Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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Kate is taking care of Lavinia in my room. The maids have brought dinner and set the table, lighting a candle in the middle for a better atmosphere. I've taken a long, scented bath and combed my hair in an elegant braid that is now resting on my shoulder. The nightgown I've chosen is red and translucent, and there is absolutely nothing underneath. Alexander is a bit late, but he'll be here in a moment or two. He's been away for two days already, and he wrote that he would come back in the evening.…-
272 •
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Eliza is more knowledgeable than her sister. She spent most of her time reading, hidden from the court intrigues. If she has a fault, it's her naiveness. She doesn't have much experience in dealing with people. Yet, she answers the questions almost as precisely as Lorene. There's still much difference between the two. One level, at least. Lorene was taught by tutors, while this one learned on her own. It's only natural that she's not as eloquent and precise as my cousin. When asked about the…
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272 •
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Lorene listens to the questions and tilts her head, confused. ?I came here as a replacement of the candidate that was initially selected. Asteria thought that not sending anyone would offend Ethiro and the crown, so I was chosen to take the place of the ill lady. I didn't have time to prepare enough about this matter, so I hope you'll forgive my ignorance.? Oh, as expected. It's a tricky question, and I myself don't know the answer. She chose not to answer, but this isn't a place where her cute…
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272 •
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In the end, I decide not to attend the tea party. I just read the reports about it. As expected, Georgia threw a tantrum about her seat's position. She even accused her half-sister of being the one behind it. She hinted it might have been a mistake, given that Eliza has a better position. I needed the latter to be visible from the Emperor for the whole time so that he can check whether she's pretty and elegant enough for his standards. I let the days pass without getting involved in the selection.…
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272 •
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After the Hunt, I walk in the imperial gardens once or twice to check on the ladies. All seems calm, but I know very well there have been several bickering and bullying among them. I receive frequent reports, so I even know how everyone reacts. I don't meddle in, however. I don't have the nerves and the time. It's enough I'm informed to avoid having a bully on the shortlist. For my own future security: I don't need an Empress easy to enrage. During the second of my walks, I meet Ambassador…
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272 •
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After feeding Lavinia, I return to the Hunt. I've been away less than an hour, but the atmosphere changed. And not in a way I like. I thought that, without control, the ladies would storm towards his majesty, looking for a way to attract his attention. He's right there, and he's supposedly interested in them. However, the Emperor is talking with some nobles about some boring topic, and he doesn't even glance at any of the ladies. The misses, on the other side, are looking around in search of…
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272 •
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It's time for the Emperor to make his entrance. The hunt is almost over, and his majesty will come back soon with his delegation. I've observed how all these ladies stand boredom for two hours already. Even with my strong will, any more of this would get on my nerves. At least, I have Duchess Prim commenting with me. Her observations are actually helping. She voices her opinion without much restraint, but she pinpointed a couple of useful things. When it's time, his majesty arrives on horse to the…
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272 •
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The Autumn Hunt is the principal event of the season. The whole court attends, and this year we have many foreign guests. It will be lively, so I wore the best dress and made Kate comb my hair with the most exquisite technique she knows. I've also chosen more jewels than usual. I'm wearing the prize from last year's hunt, the ruby necklace that Alexander won for me. Ah, I have many memories from that day. I didn't show Alexander the best part of me when I misunderstood the events and thought he…
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272 •
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When the week of royal vacation is over, his majesty returns to his usual sessions at court. He doesn't have any big announcement, so the overall feeling is that we're not yet safe. Alexander investigated the attempt on Lavinia's life, but the harpy covered her traces. She used a proxy for every step, from hiring the killer to delivering the money. In the end, my husband held my hands and promised he would get revenge. I'll have to help him, but he'll tell me to stay put if I propose it now. ?I…
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272 •
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The week of royal vacancy passes almost without incidents. Alexander and I don't leave our wing of the Palace, and the Princess stays here most of the time. She spends her day in the garden or having tea with us, and she murmurs something about the court's heavy atmosphere every time she's asked to go there. Mostly, she doesn't want to. Whenever his majesty asks for her presence, she rolls her eyes and complains, but she always goes. Sooner than we notice, Lavinia is already one month old. She…
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272 •
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