"What kind of a rude person she was! She not only created a big scene out of nothing when she was sitting here but also took advantage of the kids ' argument to show how good a mother she is." i eyed lady Veronica, who was not even trying to conceal her hatred towards Marianne with honey coated words.
"You should not mind her, she had not given birth to know how to handle kids. Being a stepmother is not easy, especially when your husband is not treating you well! I just feel worried about the small child that my niece had left behind" added monique Elena. It sounded that she was worried yet everyone here knew that she was trying to sabotage the image Marianne was trying to build so hard.
"I must say…" a few of them continued to point out her actions to the whole party. Manipulating her words and actions as they deem fit.
"Hmm, I think Marianne holds a very strong place in your hearts, that even when she left, you all are still talking about her." I added and their incessant gossiping stopped. They looked at each other and realized that their plan was not working anymore.
They laughed awkwardly and then changed the conversation. Soon lunch was served and everyone started eating.
"Your majesty, if you do not mind, i wanted to ask if you are learning about our empire?" asked Meredith and I nodded.
"I am trying my best to be a part of the empire Duchess." she nodded back with a smile when she added, "then your majesty, i suggest you should visit the theatre these days. The royal theatre is staging a drama over the history of the empire. And this year foundation day shall be organized by you. It is about celebrating the formation of the Forchestiere empire." I nodded at her wise decision.
"Oh, I would surely like to do that.'' I looked at Diana, hoping that she would like to go with me but she was not even related. Even when we all went behind Marianne when the commotion occurred, she did not follow us. She continued to sit here and enjoyed her tea as if nothing had ever happened.
Her eyes and actions were hollow that made me wonder what had happened to her.
"Oh, the highest floor of the theatre is completely booked for his majesty and the family all the time. If you want company, I would love to go with you. I want to see what the third floor looks like." said Amelia, the daughter of the countess Burtwick, and the youngest girl attending the party. She had her debutante only a month ago among the socialites.
"Sure, in fact, let's do one thing, we all can go together. I will organize the third floor for everyone on the weekend.'' I wonder what was so important about it that they all looked at me with widened eyes.
"You are too generous, your majesty. It is our honor to come with you." replied Monique Baringstone.
"Yes, that is a very generous offer, your majesty.." added Monique Elena too.
The topic continued about the theatres and shows as the time passed. I signaled Beth to bring the gifts when everyone started to give their final greetings and leave the palace. When most of them left, only then did I finally see Philip returning to my side.
"Where were you, brother?" he looked around ignoring my question when his eyes settled on the door.
"I went to meet his majesty. I have not been able to properly greet him since the day I arrived here." my face softened looking at his apologetic face.
"It is alright, travelling even when you are injured is already a big task. You should have rested and come later." he shook his head at my statement when he suddenly stopped and smiled looking towards the door.
Isabella and Marianne were on the door, returning with Killian following them. She walked towards me with an apologetic face.
"Your Majesty"
"Oh, Duchess Marianne, I hope you liked the lunch," I asked kindly to not start the matter a bit ago and she nodded with a grateful face that I did not press the matter or tried to rub salt on her wounds.
"I am thankful to you for inviting us here,'' she replied in courtesy as she was about to leave, when I smirked and asked.
"Then, as a thank you, why don't you invite us for lunch." It was a good way to meet other people and learn more about the empire. I had to continue to attend the parties and make connections without much hassle.
She gave a bright smile as she nodded, "of course your majesty. I would love to invite you to my humble abode. How about next week?" she asked for much less time than i have expected
So, I nodded, "next week it is, I will wait for your invitation." she just nodded and stood up but I added, "ah, Marianne, send a few extra invitations. My brother and Diana would also come." she looked at me confused and at Philip as if asking what he would do there.
I must say she was very blatant when it comes to expressing herself. I smiled further and explained to her, "oh, you did not know, duchess Marianne? Philip, my cousin's brother, is shifted here as a part of the peace treaty. He is the foreign ambassador of our country now. And he is posted under your husband's archduke for training." she still nodded silently without expressing any delight to get the chance to serve me.
Just then Philip stopped talking with the knight and looked at her with a worried face, "Are you alright, duchess?" just how many times was he going to ask that., when she did not even fall?
I could see the same question on her face, laced with irritation which she was trying to hide. She nodded with a bright smile, "I am perfectly fine, my lord." We both nodded as her knights came to escort her from there.
Taking this as a cue, she bowed her head a little and bade us farewell.
"Of course, I would not hold you for long. See you soon, Duchess Marianne." my eyes twinkled thinking of the chance to get my freedom back when she gave me a meaningful look too.