11 Duties of an Empress.

My mother has told me many times that always respect your partner, listen to him and follow his advice and you will be fine. But not even once did she say that I have to respect her lovers, listen to her and follow her advice. It was not like I was not aware that Charles had a lover before.

Since childhood I have seen Philip's mother around. And I was trained to be a queen since childhood and I was told every time that men are fickle minded when it comes to love. They would continue to change lovers. But their wife would only be one and that was me.

Then why did I feel that Charles was trying to establish the authority of Rosamund above me.

"The maids are also living in the palace for a long time, your majesty. So, by that you said, they have also been members of the royal family for a long time. So, it would not be wrong if they welcome me or you as a host and call us guests here. Would it be?" The words came out involuntarily and his facade broke, the smile on his face turned still for a second before it formed again.

"I didn't mean to say that. Of course, you are the only empress and owner of the palace. But you must remember that you are not from this empire. So you do not know the history and legends of the empire, you even need to learn the culture of the empire so that you can create an ideal image among the nobles. And for that Rosamund is a wise choice. I request you to not be rigid here. If you behave so harshly with her, it will only you who will suffer.'' I was dumbfounded by the way he presented the situation. Was I being too harsh and rigid by not accepting his lover to teach me and accepting her as host. Or was he being ridiculous by asking me to accept her.

He moved and rubbed my hand, "it will be in your benefit. She would train you for the upcoming tea party so that you know all then nobles and how to behave with them. If you later feel that any of the other noble is better to be with you, then you are free to choose them. I am only thinking about you. If mother would have been here, she would have helped you. But for now, you have only this option." I sighed, the more I listened to him the more I felt that he was worried. But I did not understand why he was so worried. His culture was so different that he was afraid I would disgrace him.

I did not want to make an issue out of it so I nodded in the end.

"I will accept your decision, your majesty. But if I could find a better candidate to learn from, then I would choose her instead of Rosamund.`` I reminded him and he nodded.

"If you are worried about his noble status then do not worry, I could not give her title since the post of empress was empty and I could not give her a higher title, but since we are married now, I will give the title of countess in this year's foundation ceremony." I should be happy to know that. Why did he think I would be worried if his lover is of low nobility? I was tongue tied by his statement and it did not feel like he was waiting for my reply.

"The tea party you were talking about?" I changed the conversation and his attention came back on that.

"Ah, yes. It is your welcome party. You will get to know the other noble families through that. I have asked for a small noble ladies gathering only so that you did not feel overwhelmed. And Rosamund would be there to assist you anyway." he replied with a bright smile and I shook my head.

"If this party is in the honor of the empress. Do you think it would be justified to call the concubine there? Wouldn't it be a challenge of my position in your life?" he looked at me stunned as if he was not expecting a reply.

"Well, I understand that. But how would you be introduced then, it is all for your benefit only.`` I wondered how many times he was going to use the same paltry excuse?

"If that is the case, then we can ask Diana to help me. It has been three days but I have not seen her even once. If she is still sick, we should go and meet her. Come to think of it, I have not gone out of the chamber even once. I have not even seen Philip even once." Whenever I ask about him or others, the maid only bows their head. And when i announce to go out they say, i need permission from the person. Sometimes I feel that I was caged under these four walls.

"Ah, that! She is better now. I will ask her to visit you. And Philip was injured when he came, and his condition deteriorated. He is in the infirmary. You can visit him, but he will be discharged soon too." I frowned at his words. What happened to Philip. He was fine when I saw him for the last time.

"Thank you for informing, your majesty. Now I know where to look for them." he smiled as i bowed.

"And.. I was wondering, when will I join my duties as the empress of the empire?" The piece of creampie he was talking to his mouth stilled in his hand as if I had asked for something I should not.

"You are not yet prepared for that, katherine. Let's start with teaching you first."

"You mean to say that running the internal affairs of the empire are also done differently? Or is there another way of doing calculations too?"