Chapter 24. Fat Cow

As the sun rose over the southern palace of the Imperial Palace, the rest of the empire was still asleep. Servants were running errands, ministers were preparing for the next meeting, and knights were changing the guard at the bronze gate. And on such an auspicious morning, the Empress received a not entirely expected guest.

— Gregory Ardelio welcomes Her Imperial Majesty.

— Please come up, Chancellor.

They were seated in the Empress's rich chamber, specially designed to receive important guests. Servants were hurriedly arranging tea and snacks in front of them. Nadal, the most powerful woman in the empire, smiled broadly, displaying a snow-white smile.

— Chancellor, what brings you to me today?

A middle-aged official with a high position in the court gave the empress a courteous bow. The man in the burgundy velvet doublet looked no less presentable than the royal personage. His robe was embroidered with rows of golden birds, and his cloak of Lyrian cloth was held on his shoulder by an amber brooch. This man headed the council of ministers and was the emperor's right hand man. Even the empress couldn't treat him without respect.

— Replying to Her Imperial Majesty. There is a matter that directly requires your consideration,» the man spoke in a businesslike tone.

— What is it? — The Empress brought a cup of white tea to her lips.

— As you remember, the Imperial Court is holding a Small Council next month,» Ardelio said, «As always, the heads of the four great families have been invited, as well as the rector of the Imperial Institute and the governor of the Crown Bank. However, this time, we are faced with a small dilemma that we can't solve. Whether to keep another seat or hold the meeting as usual… Time is running out, so I was forced to turn to you. Please give me your orders.

— Ah, yes,» the woman responded, «I am well aware of that. However, the council has traditionally consisted of six members for the past few decades. Is there another worthy candidate to take that seat?

— Well…» the chancellor hesitated before answering, «The Lord of the North.

Julia Ravelia Ashelot froze for a moment.

— The North…? — she repeated with a caustic chuckle, — Chancellor, do I understand correctly that you are talking about that girl?

The official was somewhat unsure of his words, but answered nonetheless:

— The North occupies a fourth of the entire Empire's territory… I don't think we can just ignore them.

The Small Council is an important meeting held in the state capital once every five years. Representatives from all the most influential spheres of the empire were invited to the imperial palace. Usually their number did not exceed a few people. For three days, the members of the council discussed the problems of the state, made important decisions and concluded agreements. Only those elected could get the opportunity to participate in such a meeting. Therefore, the composition of the council changed very rarely.

The empress was somewhat surprised when the chancellor unexpectedly nominated North. Though to some extent it was to be expected. The northern region had recently acquired a new princess. And in the old days, even before the north fell, the lord of those lands was also a permanent member of the council. They should have been invited at least for the sake of propriety. The empress briefly ran the idea through her head. Overall, she had a rather indifferent reaction.

— What does His Majesty think about it? — She only asked.

— His Imperial Majesty… Uh… I don't think His Lordship has any particular opinion on it,» he admitted, «I tried to find out, but His Majesty wasn't quite in the mood to answer me.

Yulia understood what the chancellor meant even without a ghostly hint. Everyone in the palace was aware — that His Majesty led a very idle life. Innumerable funds from the imperial treasury were spent every year on various feasts and tournaments. And if it weren't for the large reserve of that one, the crown would have been empty long ago.

However, when the empress learned about the next pleasant pastime of her husband, her face did not flicker a shadow of grief. On the contrary. The woman smiled brightly and said understandingly:

— Our crowned sovereign has many worries. As his subjects, of course, we must lighten his burden and relieve him of some minor decisions.

— In that case…» Ardelio summarized, «What do you order us to do?

The Empress did not hesitate long. She had never had any relationship with her stepdaughter before. Since the princess had no palace of her own, and lived in a place where royalty was not usually allowed to set foot. She had only heard that the emperor's first daughter, cursed by the death star, was growing up unstable and even the servants were afraid to bring her food. The loudest rumor about her within the palace walls was that at the age of six, she killed her mother, who came to visit her, with her own hands.

