The silence of the banquet hall felt eerily loud, and tension is the only thing I can sense among these people. I shifted my gaze to the second prince, and he gave me a smile of approval, satisfied with my question meant to make Eviona realize the reality she brought upon herself. At the same time, this moment gives her the chance to explain what’s going on.
Despite the anxiety rising in her chest, she took measured steps across the brilliantly embroidered red carpet while maintaining her composure and headed to the stairs for everyone to see her.
“His Grace is not wrong – today marks my first appearance in high society, but it’s not true that I forced the former empress to abdicate the throne. I believe this wasn't spread to the public – but His Highness the crown prince's wife, ‘Kathrynne’ as you all know her, tried to kill the former empress. She put liquid mercury in the empress' bath and since it was odorless, my poor mother suffered the consequences. She's alive, but she's not in a good condition to join the banquet. The lady who married His Highness was an imposter, who was adopted by Duke Walchelin to fool the imperial family and secure the throne. It was the cause of House Chavalleve’s downfall, as my brother didn’t give mercy to the duke and his family. When I returned to the palace almost two months ago, the crown prince is already missing and due to the former empress’ deteriorating health, she told me to take her position instead of waiting for someone who was missing after his marriage's failure.”
A couple of truths twisted with some lies. I see this is how she wants to play it. The second prince wasn’t wrong – this is exactly what Eviona will say, as he had predicted.
“Then that means the imperial family is hiding a lot of secrets. How can we be sure that you’re not just like the fake crown princess?” Duke Arthur Ruivenfiere of Greizenne asked. It was bold of him to ask in that manner. Seems like this guy has no idea what Eviona is capable of.
“There’s a strict rule in the imperial family that the one who’ll inherit the throne is the most powerful among the emperor’s offspring, and not whoever is born first. The reason why the former empress didn’t introduce me to high society is that I couldn't control my powers, as it is too strong. She sent me to a far place so that I can learn how to use my powers first to avoid causing trouble here in the palace for I can destroy things easily with my hands." Eviona began to frown, and I can imagine that she was running out of patience. This time, her words are mostly true, except that she wasn’t sent away, but banished.
“Then how will Your Majesty explain the funeral held for the princess and the late emperor? Are you saying that the former empress only made a show to fool us all?” I held myself back from laughing at the question from Duke Zachary of Xaerian.
That was the best question. How will she deny that now?
Interestingly, the Ruivenfiere dukes are denying the existence of their niece just because they never met her.
"The former emperor of the empire, my father, is alive. He stepped down from the throne the moment the former empress said that I'll be sent to a faraway place so that he can guide me on how to handle my powers. He's currently not here to make an appearance, and again, the reason why the former empress appointed me to replace her is that her physical condition has deteriorated a lot," Eviona spoke in a shaking voice, and she held her chest as if to show that it was all painful for her to handle.
Tears followed, and the nobles had second thoughts about their criticism. Though there are still some who are mumbling that she's just acting.
“Then, how can we be sure that the late emperor and empress are still alive? That you didn’t kill them to have the throne?” Duke Ferio of Ruizvon retorted.
“Also! How can we know that you’re the strongest among your siblings?!” Harold, the Duke of Beruvia added, but among all of them, he’s the one who shouted his question that made him look like the least mannered.
Eviona let people ask further questions, and the ladies started throwing out questions as well, making the banquet loud. It wasn’t a banquet anymore – it was a protest from nobles who forgot their manners out of doubts towards the imperial family.
On the other hand, the second prince hid his amused face with his hand, letting his sister get roasted by the nobles. Only the Duke of Erethus remained silent.
Eviona remained silent, gripping the handrail of the stairs tightly. She held onto it and grabbed it upwards. She lifted it as if it was a tea cup instead of marble, and she threw the detached handrail on the side of the banquet where the table of food was served, causing a loud thud. It killed four servants in a matter of seconds. The edge of the marble handrail was lined with a blue flame.
She did those without sweat as if it were the most natural thing she can do.
“Now, if you still have doubts, feel free to ask further. If you’re satisfied, then you’re free to do what you wish.” Eviona spoke, and nobody dared to speak further out of fear and shock she caused. It all happened fast, and none of the nobles had the time to scream.
Louvienne held my arm tighter than usual, and she was trembling in fear.
