The folks from the capital (1)

The official delegation from the capital arrives the next morning. If we were a little later, we would have met them on the way.

They must have departed immediately after stopping the coup. It's the only way they could be here this early.

I'm requested, by mother, to be present and greet them when they cross the gate. Even if I'm going to be a Queen soon, I can't disobey mother's orders. She's still my mother.

And, also, the Queen of Mages. But that one is just a symbolic title full of duties and responsibilities but no real power.

Being Duchess Bursio is far more influential.

I get up early, fresh and happy. The maids wait for me to ring the bell before barging in, and they start cleaning my back and applying some moisturiser cream on my face, preparing my skin for the makeup. Since we have guests, I need to be presentable, lest the King believes I'm a savage and unkempt girl.