A contender for the Duke's heart

After the small incident where I voiced my mind too freely, the ladies didn't dare to touch any diplomatic topic again. The rest of the afternoon passed with small talk and gossip.

When all the ladies left, Princess Lyland expressed her thoughts about the party with a simple, short 'well done!'.

Now that I think about it, I haven't done anything except drinking tea, but I feel so tired. I stretch out my hand and cut a piece of cake. I was so nervous that I didn't eat anything, and it would be a pity to send all of this back to the kitchens without even trying it.

Only after tasting both the cakes and some of the pastries, I realise that they aren't as good as they look. It's the second time that I find my food not suitable for a duchess.

Maybe, it's the Empire cuisine that isn't to my taste. Still, the sweets look old rather than weird. Is that the reason why the ladies didn't eat much?

I sigh, beaten, and I lean the plate back on the table. I want my personal chef back.

«Do you want to know why the pastries aren't fresh?» a young and melodious voice interrupts my moment of self-pity. I turn in its direction with a relaxed expression.

«Lady Elisabeth, have you perhaps forgotten something?»

«No, I haven't. I just was curious about you, my lady. The rumours were so confusing that I wondered whether you had two different personalities.»

«And what is your opinion?»

«You're just a spoiled brat,» the girl utters.

Now that I think about it, she's younger than me. She's not married, which is quite surprising given her status and outer appearance. Maybe, it's her character that scared away the young lords.

The reason why I can't stand her isn't related to the Duke. Not at all.

It's just that she's very troublesome. Why is she staring at me like that? What have I done to her?

«His majesty, the Emperor, was maybe too harsh with Archduke Kyre... Oh, I meant, Duke Kyre. He didn't just order him to get married to a nobody that can't hold a conversation. His majesty also took away the title from an Archduke,» she exclaims.

I can't say she's wrong. After all, I didn't talk much. But what could I say? I had no clue who they were talking about... Some names are starting to be repeated, so I should start to actually follow the gossip.

As for the fashion trends, I don't like the clothes here in the empire. Too bright and too bulky. How can I tell them that, though?

«His majesty, the Emperor, has his reasons that we can't understand,» I voice plainly. Does she really think that a few words are enough to unsettle me?

«I know that, but how did the Duke react? He's always so gentle, but how can he forgive the loss of the title his father gained through his hard work?»

«As you said, the Duke is gentle,» I utter, starting to feel bothered by her words.

So, he's not kind just to me. How many ladies has he comforted in the past?

«You know... If you didn't pop up from nowhere, I would be the Archduchess right now.»

Oh, is that so?

«Were you engaged to the Duke?» I inquire, curious. Is this the reason she loathes me so much? Because I ruined her life plans?

«Not yet, but it was just a matter of formalities.»

Hmm, the Duke was too uninterested during our first night of marriage, for him to be despairing over a not fated engagement. This one is just envisioning.

«What a pity,» I shrug, untouched.

«At least, love doesn't need marriage to be fulfilled.»

I snort, annoyed.

«The Duke has enough energies for both of us, right?» she continues, moving back a lock of her hair with a graceful movement of her hand. «He's never tired.»

I straighten my back, ready for battle. What does this young maiden think? That I will despair because of her affair with my husband?

«You're right, lady Elisabeth. I'm glad that I'm not alone, in this case.»

«I know you're glad, but I'm not,» she comments. «And the Duke will find a way of getting rid of you without offending the Emperor. He will, sooner or later, ask for a divorce. Or he may take things in his own hands, and personally end your pitiful existence.»

«I'm looking forward to that moment,» I reply. «It would be refreshing to see the Duke's cold stare. It looks like you're more familiar with his dark side than me.»

She winces, taken back. I know, right? Who would talk like me?

«Your life lost its meaning when you lost your crown,» she spits out. «You failed as a queen, and now you're failing as a duchess. You lost a war, yet you behave as if nothing happened. You've lost your relevance together with your city, so I don't understand how you can still stand so straight...»

I know she's doing it on purpose, yet her words hit me directly on a wound that's too fresh.

«Who do you think you are?» I exclaim, getting up from my seat.

I walk to her and look into her cunning eyes. She takes half a step back, almost frightened.

«What do you intend to do?» she mumbles. «The Duke won't let you hurt me!»

«You came here to threaten me,» I note, my voice still low and icy. «I haven't done anything to you, lady Elisabeth. Now, you can leave this place and never come back here again, or you can officially become my number one enemy. You choose.»

«The Duke won't allow you to hurt me!» she repeats, rather desperately.

«So what?» I shrug. I was raised in an environment where I wasn't allowed to do anything, yet I managed to rule my country, somehow. The only man that could stop me was indeed the Duke, but I don't think he really cares so deeply about his mistress.

And this lady doesn't know that I am the Duke's favourite toy. He will choose me because he has needed more efforts to obtain me.

I snort, annoyed, and turn my back to lady Elisabeth. I walk away with my back straight and my hands lifting my skirts delicately.

No one can see the turmoil in my heart, so I walk to my room without turning back.