Being a crown princess won't make your family get close to you but scheme against you for the power of the throne. Eugenie knew the smiles she received weren't pure. Catherine, her elder sister might boldly show her hatred but her younger sister, Charlotte was contrasting.
Charlotte smiles and talks sweetly with Eugenie. At the same time, she was also close with Catherine who couldn't stop herself from scheming against Eugenie. Hence Charlotte was like having a snake under the bed as a pet. You never know when it poisons you with a bite.
Thus, Eugenie, who was going to take complete charge of the palace, was expecting a lot of drama in the palace. With that, she has to protect Alora without being deliberate. Hence the load on her shoulders was too heavy. Fortunately, she has a husband who supports her.
After the morning meeting to look into what was necessary, solve the major issues, and discuss the tricky situation of the nation, Eugenie turned to the next seat and realized her husband was missing right after the meeting ended. At the same time, Orla looked around to realize her husband also absconded to find Alora.
The mother and daughter looked at each other and sighed internally without showing anything on their faces. Orla broke the silence when every lord left the meeting. "Have you chosen your ladies-in-waiting?"
Ladies-in-waiting are required for a crown princess to assist her in day-to-day activities such as running errands, delivering messages, and organizing correspondence. Sometimes, they will have to accompany on royal tours and visits. They reduce the workload on the Crown princesses, giving them some time to rest.
The number of ladies-in-waiting is restricted to the princesses who hold no responsibility in the palace. Eugenie could have as much as she wants.
"Queen Mother, I will be taking only two. My friends." Eugenie had already sent out a letter to invite her ladies-in-waiting.
Orla was aware of those two noble ladies. One was efficient in socializing while the other one was sly but loyal. Although two weren't enough for Crown Princess who is going to be the queen soon, Orla didn't comment on it.
"What about Alora?" Orla looked at the empty seat of Zander. She wanted to ask Zander's opinion on choosing knights for Alora as her life wouldn't be easy in the palace or out of the palace.
Eugenie wasn't certain about Orla's reaction when she mentioned, "Queen Mother, Alora won't be able to bear the girls fearing her at the sight. So I was thinking… Freya…"
Orla cut off Eugenie as her expression was distorted. "Have you forgotten?" She snapped at Eugenie as she stood up from her seat.
There was a time even Orla wished for a family full of love and affection. She expected Catherine and Charlotte to support Eugenie unconditionally. But the life of royals leaves no one from teaching a lesson.
The closely bonded three sisters became enemies in a breath. The coronation of the Crown Princess was an intricate and most crucial ceremony of the Anka. The princess has to pass through each stage to get crowned.
The coronation was arranged for Catherine. Eugenie and Charlotte were excited, having no idea Catherine could fail. When Catherine failed, Eugenie had to step up and complete the examination.
Thus Catherine was angry at Eugenie for completing the ceremony while Charlotte was expecting Eugenie to fail and get the crown.
"Freya might have helped you look after Alora. When it's about the throne, Alora would let Freya stab her rather than fighting with her." Orla hated that Alora wasn't just innocent and generous, she succumbs to Freya easily.
Eugenie had gone through the situation. It feels like a dream when three sisters used to play, enjoy, doll up and study together. If that lovely bond could turn so sour, she wouldn't be surprised if Freya starts to demotivate, putting Alora down repeatedly.
However, she was a mother of two who watched them grow together. Hence she wasn't ready to believe Freya could have any negative motives for Alora. "Queen Mother, Freya isn't like my sisters. I have taught her that Alora is going to be the Crown Princess after me."
Orla's face softened. Not because Freya was going to be different from her daughters but she was seeing herself in Eugenie. Years ago, she had argued the same with her mother with the same confidence and trust in her daughters.
A mother would always believe in their children. So Orla didn't argue. "Time reveals all things."
Orla could only hope Alora could get strong as Eugenie and accept the reality one day. But with current Alora, she would even give her life to Freya.
After recalling the past, Eugenie wasn't as confident as she spoke. Eugenie believed in her younger daughter, her and Zander's upbringing rather than her experience.
Then, why did Orla and Lothar's upbringing fail? Was it the power of the throne?
A hint of fear lingered in her heart but she was ready to gamble and trust her daughter, Freya. A daughter who had to grow up early to protect her sister. A younger sister who would do anything to keep her sister safe.
Although she suggested Freya as Lady-in-waiting for Alora, she had no plans to tell Freya. Freya had her life to follow and choose so she will see how things flow.
Shaking off the thought, she quickly went to find her husband to stop him from spoiling their elder daughter more. Alora has to learn to handle the maids and people in the palace.