Katherine And Marianne

"Oh, we had met at the royal dinner, you remember dear," I asked with a kind smile as she nodded.

Just when the word escaped my lips, I could see most of the noble ladies had a smirk on their faces. I realized that they all must know about the drama they had in my marriage and there was more to the story, but the woman who should be embarrassed by my question continued to give me her sweet smile which was as fake as mine.

But I still marvel at the confidence she was showing to me. I could feel everyone's eyes were a boring hole into her. Even her knights moved and held her hand, trying to give her the courage.. But oh how wrong she was!

I could feel the immense strength coming out from her body. She was looking so confident that it made me feel amazed. She looked at everyone who was waiting for her misery and gave an enchanting smile that even stunned me.

"I must have been very enchanting to level such a strong impression on you, your majesty. That you even remembered me when it was your own wedding party." she replied with so much confidence that i felt like clapping for her.

"Of course, Marianne," I replied with only a nod, as I still needed to behave like a calm and emotionless empress..

"Thank you, your majesty. Then may I expect to gain your friendship.`` my eyes widened as her direct question, every noble here was to gain my favor, but only she had the courage to ask that directly. All nobles looked at her with a sore face as if she had stolen their treasure from them.

But it showed that she was a friend worth having. So I laughed genuinely and nodded.

"we will be good friends in the coming future."

"Then I would assume we will meet your majesty soon," she added and I could see the sincerity in her eyes. Hope i gained a friend not a political favor there!

I nodded as I walked toward others, but I could feel her gaze was still on me.

Even the stunned faces of other nobles did not expect this outcome.

Many guests continued to greet me as it was my first party after my marriage and becoming the empress.

Soon we all settled down on a large table filled with all the delicacies one could think of.

As I sipped the tree, I swiped a look around the entire area. Rosamund was nowhere to be seen but so as philip. Was it because the party was only for noble ladies and their kids?

I invested myself in the small conversation about the clothes and marriage and life in the palace with other nobles when I heard a sharp voice.

"Sorry, for being late."

A lady came in, with hurried footsteps as she bowed her head,

"Hail to your majesty, I apologize for being late, your majesty." she apologized again in a formal way as she continued bowing her head.

"It's alright, lady Isabella," I replied with a smile.

"My carriage's wheel was broken. It took me some time to find another carriage, your majesty. I never intended to be disrespectful." continued Isabella. I was sure that was not the case the way her voice came perfunctory. But I did not want to sound heartless as everyone was judging me.

The way she was looking pitiful and flattering me, she must be strong to sway the emotions of these noble women. Humans and their wish to be praised!

"It's alright lady Isabella. Rise and sit with us." I replied again with the same smile.

Isabella finally stood up and walked towards the table. Thank goodness the seats were allocated according to ranks. So, I did not need to face her kind of woman all the time or it would have been more exhausting.

I was just sitting at the head of the table while on the right was Marianne and on the left was my sister in law, Diana whom I had wanted to meet for a long time, but expecting a formal smile she said nothing. Even now she was not even looking at me.

Well, at least, if I met her, I would find a chance to talk to her more. I just hope that she was not behaving like that due to her affinity towards Rosamund, if that would be the case, my position would be weaker.

Even thinking about her haughty face, made me flare, the way she came into my chamber anytime and threw books on my table in the name of imparting me knowledge made me sick to my stomach.

If I had to drink tea with her in the near vicinity, I would have certainly not felt the tea entering either through my throat or nostrils.

"No, Kath, this was not the time to think about her but to dazzle here."

"So I hope everyone is enjoying themselves here." I started the lead, breaking the chattering of nobles.

"Oh, we certainly are. Her majesty." replied many as they passed me the smile and nodded. But then what topic shall I choose? The political ones or more about the clothes and jewels! I was thinking when I heard Marianne speak again.

"Your majesty, have you been to the royal stores?" she asked though i was sure she already knew the answer.

Everyone knew that the empress was not allowed to roam as the palace is very orthodox. he did not allow his sister to go and visit markets or stores, even if it was an area reserved for the noble class then how would I go when it has been only a week since I arrived here.

He would ask for traders to come to the place with every possible thing, and all the traders happily brought their whole store to the palace. In a hope that they could come in the good books of the royal family.