….took off the jeweled face chain and handed it to one of the maids.
" In the future, don't use such adornments. She couldn't eat to her heart's content."
The maid knelt and took the face chain.
A man approached Arthur, bowed, and whispered something in his ear.
Eudora could sense a change in his gaze which went from soft to stern.
" Bring the Crown Princess's favorite breakfast." After saying so, Arthur left with the man. Eudora watched until Arthur's figure became smaller and finally disappeared from her sight.
—-
Eudora was presented with three ladies-in-waiting in Tatum. Along with Madam Maxime and Lady Calypso, she had five ladies-in-waiting.
The first lady that was presented to her was, Lady Hestia of the noble family Damaris which was closely linked to the Seibert family. She was the daughter of the Queen's first cousin and held a great reputation among young nobles.
The second lady was Lady Gaia from the house of Einar, the house of the Agricultural Minister. She was infamous for her enlistment in the army to fill in for her ill brother and her wonderful performance during the war. However, it was also rumored that her prospects of marriage were dimmed after her service.
Lady Iris, the daughter of Baron Sisko was the third lady-in-waiting. She is famous for her incredible skills at Dei* ( A sacred dance performed at important religious events seeking blessings from the Goddess Alexis.).
Eudora's first impression of them was that, Lady Hestia was headstrong, Lady Gaia cold, and Lady Iris was gentle. All of them seemed loyal to the crown but Lady Gaia seemed to have a bit of animosity toward Eudora.
Even now, Lady Gaia distanced herself and was leaning against the door, meters away from the sofa where all the other ladies-in-waiting were chatting happily with Eudora.
" My lady, may I speak freely?" Madam Maxime asked.
" Yes, you may."
" Did you consummate the marriage?"
The whole room fell silent and everywhere looked at Madam Maxime with shocked expressions on their faces.
Talking about a newlywed's bedroom life was not taboo, in fact, Governesses were encouraged to talk to their Mistresses about such topics.
" Madam Maxime, how could you ask such a thing? Of course our lady and the Crown Prince-"
" We did not."
Lady Iris who was cut off by Eudora looked at her with her eyes widened.
" My lady! That put your whole status in danger! Without consummating this marriage, your marriage isn't a marriage and the treaty wouldn't be fulfilled!" said Lady Calypso.
" Exactly my lady!" Lady Hestia and Iris echoed after one another.
Eudora laughed nervously.
" Is it that serious?"
" Princess Eudora. " Madam Maxime frowned. " Your duty right now is to produce an heir for his Highness. If you cannot produce an heir… his Highness will take in a second wife. I'm certain you do not wish to share your husband."
Men in Xylem had one wife. The idea of a second or even a third wife was ridiculous to them. Not even for political reasons would they take in more than one wife. Growing up in such a setting, naturally, Eudora didn't wish to welcome a second wife to her household and mentioned it in the conditions of the treaty. However, Tatum negotiated and the condition of not having a second wife was changed and unless Eudora can birth an heir, Arthur is free to take in a second wife.
Is that perhaps why he is willing to wait?
Was he trying to use my inability to give him an heir as an excuse?
Because he is infatuated with another lady and wanted to marry her as a second wife?
Eudora questioned in her head.
" My lady, for your own good, I suggest not putting it off."
" That lecherous man! He said he didn't want to make me do something I didn't want to! But he just wants a second wife!"
All the ladies-in-waiting and Madam Maxime were left speechless.
Lecherous man…
" My lady, I would refrain from using insulting terms to refer to the Crown Prince…." Lady Hestia spoke up.
Eudora was getting a bit emotional. She squeezed her hand so hard it broke and shattered into a hundred pieces. Blood mixed with hot tea oozed to the ground.
" My Lady!"
" Princess!" Madam Maxime and Lady Calypso exclaimed in sync.
Lady Gaia immediately jumped into action. She grabbed the first aid kit but the materials were missing. She took her handkerchief and tightly wrapped it around Eudora's hand.
" The bandages are gone, keep this on for now while I go look for some."
With that Lady Gaia was gone.
Madam Maxime sighed and waved her hand in the air. The mess Eudora created was instantly gone.
" My lady…you have to be careful. Don't hurt yourself."
" Do any of you know the lady the Crown Prince is in love with."
"There were rumors about the Crown Prince and …a certain lady." Lady Iris whispered the last part.
" Who?" Eudora questioned.
" It was a while ago…however, it was between the Crown Prince and Lady Thalia. She is…." Lady Iris hesitated before she went on, "....Lady Gaia's older sister. According to what I heard, the Crown Prince and Lady Thalia were often spotted out and about together…"
Lady Iris's voice became fainter and fainter as she noticed Eudora's eyes darkening. Everyone turned to Eudora when Lady Iris finished.
" Ha…"
Eudora's laugh sounded threatening.
" Don't do anything impulsive," warned Madam Maxime.
" I wouldn't." Eudora scoffed. " Then what happened between them? Was she at the wedding?"
" Rumor has it that when the treaty was established, the King stopped them from meeting in private anymore and granted Lady Thalia a marriage with the Duke of Qent. She came to the wedding with the Duke and they seemed harmonious."
It must have hurt him right?
Seeing his lover with her fiance' acting lovey-dovey while he was being forced to get married to make sure her nation was safe.
It must have crushed him right?
" But recently, we heard that the Duke and Lady Thalia grew apart and went to his Majesty to ask for the annulment of their engagement."
" Was the annulment granted…?"
Lady Iris shrugged.
" That I'm afraid I do not know."
At that moment, the door opened and Lady Gaia came in.
Lady Iris coughed awkwardly.
Lady Hestia busied herself with pouring a new cup of tea for Eudora.
Madam Maxime observed Lady Gaia.
And Lady Calypso helped Lady Gaia to dress the wound.
" Thank you," Eudora said gently with a smile.
Lady Gaia didn't say anything and closed up the first aid box.