“Ky vcen, xeryaf ven hez qsuen er rgiath hyer. Zgehy nus, quweryt.” (My dear, I can no longer stand it here. Let’s go, please.”) Louvienne whispered. I wasn’t expecting that she called me ‘my dear’ for the first time at the moment she was terrified.
“Hrenin gze. Zgehy nus, ky vcen.” (I understand. Let’s go, my dear.) My cheek felt warm as I said my response, and I held her hand to lead her outside the toxic banquet hall.
──•~❉᯽❉~•──
I looked at the sky the moment we stepped out of the main palace, and I realized that the sun had set, and the stars were shining bright.
I escorted Louvienne to the garden, guiding her to a seat within the gazebo positioned beside the fountain. Adjacent to the gazebo lies the moat encircling the entire palace.
With seven gardens within the palace grounds, it seems improbable that we would be followed here. This tranquil setting provides a welcome escape for us to enjoy some fresh air. Considering the pressure, she must be facing amidst the banquet, this respite is likely a much-needed reprieve for her.
Upon disembarking from the carriage, all eyes were fixed on us, causing a stir of attention. The sight of me strolling alongside a lady garnered significant interest, particularly since I had been perceived as the composed and quick-tempered grand duke who showed little interest towards marriage.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
I already told Louvienne that all the tables will be flipped the moment we enter – from the news of our marriage to the exchange of arguments towards the new empress.
The second prince took the initiative to defend Eviona, casting me in the role of the antagonist who broached the subject of her identity. The scenario was carefully orchestrated, and the outcome was as anticipated.
But despite informing Louvienne of the staged nature of the interaction, she remained visibly shocked by the unfolding events.
“Luvi, I’m sorry you had to witness all of those. I know it caused you stress but … frankly, this is only the beginning,” I sat next to her and held her hand to calm her down. She raised her head and faced me, and she was more relaxed than earlier.
“It’s alright. You told me before that everything will change when I marry you. That being the center of attention is inevitable, opinions and rumors will be everywhere,” she let out a sigh and showed a playful smile.
“Do you know the best part? My heart truly stirred when the attendant said, ‘Honored guests, please let me make an announcement. Grand Duke Raleigh Von Laszlo of Herzoyona Eskal and his wife, the new Grand Duchess, Louvienne Halvekia have arrived.’ You have no idea how I shouted internally screamed because hearing that was satisfying.”
I guess … I was wrong to worry about her. t's truly remarkable how swiftly a shocked individual can regain composure. A simple moment of stepping out for fresh air and exhaling seemed to work wonders in lifting her spirits. It's fortunate that she can swiftly collect herself, as managing someone with lingering emotional burdens would be troublesome.
“It felt wrong though. Why would they address you with your old surname when you’re already married to me?”
“Oh, you found that annoying? That’s so sweet of you,” she teased, and I shifted my gaze away.
"Why, isn't it rude? You shouldn't let people call you by your name alone, you should get used to being called 'Your Grace.' Only your husband and your family have the right to say your name. People should know their place. It was annoying when people were murmuring about us while we can hear it. They're calling themselves nobles, but they have terrible manners."
Despite my annoyance at the chatter surrounding us upon our entrance, Louvienne seemed to relish the attention.
This marked a stark contrast from previous occasions, as the nobility typically overlooked me despite my status as a grand duke.
My neutral stance in politics often rendered me the least acknowledged figure at imperial banquets, with little to no discourse centered around me.
Thyra was the first person who was bold enough to acknowledge my presence at the banquet a few months ago. It was unexpected because it's normal for people to tremble like some scared dog whenever I make an appearance.
But today, it was the opposite. Though I saw friendly faces, I know not all of them had pure thoughts about us. It felt like Louvienne was the only truth in the world of lies. Still, I’m grateful that she did her part well. Everything seemed perfect about her.
Wait, what am I saying?!
"Ral. Hey," I got back to my senses when Louvienne called my attention. Curiosity was written in her eyes, and I can tell she was trying to see through me.
“Pardon. Did you say anything? I spaced out, sorry.”
“I said, ‘I’ll keep that in mind’ when you said people should know their place. But then you were in deep thoughts after.” Long before I say my response, I sensed footsteps from the grass, that caught my attention.
