Anastasia had no idea about the Duchess's plans.She was feeling disappointed because she could no longer remember the details of her dream. She dropped her pen in annoyance.
For most people, forgetting a nightmare was a relief, but Anastasia was worried. The old Empress in her dream haunted her thoughts, especially since she was now engaged to the Crown Prince.
Taking a deep breath, Anastasia began dressing up. She had just finished styling her hair when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," she said, expecting Rosa to remind her to hurry. However, the person who entered was Miss Magdalene instead.
"Miss Magdalene, I thought you wanted to rest," Anastasia said, rising from her seat.
"I heard you will be attending a small party with your teacher today," Miss Magdalene remarked.
Anastasia nodded. It was her first opportunity to attend a social gathering. Even though the host was a teacher, it was still a chance to meet people.
"I heard that Miss Maria is your etiquette teacher," Miss Magdalene continued. She knew that when a teacher invited students to a party, it was never just about the celebration. It was a chance to showcase how outstanding their students were. After all, a student's success was a reflection of their teacher's pride.
"Yes," Anastasia confirmed, though she had no idea why Miss Magdalene was asking.
"Stand up," Miss Magdalene instructed. Since the Emperor had already sent the eunuch to the Duke's house, it was only a matter of time before news of the Crown Prince's engagement spread throughout the kingdom. Though the Empress did not fully support the Emperor's decision, Miss Magdalene knew how difficult it was to change his Majesty's mind, especially since gifts had already been sent.
Anastasia stood slowly, unsure of Miss Magdalene's intentions. She ensured her posture was perfect, her head and chin rested naturally, her back was slightly forward to maintain a graceful stance, and her shoulders were upright but relaxed. She raised her gaze to meet Miss Magdalene's, her hands properly positioned at her sides. She looked exquisite. Seeing her stand this way, Miss Magdalene nodded in approval. Although she had seen Anastasia earlier in the receiving hall, her aura was even more refined now that she was fully dressed.
"Do you know what Miss Maria's friend is celebrating?" Miss Magdalene asked.
"Miss Maria didn't say," Anastasia replied, shaking her head. She had only been told it was a small party, not what it was for.
Miss Magdalene sighed. "What are you good at?" she asked.
Regardless of the reason for the party, young ladies loved to compare and compete. Given that Anastasia had just become engaged to the Crown Prince, she would inevitably attract attention. Moreover, with Elisabeth attending, there was a high chance she would try to belittle her.
Anastasia hesitated, unsure of how to answer. She had learned everything her teachers had taught her, but following her mother's instructions, she had feigned ignorance for the past five years. Her first instinct was to deny any skills, but she managed to stop herself just in time.
"I am decent in all my studies," she finally replied after some thought. She felt she could trust Miss Magdalene, as she had done nothing so far to make Anastasia doubt her.
Besides, since Miss Magdalene was acting on the Empress's orders, she needed to present her best self.
"Good. You must be prepared. Young ladies enjoy comparing and competing. You cannot disgrace the royal family," Miss Magdalene warned. She suspected Anastasia was pretending to be ignorant, so she wanted to remind her of how important this event was.
Although it was not an official royal banquet, Anastasia had been absent from society for years. With news spreading about the Crown Prince choosing a wife from the Duke's house, all eyes would be on the two sisters.
Miss Magdalene was certain that many would assume Elisabeth was the chosen bride. However, that did not mean Anastasia should not present herself well, she could not simply yield to her sister at the party.
After all, if the woman the Emperor had chosen to be the next Empress appeared ignorant, it would cast doubt on his decision.
"I understand," Anastasia nodded slightly as she spoke. She did not realize that Miss Magdalene had already seen through her act. She assumed the warning was merely to remind her to remain quiet and avoid drawing attention.
"Sit down. I will style your hair," Miss Magdalene said.
As the future Empress, nothing about Anastasia's appearance should be left to chance. Although the dress she was wearing did not seem new, it was clean and well-maintained. With little time left before the party, there was no opportunity to change outfits.
Miss Magdalene was certain that this dress was likely the best one in Anastasia's wardrobe.
Thus, styling her hair would help enhance her elegance.
Anastasia took a deep breath and sat down. Deep in her heart, she knew Elisabeth would try to provoke her at the party.
"Should I let her?" Anastasia wondered.
She had been troubled by her dream. Even though she could not remember the details, she had the unsettling feeling that her misfortune was tied to her marriage.
Marrying the Crown Prince would free her from the Duchess's control, but was the royal family truly a better escape?
"I will accompany you to the party," Miss Magdalene announced as she finished styling Anastasia's hair. She could not allow the future Empress to embarrass the royal family.
"Can you do that?" Anastasia asked in surprise. Since she was attending as Miss Maria's student, she could only bring a maid. Miss Magdalene was not a servant, it felt wrong to have her act as one.
"Yes. I am not just here to teach you but also to serve you. You are already considered a member of the royal family," Miss Magdalene explained.
In truth, she was not required to serve Anastasia. However, as someone who worked in the palace, she understood the significance of being the Empress's trusted aide.
Although she currently served the Empress, she knew she was not the Empress's closest confidante.
After much thought, she had decided not only to fulfill the Empress's orders but also to build a good relationship with Anastasia.
If Anastasia married the Crown Prince and became the future Empress, Miss Magdalene's position in the palace would be secure. If not, she had nothing to lose.
"Thank you," Anastasia said sincerely. She had not expected a palace lady-in-waiting to be so kind. In her entire life, only Rosa had ever been willing to serve her.
Miss Magdalene smiled.
Indeed, a cup of water to a person dying of thirst was a lifesaving grace.
She could tell that Anastasia was already beginning to trust her.