Darlene had claimed that the staff didn't distrust Blanche for being used as a pawn against Theodore, but that was questionable.

The concubine looked at the maids with skepticism. “So, you are saying that the staff is on my side because of a few words and because I am cuddling with Theodore often? And that was enough to persuade them to take my side when our enemy clearly gave her best to portray me as a threat?”

Angelica was the one who replied. “Every servant here is on His Majesty's side anyway, and since you are with him, they will always support you. But you also managed to change the way they see you. I think you impressed them by not denying your commoner origin. For many aristocrats, being reminded that they used to be a commoner is extremely humiliating. But you never cared about that. The only thing that mattered to you was the truth. You wanted everyone to know that you were on His Majesty's side from the very beginning. And how you confronted that woman afterward was so special too. You never faltered even when she glared at you and demanded an apology for being wronged. It was breathtaking.”

Darlene nodded and added something. “You looked so authoritarian while doing that, and you managed to speak in a manner that made it obvious that she had always done things to upset you even before. Every single person was swayed by your speech back then. And you hosted the whole ball so elegantly. Now no one believes that you are unworthy of being with His Majesty. You will be a perfect wife.”

Simultaneously, Stella and Angelica shushed her. The former one looked around and sighed in relief upon seeing that the knights next to them weren't reacting. “You really need to be more careful. What if someone hears that? It would be bad if people found out before the official engagement party. So, please stay quiet about that. Just don't mention it at all.”

Darlene rolled her eyes. “If others heard, they would assume that I was joking. Your reaction is what makes all of this seem strange. But back to the original topic.” She turned to the concubine. “It's horrible that...that happened. Everything regarding your family and those two years after.” After that, she went on while saying similar things to Stella. She spoke about Sefare being awful for forcing a young girl to follow his commands and how it had to have been stressful for the other woman to carry that burden for so long

In the end, Blanche was left even more confused than before. She truly couldn't comprehend why no one was even questioning whether she was to blame for coming here with the goal of seducing the emperor. It was surprising, but it seemed like no one viewed her as the one at fault. She almost couldn't believe it.

But the maid rambled on and mentioned many colleagues that apparently wished to give their condolences for the death of the concubine's family.

Some of those names rang a bell with Blanche since she had met them in the kitchen and given them cake a few times. And even though these words didn't guarantee anything, she couldn't help but be calmed. At least it seemed like the staff hadn't turned against her all of a sudden. She was content with that much. “I'm thankful that you are on my side. I actually expected many to believe that I am a traitor now.”

Darlene made a rejecting motion with her hand. “No one would dare to do that. The few people that might have such stupid thoughts are not going to be able to voice them. There are too many who would be happy to confront them for that. Clark, for example, would probably be intimidating enough to scare them. You know how unapproachable he looks to others. And right now, he is constantly in a bad mood, so his terrifying aura will be even more powerful.”

Blanche did not doubt that Clark could be rather scary if he wanted to. He had proven that much when they had first met and he had looked down on her. But the last comment worried her a bit. “He is in a bad mood? Did something happen?”

Angelica was quiet for a moment before responding. “You could say that. It is nothing too worrisome though even if it is unpleasant. Clark is currently trying to speak to Harris. He wants to...not reconcile, but...he would like to talk about their fight. But that man runs away whenever he sees Clark. This has caused a lot of stress during the past weeks.”

Darlene's expression became more serious as well. “Yes. He's been very upset because of this ever since Harris collapsed. That is why he originally wanted a conversation, to ask how he was doing. But apparently, Harris always ran away when he saw him. That annoyed Clark a lot, and now he even tries to search for Harris at random times during the day. But Harris always finds a way to give an excuse or to avoid Clark completely. That is rather frustrating to him.”

Blanche didn't need to think long about why Harris was so secretive. He was currently being blackmailed by Cedar. He was trying to prove that to someone influential in the palace without speaking up, but he couldn't just let random other people notice. Especially not Clark, with whom he had had a strong bond in the past. He probably didn't want anyone else to get involved in this mess. Cedar had threatened Harris by hurting a person that was dear to the servant, so it was obvious that no one was safe if they found out.

That thought made the concubine pause. She had no idea who that precious person could be. But if she had to guess, she would assume that they were within the palace too. And since she recalled the way Harris fought with his previous best friend and how they interacted in general, it might not be too wrong to assume that Clark could be that person.

For a moment, Blanche considered warning her friends. But then she quickly remembered that involving them could only lead to them getting hurt. So, she kept her mouth shut about all of this. She didn't say anything when the others began chatting about some other servant's wedding and just allowed them to change the topic.

