She leaves the library, her thoughts still moving from the histories and symbols she has been reading about.
As she makes her way through the grand corridors of the palace, she admires the ancient designs and the opulence of her surroundings. Each step echoes softly in the vast, empty hallways, the only sounds the occasional whisper of a distant servant or the flutter of curtains in the breeze.
Turning a corner, she suddenly finds herself face-to-face with Duke Waymont.
Lexzandra freezes, her heart pounding in her chest.
The duke's imposing figure, with his dark, brooding eyes and sharply defined features, is unmistakable. His presence is commanding, and Lexzandra curses under her breath at this unexpected meeting.
She takes a moment to collect herself, deciding that perhaps this is an opportunity to clear the air between them and prevent any future misunderstandings.
"Your Grace," she greets him, trying to keep her voice steady and warm.
Duke Waymont regards her with his usual stoic expression, though his eyes flicker with a hint of curiosity. "Your Highness," he replies formally, bowing slightly. "I trust you are in good health?"
Lexzandra is momentarily taken aback by his concern but quickly regains her composure. "Yes, thank you. I'm quite well now."
There is an awkward silence as they stand in the hallway, both seemingly at a loss for words. The duke finally breaks the silence, "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I have matters to attend to."
As he begins to turn away, Lexzandra feels a surge of urgency. She can't let this moment pass without addressing the elephant in the room. "Duke Waymont, wait," she calls after him.
He pauses and turns back to face her, his expression unreadable.
"I wanted to apologize to you," she begins, her voice sincere. She takes a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. "The things I did in the past were foolish, and I realize now how inappropriate it was for me to cling onto you like I did. I behaved poorly, and for that, I am truly sorry."
Duke Waymont's eyes widen slightly, a rare display of surprise crossing his usually stoic features. Lexzandra watches him closely, noting the way his jaw tightens and then relaxes, as if he's processing her words with careful consideration.
She continues, her voice gaining strength. "I know that my actions must have caused you discomfort and perhaps even distress. I was blinded by my infatuation, unable to see how my behavior was affecting you. I see now how unfair it was to impose my feelings on you without regard for your own. For that, I deeply apologize."
The duke's stoic mask slips for a moment, revealing a flicker of surprise. He quickly recovers, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You…apologize?" he repeats, as if testing the words.
Lexzandra nods, meeting his gaze with unwavering honesty. "Yes, I do. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on my past actions and the kind of person I want to be moving forward. I've realized that I need to respect others' boundaries and feelings. I want you to know that I've changed. I am over you, and I will not behave in such a manner again."
Her heart pounds as she speaks, the weight of her past mistakes heavy on her shoulders. She watches as Duke Waymont's expression shifts, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.
After a moment, Duke Waymont nods slowly. "Very well, Your Highness. I accept your apology."
Relief washes over Lexzandra. "Thank you, Your Grace," she says softly. "I appreciate your understanding."
The duke still seems skeptical, but he inclines his head in acknowledgment. "If you'll excuse me," he repeats, and this time, Lexzandra lets him go.
As she watches him walk away, she feels a weight lift off her shoulders. She has taken a significant step toward rectifying her past mistakes. Turning back toward her destination, she continues her journey to the emperor's chambers, feeling a sense of relief.
This encounter has been unexpected, but it has given her a chance to show that she is truly different now. She has no intention of returning to her old ways.
___
Lexzandra takes a deep breath as she arrives at the emperor's chamber, pausing momentarily to compose herself before entering.
The grand doors, intricately carved and adorned with symbols of the royal family, open before her.
Inside, she sees her father, Emperor Theodore, sitting at his large mahogany desk, engrossed in a discussion with his secretary, Master Aldric. Both men look up as she enters, their expressions shifting from serious to curious.
"Father, Master Aldric," Lexzandra greets them with a respectful bow. "Good day."
The emperor nods, his stern features softening slightly as he acknowledges her. "Lexzandra, come in. We were just discussing some matters of state." He gestures for her to approach. "How did the lady-in-waiting selection go?"
A smile spreads across Lexzandra's face, her excitement palpable. "It went well, Father. I met many wonderful candidates, and I'm quite pleased with the selections I've made."
The emperor and Aldric exchange a surprised glance at her excitement. "I see," the emperor says, intrigued. "And have you decided on who will serve as your ladies-in-waiting?"
"Yes," she replies, her voice brimming with confidence. "I have selected Lady Lucy Laroche, Lady Eunice McKinnian, Lady Analisa Poirier, Lady Ruth Treaswon, and Lily Nacht."
The emperor leans back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. "Why did you choose these particular individuals?" he asks, his tone curious and probing.
Lexzandra smiles, prepared for this question. She starts with Lady Lucy Laroche. "Lady Lucy Laroche caught my attention with her sincere desire to be noticed and to make a name for herself. She is well aware about the social circle and cultural dynamics of the society and has a way with words. According to my observation, Lady Lucy is well suited to be one of my ladies-in-waiting."
The emperor nods thoughtfully, prompting her to continue.
"Next, Lady Eunice McKinnian," Lexzandra says. "One thing that is great about her is her honesty. She spoke with honesty when i asked why she wanted to serve me, as a princess who is treated less than her authority, and she said it due to her parents forcing her. Lady Eunice excels in chess which involves strategy and a sharp mind, along with having keen interest in fashion and trends."
Emperor Theodore raises an eyebrow, impressed by the thoroughness of her considerations.
"Lady Analisa Poirier," Lexzandra continues, "is a diplomat's daughter. She has grown up in an environment where she learned to handle delicate conversations and maintain composure under pressure. Her diplomatic background will be invaluable in managing the intricacies of court politics."
"And Lady Ruth Treaswon?" the emperor asks, clearly invested in her reasoning.
"Lady Olivia Treaswon," Lexzandra explains, "brings a unique blend of intellectual and cultural refinement that is rare among her peers. Her extensive knowledge of literature and the arts is complemented by her impeccable grasp of court etiquette. This combination makes her an invaluable asset in presenting a sophisticated and polished image at court."
The emperor nods, clearly impressed with Lexzandra's thoughtful selections. He then looks to Aldric, who steps forward with a furrowed brow.
"Lady Lily Nacht," Aldric interjects, "was not on the original list of candidates. In fact, as far as I am aware, there is no Lily in House Nacht."
Lexzandra meets his gaze, her expression calm and confident. "You are correct, Master Aldric. There is no Lily in the House of Nacht, only because it was never revealed. She is actually the youngest daughter of Marques Nacht who has never seen the outside world. I am not aware how she came here…but she seemed to desperately want this job, and I believe she deserves a chance. She is highly skilled in household management and has a genuine desire to serve."
Lexzandra meets his gaze, her expression calm and confident. "You are correct, Master Aldric. There is no Lily in the House of Nacht, only because it was never revealed. She is actually the youngest daughter of Marquess Nacht who has never seen the outside world. I am not aware how she came here…but she seemed to desperately want this job, and I believe she deserves a chance. She is highly skilled in household management and has a genuine desire to serve."
Both the emperor and the secretary are shocked by this revelation. How could Marquess Nacht hide his daughter from the world?
The emperor narrows his eyes, clearly disturbed by the information. He turns to Aldric. "Summon Marquess Nacht to the palace tomorrow," he commands.
Lexzandra steps forward quickly, her voice comes as urgent. "Your Majesty, that would be highly embarrassing for the marquess. He has always been a private man, and to question him about this matter in such a public manner might cause unnecessary scandal. Besides, I have a different perspective on this situation."