"Fredrich, it has been quite a while. How are you faring?"
"I am well, your majesty. Congratulations to your majesty on the occasion of your birthday" he bowed.
"Thank you. Today's not the gift giving ceremony yet so I'm curious as to what you will get me"
"I'm sure you'll be pleased, your majesty"
"I can only believe one person when she says that. Did you ask your wife for help?" the queen chuckled.
The answer to that question could only reveal the sour relationship between the couple. The queen was a kinder person than her husband, someone who protected the ones she liked. If she of all people found out that Natalia was being treated horribly by Fredrich, she would pull her away and gift her to her son. It was just that she couldn't see her son was a monster too.
"I didn't get the chance to"
"Next time you should. I feel jealous that we had to give away a treasure like her but her father insisted"
Fredrich knew that the relationship between the Adamantine family and the royal family was not as simple as it looked. The flower of the capital would've suited the crown prince but not only did she marry the far away Grand Duke, the family head did not agree to the union between the First Princess and the young Lord Adamantine. They didn't think twice before agreeing to help him betray the current royal family. All these facts compiled made him suspicious.
"Look at her now. She's controlling the flow of this event, making everything so cordial. I wish my daughter could learn how to control the nobles like this but it's too much to hope with that her temper"
It seemed like all the royal children took the attitude of their controlling and morally grey father rather than their gentle mother. It was no wonder most of them were still unmarried. The only royal child that wasn't like the others was the unfavored third princess who couldn't be much of a threat.
"Your wife is much better than the little girl you can't keep your eyes off"
The Queen was kind to everyone she met, except the daughter of the woman that her husband impregnated and threw away. It was logical as to why she couldn't stand the sight of the girl but it was funny that the only reason why the third princess was still alive was because of Queen Meredith.
"I understand how you feel, Fredrich. Love is very strong and so, it is hard to fight against your feelings. However, reality destroys love faster than you might think. There was a time I too was in love. However, I had to choose between love and happiness. Since I chose Happiness, I haven't looked back. You should think about it more, Fredrich"
"...yes, your majesty"
"Remember your choice would affect this country greatly so choose wisely"
"Of course, your majesty"
On the other side of the banquet hall, Natalia found herself next to the lonely Second Princess. It was rare to see her alone because she was like a shadow of either of her siblings.
"Princess Ariella. It's rare to see you alone"
"I'm just resting my feet. What do you want, Grand Duchess?"
"I was just thinking…..it's been a while since I've heard you call my name"
"What?! You sound so gross" the princess backed away in disgust. Natalia chuckled, staring at the princess's feet.
"Your feet are very red. Don't you get tired following your sister everywhere?"
"It's none of your business. Since you're guarding your brother everywhere, you're giving me more work. There's talk that you want to get him engaged to the foreign princesses present"
"Oh my, I didn't think I was that obvious"
"No, you're doing it on purpose. I don't know what you two have against Francesca but she genuinely loves your brother"
"Princess Ariella, don't pretend like you don't know why we don't want a relationship with the royal family. The past cannot be so easily erased"
"But it happened such a long time ago!"
"Yet we are still dealing with the consequences today. Forgiveness won't come so easily to either of us. Still, I have decided not to hate either you or your sister. But I cannot forgive your brother"
"Why can't the Grand Duchess forgive me?" the crown prince appeared out of nowhere. Natalia didn't look startled but Ariella was surprised to see him suddenly appear.
"Your highness. I couldn't find you for the entirety of the party so I couldn't forgive you for not even greeting me once" she smiled.
"Oh, is that so? Well, I'm here now. Would you like to dance, your grace?"
"...I would love to" she extended her hand. She gave Ariella one last glance and followed the crown prince to the dance floor.
"You look stunning as always, your grace. I've always known we looked great together, especially in places like this"
"You flatter me, your highness. I am a married woman"
"Did you really think getting married would make me take my eyes off you?"
"I didn't think that but your highness won't be able to come to the far southwest every time, right?"
"We must be thankful for the convenience of magic"
"I hear your highness is getting married soon. It's so convenient we would be able to use the teleportation portals to attend your highness's wedding"
".....I can't win with you. You really are the perfect woman for me"
"I think I and my husband are quite suitable too"
"For someone who can't keep his eyes off my sister, you are quite confident. But I won't give up. I'll always be right here, waiting for the day you would take my hand. I won't lose to the Grand Duke"
"How can the crown prince of this nation lose?"
'I only have to wait a little longer before this bastard is taken care of by Fredrich. Then I won't have to deal with the royal family anymore' she thought, smiling brightly on the outside.
"In the meantime, can you stop coming in between my dear sister and your brother? They are the perfect match. You shouldn't interfere in such matters"
"Is your highness trying to force your will on my brother? This is my family's matter. I think it is you who shouldn't interfere, your highness"