"Your Majesty, do you recall Katja? The only daughter of Landgrave Vincent von Meindl," Queen Emma raised the topic during dinner.
"What of her?" King Georg responded with apparent disinterest, his memory failing to bring forth any recollection.
It was no surprise that the king paid little attention to the women of society during their time in the duchy. He seldom engaged with individuals of lower status, including Landgrave Vincent.
Queen Emma, on the other hand, possessed a different disposition. She disliked organizing balls and similar events. Her multitasking skills were lacking, often causing her to overlook important details, particularly deadlines. She frequently forgot which vendors were responsible for various aspects of the event.
In stark contrast, Landgravine Natali embodied the opposite qualities. Eager to gain favor from Queen Emma due to her lower status, she eagerly shouldered numerous responsibilities.
Queen Emma shrewdly exploited this dynamic, assigning most of the tasks to the Landgravine. In return, Queen Emma ensured Landgravine Natali's inclusion in social events and gatherings, forging a mutually beneficial relationship between them.
"She is hosting a debutante ball next week. Landgravine Natali has extended an invitation, expressing her desire for our attendance," Queen Emma revealed.
She turned to Henrie, adding, "You should also attend, my prince. Landgravine Natali is a dear friend of mine, and she has provided invaluable assistance to me in the past."
Instead of offering a direct response, Henrie leaned closer to Lady Runa and inquired, "Do you have any prior engagements next week, Runa?"
"It appears that I do not, Your Highness," Lady Runa replied, deliberately avoiding any interaction with Queen Emma. That wicked lady was using Henrie as the bridge to communicate with her!
"You have met her before, Henrie. Can you not recall her beauty? She caused quite a stir when she made an unexpected appearance. Perhaps your memory will be rekindled, and you will choose to marry her instead," Queen Emma retorted sharply.
"Mother, if you continue to disrespect my fiancee, I shall reconsider my commitment to attend the ball," Henrie threatened.
Queen Emma had to suppress her anger, recognizing the importance of Henrie's presence at the ball for her own plans to succeed. Once Henrie laid eyes on Katja, Lady Runa would fade from his thoughts.
"I was merely jesting, my prince. Why are you so easily provoked?" Queen Emma hastily made an excuse and swiftly changed the subject. "Elke, you must attend as well."
Elke displayed her dissatisfaction by throwing her fork onto the table. "What? I don't want to, Mother!"
"Mother, will Duke Fabian come?" Eleanor interjected, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of encountering the handsome duke.
Queen Emma couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance, observing her eldest daughter's greater interest in Duke Fabian instead of Elke, who was supposed to be his future wife.
"Yes, that is precisely why you must attend, Elke. It is non-negotiable," Queen Emma asserted firmly, emphasizing her unwavering stance.
"Mother, what about me?" Eleanor leaned in closer, oblivious to her elbow pressing against Elke's food.
Elke watched in astonishment as her sister displayed such casual disregard. She pushed her chair back and stood up, tossing her napkin onto the floor. "I have lost my appetite. I will retire to my room," she declared.
"Elke, where do you think you're going? We haven't finished our meal. Sit back down! Show some manners!" Queen Emma snapped with harsh reproach.
"Manners?" Elke raised Eleanor's sauce-covered elbow, her gaze piercing Queen Emma. "Shouldn't you be teaching this reckless woman about manners? How long will you continue favoring her, Mother?"
With a release of her sister's hand, Elke left the dining room. Maxine, separating herself from the line of servants, quickly joined her.
"Eleanor!" Queen Emma's voice seethed between clenched teeth. Why did her daughters always bring such trouble upon her? She glanced at her youngest daughter, who was already assisting Eleanor in cleaning up.
The queen felt grateful that at least Elisa would heed her words and behave appropriately.
"May I also attend, Mother?" Eleanor persisted with her request.
Queen Emma let out a weary sigh. "Yes, yes. Do as you please, but remember not to cause any further trouble for us. You have already caused enough."
Eleanor beamed with excitement. "Of course, Mother!"
***
"Landgravine Natali is known for her exceptional event organizing skills," Henrie remarked to Runa as they traveled in the carriage toward town. "Attending the ball could provide us with valuable insights into hosting such grand affairs, which would undoubtedly benefit your task."
"That sounds like a wonderful opportunity," Runa replied.
Henrie had invited Runa to accompany him on a shopping trip to find a new dress for the ball. Runa, however, insisted that it was unnecessary and a waste of money.
Yet, Henrie, being a man with limited knowledge of the intricacies of high society, understood that wearing the same dress repeatedly could lead others to look down upon her.
"I still have many dresses I haven't worn, Henrie. It would be wasteful to spend money on new ones. We shouldn't be using people's funds for such trivial matters," Runa pouted, and Henrie couldn't help but find her adorable.
"Please don't worry about that, Runa. The expenses for your dresses and accessories come from my own personal funds, not from taxes. Remember, I was once the heir apparent of a wealthy duchy. Do you think I would be lacking in wealth?"
Henrie unintentionally boasted about his financial resources. He feared that if he didn't mention it, Runa might doubt his ability to provide for her.
Just as Runa was concerned about the well-being of the people of Reichwein, Henrie had a strong sense of responsibility and did not believe in using public funds for personal indulgences.
The taxes collected from the people were meant to be reinvested into improving infrastructure and trade regulations, fostering beneficial alliances with other kingdoms, and enhancing overall living conditions.
"No, not at all. Did I give that impression?" Runa shook her head.
"You didn't. Please forgive me if I seemed overly concerned. I just didn't want you to have any doubts about my character. I assure you, I would never abuse my power for personal gain. I have more than enough wealth and influence to achieve my own goals," Henrie explained.
"I understand," Runa smiled kindly at Henrie, her clear green eyes reflecting his image. "I know you are a righteous person. There is no way that you would misuse people's money."
He had to resist the urge to embrace her at that moment. She looked particularly enchanting, with her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight that streamed through the carriage window. Today, Runa had her hair neatly styled in a bun, with not a single strand out of place.
Henrie vaguely recalled Runa mentioning her dislike for her hair color, though he couldn't recall the exact moment she had shared that with him. It certainly hadn't happened during her time as a captive in the palace.
Could it be... they had met even before her captivity? Henrie pondered the familiarity he felt toward Runa. It was as if he had known her for much longer than he could remember. But how and when? What was happening?