Like a dog, she lunged at everyone, and it was only by a miracle that she was not chased out of the Imperial Palace early. This little monster, destined from birth to bring death and destruction, had recently left the palace to everyone's relief. For someone like her, a place teeming with monsters and barbarians was the perfect fit.

When Julia learned of the emperor's decision to give the northern lands to the eldest princess and marry her to a daughter from the ducal family, she took it as something very amusing. This girl posed no threat to the crown, and so she had no worries about it at all. In fact, it was akin to throwing away stale trash.

— Why not? — The empress curled her lips, ''We should allow the princess of the north to pay her respects to the sovereign. One seat won't be out of place.

The chancellor was surprised at the sovereign's words at first, but then slowly nodded.

— As Your Imperial Majesty pleases. In that case, I will immediately send a summons to Fortress Nord.

— If you would be so kind, Chancellor.

The conversation came to an end before the plate of dried fruit was half empty. On this note, having bidden each other farewell, Gregory Ardelio soon departed, while the Empress finished her white tea with lilies. Then she turned to her personal chambermaid:

— Come. I wish to visit the Crown Princess.

— Yes, Your Majesty.

It had been a week since Julia had visited the Crown Princess's palace. For mother and daughter, it has been an unbearably long separation.

Julia Ravelia Ashelot, as befitted royalty, crossed the threshold of her palace with a proud and unhurried gait, a maid dragging behind her, picking up the hem of her wide skirt. The Empress's dress, bulky and opulent, at first glance weighed at least a few kilograms. However, the woman moved in it with surprising ease, holding her posture and sticking out her chest. Her majestic appearance made it impossible to realize that she had once been just one of the many concubines who had never had a chance to be in the central palace.

Now, having deposed the previous empress of a noble family, no one dared to look down on her anymore. Julia was like the brightest flower in the imperial palace. Her copper red hair, which looked like molten bronze, cascaded down her shoulders and back. Her head was crowned with a golden crown and golden earrings with large scarlet rubies. A precious necklace, bracelets and rings. All this was emphasized by the emerald dress, with which her red curls perfectly matched. The Empress held herself with confidence and pride.

Julia walked through the courtyard, heading towards the right chambers. The palace where the Crown Princess currently resided was considered one of the most prestigious residences of the Imperial Palace. The sovereign was so delighted at the birth of an heiress blessed by a lucky star that he built a brand new palace for his daughter.

This building was located in the innermost part of the Imperial Palace. The central location not only signaled the importance of this place, but also the safety from any threats. The spacious and majestic interior could be compared to the Emperor's own bedchamber. And the layout of the palace was huge. An ignorant person could easily get lost here.

Julia followed the gravel path that led to the front entrance. The guards let the woman through without the slightest hesitation. And a servant hastened to call out:

— Her Imperial Majesty the Empress has arrived!

Julia entered the central hall. The wide and spacious chambers were filled with everything the princess needed. The furniture was majestic and expensive. Even the chairs were made of the finest wood and were ergonomic and pleasing to the eye. All the maidservants serving the Crown Princess immediately threw themselves on their knees.

— Greetings to Her Imperial Majesty!

— Stand up,» Julia smiled graciously, «where is the princess now?

— Her Highness… She… — one of the maids hesitated for a moment before answering. Soon the Empress herself realized why.

Her gaze slowly moved from one part of the room to another. There, at an elaborate white marble table, sat a girl. She was picking at a large piece of strawberry cake with her fork, drinking warm cocoa. Her face was smeared with strawberries and her hands with chocolate chips. Engrossed in devouring the cake, the little girl didn't immediately notice her mother's presence.

The Crown Princess of the Aveline Empire, Nevita Asheloth, had not long ago turned nine years old. Her appearance was somewhat unusual for the imperial family. The girl had no features in common with the Emperor, and even from her mother, the rather pretty woman Empress Julia, she had inherited only red hair. In everything else, the princess bore little resemblance to her royal parents.

Princess Aveline was a rather large and ungraceful child, without innate charm and refined facial features. Instead of her mother's violet eyes, she inherited large brown ones. She dressed in clothes two sizes larger than those usually worn by peers her age. And of all the princess's qualities, those around her most emphasized her good appetite.

