General Ernest’s Residence
Anastasia was surprised when she heard that Lady Amber had co to visit her. Even when she was queen, the two of them had never gotten along. Besides, if the Thorne family rely wished to follow the trend, they could have simply sent a steward to deliver the gift.
"Is your master close to the Thorne family?" Anastasia asked, though she found it difficult to believe.
"My lady, the general is only close to those within the royal army. Although, since he gained firm standing and began serving closely with His Majesty King Edward, many nobles have sought his friendship. But the general is always at the main camp, so I..." The guard paused, not understanding why Anastasia had asked the question.
"Send her to the receiving hall and have the maids attend to her. I will join her shortly," Anastasia instructed. She knew she could not refuse the visit. Even if she did not wish to see Amber, she still had to act as a proper hostess.
"With your permission, my lady," the guard said, bowing before he left.
Anastasia turned to the maid. "Let us go to the receiving hall." Since this maid would not leave her side, she decided to have her co along.
Lidia gathered the small blanket she had earlier offered to Anastasia and followed behind her. They had just gotten close to the receiving hall when another guard hurried over.
"My lady," the guard bowed, causing Anastasia to pause.
"Four ladies are here to visit, bearing gifts," he reported.
Anastasia frowned. She was not hosting a gathering. Having so many ladies visit late in the afternoon without notice was no coincidence.
"Let them join and Lady Amber in the receiving hall," she said. Since her wedding had only been the previous day, she could not turn away anyone who ca bearing goodwill—even if she suspected their intentions were far from sincere.
The guard bowed and left. Anastasia then turned to the maid beside her. "Send a ssage to the kitchen and have them prepare tea and snacks for the guests."
The maid bowed and went off quickly, leaving Anastasia to enter the receiving hall alone.
"My lady," said the maid who had been serving Lady Amber tea and snacks. Upon seeing Anastasia walk in, she quickly set down the tray and greeted her.
Anastasia nodded with a practiced smile. Lady Amber, hearing the maid’s voice, lifted her head. When she saw Anastasia enter with only one maid accompanying her, a smirk played at the corners of her lips.
She had refused to believe that General Ernest would truly want to marry a divorced woman with a ruined reputation like Anastasia. Lady Amber had guessed that Anastasia must have used so trick to secure the marriage. Now, seeing her dressed so simply and attended by just one maid, she felt her suspicions were justified.
"Lady Amber," Anastasia said as she gracefully took her seat.
Amber looked at her without hiding the disdain in her gaze. "Lady Anastasia, forgive my manners. I truly do not know how to address you. After all, the last ti our paths crossed, you were still a respected queen. Now..." She let her words trail off, her lips curling slightly. "Fortunately, you are now married to a general."
Her tone was sweet, but the mockery beneath it was clear. Since the king himself had supported this marriage, one had to be careful with one’s words—but Amber still found ways to deliver her insults politely.
Anastasia smiled, ignoring the sting in Amber’s tone. "Indeed, the Lord has been gracious to ."
Amber rolled her eyes and was about to speak again when the voice of a servant outside interrupted.
From outside the hall ca the sound of hurried footsteps and soft voices. The servant’s tone carried politely through the open doors.
"Welco, my ladies. Please, this way," the servant said, bowing deeply as four noblewon stepped gracefully into the corridor. Their gowns shimred with silk and fine embroidery, and each carried a small box wrapped with ribbons wedding gifts for the new bride of General Ernest.
As the ladies entered, the air seed to thicken with quiet judgnt. Their eyes swept over the modest furnishings and then settled on Anastasia, who sat composedly beside Lady Amber.
"We apologize for arriving unannounced," one of them said with a practiced smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "We heard of the general’s marriage only this morning and could not delay our congratulations."
Anastasia looked at the lady her actions confird her earlier guess. She was not familiar with any of this ladies, she opened her mouth to respond but Amber but her to it.
