The queen can have more than ten personal maids. Lucinda also had her own personal maids who would fulfil her all needs, from bath to help herself get dressed. But ever since she was being ignored by Timothy, her reputation went down. Even the maids were seeing her as a weakling.
I wasn't really bothered by it. Anna does all my work properly. Actually it's better if there aren't many people around me. That way I don't have to be mindful of my actions. Besides Anna is a naive girl. I can easily manipulate her.
But I had no idea that my thoughtless action and my negligence will turn out to be a crux.
" Anna, please tell us everything." I implored her to tell me the truth.
" How can the head maid follow Eleanor? What's their connection? Eleanor is princess from foreign country. Then why would the head maid favour her?" Frowning her golden eyes with suspicion, Kathryn asked. Her shrewd gaze was focused on Anna. Both of us were getting anxious to hear Anna's answer.
" The previous head maid was framed by lady Eleanor."
" What! How can that be? If I remember correctly, the head maid was chosen by the previous emperor. She was in the palace since then. Didn't His highness tried to stop it?" Kathryn asked her with a clenched jaw. Even I was perplexed after hearing this. Honestly I had no idea about the maid situation.
" Lady Kathryn, I'm sorry to disappoint you but His highness didn't payed any attention to that matter. I believe that he was deeply heartbroken after his separation from Her highness. He stopped engaging himself into trivial matters and let lady Eleanor handle the issue. She had smoothly conducted the whole plan. The Head maid, who was loyal to imperial family for all those years, she had to left the palace. Then lady Eleanor appointed the new head maid." Anna's eyes were teary. Her face has lost the colour. One can tell that she's reminiscing something horrifying.
" Tch! That witch! She used this opportunity efficiently. If the head maid is under her control then the whole palace is under her palm. It's the easiest way to take any action or gather any information." Kathryn spat out angrily after hearing the whole thing.
" Oh god! I missed such important point." Slapping my hand on the forehead, I rumbled in frustration. My eyes are wide open with the realisation of the heinous crime.
How can I look over such important issue?
" But it must be troublesome for you, Anna. Being alone in the den of wolves, I must say, you're quite brave." Kathryn applauds Anna for her strong will and her loyalty. These qualities are hard to find.
" I'm only doing my best." With her unwavering modesty, Anna replied. I can tell that her smile was half hearted. She's forcing it to hide away her distress.
" You can leave now. We will discuss this matter and think of an solution." Suddenly Kathryn told her to leave. I was going to ask her more questions. Maybe Kathryn wants to speak with me privately.
" Thank you lady Kathryn. Then I'll excuse myself." Anna left the place to join the kids in the garden.
" Lucy, I think Anna isn't telling us everything." Just as I suspected, Kathryn had sensed something which she wanted to share with me.
" What? You mean she's lying to us!" My eyes widen in shock. Well, I wasn't expecting to hear this. Why would Anna lie?
" Not in a bad sense. She must be having a hard time among the maids. Yet, she never mentioned anything about her struggles. She only talked about the head maid. Although I'm sure that all the maids have been bullying her. I think you should take some action or else Anna will be in big trouble. She's your only ally in here."
I was relieved although it made me felt bad. Anna is the only person who stayed beside me during my hard times. But I was so focused on Eleanor that I forgot to ask Anna if she was facing any troubles. It's about time. I need to think of my people's well-being. I can't let them suffer any longer. As much Alex is my main priority, those who stayed by my side in my hardships, they are also valuable.
" Don't worry Kathryn. I'll teach that old hag where her place is."
I can't wait to punish that bitch. Just wait little longer.
" If you need help then I'm always here for you, Lucy." Shaping her mouth into a sweet smile, Kathryn assures me.
" But you are the one who needs my help now." I snorted out impishly.
" I didn't get you." Raising her left eyebrow, she asked with a puzzled look.
" Kathryn are you still gonna avoid talking about your married life?"
" Hah! Okay, okay. I'll talk."
" Hmm. Let's start with the Duke. How he acts around you?" I poured us some more tea so that we can continue our discussion smoothly.
" He's very quite. Even if we are together in room, sitting next to each other or sleeping in the same bed, he never makes an effort to speak with me. Well, he is a man of few words. I have never seen him speak too much."
Oh dear!
Oh dear!
Oh dear lord!
How did they make a baby together?
I know that Duke is a decent guy but bro, how can you just ignore such beauty? The fuck is wrong with you mate? Kathryn is such a great person. She's literally an angel. Seriously, is he that dense? Or is he into men? Kathryn is being robbed by her happiness. I can't see such terrible thing happening to my friend.
Damn you Duke! You gotta love her man. Don't be such a dumbass!
" Okay. Then why don't you try talking with him? He may be a quite guy but you can still take the lead and spark up some great conversation." Giving her my best smile, I suggested her.
" Wouldn't that make him angry?" Kathryn asked timidly.
" And why would that make him angry? He never told you that he hates talking then why are you panicking?" My smile dropped. I don't understand what is making her anxious.
" I'm not sure. He never really showed any interest in me." Giving me a fake smile she replied with shifty eyes. She's trying to avoid me.
" Maybe the duke is kind of an introvert. He went to war with His highness and slaughtered many people from such young age. His upbringing was harsh. At such young age his hands were stained with blood. So, he doesn't know how to interact with people. That's just my theory."
I don't have much information on Duke. But judging by the lifestyle all the aristocrat lives, it's pretty much obvious. Timothy was also same. His childhood wasn't that great either. Alex may have Rosalinda now but he doesn't have any other friends to play with. He had to live within the walls of royal palace. It's a harsh world to live in.
I wonder if people used to have such awful live in the past.
" My husband treated me very well all these year. He gave me a beautiful daughter. On the top of that he never asked me to have a son. He loves our daughter dearly. This is already too much for me. I am afraid to ask for more." Kathryn's chest rose up with pride. Her golden eyes gleamed like the rays of sun. Yeah yeah keep on bragging about your husband. I already know all of this.
" Come on girl! He's your lawfully wedded husband. I told you many times that you deserve all his love. Yet you are happy with life you are leading now just because you had a child together? That's not the point of a marriage. You have your needs too, right?" I almost yelled at her. My voice was kinda harsh. It's frustrating for me. How can she be so naive?
" What needs?"
" Seriously? You want me to say that ?" It didn't took her long to read my facial expression. I was extremely vexed.
" No,no, I get it... what you mean to say." Kathryn's face heated up like a red tomato as she blushed. Yes honey, I'm taking about sex. You need to capture his heart once and for all.
" Look Kathryn, there's nothing to feel shy about it. Man or woman, everyone is hungry for love. I will give you some nice tips. Use them and see the magic."
" That.... I don't think I can really-" She spoke hesitantly trying to decline my suggestions.
" Oh hoh! Just try once okay? Please, please, please. Just once and see the results. All you need is some courage."
" Dear lord! Please help me out." Kathryn cried out loud.
Tsk tsk tsk. That won't be happening Kathryn. I'm gonna train you so nicely that the dumbass Duke won't be able to resist your luscious charms.
~ to be continued
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