Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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It's the first time I attend a ball at court. Till now, I've only been to a few banquets, including the one for my own wedding, and some parties here and there. But grand balls? It's the first time. The last one I witnessed was back in Polis, and it wasn't this huge because we were at war. It didn't seem right to overdo it at the time. Being the Duchess of Kyre, I have a place at the table with the Emperor and the Princess. The Dowager Empress is attending as well, but her delegation is too…-
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Warning: heavy use of italic, best experience reading on the site. ?Before I forget, I have a missive from Duke Kyre here with me. It's for you. He sent it together with the reports about the border situation.? ?How is it?? ?The missive? I haven't read it, Duchess. I am not afraid of what an enamoured husband writes to his wife.? ?I meant the border, your majesty.? ?Oh, it's all following the plans. The Duke's plans, whichever they are. I do trust your husband enough to let him handle the…
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272 •
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?The Empress will spend the rest of her life here. It's better if she accepts this place like home,? I explain. ?The character and personal charms of such a person are relevant while choosing. The wrong woman might bring misfortune and difficult years.? ?You did tell me to choose a young lady from a country with not too amicable bonds to Ethiro.? ?Yes, your majesty. That was my initial advice. It's the easiest way to choose. But now that I'm informed of how the Empire works and what are the…
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272 •
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The first time that his majesty asks for my presence comes completely unexpected. I thought that the title of counsellor of the crown was just for appearances, but it seems I'll have to work for real. Ah, I'm becoming lazy at the side of my spoiling husband. It will do me good if I find a job for a while. Pregnancy is a months-long waiting, so I might as well do something to fill these last weeks. This time, I wasn't invited to the royal office. His majesty is waiting for me in one of the tea…
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272 •
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It's hot outside. Thankfully, the Empress Grandmother invited me over to have some cold tea together. She has some delicious recipes for tea, I have to admit it. And mouth-watering snacks. I'd move here if only it wasn't so far from Alexander's chamber. ?I haven't talked like this with anyone for years,? the elder sighs. ?You're the first one I tell that I am not that crazy.? Well, pretending to be a madwoman is a whole new level of crazy. I'm impressed she didn't get used to the role as much as…
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272 •
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Walking in the gardens is the only way to be free from unwanted ears. If one keeps the servants far enough, it's an easy way to have a private conversation. However, it's actually trickier than it looks at a first glance. There are a lot of people working in the garden. Maids, gardeners, male servants helping the first two carry things around... There are also children playing that are tolerated as deemed innocent and harmless, but they too have ears. Sometimes, switching to a foreign language is…
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272 •
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After Alexander's departure, we live a few days of peace. After all, we deserve it after all this hard work! The Princess starts to relax, seeing that the enemies won't fly here to kill me as soon as my husband left. Her visits stay frequent, and she always has something to talk about. But she's not nervous and wary. It's good, as living in fear isn't healthy for anyone. More than a week has passed, and the Princess invites me to have tea with her and her friends. They're all young, unmarried…
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272 •
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A few days after Duke Grahm declared his successor, news from the northern border arrive. We were lucky, as they didn't come too early. Now, the Duke's choice will reveal all its drawbacks. During the audience with the Emperor, I've finally caught a glimpse of Duke Grahm. He has little in common with his son, starting from his elegant demeanour. The Count will never match him no matter how much time passes. He asked his majesty to be sent north to solve the situation, but he was rejected. Without…
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272 •
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The final part of the visit to her majesty feels more annoying than troubling. She continues to play her role, making Alexander sad with some of her remarks. Still, she's an ally. I can't unmask her, not yet. She might become useful in the future. And if she doesn't turn out to bring any benefit, I'll use the favour she owes me to make her admit, at least to her closest family, that she isn't insane. Alexander and I leave the Empress's palace and reach his chambers without many words. ?What is…
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272 •
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It's the first time I hear of someone becoming crazy because of poison. I understand it's possible, due more to the pain or ugly after-effects of the venom rather than the substance itself. However, this woman doesn't seem traumatised. She's just forgetful and senile. I mean, she looks senile. I don't know if it is all just a pretence. It wouldn't surprise me. No one has suspected anything because her illness started with her second born's execution. Every mother would despair over such an…
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