“I hope I’m not intruding, grand duke, grand duchess,” the second prince approached us with an amused expression. “It’s my first time to see Her Grace up close. You’re very beautiful, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” I rolled my eyes upon hearing Louvienne’s response. Why am I starting to feel irritated? Is it because he ruined the mood? I wanted to talk to her alone.
“I was having a stroll because the banquet ended, and I happened to hear you two speaking in a different language, so I got curious and I wanted to see who it was,” It’s strange to see him in a pleasant mood after what happened earlier.
“Now that you know who, are you satisfied?”
"Oh, how cold," He chuckled at my mocking reply, but his face turned serious. "Now that I'm here, I'll cut to the chase. In case you haven't heard, nobles are starting to talk about the grand duchess' origin."
I narrowed my eyes as I grasped the idea of what he was saying. Louvienne told me back then that there's a possibility that she was a red diamond Izavene whose ring was removed that turned her to human, and she was abandoned after – that adds up to how she was kept in the orphanage with no memory aside from her name.
That is likely, and it’s inevitable for people not to think about it. But if it’s true that it’s exactly what happened to her, what should I do about it? She’s human. She was raised as Louvienne Halvekia, and now, she’s Louvienne Laszlo, the grand duchess of Herzoyona Eskal. What’s there to talk about?
“It’s forbidden for anyone to remove a red diamond ring because red diamond Izavenes are considered to be of royal lineage – that they might belong to the Ruivenfieres, House Chavalleve, or House Ashleigh and that made us rare. If people find out that someone from the royal lineage had their ring removed and they were thrown away, the person who did that would suffer grave consequences. It's not even close to how the former empress manages public executions." His face became pale as he said the words, and he bit his lip before sharing more information.
"I had a younger sister. People in high society know that my mother is the emperor's mistress, but I had a sister. I woke up one day with the news that she was missing, but I couldn't trace her whereabouts. The former empress watched my sister from afar because she knew that her power might be stronger than Eviona’s. When my sister was born, our mother died immediately because she came out on her own. Thus, destroying our mother’s body with her power. Normally our powers won’t manifest until we turn three, but hers was different. If my sister is alive, she should be around the grand duchess’ age.”
It was my first time hearing a baby born by coming out by itself. I’m certain that he isn’t lying. I can’t think of a reason for him to make up one ridiculous story in the first place.
"Then you're saying that Louvienne might be your missing sister?” I asked, and Louvienne lowered her head, giving it some thought.
“I can’t conclude that easily. But with that topic spread in high society, people will get curious and dig into House Halvekia. Nobles are crazy. They’ll do anything to find interesting topics to talk about. What will you do if House Halvekia will get involved in this?”
If I’ll get rid of people who’ll try to dig into my in-law’s house to know information, it’ll sound suspicious. It would lead to the conclusion that we’re hiding something. If I’ll let them ask the Count about it, they’ll find out that Louvienne isn’t the Count’s real daughter. The world is big. It can’t be her.
If the nobilities will find out that she’s not the Count’s real daughter, how will it affect their family?
I gritted my teeth as I imagine the possibilities.
Louvienne finally spoke up in the language we agreed on and looked at me as she let the words out.
“Ral, xeryaf regel xehn reinyez er bgyelv rizehn le,” (Ral, I no longer care whatever my past is.)
Fear cannot be sensed in her voice, but her thumb rubbing the top of her other thumb is her nervous tic.
She cut eye contact with me and faced the second prince. “Whether I'm indeed your sister or not, I'd prefer not to be involved with you. Your family is dangerous to be with. I witnessed that with my own eyes earlier.”
I couldn’t believe what I’m hearing. This is the first time I saw Louvienne standing for herself, and her words are rather bold considering that she’s talking to the second prince. “If it’s true that I’m an adopted child, I was still raised in a family who loves me. Who could be that scoundrel who abandoned an innocent child? Though I feel bad for your sister, she can’t be me.” She added.
The second prince laughed, and Louvienne responded with a death stare. “I didn’t know the grand duchess would be fierce. All this time I thought you were the kind who’ll hide behind the grand duke’s back when you get stuck in a complicated situation. I thought you were a kitten, but now I know you can be a lioness. Interesting,” he replied, wiping the tear that built up in his eyes.
“Anyway, I only told you my sister’s story as well as the discussions about you two that buzz around. That’s my way of helping you. Since we’re done here, I’ll excuse myself. Have a nice evening.” The second prince didn’t wait for me to speak and left us alone.