Upon discovering what her daughter was doing, Julia discreetly squeezed the folds of her dress. Soon she called out to her affectionately:

— Aveline.

Hearing that voice, the girl immediately perked up. The princess looked excitedly at her empress mother.

— M-mother…» she murmured.

— Aveline, my dear,» the woman stepped closer, 'You seem to be a little busy?

Julia saw a few more desserts on the table. Among them were lemon and chocolate pies, a cupcake, fruit covered with whipped cream… After looking at all the amount of sweet delicacies on her daughter's plates, the empress smiled no less sweetly. The princess was getting smaller and smaller with each glance.

— Have you already finished your classes for today?

Aveline nodded weakly.

— And? How have you been doing so far? — The empress asked her daughter this question, but when she didn't answer for a long time, she redirected it to the princess's personal maid.

The chambermaid mumbled embarrassedly:

— Answering to Her Imperial Majesty. The princess's tutor said that… Her Highness needs more time to master the material.

«.....»

— I see,» Julia pressed her lips together and smiled briefly, «That's alright. Since my daughter is blessed with the Orkenina star, she will surely succeed.

— I–I mean, Your Majesty! — she hastened to assure him.

— Well… — the Empress looked at the line of servants, — I need to speak to my daughter alone. Please leave us alone.

— Yes, Your Majesty!

All those present vanished in a flash. Julia looked at her daughter again. When they were alone, she could no longer hide the contempt in her expression. The woman curled her lips as if she was looking at some lowlife. Aveline caught her mother's gaze and trembled.

— Answer me, how much longer are you going to disgrace your mother?

Julia's voice sounded harsh and intermittent.

— Could it be that you're doing this on purpose?

The princess hiccupped, but she couldn't even utter a word in the presence of her parent. The Empress could hardly restrain herself from slapping her. But she couldn't slap the Crown Princess, or else everyone would know about it. So instead, she pinched her side painfully.

In that pinch was all the hatred she had for that child. She was burning with frustration: why did the heavens only give her one child? And it was exactly like this… No matter how much Julia tried, it was all to no avail. This useless nothingness, on which she had pinned all her hopes, continued to shame her with each passing day. Just because the princess was gifted with a lucky star, those around her turned a blind eye to her obvious flaws. But Julia couldn't do that.

— Fat cow, — the woman with all the disgust spat these words in the face of her daughter, — Only to eat, and you are fit. Tell me, why did you come into this world and continue to torment me?

Julia always dreamed of having the perfect child. A princess or a prince, who would meet all her requirements and next to whom she could proudly stand and be called his mother. But instead of what she wanted, she got «this.» Even such a little thing as good looks was denied to the Crown Princess. The empress was angry every time she looked at her face.

«How could a beautiful woman like her be born with this?!» It was as if the heavens themselves were mocking her.

After examining the princess, the imperial physician said that the girl's weight was only «slightly» above normal… But Julia guessed that the physician had purposely made such a slip of the tongue so as not to inadvertently offend a member of the imperial family. But she could see it herself.

— I told you to keep your diet and not to eat any junk,» the woman hissed, «But you don't seem to take my words for granted, do you?

— M-mother…

Aveline tried to say something, but Julia pinched her side and the girl shrieked.

— Who gave you permission to speak?

— I–I-I…

— I've had enough,» she cut her off, «From tomorrow you won't get a crumb. You'll only drink water. And I'll make sure it's like that.

The princess looked up at her with frightened, wet eyes.

— B-but… Mother… Please…» Aveline whispered pitifully.

— What?» Julia grinned, «Is that so hard to do? Well, all right. Today is the last day you can eat something like this. I will personally treat you.

The empress took a piece of chocolate cake from the table and began to forcefully shove it into her daughter's mouth. The girl's eyes filled with tears and she began to choke.

— What is it? Eat it. Eat it. You love it so much.

Julia made her eat so fast that the girl swallowed the pie without even chewing. Her face turned slightly blue from lack of air.

— Enjoy it. Make sure not even a crumb falls.

 ***

Chapter 34 is already available on Boosty: https://boosty.to/meredit