The Heavenly Garden of the Royal Palace was a breathtaking haven, a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle I have been experiencing since I came to this world.
As I walked along the gravel path lined with blooming flowers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. Today, I was to meet the Empress Dowager, a woman who I don't know anything about yet known for her wisdom and grace throughout the kingdom.
I approached the marble table under a pergola draped with climbing roses, where the Empress Dowager was already seated. She looked remarkably youthful despite her age, her brown hair streaked with silver, and her green eyes exuding a kind, yet commanding presence. Her attire was light and flowing, reminiscent of a Greek goddess, and she greeted me with a warm smile.
"I greet Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Dowager Isabella of the Astoria Kingdom. I am Celeste Rosenfield, daughter of the Rosenfield Household and keeper of the Mooncrest Dukedom. It is an honor to be in your esteemed company today."
"Lady Celeste, you look absolutely charming," she said, her voice gentle but authoritative. "I must say, your choice of attire is impeccable. It suits you perfectly."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, curtsying. "Your compliments honor me greatly."
She gestured to the chair opposite her. "I've had a special tea blend prepared for our meeting. It comes from the eastern provinces, renowned for their exquisite teas."
I couldn't help but smile as I took my seat. Remembering the Duke's comment about this tea earlier.
As a servant poured the fragrant tea into delicate porcelain cups, I felt the Empress Dowager's eyes on me, assessing, yet kind. "I have heard much about you, Lady Celeste."
I inclined my head modestly. "I am honored by your words, Your Majesty."
'Though I know none of the tales that reaches her might not be the best about Celeste.'
The Empress Dowager sipped her tea, her gaze never leaving mine. "Tell me, how do you find life at court? It can be... overwhelming at times, especially for someone so young."
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "It is certainly complicated..." I find the right words, "but I am learning to navigate its intricacies. There is much to learn, and I am grateful for the guidance I have received from my father."
"Indeed, the court is a place of both opportunity and peril," she mused. "But you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I believe you will do well here."
Her kindness warmed my heart. "Your support means a great deal to me, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."
We continued to talk about lighter topics, enjoying the serene beauty of the garden. But soon, the conversation took a more serious turn.
"Lady Celeste," the Empress Dowager began, her tone contemplative, "What do you see women are for? In this society?"
The question caught me off guard, but I answered truthfully. "Women, in today's time, are still seen primarily as caretakers of the household. There is hardly any female figure in the aristocratic factions. Compared to other kingdoms that have female rulers who do not need husbands to legitimize their authority, our society is still very limiting for women."
The Empress Dowager laughed, a soft, musical sound. "The rumors about you being nothing but a mean young lady might not be everything," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You have a sharp mind, Lady Celeste. I am impressed by your insights."
Her compliment took me by surprise, and I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I only speak from my experiences and observations."
"Well," she said, leaning back in her chair, "I believe that with women like you, perhaps our society can begin to see the value of having more female voices in positions of power. Change is slow, but it is inevitable."
The Empress Dowager leaned forward, her gaze piercing yet thoughtful. "Now, with that sharp mind of yours, do you believe that marriage is essential for a woman to find success in this life?"
My heart skipped a beat. This was it. She was finally turning the conversation to marriage. The wedding. And her grandson.
"I believe you were once engaged to my grandson, Alexander. Perhaps not engaged anymore, considering you ran away from the altar," she said, her tone neither accusatory nor forgiving, merely stating a fact.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Your Majesty," I began, choosing my words carefully, "I believe, no, I know that it is not a requirement to be wed in order to achieve success. There is so much more to a woman's potential than merely serving as a vessel for lineage. Women are capable of remarkable achievements in various fields, contributing to society in ways beyond traditional roles."
The Empress Dowager's expression softened slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You speak with conviction, Lady Celeste. Perhaps there is more to you than the rumors suggest."
The Empress Dowager's gaze remained steady, her interest clearly piqued. "Then, I would like to know. What are your aspirations as a lady? If not to be wed to my grandson, the most eligible and capable bachelor of the kingdom, what do you plan on doing?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, recalling the vivid dreams that had filled my mind ever since my encounters with the seamstress, the jeweler, and the dazzling diamonds from my dress. "Your Majesty," I began, my voice steady and filled with resolve, "I wish to establish a business. A venture that combines my passion for fashion and jewelry, creating exquisite designs that bring beauty and elegance to the women of our kingdom."
The Empress Dowager's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened with what seemed to be approval. "A business, you say? That is quite an unconventional ambition for a lady of your standing, but I find it intriguing."
I nodded, my confidence growing. "I believe it is time for women to step beyond traditional roles and make their mark in areas traditionally dominated by men. I want to contribute to our society in a meaningful way and inspire other women to pursue their dreams as well."
The Empress Dowager smiled, a look of genuine pleasure on her face. "You are full of surprises, Lady Celeste. I must say, I am pleased with your vision and determination. I expect great things from you in your future endeavors."
As we continued to sip our tea, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of purpose and hope. The Empress Dowager's approval and encouragement were more than I could have hoped for, and I felt a newfound determination to make my dreams a reality. Our meeting ended on a high note, with the promise of exciting possibilities ahead.
I find myself giggling and looking forward, the things I have said to Her Imperial Majesty are not just words, but what I really want to do. I always wonder why nobles do not work, but its because they make their own treasure to various of ways and working seems to be more for the lower classes.
But if I know one thing about the aristocratic faction, it is that their wives and ladies are bored with tons and tons of treasure and time to spare.
'I came from a capitalistic modern world, might as well be one myself in this one!'
The Empress Dowager looks at her window where she sees Lady Celeste almost jumping in excitement with her thought, she sips another time in her tea and looks forward to the future of the empire, and the young lady's aspiration.
"Hmmm. A villainess, a runaway bride, and now an aspiring businesswoman? There appears to be something quite extraordinary that will influence the aristocratic faction in the days to come."