The conversation slowly drifted away from its starting point, with the maid bringing up some gossip from the kitchen. At some point, Stella spoke up though. “My Lady, we came here to ask them about something, right?”

Angelica gave the concubine a questioning look. “You wanted to see us?”

Darlene showed the other women a bright grin. “It seems like we are quite popular. Then it's even better that we found you first.”

Blanche returned a nervous smile as she tried to sort the thoughts in her head. “Yes, I did want to speak to you. It's not a very important matter though. I just wished to ask you something. Please answer honestly. Do you like your jobs?”

Darlene tilted her head to the side. “Where did that come from? I'm pretty sure that we're not going to be dismissed, right?”

The concubine hurried to raise her hand in a rejecting gesture. “No, of course not. I just wanted to ask you that because I was curious. You had some issues in the past, but those were mostly related to Harris. Now that he is calm, you didn't complain about things aside from having to go through stressful times during events. I just wanted to know if you would change your jobs if you had the chance.”

Angelica and Darlene exchanged a confused look. The former one replied. “Actually, I doubt that we would leave the palace. It is very cozy here, and we have nice rooms and delicious food. Most of our colleagues are nice, and Gloria is a good employer as long as she doesn't listen to Harris. We can live in such a wonderful palace and support His Majesty to help the whole nation. We are content with that. I don't think that we need to change anything.” That answer should have been expected.

Blanche nodded and planned on dropping the subject. If they liked their current positions, getting involved and messing up their lives was a horrible idea. She hadn't needed another maid from the very beginning, so she didn't have to press the issue either.

But Stella had a different idea. She raised her index finger and began speaking in a serious voice. “My Lady didn't refer to leaving the palace. If you could have another position, maybe one that is ranked higher, would you take it? Let's say you had to work less, only needed to serve one person and would be able to spend more time with each other and other friends. Would that sound intriguing?”

Darlene raised an eyebrow at her. “You are proposing a perfect job here. Why would anyone refuse that? But I doubt that someone like us would gain such a position. We are rather young and haven't worked here for too long, you know.”

Angelica scanned the two women in front of her before speaking up. “I assume that you are talking about the position of a personal attendant. Is there any specific reason you were asking us about such an honorable position? After all, there is no way that we would join Her Majesty.”

Blanche hid her hand behind her back and fiddled around while trying to keep her face from showing how uncertain she was. “Well... It was just a thought and...uhm... Theo only...” In the end, she couldn't say it. It would sound too ridiculous. “Never mind.”

Stella didn't let her end it like that though. “What are you saying? This is important. They won't do it if they don't want to. Just give them the choice.” She was right. Hiding this gave their friends less of a chance to make their own decision.

Blanche took a deep breath before speaking up. “Don't say anything you don't want to. This isn't an order or a request or anything like that. I want you to answer honestly without you feeling pressured. Theo proposed that I could take in two more maids. I don't know how to feel about that, but obviously, I thought that you would be the best choice in case I actually do agree.” She averted her eyes and took a few seconds before looking at them again.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Angelica just seemed surprised while Darlene crossed her arms. The latter one replied first. “You are seriously asking us that while being so nervous? You are giving us a rather obvious choice. One option is sweating in the kitchen after standing up at four o'clock and being yelled at whenever we bring something a moment too late and not being able to cuddle because people are watching. The other option is having a relaxed and calm day during which we can spend time with a nice mistress, who happens to be our friend, and another friend. And that happens after sleeping at least three hours longer with no one telling us to hurry the whole time. Are you insane? Of course, we'd agree!” By the end of her speech, she had gotten all excited already and was balling her fists in anticipation with shining eyes.

Angelica chuckled at that before gazing at the concubine. “And you were seriously given that option by His Majesty? I do not want to seem doubtful, but right now, Her Majesty only has two attendants. It would be odd to give someone else more.” Finally, someone seemed to understand what Blanche was worrying about. The concubine opened her mouth to agree with that, but Angelica already resumed with a dreamy smile on her face. “That just proves how much he treasures you. It really is sweet how he always wants the best for you. He went out of his way to meet us to ensure that we were to be trusted, and now he allows you to take in more maids.”

The concubine's face almost fell at that. In the end, she was the only one bothering to think about ranks after all. But that would allow her to focus on the topic itself now. “Theo certainly did put a lot of thought into it.” Probably to upset Seraphina specifically. “He even proposed that you could do it because he knows that we would get along.”