"Ah! You have co," Amber exclaid, rising slightly with a delighted smile. "I was just about to tell Lady Anastasia how eager you all were to et her."
Anastasia raised an eyebrow at her words, given her current reputation no one was willing to make friends with her. So why would they be eager unless they were there to mock her.
One of the ladies; tall, elegant, and clearly the boldest of the group—curtsied politely. "Lady Anastasia, it is an honor. The news of your marriage surprised many at court. None expected such a union."
Amber covered her mouth, pretending to stifle a laugh. "Yes, it did surprise everyone," she said, her tone honeyed. "But I suppose, given the situation it was only necessary "
She reminded everyone that Anastasia had laid with the general before they got married.
The other ladies lowered their head as if to hide the disgust but in true they wer mocking her openly.
Anastasia t their gazes without flinching. Her smile was calm, though her heart pounded softly beneath her gown. "Indeed," she replied, her voice smooth as silk. "And I am grateful that the Lord has blessed with a husband of such noble character. Please, be seated."
Hearing those words made the lady look at her with surprise, after all, when soone married from a scandal like that of Anastasia’ she should lower her head in sha.
The four ladies exchanged subtle glances before sitting down, their gifts set neatly before them. The faint clinking of jewelry and silk filled the silence.
Amber folded her hands gracefully over her lap, a faint smirk curving her lips. "My lady Anastasia," she began sweetly, "allow to introduce my friends. I believe you have t them before, though perhaps the occasions were far too grand for such small families to be rembered."
Anastasia’s expression did not waver, though her mind stirred with faint recollections. She had indeed seen them once or twice in the palace. Quiet, eager girls from lesser noble houses who sought every opportunity to gain favor among the higher circles. She could tell that Amber choice of words was calling her prideful but her smile reminds.
After sitting as a queen for a year, unimportant people could never affect her mood.
Amber gestured elegantly toward the first lady, a pale woman with golden curls pinned high above her head. "This is Lady Brea of House Lowell. Her father oversees the trade routes to the southern estates."
Brea smiled, her eyes glinting with restrained triumph. "An honor, my lady," she murmured, lowering her head.
"And this," Amber continued, turning to the second, "is Lady Helena of House Marron. Her family recently earned a seat among the lesser lords—quite an accomplishnt, wouldn’t you agree?"
Helena curtsied, her tone soft yet edged. "I have always admired your grace, Lady Anastasia. unfortunately one can not predict the future "
Amber siff a laugh pretending not to hear the insult. "Lady Miriam of House Dane," she said, gesturing to the third, "is known for her charitable work among the temples"
Miriam smiled politely, avoiding Anastasia’s gaze as if unsure which side to take.
"And lastly," Amber said, resting her hand on the arm of the final guest, "Lady Clarisse of House Fenrow. Her brother now serves under General Ernest’s command. Quite the coincidence, isn’t it?"
Clarisse’s smile was faint, but there was pride in her tone when she replied, "My brother often speaks highly of the general’s discipline and leadership." she stresses the word discipline to imply that Anastasia must have played so tricks to had the general marry her.
Anastasia inclined her head, her smile serene. Having grown up with Elizabeth she could handle a few harsh words. Moreover, in the last few days worse has been said about her. "I thank you for your introductions, Lady Amber. And I thank each of you for your kindness. The general and I welco your goodwill."
Amber fought the urge to curse at Anastasia seeing that she was still so composed.
Just then, four maids entered with tray of tea and warm pastries. "Refreshnts, my lady," one of them said with a bow.
"Serve our guests," Anastasia instructed softly, her gaze never leaving Amber. She was curious to see what trouble she had invited so many to witness.
"Lady Anastasia," Brea who is more determined to win Amber’s favor spoke up. She picked up her gift and handed it to the maid who served her tea.
"This is my congratulations gifts. I pray you and the general are blessed with a happy ho with many children,"
"Or perhaps there is already one on the way," Amber quickly added.
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