Themed parties are gatherings that encourage guests to embrace a particular style of dress, often outlined in their invitation, creating a unique and memorable experience. The host's carefully chosen dress code acts as a silent symbol of respect, a subtle but powerful expectation that each guest will adhere to. While most salons have a uniform look, hosts typically favor matching colors over unconventional choices like feathers.
"Brilliant! What an innovatively brilliant idea, Lady Arabella! Please tell me more." Cheered Lady Florette excitedly.
"As expected of lady Arabella, she knows exactly what lady Florette likes. Her suggestions are always well-received."
I understand better than anyone that these words, veiled in honeyed tones, are a hollow attempt to create an illusion of unity within Lady Florette's tenuous circle.
"Friends are there for such occasions, Lady Abigail." I scoffed in response.
Lady Esmeraldine, her face pale and set in a mask of controlled rage, glared in my direction as the other ladies showered me with praise. I heard she used to be lady Florette's favorite companion, a fact that became clear by the way she eyed me with a mix of annoyance and jealousy. After I completely usurp her position in Lady Florette's circle, I will ensure she knows her place and never forgets it. She can shoot daggers at me with her gaze all she wants, but I won't back down. This is my chance and I'm taking it.
~Meanwhile. Inside the Mansion.
"It seems a clever vixen has snuck into Nextera palace, daring to trespass on my daughter's grounds. Find out who she is and keep a close eye on her until I give my orders."
I'm amazed at how much better she looks than I imagined. It's truly miraculous. With an air of tranquility, she reveled in the companionship of her friends, a marked contrast to the tension that had hung in the air the night before. Has my daughter's maturity finally come to fruition? If that's true, then I guess I owe that Arabella girl a thank you. She's had a positive impact on her for the past five years.
"Well, sweet sister of mine, I'm sure you know how dangerous it can be for someone like me to wander into Nextera. He might send my head flying if I get caught."
He's asking for more money. Why am I not even surprised?
"All you need to do is plant a couple of rats around the castle to gather intel and relay their findings to me." I scowled in response.
"In that case, I'm sure you'll understand that this little mission of ours will require double the regular amount, dear sister. As you're probably aware, the cost of acquiring these disposable rats is quite high in today's market."
I figured as much. My primary concern is my daughter's standing in the prince's court, and I will tolerate no one attempting to jeopardize it. I will do whatever it takes to see Florette ascend to the throne.
"I will give you half the amount today, and you will receive the rest when you get the information I want."
"Very well, your grace." He rose from his seat while straightening his vest.
His eyes were hollow, and his cheekbones protruded, casting a sickly pallor upon his face, making him look like a frail, aged man. The extent to which he's consuming these substances is mind-boggling, considering their potent influence on his physical form. I considered the possibility of sending him to a rehabilitation facility to address his drug addiction. However, such an action would deprive me of my right hand. I need him.
"By the way, dear sister…"
He suddenly popped out from behind me, making me jump and gasp in surprise. My attention was so fixated on Florette, who was radiating with excitement amongst her companions, that I failed to notice his presence in the room.
"Where is that little angel you promised to let me have my way with? I've had my eyes on her for five whole years now, but my patience is wearing thin. I followed your advice to stay quiet while you handled your daughter-in-law, but that was a while back. Don't tell me you're having a difficult time behind my back." He snickered.
That filthy bastard!
"Then again, we're talking about princess Emilia here. The most powerful woman in the entirety of Alkaraz. She is way out of your league, I'm afraid. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that she's got eyes on us as we speak." He shrugged nonchalantly before leaving the drawing room.
~Meanwhile, in the hallway
"Oh, my! Count Dietrich! What a pleasant surprise! If I knew you'd be visiting, I'd have prepared refreshments ahead of time. What a shame."
I feel an icy shiver crawls down my spine as I face her imposing aura. The Duchess's smile is wide and bright, but her eyes, sharp and calculating, seem to peer into my soul. I had hoped to slip past unnoticed, but I knew it was a long shot.
"G-greetings, your grace. I merely stopped by for a quick chat with my sister and am now on my way out. I will surely announce my visit in advance next time."
"You are welcome here anytime, count Dietrich. Do have a safe trip back home."