Stella nodded happily and folded her hands. “Please accept! I know that you will probably cuddle the whole time and make me feel like the third wheel. But at least we will be able to talk then. Right now, I'm always sent outside because My Lady and His Majesty want to be alone. Or I am in the room with them and feel like I am just disturbing them.” She lowered her voice so that she was almost whispering. “And often I am alone with Sir Maillont. He is nice, but he doesn't say anything unless you speak to him firsts. If more of us are there, we can get him to join our conversations more easily! And we get to spend time together with My Lady. You will get a higher rank and probably a pay raise too. It's perfect.”

Darlene pretended to throw her hair over her shoulder but naturally failed since the tips of her hair just barely reached her shoulder. “Of course. Do you think that we're stupid? Why would we refuse that?”

Angelica immediately nodded with a bright smile. “I do not see the need to think much about that decision either. As long as your mistress is kind, being a personal attendant is wonderful. If it's you, we have no reason to hold back. There is only one thing we have to ask first. Do you give many orders?”

Before Blanche had a chance to respond, Stella already raised her voice. “Not at all! The most I've done during the past few days is running about three errands. I needed to get tea twice, and one time, I helped her put on her make-up before the ball. Anything else is done by the servants that are waiting for His Majesty's orders. But not only that, he takes away my work too. Excluding the preparation for the party, I haven't brushed My Lady's hair or helped her dress in weeks because he insists on doing everything.” She became a bit louder while saying that, which earned them a strange look from the two knights that had just passed them.

Blanche almost wanted to sink into the floor when the men bowed their heads to her before they exchanged a look that said everything. She forced herself to smile before turning to the maids again. “Now you are really trying to embarrass me, aren't you? I think I will have to take that pay raise away from you again.”

Stella pretended to gasp at that and put on an expression that made it seem like she was upset. “How mean. I was only telling the truth. If I wanted to embarrass you, I would start with other stories.” The corners of her lips twitched, and slowly, she began smirking. “I could speak about how often His Majesty kisses and embraces you. Or I could tell them how you go to bed much earlier but sleep way longer for some reason. Or about the little red spot he leaves-”

Blanche cut her off at that. “No, no, no. Don't say that! I waver. I will give you your pay raise, but please spare me.”

Stella gave her a confident grin. “I knew it.” She turned to the other maids. “As you can hear, you will see many interesting things. And your pay is negotiable if you do it right.” She showed them her extended thumb.

Darlene was smirking as well. “I see. That sounds interesting. Then I would like to apply so that we can uncover the dirty secrets of the most well-known couple in Artias.”

Angelica smiled too while she addressed the concubine. “You heard her. We would agree if you offer us to work for you. It would be an honor to serve you. Please take care of us.” She slowly bowed to the other woman.

Darlene hurried to imitate that. “Yes. We swear to be loyal for as long as we stay in the palace.”

Blanche immediately took a step backward and waved around with her hands. “Please don't. I don't want you to exaggerate like that. You are my friends too, and that is why you bowing to me feels awful.”

Darlene immediately straightened her posture at that. “Good. Because I won't do it again any time soon. It feels weird to us too. But we just had to do something like that. Isn't swearing an oath to your master really impressive?” She seemed extremely motivated to do this. Her eyes were shining, and there was determination flickering in her gaze.

Angelica smiled at that as she lifted her head as well. “We will see you as our friend too, but we still will not neglect our duties. You needn't worry about that. When will we begin working for you?”

The concubine mirrored the smile and replied. “Thank you for your energetic response. I am not sure when though. Probably in a few days. I will ask Theo when I go see him now. He wanted to show me something.”

In an instant, Darlene seemed to be even happier. “Then you shouldn't let him wait. We are currently on our break, but we don't have much more-”

Stella cut her off. “We all know that the two of you just want to hide and cuddle somewhere. And we would disturb you. I get it. Don't worry. When you become My Lady's attendants, you will have more than enough time to spend together. Then you won't have to send us away to have fun anymore. Maybe getting you two to work with me wasn't a good idea after all. I will definitely end up having to watch two couples from now on.” She put her hands onto her cheeks and sighed. “That will be horrible.”

Blanche grinned at that as the realization finally sank in. Her friends had agreed to become her maids. That would allow her to calm down. Even if Theodore insisted on giving her more servants, she still had people with her whom she liked. “Thank you for agreeing. Then we won't bother you any longer.”

She and Stella barely managed to say goodbye before Darlene already dragged Angelica away. It was an amusing sight, and in the end, it only proved how sweet couples could be once again. The concubine was happy to see that others were as cuddly as she and Theodore. It made her feel a tiny bit less embarrassed about being glued to him. She waved to the maids before making her way to the emperor's office.

