It hasn't even been a week since her return but the princess already had her hands full from the extra lessons and crown princess training she had been taking. Having done this in the past made it easier for her to complete the training every day and dedicate more time into researching about the Empire.
It was only 6 in the morning when she called for Rowena to prepare for her visit at the Royal Library in search for the records of the nobles and the businesses registered under their names.
If Avione wanted to prevent her own death and torment her sister who would be deemed the Empire's Saint in a few years time, she would need power. In order to have power as the crown princess, she had to get the favor of nobles siding with the Imperial faction. Starting with the family only second to the Empire in power and above all in wealth, the Idelstein Dukedom.
The support and power she desires would only be possible through Phiona and Phrygrine Idelstein, the twins and the eldest children of the Idelstein household. Establishing a strong connection with either twins would be extremely helpful for her as a princess.
"Rowena, I would like to view all of the invitations to gatherings held within this week." Avione called out, eyes scanning the Imperial Records for the lists of the most influential families in the Empire.
"Yes, milady. I will do that after we return." She replied.
Frankly speaking, Rowena had found her lady's behavior these past few days, odd at most. Princess Avione rarely went outside, avoiding exposure to the people however she insisted on going to the Royal Library for three days straight. And her recent statement puzzled the maid even more.
Invitations? The princess wants to attend the parties? From the year she was taught proper etiquette, Rowena had been serving here and bear witness to Avione ordering her to throw every single invitation away. She understood the Princess' situation more than anyone. People expressed their disdain for Avione in the most vulgar ways, and the Empress nor her father did anything to prevent those rumors from spreading.
An omen. A bad omen. That's how everyone treated and described her to be. When in reality, all Rowena saw was a girl trying her hardest to be accepted by anyone. Rowena just sighed in contentment, seeing her lady change in the way she never imagined, and shifting he focus to assist her lady.
Being a crown princess with no families supporting her, she needed to start having connections. Avione still had a few months before her crowning ceremony, and a year left before her societal debut. Enough time to extend her reach within the Imperial and Noble Faction.
"Pardon me, my lady, but if you're looking to make some acquaintances before your crowning ceremony, the Amethyst Viewing hosted by your father's family would be a good choice." Rowena commented, bowing her head slightly.
Avione quickly pulled the records about her father, the prince consort's family. Dukedom of Silvestre. Owning the largest crystal mine in Helione, the Silvestre Dukedom laid foundation for prosperity and encouraged trading from other kingdoms for the Empire.
Humming a monotonous tone while scanning through the events listed on the official documents, Avione immediately found what Rowena had just suggest. The Amethyst Viewing, yearly, the Duchess Gisella Silvestre hosts a party at a manor they built near the open mines of amethyst and other crystals.
"Have I been invited to attend that gathering?" she questioned, fully aware that the Duke and Duchess Silvestre wasn't fond of their granddaughter.
"Yes, milady."
Only the richest and powerful figures are able to receive invites from the Duchess and Avione wasn't an exception. Luckily, Rowena had been keeping a week's worth of invite before throwing them out. "From what I've heard, Phiona Idelstein and Countess Clermont will also be attending."
It didn't take long for Avione to make up her mind and accept the invitation. Her main target, the eldest daughter of the Idelstein will be there. Phiona Idelstein holds much influence in the field of fashion was one to make trends in women's wear. Despite being the same age as her, Phiona held more power than the crown princess herself, and having that kind of person on her side would mean that she would also be benefitting from it.
Stepping inside the royal carriage, Avione asked, "How much have you brought today, Rowena?"
Flustered by the question and by the fact that she did not bring a lot of money, Rowena cleared her throat, "I apologize, but I only brought 10,000 gold. Are you planning to purchase something, milady?"
"Be sure to bring enough." answered Avione, "We're heading to Madam Montoire's boutique. I am in need of new dresses in my wardrobe."
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After getting back from the Royal Library, Avione didn't waste any time to prepare for another trip out of town. Instead of the dress she wore that had the royal family's symbol of the Sun, she went for a more toned down dress. After all, she'd be going to the center of Estyre, the ever so lively and bustling street of the whole empire. Avione stood in front of her large mirror adorned with emerald. It bought for her by the Empress Dowager on her 7th birthday. But considering that her grandmother died the day after her celebration, looking at the mirror always left her somewhat distraught.
The previous Empress, Annalise Winry Aurron was the only family who treated her without holding a grudge against her. Even after her husband's untimely death after Avione's birth. Annalise showed nothing but love to the child, reminding her much of how her daughter used to be before she succeeded the throne. It didn't take long before she reunited with her beloved.
'I wonder how it would feel to have mother pay attention to me like that'
Not wanting to waste any more of her time reminiscing about the inevitable, the princess called Rowena to help her style her deep green locks. She settled with a simple ponytail, along with a golden barrette. Wanting to attract no one's attention once she arrives at her destination.
