22 Chapter 21 - Royal Court (I)

After a few days of riding a carriage, we finally arrived at court, or more specifically, the gates of the royal castle. Though we had a mansion a few blocks away, most important nobles like us lived in the castle during the season to be the closest to drama and action.

It was evening, and the sun was just barely visible over the horizon.

"Greetings to Grand Duke Avington, Grand Duchess Avington, and Lady Valentina Avington."

The royal family's steward greeted us, a man of about forty. A steward was the head of a castle's staff and represented his masters when they were unavailable, and our steward was currently running the affairs of the grand duchy back home. However, the royal steward was a noble, unlike ours, since he could be needed to step in for the king.

This man was the one in charge of arranging chambers and making sure the castle's guests were comfortable, but he was also the Duke of Northbury. I remembered him, given that he had worked here for as long as I could remember, and because he was important, as the only duke out of four that was allied with the royal family.

"Please allow me to show you to your chambers."

We followed him through the large castle bustling with servants and passing nobles that greeted us warmly. It had a grandeur that declared that this was what only the royal family could have, and I desired it.

"Here we are."

Our chambers were the same as the ones we'd always used here. They were the finest, after the royal family's. We had our separate suites, but they were connected. A dinner was already laid out on my table, and I devoured it. Tasty as it was, I couldn't even appreciate it fully because of how exhausted I was.

"Good night, Father, Mother!"

It was too late today to do anything, so I went to bed early. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, in a bed even softer than the one at home. I hadn't thought one could have existed.

The next day, I woke up refreshed. Father dined with the royal court for breakfast, since he needed to attend to the king and the parliament, and catch up on the latest political situations. Mother and I ate in our apartment, with food as delicious as back home, perhaps even better. In comparison, the journey had been too painful.

"Mother, I'm going to find Delilah and Annalise!"

My tutors haven't all arrived in court yet, and some that were commoners weren't planning on coming. I would have a break from my lessons until Mother figured out a new arrangement, and even when they started again, the work would be less to make time for socializing. Alas, I could not do as I pleased just yet.

"Oh, no you don't. We have so many nobles to visit, and they'll all want to compliment you."

Truth to be told, though it wasn't what I had planned since I was so focused on my friends, it didn't sound that bad. I did love compliments, and watching Mother innocently bragging while establishing dominance over other nobles and reminding them of their place was an educational experience.

We paid polite visits to other noble ladies at court all morning, and we were quickly invited to a tea party that afternoon in one of the castle's many sitting rooms. In fact, our next few afternoons and evenings were booked instantly. However, the first appearance set the tone for the rest of the season, so today, I wore my best dress, and looked positively like a beautiful flower.

"My, how tall she's grown!"

"And what a beauty! She definitely takes after you, especially the eyes."

"So academic too! I can't get my sons to study for the life of me."

"Is it true that she plays the piano just like her mother? Goodness, another genius!"

"Your Grace, how do you do it? Do divulge your secrets!"

Noble women crowded around me, piling on compliments as I elegantly drank a cup of tea. We were the highest ranking nobles in the kingdom except for the royal family, and no member was in attendance today, so there was no need for me to be modest in front of these aristocrats with lower statuses.

They could admire me, but they would never be like me. I drank up their praise with a winning smile and gracious nods. Mother looked on proudly.

"My friends, there are no secrets. You simply must have a daughter as virtuous as mine!"

A round of polite laughter arose. I decided to rub it in even more.

"Mother, may I head back now? I would like to finish reading my science books."

I wished to do no such thing. Besides, I had already finished them on the way here, since there was no way I was leaving something as boring as that for the season. Mother caught on immediately as exclamations of how hardworking I was sounded.

"But darling, you've already studied so hard. Don't you all agree, ladies?"

"Oh, yes, absolutely!"

"Lady Valentina, you must stay! It's good to relax sometimes."

"What a dedicated child! You deserve more treats, no?"

I slowly bit into a cookie, chewed, and swallowed, all with grace. I enjoyed every moment, from the sweetness of the cookie to leaving the nobles hanging in suspense. Their attention was on me, and only me. I smiled.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. After all, I can finish them anytime, but it's rare to have company so fine as today's."

They had pleased me, so I rewarded them, like a master to loyal dogs. They smiled, like the simple idiots they were. I couldn't help but relish the shallow joy they brought me as they gushed on about my good manners in fake modesty.

Mother caught my eyes, smirking smugly. We should take it even further.

"Why don't you play a song, darling?"

"Yes, Mother!"

Cheers arose instantly, and the ladies looked on with excitement as I sat down on the stool. This was going to be fun.

What should I play? Not the masterpiece, I wanted to save that for another occasion, for more important people. A strong impression should still be made, though.

I decided on the song from the music box Father had given to me. They likely wouldn't have heard of it before, and I was confident in bringing the scene to life, even without a magic piano.

My fingers danced, and the melody began. There I was, in a grand ballroom. A glistening crown sat atop my head, and I danced with vitality. A prince that loved me, a brother that was devoted to me, a priest that worshipped me, and a knight that would die for me.

Passion, vigour, beauty, ambition, pride. Emotions flowed from me into the music in ways words could not describe, laying my deepest secrets for all to see, if they could possibly understand. I didn't care if the others appreciated this properly, if they were gasping in awe or fainting from joy, for they no longer existed. I was doing this for myself, and only myself, because who else was there?

The song ended with a strong, but sudden note. It was the one thing I didn't like about the song, that it almost seemed unfinished, but all the same, I played it well.

The room was silent for a moment, before bursting into applause.

"That was wonderful, Lady Valentina!"

"It's like I saw the grand duchess again, in our youth, playing at a ball!"

"Goodness, that music was utterly divine!"

"I'm so proud of you, darling."

Mother shone with pride, basking in the glory I brought. I smiled back. She was a good teacher, after all.

By this time tomorrow, the gossip would have spread far and wide. The young Lady Valentina Avington was an academic and a musical genius. She would be the jewel of House Avington, and the star of high society.

Another step towards becoming crown princess!