Crazy Duke and Fallen Queen

The Emperor calls it a day and marches out of the room with his usual steps. He's grown up during the last year, so now he's taller than me.

He doesn't even glance at me, but I curtsey. To avoid further problems. I'm tired, and I want to rest.

I feel as if I've battled, instead of just conversing for a few minutes.

As soon as he's gone, I turn towards the exit and reach the hallways out of the throne room. The Princess is soon by my side, relieved that all went according to plan.

Now, all we can do is wait.

«How are you?» she asks me while grabbing my hand.

It's the first time she initiates skin contact, and I find out the motive when another group of noblewomen approach us.

Not that I mind: her touch is gentle and caring. It's as warm as Alexander's but not that strong.

«I'm all right, your highness,» I reply, remembering that we're still in public. I've been courteous till now; I can't ruin the act at the last moment. «Thank you for your worry.»

«Your grace,» a woman says, not far from us, «you should go rest, now. It's not good to be stressed in your state... You must be tired as well. I'm relieved it all turned out to be a misunderstanding!»

«I'm glad as well,» I say.

The young woman steps aside, letting an older one proceed further.

«Duchess Prim!» I recognise her. Differently from his majesty, the Duchess hasn't changed one bit. She's exactly the same as when I left.

«I see you're doing well, Duchess Kyre,» she says. «Apart from a few incidents on the way, but that is, unfortunately, part of the court life.»

She sighs, shaking her head in disappointment. She offers me her arm, and I accept.

We walk together towards a passage to the gardens, followed by a small group of noblewomen. The Princess is at my side, not too close to feel like preaching in, but enough to keep the situation under control.

«You should sit down, now,» the Duchess notes.

«Yes, I feel like that.»

The Princess doesn't leave us alone, and she glares at the Duchess, trying to understand how much she's a threat.

Her eyes glow, and her lips are crooked by a few degrees. She's so childish at the moment, even though she's almost an adult. It's cute.

And she's so similar to the woman I dreamt about, the late Archduke Kyre's second wife. They have the same witty light in their eyes.

We find a bench in the garden, and I realise that I am surrounded by women. And they're not glaring at me, nor commenting on my fashion, nor trying to embarrass me.

It's such a new situation! I've never been good at communicating with other ladies. It somehow is easier with men, as there are lots of topics to discuss.

«Your dresses are so beautiful,» one of the girls who remains standing says.

It's the first time I'm praised for my fashion style. Is it a consequence of being Duchess Kyre?

«Do they come from abroad?»

«I don't think so,» I say. «My husband ordered them for me before I arrived in Kyre, so I don't have a clue where they come from. I guess the tailors in Stoneyard have innovative ideas...»

I haven't worn everything in the wardrobe yet. There's no way I'll buy new clothes, for now. Kate has adjusted a few of the gowns to my new size, but the models are such that aren't difficult to wear with the big belly. It must be because the waist is higher than Ethirian clothes'.

«Oh, my,» Duchess Prim says. «Do not tire the Duchess out. She's just survived an attack from that harpy.»

I blink, wondering how much courage should one have to call a Dowager Empress harpy.

«But her grace stood her ground without a step back,» the girl replies. «She didn't even flinch while the Empress talked about execution... I'm impressed, your grace. I wouldn't have been so calm.»

«That woman wanted to get rid of your grace and the child you're carrying with a single statement... Her aims for the throne haven't lessened with time. If anything, she's fiercer than before,» another one adds. Her hands are joined together, her fingers white from the tension. I'm not sure whether she's excited or nervous about talking with me.

The first girl grimaces, showing a delicious pout before replying.

«She wouldn't be this free and shameless if the Emperor was a bit less tolerant. I guess she wouldn't be alive if the Duke succeeded the late Emperor. Instead of thanking the gods for her fate and bowing her head in front of his majesty!» she says.

«Oh, my,» I chuckle. «Do pay attention to your words, lady. I've just been summoned to court for a personal letter for my own grandfather.»

The girl covers her mouth with a hand and blushes.

«I didn't mean anything ill,» she mutters.

«I know, but my husband isn't the Emperor and never will be. The past can't be changed, and we do not wish to do so. Your words might be misunderstood if listened by a light heart.»

«And here I thought you were going to defend the Dowager Empress,» Duchess Prim comments. She laughs as if surprised.

«Why should I?» I ask. «We're not on amicable terms. I didn't do anything to offend her, yet she seems to want my death. I can't understand why, but I can't let her kill me either.»

«It's because your child will have a claim to the throne. The line of successors is getting longer, and many people will have to die for her turn to arrive. She's cutting short by trying to kill the baby before it's born.»

«Oh, that can't be,» I chuckle. «That would be simply cruel...»

Duchess Prim's words are so sincere and precise. She described the situation without fear, and this tells me enough on whose side she isn't.