Emilia's gaze shifted from the Queen to Countess Evelyn as the countess leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with a calculated glint.
"The first step, my lady," the Countess began, her voice low yet confident, "is to dispel any whispers about the Crown Prince's… affections within the palace."
Emilia's expression didn't betray much, but she knew precisely who Countess Evelyn meant. The implication was clear, the rumors of Alistair's relationship with Selene had woven a shadow of doubt and intrigue around the royal couple's bond, casting Emilia in an unflattering light.
The Queen nodded, showing her agreement with the Countess. "People can be quick to see things as they wish, dear," she said gently. "But we can show them a different story, one where the Crown Prince's loyalty is unmistakable."
Countess Evelyn continued, her voice unwavering. "This time, my lady, we need to be proactive. If there's any doubt in the palace, let's erase it. You'll need to make it clear that you and Crown Princes are inseparable, both in public and in private. Let the whispers die under the weight of what they see with their own eyes."
Emilia looked hesitant, unsure of the extent to which this "display" might require her to go. The Countess's sharp eyes noticed her pause and leaned closer with a warm but persuasive smile.
"Let's make the Crown Prince fall so madly in love with you, my lady, that he won't be able to stand being apart from you," the Countess said, her words infused with a mischievous confidence. "We'll make it so clear that no one in the kingdom can question who his heart belongs to."
Emilia blinked, a slight blush coloring her cheeks at the directness of the Countess's suggestion. "But… how do I…" she began, struggling to grasp the approach the Countess had in mind.
"Simple," the Countess replied with a sly smile.
"You'll charm him. Show him affection, even in small gestures, but let them carry a weight that no one can ignore. Your presence should be like an unbroken thread tying him to you. Smile for him, share fleeting touches, exchange whispers only for him to hear."
Emilia's initial reluctance began to soften as she considered the Countess's strategy. But then the Countess leaned back slightly, her gaze sharpening with a playful, almost mischievous glint.
"And to ensure his attention stays focused," she continued, her tone casual but unmistakably intentional, "why don't we add a little jealousy to the mix?"
Emilia blinked, surprised. "Jealousy?"
The Countess nodded, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Yes, my lady. Prince Dorian seems to share a good rapport with you. He's an admired figure and a rival of the Crown Prince. What if, from an outsider's view, your relationship with Prince Dorian looked a bit… ambiguous?"
Emilia's mouth opened slightly, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Are you suggesting… that I play a game of jealousy with the Crown Prince?"
The Countess's eyes sparkled. "Precisely, my lady. Nothing serious, just enough to keep the Crown Prince on his toes, to remind him what he has and what he stands to lose. The public will see it, too, and soon enough, every whisper of a supposed lover in the palace will be silenced."
Emilia's mind raced, considering the implications. She knew Dorian as a loyal friend, but would he agree to participate in such a display? And how would Alistair respond?
Sensing her hesitation, the Countess added, "Don't worry. It will be subtle. A mere glance, a laugh shared a bit too closely, a lingering look. Nothing inappropriate, but just enough for the Crown Prince to notice."
The Queen nodded in agreement, a subtle smile forming on her lips. "You have our blessing, Crown Princess. If this is what's necessary to stabilize the palace, then let's proceed. Let the Crown Prince see for himself the devotion he might be taking for granted."
Emilia looked between the two women, feeling the weight of their support and confidence. Her reluctance began to wane, replaced by a cautious determination.
"Very well," she finally replied, her voice soft but resolute. "If this is what it takes to silence the rumors and strengthen my position, then I'll do what's necessary."
The Countess gives a comforting sight to Emilia. "Trust me, my lady. Soon enough, the Crown Prince will realize the precious gift he has and he'll be the one who can't bear to be away from you."
Emilia kept her expression steady, though a wave of reluctance lingered beneath her composed exterior. Despite her initial reservations, the plan had a certain logic. This opportunity might also allow her to uncover the clues she sought regarding the elusive healer who is related to Dorian's mother.
As the Countess and the Queen continued discussing finer details, Emilia's thoughts drifted toward Dorian. Their interactions had always been easy and cordial, but this facade would bring them much closer than ever before. Emilia hadn't been sure how to approach him to gain insight into the healer without arousing suspicion. Yet now, with this scheme, she could naturally find herself by his side, all under the guise of making Alistair envious.
The Countess must have noticed the slight shift in Emilia's demeanor, for she leaned in with an encouraging smile. "This isn't only about your marriage, my lady. It's an opportunity. Prince Dorian's influence and position allow him access to parts of the kingdom and its people that even the Crown Prince may not see. Perhaps there's more you can learn from him than you expect."
Emilia gave a small nod, understanding the layers of meaning in the Countess's words. "You're right, Countess. If I'm to fulfill my duties in this kingdom, I should understand it and the people in it more deeply. And if that means aligning myself with Prince Dorian in some way… well, then perhaps it's worth the risk."
The Queen observed her closely, her eyes thoughtful. "Prince Dorian has always been discreet, but he respects you. If you can engage with him more frequently, he might open up about matters even if he keeps hidden from others."
Emilia took a breath, her determination crystallizing. "Then I'll do it. I'll work with Prince Dorian, both as a friend and ally."