I should tread carefully for the time being. It seems she's on to something. The way she glared at me from the corner of her eye as I walked by left no doubt in my mind. My body won't stop shaking. In terms of a fearsome presence, she certainly surpasses my sister.
++++
After that day, Nathan acted as though nothing happened between us. Well… nothing occurred, but every time I close my eyes, the memories of our lips nearly touching plagues my mind. I've been requesting to have my meals in my bedroom, but today he insisted I dine with him. I couldn't possibly refuse since he made the request personally. Besides, I've been meaning to have a proper conversation with him for quite some time now. This seems like the perfect opportunity.
"You've been picking at your food for quite some time now. Is the dish not to your liking, princess?"
My thoughts were elsewhere. I didn't realize he was watching me.
"I'll have another dish brought out, since this one doesn't seem to suit your palate." He said as he signaled the attendants who were standing by.
"N-no, no. That isn't necessary, your highness. The food is edible as it is. I'll start eating now, I apologize." I replied nervously.
There's no need to bother the chefs. I'm sure they've put a lot of effort into making these dishes.
"Um… Nathan…" I fidgeted as I struggled to slice the meat.
"Pass it over." He asked as he placed my plate in front of him to slice the meat in my stead.
"You were saying?"
His eyes did not waver from the plate, for he was attentively focused on cutting the meat into small pieces. My attention, however, was entirely consumed by the visual appeal of his succulent and plump - wait, what? Why am I finding myself drawn to Nathan's lips, of all things? We're at a dinner table, for goodness' sake! Ugh! Stay strong, Fati! Keep in mind that you are a Sant, therefore you must not succumb to temptation! Temptation…tempting…lips. I wonder…
"…what they actually taste like?" I mumbled as I wiped the drool off my mouth.
"Pardon?" He paused and shifted his gaze up to meet mine.
A sudden chill ran down my spine as the weight of my own words crashed over me. I sat motionless, unable to grasp the meaning of what I had just said. Though it was just a murmur, his expression changed instantly–he clearly heard my remark and was both surprised and confused.
"I-I was referring to the meat! Haha! The meat smells delicious, your highness." I rambled nervously.
"I see. I did not know you were that hungry. Will this be enough? Should I-"
"No, no. This is more than enough, your highness."
I eat much more when I'm with the empress, but I want to spare Nathan the sight of my enormous appetite for the moment. That reminds me…Nathan, and I have eaten together quite a bit in the past, so why am I suddenly getting butterflies in my stomach? It must be indigestion.
+++
As the evening settled in and the soft glow of the setting sun illuminated the garden, he invited me for a stroll, and I eagerly accepted. I haven't felt the cool night air on my skin for over a month, because I've never been outside after dark. I must say, it's rather pleasant here at this hour of the day. The only sounds that were echoing in the air are those of crickets and night owls, which contribute to a calming and pleasant atmosphere. I've seen those lampposts during the day and imagined just how bright they must be at night. Their light painted the garden in a myriad of colors, while the soft buzzing of night bugs created a calming hum. This scenery is remarkably stunning.
"It is so beautiful here at night, don't you agree, Nathan?"
"Yes... absolutely breathtaking," He murmured in a soft tone.
Why does it sound like he's alluding to something else entirely?
"Nathan?"
The name 'Nathaniel' used to make my stomach churn in the past. It was my father's choice, and I hated him, so I hated the name too. The emperor's failure to protect my mother fueled my hatred, and I blamed him completely for her demise, convinced that his negligence had led to her tragic fate. Though I hated the name, I instinctively introduced myself as Nathaniel when I met Fatima. Why did I do that?
"Nathan, are you listening?"
Each time she calls me, a fluttery feeling fills my chest, and my heart expands with joy, resembling a rose unfurling its petals to the sun. Nate, Nathan, Nathaniel - those were the different ways she referred to me, but none of them ever felt like a burden. The way she yelled my name always sent a thrill through me, so I would constantly do things to get her to shout it, even if it meant making her angry. Unbeknownst to me, these feelings of mine took root, flourished, and finally came to full bloom, as if guided by an unseen hand. Before I knew it, her charm had completely captivated me.
"What did you just say, Fati?"
"Might I have the privilege of being officially employed by you, your Highness?"