The sun shone brightly on the grounds of the castle as Empress Rose and Duchess Wynrose emerged from the castle gates. The two dignitaries were resplendent in their finery, with the Queen in her royal purple robes and the Duchess in an exquisite dress of deep green.
Duchess Wynrose curtsied deeply, and with a grand smile, said, "It was an immense pleasure to have tea with you, Your Majesty. You are truly an inspiration and a delight to be around."
The Queen Rose responded with a warm smile, "It was equally delightful to have you. I do hope you could stay longer, however, I understand you have important engagements to attend to. The best of luck, my dear."
The Duchess returned her smile with equal sincerity, "I shall treasure this memory until we meet again. Farewell, then."
With that, Queen Rose motioned her off with a gracious wave of her hand. The Duchess bowed her head and started her way out of the room, glancing over her shoulder, and one last wave with a sincere smile.
The Queen smiled back until the Duchess stepped into her carriage.
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.
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The Duchess stepped into her carriage, her face hidden in the shadows of her luxurious hair. The carriage began to move. Settled into her seat, her lips curled into a sinister smirk as she recalls her time together with that naive Empress.“Fool,” she said.
All of the people of this continent including their leaders are a bunch of fools. They have yet to realize that their beloved Princess is a Goddess of descent.
How unfortunate.
Wynrose, reached up to tuck a stray strand of her white hair behind her ear, and she paused. She annoyingly rolled her eyes as she shone a suspicious look at her gloved fingers and examined the now black ends of her hair that had been white mere moments before.
Fortunately, she had already left the palace before her transformation magic run out of effect.
Her gaze traveled out the open window, resting upon the street as her wheels rumbled on the cobblestone.
As her regal procession came upon the outskirts of town, she turned to face the rest of her party — her courtiers, bodyguards, and servants — who gave her a silent reverence.
But as the carriage pulled to a stop just outside her villa, the Duchess' face brightened with a devilish glint
Suddenly, she let out a joyous cackle as her claws slowly reached for an object that she had kept concealed in her ruffled sleeve. It was a gleaming rapier, and as sunlight spilled through her window, it reflected in her eyes with a triumphant might.
Two of her bodyguards quickly jumped to action, hastily opening the carriage door and permitting the wicked Duchess to disembark with poise. Smiling all the while, the Duchess reigned superiorly as she proudly descended from her carriage.
“It's time,” she mumbled.
----
Dianne and Irish were happily chatting away in her cozy room while they indulged in some delicious cakes.
The room was adorned with colorful decorations and the mood was quite cheerful. They were discussing some of the INTERESTING things they had done in the past few weeks.
The room smelled of sweet pastries and was filled with the happy chatter of the two friends. Maids are outside of the chamber and only enter when called.
The sun was streaming through the window, and the light was reflecting off of the walls and making the room look even brighter.
Fortunately, the young lady was enjoying the treats and conversation.
“I heard that you only arrived with the Duchess?” the Goddess suddenly points in.
That made Irish's eyes widen. “I extremely apologize, Dianne,” said Irish with her pouted lips. “My father is away on business at the moment. He's working on something extremely important and won't be back for some time.”
“Oh, that's too bad. Where did he go?”
“To a distant kingdom. He had business matters he needed to take care of in person.” Irish's immediate response.
To Dianne's surprise, the young lady of Beaufort was well informed about his father's what and whereabouts. Which is quite opposite to what the rumors about the relationship between the two that she's been hearing from the maids.
“Hmm, well I hope he's doing well and that everything works out. Please give him my best when he returns.”
“Of course, Highness. I'll be sure to let him know you asked after him.”
Dianne wanted to scuff, and say 'Or are you?'. She wonders what really is the kind of relationship does the young lady and the Duke have. It's hard when you only know a side of the story, not the whole thing.
The Princess and the young lady had already finished their meal.
“I was wondering if you would like a quick stroll outside? After that, I will personally guide you to your bed chamber near mines!” The Princess said. Lady Irish's having a 3-4 days of stay at the Princess' castle prior to what the Queen's letter request.
“It would be an honor!” Irish said delighted.
The sun had begun to set, and a cool breeze brushed against their cheeks as they stepped out of the palace. They took a deep breath of the fresh spring air and smiled.
“Your Highness? Where are you and the young lady planning to go? The sun is about to set.” Nanny Miranda asked as soon as she saw the Princess and the young lady of Beaufort.
“A quick stroll, that is. Nanny Miranda, we would like to take a quick stroll and then will guide the lady to her chamber.” Dianne replied with a cheeky smile.
The nanny couldn't help but to sigh, she knew that the Princess is persistent. If she wants something she'll do it.
Dianne and Irish started to wander around the palace, taking in the sights and the peacefulness of the moment.
The palace walls were tall and imposing, but they could still hear the laughter of some knights stationed nearby. Dianne closed her eyes and tilted her head back, taking in the warmth of the sun’s golden rays.
“Your castle is truly amazing! I wish I had a castle just like this.”
“Father built it for me. I didn't want to but he insisted on doing so.”
“Sana all.” Irish said in a new language that made Dianne's other brow rise in confusion.
“Come again? Sa-sana all? I haven't heard anything like that before.”
Irish broke off a laugh, “Your Highness! Hahaha, it's a Thalassemian word meaning, I envy you.”
“Oh? I thought it was some sort of a spell or something. Where'd you learn it from?”
“From my late mother, your highness. I wished you had met her, she's a lovely person. But my stepmother is the loveliest.”
The Princess froze for a moment, she stopped walking causing the people whose behind her as well to stop.
As her mind slowly cleared, she remembered fragmentary conversations from her childhood. She remembered her brother, his warning that the duke's daughter and stepmother weren't on good terms. She sighed and shook her head. It seemed her brother's warnings had come to pass.
There's something wrong with the young lady.
“Mmm? Is there something wrong your highness?”
Dianne shook her head, “Nothing,”
They continued their stroll around the palace grounds, admiring the lush green gardens and the fragrant blooming flowers. However, the sun has already set but the thought of the sudden change in Irish's acts hadn't left Dianne's mind.
“The sun has set, let's go?”
“Yes, your highness.”
The Princess couldn't help but watch her friend suspiciously as they walked. Something definitely seemed off.