"Next week?!" Verbena threw her shoe across the room which hit the wall. "He's purposely delaying the wedding, because if I get married then I will bear him an heir." the suite was bigger than her room back in the palace, but these were warm tone colors. Oranges, yellows, blues, and reds.
"I think it's for the better, Your Highness," I said, picking up her shoe and keeping it in the closet. "This way, you can gain more allies in the palace and who knows they'll support your plan." Verbena looked at me blankly and I thought she would slap me again but to my surprise, the princess took a seat on the ottoman and calmed herself.
"Give me some water," she said, putting her feet up.
I poured the water into the glass and brought it to her as she fanned herself, "God, why is it so hot here? Colette, prepare a cold bath for me."
Verbena stripped when I added the flower petals in the bath. She turned to me, "I want a list of all noblewomen who have the emperor in their palm. See who's my direct competitor and who I should get rid of."
"Yes, Your Highness," I said as she dipped her toes in the bathtub and then lowered herself. I scrubbed and washed her and then got her changed into the Waedal's light fabric.
"God, it looks horrendous on me," Verbena said, checking herself in the mirror, that's when someone knocked on the door and I went over to open it. Emiline stood in a new dress, a bright green gown, with mustard flower patterns. "Your Highness, if it's alright with you, the wife of the Minister of War and the Countess wants to meet you over lunch." Verbena glanced at me.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure to dine with them. Please lead the way." She forced a smile, but when Emiline turned around to exit Verbena interrupted again.
"Can Colette join?"
I whipped my head at her, why was she dragging me into places? Did she want me to notice small details about them that she might not be able to pick up? Emiline hesitated for a second but then smiled.
"Sure,"
Emiline led us to the backside of the palace under the arched stone pathway which opened to a beautiful small garden smelling of peaches. In the middle of the garden was a sitting area. Six white wooden chairs, and a long rectangular table. Tea and other sweet delicacies decorated the table, while four servant boys stood fice paces behind the chairs, their hands on their back, and a firm posture.
The head of the table was occupied by an old woman, she was thin, wore a light pink dress, and her gray hair was twisted in a braid. To her right sat a younger version of her, with green eyes, a slim figure, and black hair. The left side of the chair was empty, saved for Verbena.
On the other end of the table sat another woman, she was voluptuous and had fair skin. She must be from the West, I thought stopping just as the three women stood up to greet Verbena.
"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." the woman with gray hair spoke first. "My name is Grace Jehanson and I'm the wife of the Minister of War. this is my daughter, Jasmine."
"The pleasure's all mine, My lady," Verbena replied, shaking her hand. Grace didn't bow to her and I'm sure Verbena noticed that.
"You are beautiful, your highness. No wonder Elios didn't even hesitate when he heard about his sudden engagement." Jasmine smiled at her, extending her hand.
"Thank you, my lady."
"My name is Isabella Hadrian, and I'm the Count's wife." the lady walked up to us and bowed. Verbena turned her attention to her quickly. The countess was higher in power, but why was Grace sitting at the head of the table? I thought.
"Countess, it's my great pleasure." Verbena bowed to her and took her seat next to Grace.
"We called you here because we wanted to give you some advice before your marriage." Grace began, pouring tea into her cup. I quietly stood behind Verbena.
"You won't just be marrying Helios, but your marriage will tie you to the court." Jasmine quietly ate the exotic delicacy, my stomach grumbled and I wished to have some too.
"Of course," Verbena said. The Countess was about to say something when suddenly the servants bowed, but not to her, to a newcomer and I looked to my right and was surprised to see the emperor walking in. he had two knights behind him, holding sharp spears, and he had changed into a thin white shirt, two buttons opened to reveal his chest. The ladies quickly got up and bowed.
"Your majesty," they said, including Verbena. What was his name? I thought, but couldn't remember it. Then Grace spoke first, "Are you here to meet with Verbena? Orion"
Orion, his name pierced into my brain, I looked up just as Verbena walked closer to him, putting on her innocent face. To my horror, Orian wasn't looking at her, his eyes were on me.
Verbena was quick to notice the ignorance, she looked back and saw me staring at him then I quickly put my head down.
"Your Majesty, please join us."
"No, I was just visiting the Admiral, please continue." He said, his eyes moving from their faces and stopping at mine again. I looked away, blushing. With that Orion left, and the ladies took their seats again.
"Has he never been married?" Verbena asked the countess but it was Grace who answered her.
"He was engaged once, to the Grand duke's daughter, but she died of an illness when she was 12."
"Oh, that's awful." Verbena shot me a glance when no one was looking and I prepared myself for another punishment.
"Tell me, your Highness, have you been taught about the wedding night rituals?"
"I'm afraid not," Verbena answered.
Grace looked at me and then said, "Your maid was born here?"
"No, her family fled to Kralan during the war, she was born and raised in Kralen."
"Then she must have been taught the wedding night rituals." Verbena looked at me and I gave her a polite nod, she broke into a smile.
"But your Highness, you should be careful even after your marriage. The court doesn't like the people of Kralen, they think of them as greedy and selfish."
"Don't worry, My lady. I'll make sure to win their hearts in no time."
*************************
We were back in the bedroom.
"I was right in bringing you along," Verbena said, sitting on the chair and taking off her jewelry. "These women won't leave me alone, so what did you notice?" she looked up at me and I wondered if she didn't see the emperor looking at me.
"Grace looked like she was in charge," I answered, bringing in hot water so that she could wash her face.
Verbena scoffed, "No, the countess has a higher position in court than her, did you see how Jasmine made faces at me? She was clearly jealous."
I don't think I noticed that, I thought but still lied, "Yes, your Highness."
"Go and get me some peaches, the smell in the garden made me crave them. How rude of them to have a whole garden and not serve any."
I bowed to her and left the room.
I went down the corridor and asked a maid where I could find the kitchen. She pointed to the set of stairs leading down and I followed. I found myself in another corridor, this was more narrow but well lit and the smell of dough and food came from the end of the corridor. I stopped when I heard footsteps coming from the opposite direction and shifted to the left, to give them some space but when the footsteps got closer I froze.
It was the Emperor and he was alone.
"Your Majesty." I bowed to him and kept my head low until he passed by but Orion didn't move. Slowly I lifted my head and saw him staring at me.
"What's your name?" he asked, his voice was gruff and deep.
"Colette, your majesty," I answered, keeping my eyes on his feet.
"Are you Waedalian?"
"My parents are your majesty. I was born and raised in Kralen" Why was he showing an interest in a mere maid?
"I don't trust the princess."
I looked up suddenly at his bluntness, Orion took a step closer and I backed up. "Work for me, and I'll give you more than she has promised you."
I couldn't trust this man, and I couldn't betray Verbena, I would be executed. I might have Waedal's blood in my veins, but I was still a Kraleian.
"I heard your princess is cruel, and I bet you want revenge on her," Orion smirked.
He was right about that, but still, I couldn't. "I know she wants my throne." my eyes went wide. "Work for me and I'll grant you a wish." a wish? I swallowed, my throat dry.
"Anything?" can he save me from Verbena and let me meet my parents? I could even call them here and provide for them. The emperor could give me a job in the palace and I could provide for my family, my parents could return to their homeland and everything would be fine.
"Anything."
I stared at him with determination, "What do I have to do?"