outs of the kingdom, was a capable businesswoman that built a career in a ti where most won would only stay as trophy wives and accessories, and established a stable foothold in both the business and political world.
She was a powerhouse that would’ve been the perfect queen, one that perhaps even Cordelia wouldn’t have contested against upon first eting.
Alas, whatever plans Francessa Seibert had at becoming queen were quickly dashed because of one reason and one reason only.
Atticus did not choose her.
There wasn’t a lot that could be done if Lady Luck hadn’t favored her, even if she had worked hard for the role.
"A beauty contest?" One of the other won echoed from behind Francessa, her eyebrows poised curiously up.
Daphne rembered her― Penelope Huntington. She and her sidekick, Lady Veronica Yarrowood wouldn’t miss out on a public shaming of the queen even if it cost the world. Ever since their first encounter at the ball held in honor of Daphne’s arrival at Vramid, these two ladies hadn’t exactly liked their new queen; they loathed her, in fact.
"Spring is the season of rebirth," said Daphne. She cleared her throat and straightened up as she explained further, "It is the renewal of the earth, the awakening of Mother Nature after her slumber in the winter days. It is a suitable celebration of femininity."
"Forgive for asking so bluntly, Your Highness," Francessa said, hiding a smile behind her fan, "but did you just co up with that on the spot? It is hardly thought out at all."
Veronica wrinkled her nose. "That is―"
"―a wonderful idea!"
All of the won collectively turned their heads toward the new voice, alard. They were surprised — and very pleased — to see their king trot in. So of them — particularly Veronica and Penelope — even began to tidy themselves up and smoothen their hair and clothes when Atticus neared them. Alas, the king barely even spared them a glance.
Instead, he headed straight for where Daphne sat. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to Daphne’s temple as she bead in return. All of the other won turned green with jealousy― even those who were already married.
How could their husbands beat the king in charisma and charm? And that was just one of the many things Atticus was superior at!
"Look at you, my little sunshine, all hard at work," Atticus said.
"Your Majesty!" Lady Veronica all but cooed, her tone a little too flirtatious for Daphne’s liking.
The latter’s lips curled into a curdled sneer as she cast the woman a nasty glare. So people would really stoop so low as to steal. Lady Veronica truly reminded Daphne of her good-for-nothing, two-faced sister.
The thought of Drusilla only deepened Daphne’s grimace.
However, the scowl was quickly wiped off when Daphne felt Atticus’s fingers rubbing circles into her back. She glanced up, smiling sweetly at her husband. In her head, she ntally applauded him for not even batting an eyelid or even turning to acknowledge Lady Veronica’s greeting.
That earned him an extra minute’s worth of cuddling tonight.
"We were just discussing the plans for the Spring Parade," Daphne said. "We can have the contestants of the beauty contest up on their own floats, leaving the crowd to vote for who they liked best out of all the participants." She further added, "The floats would be a good way to show off the harvests of spring and the beauty of the flowers that have blood."
Before any of the won could interject, Atticus had already nodded.
"Then it shall be done. Unless..." Atticus looked to the crowd, his gaze almost challenging them to speak on the contrary. "Is there anyone that would like to argue otherwise?"
Now that the king had spoken, no one dared to say otherwise. His word was law and his presence was enough to stamp down whatever protests that had previously risen in their throats and towards their lips. It was one thing to ss with the novice queen but even fools knew their places when judged by the eyes of the king of Vramid.
They still wanted their heads attached to their shoulders, thank you very much!
"Her Highness’s suggestion is plausible," Francessa finally choked out.
Her face looked constipated — much to Daphne’s delight — having to agree with the queen’s plans. Yet, she was wise enough to not voice out her real thoughts.
Daphne straightened her back even further, knowing that Atticus was there to support her. She threw Francessa — and Veronica, and Penelope, and all those damned snakes present in the parlor — a haughty smirk.
Just as she was reveling in her mini-victory, Francessa brought up a suggestion that quickly caused Daphne’s smile to fall from grace.
"How about a small suggestion?" Francessa asked. A sly glint danced across her eyes, leaving Daphne’s heart greatly unsettled. "The winner of the beauty contest would win the greatest honor a woman in Vramid could have― a date with Your Majesty, the king of our beloved kingdom."
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