Feeling her stomach grumble from hunger, Avione agreed. After a light meal for breakfast, Avione was dressed in a deep blue dress with a corset like bodice, long sleeves filled with rhinestones near her cuffs, flowing from the waist down to her feet with ruffles sewed on the ends of the fabric. It wasn't as extravagant as one expected a princess to be wearing, however, Avione's good looks made it look better.
On the way down to ride the carriage, Avione wasn't expecting to run into someone. Especially not someone who instigated framing her in court for poisoning the Empress and being the one to torture her in the cell while she was in prison.
Nicolas Clement, inheriting the title of a Marquis from his recently deceased father, was a man in his early twenties who had his eyes set upon the crown princess.
"A blessed day to the star of the empire. I humbly greet your highness, Princess Avione." Marquis Clement bowed his head, before quickly looking up and scanning the princess from head to toe.
Avione had no choice but to offer a smile, "It's a pleasure to see your, Marquis Clement. What brings you to the palace?"
"I bring news for her majesty from the borders of the Clement estate, however, I think I can spare some time if I were to be accompanied by a gorgeous lady such as you." replied the man with a smirk plastered on his lips, admiring the beauty of the crown princess.
In the past where she had died, Avione knew Clement as someone who pursued her relentlessly. She wasn't interested in him and never planned to take him as her husband when she succeeded the throne. A few weeks after rejecting the Marquis' marriage proposal, Marquis Clement had announced his engagement with the daughter of a baron. It wasn't news to Avione seeing how much of a flirt he has been.
A year after being married, the Marquis' wife was announced dead after her carriage mysteriously fell off a cliff. Nicolas started to chase after the princess once more before he decided to help bring her down. Probably wanting to make it that Avione wouldn't have anyone to turn to but him.
Already uncomfortable at the sight of him, "I'm afraid I already have plans for the day." Avione still declined politely.
"Maybe I can accompany you to your destination, your highness?"
Rowena, noticing the unbecoming stare of the noble took actions into her own hands and stood in front of the princess. Not forgetting to bow in front of the Marquis, "I believe my Lord should not be waiting here in the palace lobby any longer. You there," she called out to the maid who had just entered, "Please show Marquis Clement to the guest room, and be sure to prepare him some snacks and drinks while he waits for her majesty, understood?"
"Yes ma'am. Kindly follow me my lord."
A frown quickly surfaced on the Marquis' face as he followed the servant up the stairs, eyes looking back on the princess every once in a while.
Worried about the heavy sigh Avione made, Rowena quickly asked, "Should we just go tomorrow, Milady? You seem to be a bit pale."
"N-No, I'm fine. Let's go to the carriage." the princess answered, maintaining her composure.
A few minutes more and they're on their way to Estyre, the capital of the empire. Avione looked out the window, admiring the city she failed to roam around in the past. Fear of being harassed outside the palace walls lingered however, no one from the lower class had the chance to see her. Even an official photo of her remained inside the palace. Only those with higher stature had seen what the empire's princess really looked like.
If she wants to make a good impression upon attending her paternal family's hosted event, clothes would be one thing to grab a lot of attention to her. The boutique she set her eyes upon is one of the most sought after by women of nobility. Arriving at the storefront, dresses with unique and sophisticated designs were on display, along with jewelries with the most unconventional shapes and styles.
"You can wait for me in the town square, I'd hate it if people started flocking around." the princess commanded the royal guards escorting her before heading inside the boutique, bells jingling when Rowena held the door for her princess.
As expected, there are a lot of women inside the boutique, some of higher stature than the others based on what they were trying on and how the attendants are treating them. Soon enough, a woman with brown hair tied neatly backwards approached Avione and Rowena.
"Welcome to Beau De Montoire, miss. I am Talia, what can I help you with today?"
Rowena replied, "Do you perhaps have a separate room? My lady wants to try on dresses in private."
"I'm afraid we're only able to offer a room for VIP's only."
"Don't worry," Rowena smiled, "My lady is more than a VIP." she said and presented the Aurron family crest, exclusive only to the Empress, the prince consort and the princess, to the attendant whose eyeballs nearly popped out of her sockets in shock.
Still flustered, Talia cleared her throat, "I apologize for being rude your highness. Greetings to the star of the empire, Princess Avione, please follow me." she bowed and lead the two inside a room with expensive furniture designing the room. "Please excuse me for a minute."
Avione settled herself on the couch, not forgetting to take off the hat she was wearing and placing it beside her. "Thank you for bringing the crest with you, Rowena.'
Standing behind her, Rowena giggled, "You need not mention it, milady. I'm just happy to help you."