3 The Power of Words
A carriage embellished with a golden phoenix arrived at the entrance of the palace. Everyone knows golden phoenix is a symbolic of House of Duke Carlos since His Majesty himself has granted the title of Rising Phoenix to Duke Carlos and his family.
Lillian smiled as she noticed everyone was talking about her. As she steps out of the carriage, she gives a little wave to make her grand entrance.
"How dare she wear that..."
"She's so shameless!"
"She's trying to outdo the host!"
The whispers of the nobles go through her ears, but she doesn't care at all. She walked past the nobles to greet the host of the banquet, Lady Roselyn Janneth. Lady Roselyn spotted Lillian and called for her.
Lillian bows her head and greets, "Greetings to the Lady Roselyn, the first Imperial consort."
"Aha! The Rising Phoenix has arrived!" Lady Roselyn responded with a sarcastic laugh. She looked at Lillian up and down. "Are you trying to outdo me as the host of this banquet and the Imperial consort?" She emphasized the Imperial consort words.
"Why do you think that, Lady Roselyn?" Lillian replied calmly.
"Your dress… It's too extravagant!"
"Are you implying that your dress isn't beautiful enough to outdo mine? You should scold the tailor for not making it gorgeous! Don't worry, Lady Roselyn, I will do enough scolding to them later."
Lillian twisting Lady Roselyn's words make she baffled. She was at a loss for words. The Queen approached both of them after seeing Lillian's ability to manipulate someone. "She will be useful to me," the Queen thought to herself as she walks down the stairs.
"Greetings to Her Majesty, the Queen of Astarea," Lillian greets the Queen as soon as she saw her approaching. Lady Roselyn doesn't realize the Queen's presence, bowing in a hurry.
"Where is your etiquette, Lady Roselyn?"
The Queen spoke, noticing Lady Roselyn's acts. "You should be graceful like Lady Lillian." She intentionally comparing Lillian and Lady Roselyn to embarrass her more.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty. Thank you for your nice compliment. But of course, I couldn't compare myself to Your Majesty's beauty. Even thousands of orchids couldn't compare to Your Majesty's beauty."
Lillian returned the compliment as she knows what is the Queen's true intention. She can tell that no one gets along in the Imperial palace. She was playing along to be on the Queen's good side since it will be beneficial for her as well.
The Queen was pleased and replied, "How come your words are so delicate?"
Seeing the Queen was fond of Lillian, Lady Roselyn expresses her thought, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was a bit upset when seeing Lady Lillian's dress as if she wants to outshine me as the host."
"You are upset over such a tiny matter! I'm pretty sure all the nobles want to appear their best since His Majesty and I are here. Or are you suggesting that I don't deserve to see their best appearance?"
Once again, Lady Roselyn's words are being twisted. Lady Leia Skyler, the second Imperial consort who was beside the Queen, whispered to her, "Sister, you'll seem foolish if you can't come up with anything. I'm suggesting you should walk away."
Overwhelm by constant shame, Lady Roselyn said, "Please excuse me, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now as I had to manage the guests."
The Queen nodded and continue the conversation with Lillian. Lady Roselyn walked away with anger. She promises herself one day she will get back at them, especially Lillian.
After a while, Lillian took her leave. Some guests took their leave since the sun was about to set. Lillian walked towards Jazria, who was waiting at the corner of the hall. They were chatting as they walked down the hall.
"Did you have fun, my lady?"
Jazria asks, wishing that Lillian didn't get into any trouble. Lillian smiled and replied, "Are you worried about me?"
Jazria surprised that Lillian can see through her. Lillian giggles after seeing Jazria's expression. "Don't worry too much about me. I had fun," she said while patting Jazria's head, reassures her that everything is fine.
Jazria felt relieved after hearing Lillian's answer. But there is a question running around her mind. She asks after her curiosity got the better of her, "My lady, may I know why you provoke Lady Roselyn? I'm just afraid that she might do something to you."
"I was just siding with the Queen. From what I've observed, both of them argued not long before. The Queen will do everything to bring down Lady Roselyn. I'm simply do her a favor."
Lillian explain briefly. Jazria listen attentively while being fascinated by Lillian's keen thinking. Their carriage arrives at the mansion. As she walks into, her eyes light up when she sees someone waiting for her on the couch.
"Your Highness!"