As always, none of the guards were bothered by Blanche just walking up to the door and knocking. Her lover immediately spoke up to let her in, and she didn't waste time before rushing in. Almost immediately, she rushed toward Theodore, who met her halfway and pulled her into his arms.

She cuddled against him for a moment before whispering. “They agreed. They would become my attendants if you appoint them to that position.”

A smile grew on Theodore's face. “That is good. I will instruct Gloria as soon as possible. By the end of the week, they will accompany you.”

Blanche pressed her face into his neck while muttering to him. “You seem to be in a hurry. You don't have to do that, alright? I'm perfectly fine with having only one maid. In the end, they will mostly stand around the whole time. So, don't prioritize this over important matters.”

Theodore gently patted her back. “This is important. I need to ensure that everyone understands your position. For decades, it has been a tradition that...” He almost said something troublesome, but Blanche narrowed her eyes at him, so he held back. “In any case, you need to have three maids. It's wonderful if they are loyal people, whom you like. I will make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts. But of course, serving you is an honor in itself. I couldn't imagine anyone I would like to work for more.”

A sigh came from the other end of the room before the concubine could comment on the general idea her lover seemed to have. Leonard massaged his temples and continued to read his book while speaking. “Good day to you too, Lady Blanche.”

She only noticed him now and felt a little bad about that. “Good day, Leon. Are you doing well?”

The secretary shrugged. “I was doing fine. Then this man over there arrived and kept telling me about how he imagines your wedding. Believe me. I know every little detail I didn't ask for. It appears that your bouquet will be-”

Theodore interrupted him. “Don't you dare. If you ruin the surprise, I will make you read even more books about engagements.” He ignored how Leon mouthed something to the concubine and turned to his lover. “Don't listen to him. I am not planning this without you. I was only collecting my thoughts in my office, and he happened to be here at the same time. So, please do not pay too much attention to him.” He grinned at her before loosening his embrace to lead her to the desk.

It was almost natural for Theodore to sit down so that she could climb onto his lap. For a moment, they were silent and just cuddled with each other, but Blanche quickly spotted the piece of paper in front of them. It was a small sheet that had been folded neatly with some cursive letters being visible.

“What is that?” She gestured toward the paper.

The emperor's smile faded away. “That is what I wanted to show you. It was in the vase Lord Vasquez gifted you for your birthday. Leon was about to sell it and found this note inside.”

Blanche looked at the paper and then at her lover. “Can I read it, or is it something bad?”

Theodore picked it up and gave it to her. “It's just confusing. I don't know what exactly this is supposed to mean aside from it maybe being a vague threat. That is why I wanted to ask you. Maybe you have an idea of what he could be referring to. I mean, I doubt that there are any secrets Sefare shared with you since he didn't fully trust you, but it is worth an attempt.”

“He barely told me anything. I didn't even know the Vasquez family before coming to the palace, so I doubt it too. But let's try.” Blanche took the piece from him and unfolded it. The whole front page of the paper was covered in writing. She went through each line and became more confused with every word.

Wasn't this a fictional narration? How odd.

This seemed to be the story of a count, who couldn't have children. When he finally had a son, that boy got truly sick and died just before he could become an adult. But the count needed an heir. So, they chose the son of the count's brother. In case an issue arose, they decided to claim that that boy was the count's illegitimate son, which would erase all problems. But there weren't any complaints, so they didn't resort to lying. In the end, the new heir married the real son's fiancée to gain a better standing in society and gain her family's support. The fiancée apparently didn't care much since she was a bit air-headed and just fell in love as soon as the boy was kind to her. The story ended with the two of them being together and raising the child of the count's real son while the new heir's father, the uncle, was happily taking care of the household's finances.

The last line of the note was a comment about how the plants in the swamps of Travuan were rather interesting. A blue flower with drops falling out of it was drawn next to it.

The concubine read through everything twice and was still none the wiser. She lifted her head and looked at her lover. “And this is...supposed to mean what?”

Theodore stared at the letter with a grim expression. “I have no idea. It's not Duke Vasquez's handwriting. I compared it to some old documents, and the difference is way too great. This is probably Lord Vasquez's writing. I would love to know what he wants to tell us with that, but I have no idea. If he was trying to tell me that the heir to the throne should die so that Cedar can take over, it surely was a strange way to do it. I don't even understand what threatening me would gain him. Surely, an ominous message like this couldn't be used against him in a trial, but...it's still risky to some extent. After all, he should know that I will use everything I can against them. And if that flower means what I think it may refer to, he is just plain stupid.”

Yes, that was the only thing Blanche could think of too. After all, a blue flower from Travuan was a bit too familiar to her. But somehow, she felt like the connection to this odd story was a bit too loose.