The Queen nodded, her face softening with approval. "Very well, Crown Princess. Remember that we're here to support you in this endeavor. Use this role wisely, the kingdom's welfare is in your hands."
With renewed resolve, Emilia's mind began to churn with ideas of how to approach Dorian. She would present herself as a companion in their public displays, but in private, she would uncover the mystery of the healer who seemed to be at the heart of the kingdom's secrets. And maybe, just maybe, through this journey, she would find clarity about the direction of her own heart.
As Emilia exited the room, she saw Dorian pacing anxiously down the corridor, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. The moment his eyes met hers, his entire demeanor softened, and a gentle smile spread across his face. He let out a relieved sigh and quickly approached her, his gaze full of concern.
"Is everything alright?" he asked softly, his voice laced with warmth and worry.
Emilia paused, caught off guard by his presence and the sincerity in his expression. She was tempted to confide in him but instead managed a small, reassuring smile. "Yes," she replied, "nothing serious. The Queen just needed to discuss some plans for her birthday."
Dorian's brow furrowed, as if he could see through her guarded response, but he didn't push. Instead, his face relaxed, and his lips curled up into a soft, understanding smile. "Good to hear. I couldn't leave without knowing you were okay."
Emilia blinked, a pang of guilt tugging at her heart. His loyalty and kindness were undeniable, and she felt a twinge of unease for the plan she'd be carrying out, using his friendship to her advantage.
She shook herself from the thought and asked, "I thought you'd left after taking Kieran back."
Dorian's smile widened, his eyes bright with humor. "I never said I was leaving. Just that I'd take care of Kieran." He tilted his head, his gaze unwavering. "I wasn't going anywhere until I made sure you were alright."
As she took him in, Emilia couldn't help but notice the contrast between Dorian and Alistair. Dorian's features were softer, yet his presence held an undeniable allure. His brown eyes held a warmth that made people feel safe, and his expression was open, with no hidden motives. Unlike Alistair's intensity, Dorian's appeal lay in his easy charm and natural kindness.
Feeling a bit flustered, Emilia finally spoke, "The Queen asked me to personally invite a guest for her birthday celebration. Would you be free to accompany me?"
Dorian opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a familiar voice sliced through the air.
"I'll be accompanying her."
They both turned to see Alistair standing a short distance away, his gaze fixed intently on Emilia, his jaw clenched and his eyes unreadable as he approached. He stopped beside Dorian, his eyes never leaving Emilia's face.
"Dorian's had a long day with the guests," Alistair said coolly. "It would be best if he rests."
Dorian's jaw tightened, a spark of challenge flashing in his eyes. He took a step forward, his tone calm but firm. "I appreciate your concern, but I think I'm more than capable of joining her if that's what she prefers."
Alistair's gaze hardened, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It is also my responsibility to accompany her, as her husband and Crown Prince. I would hate for anyone else to intrude."
Dorian's expression shifted, frustration simmering just beneath his calm exterior. "Emilia's preference matters too, wouldn't you say?"
The tension between them was palpable, and Emilia could feel the weight of both their gazes on her. Clearing her throat, she tried to defuse the situation. In the end, she had no choice but to side with Alistair, it was better not to make the man even angrier than he was now, because that wouldn't be good for Emilia and Dorian.
"Perhaps the Crown Prince is right," she said softly, offering Dorian a gentle smile and gaze lingering on his face. "I know you've been busy, and I'd hate to impose any further on your day."
Dorian's face softened, it seemed that through that gaze, he understood the situation they were currently in, which might cause bigger problems in the future and be detrimental to Emilia. When he realized this, he returned the smile, although a hint of disappointment lingered in his eyes. He started changing the address he used previously to a more appropriate one when speaking to her in front of Alistair.
"Of course, Crown Princess. But if you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know."
Emilia's expression softened with genuine gratitude, and Dorian gave her a final nod before turning to leave. As he walked away, his shoulders slightly hunched, Emilia couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that settled heavily in her chest. Dorian had always been a true friend, and she wondered how he'd feel if he knew the role she'd be asking him to play.
Once Dorian disappeared down the corridor, Alistair turned to her, a faint glimmer of jealousy flickering in his eyes. "You two seem to understand each other well," he remarked, his tone deceptively casual but edged with something more.
Emilia blinked, feeling the intensity of his stare. She forced a light smile, choosing her words carefully. "Prince Dorian is… a good friend. He's been a supportive presence."
Alistair's jaw tightened ever so slightly, though he nodded. "I see." He offered his arm, a silent invitation, and Emilia hesitated before accepting, slipping her hand through his arm. As they walked side by side, she could feel the unspoken tension lingering between them.
After a few moments of silence, Alistair glanced sideways at her, his expression softened, almost vulnerable. "Em.." he began, his voice quieter, "do you feel that my duties have kept me… distant?"
Surprised by his question, Emilia searched his eyes, uncertain of how to respond. Her own doubts and fears had been simmering since the rumors had started, and yet, here he was, his expression open and awaiting her answer.
Taking a steadying breath, she met his gaze, "Sometimes I do wonder if there are parts of you… that you keep hidden. Parts that you only share with others."
Alistair's eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions, a faint, almost regretful smile tugging at his lips. Her words lingered between them, and for a moment, the air felt charged with an unspoken understanding.
***