“How do I look?”

  “You are a vision of beauty, my lady!”

  Artemisia stared at her reflection in the mirror. I’m not sure about vision of beauty, but I do look pretty damn good. She was dressed in a white evening dress adorned with light blue and gold accents. Subtle patterns woven into the fabric hinted at bird wings, and small jewels were sewn at intervals across the dress. The tiny puff sleeves looked like they were made from feathers, and thin, almost translucent gloves finished off the look, making Artemisia feel like an angel, even if the thought itself was embarrassing.

  “What about my hair?” she asked, raising a hand to the curls tumbling down her back.

  “Oh! I have all the things for it here, in this purse,” Elise said, handing it over. “The palace staff will know what to do, I’m sure.”

  “Why can’t you come with me, Elise?” Artemisia asked. It would be so much easier if I could have someone I could rely on.

  “It’s tradition, my lady,” Elise said for the fourth time. “It’s considered rude to bring your own maid into the palace.”

  “Rude, but not forbidden, right?”

  “No, my lady! You cannot offend the princess – you might never be invited again.”

  Artemisia sighed. I suppose that might cause me trouble in the future, as I could miss out on some important scenes. “Very well, I’ll drop it.”

  “Thank you, my lady.” Elise heaved a none-too-subtle sigh of relief, an act she surely would not have dared around the original Artemisia. “Right, now we know it fits, let’s get you out of this and into your day dress.”

  The evening gown for Princess Sissi’s party had arrived late – in fact, at nearly midnight the night before, alongside a barrage of apologies from the tailor. Therefore, it was only now, on the day of, that Artemisia had been able to try it on. Luckily, Artemisia wasn’t off to the palace until midday, and so there had been time.

  The day dress was more subdued, but made from the same fabric – although you would not see it under the cream wool pelisse Artemisia was wearing to stave off the chill wind that had invaded the capital.

  Elise did up Artemisia’s hair in her usual fashion – some shorter curls to frame her face, with the rest pinned up behind her head in an array of loops. It’s a few steps off a messy bun, but somehow it takes triple the time, Artemisia thought as she looked at herself in the mirror again, smiling wryly.

  “Something wrong, my lady?”

  “No, nothing.”

  ?

  The Monoceri Palace was one of the jewels of the Seraphim Empire, according to a book Artemisia had skimmed through. Indeed, as her carriage trundled up the near mile-long drive, she had ample time to take in the seemingly endless shining windows and rooftops.

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

  Maybe that book wasn’t making up stories when it said some of the roofs had been tiled with precious metals… it must be only a coating, or they’d be far too heavy.

  Artemisia’s carriage wasn’t the only one making its way to the palace. She was part of a small train, one of the various guests. In front of her was the most extravagant carriage drawn by four white horses, whilst in contrast, the one behind her was a much more modest vehicle, with only two duns pulling it along. I haven’t managed to get a look at the crests on either of them, however. I wonder who they belong to.

  She would find out soon enough, as they pulled up to the grand front stairs of the palace one by one, where a crowd of attendants waited to receive them.

  Two people emerged from the first carriage, a couple who Artemisia immediately recognised as the first daughter of the von Rustruchts and her husband. Verda von Rustrucht bore a striking resemblance to Emile, save with bright golden eyes instead of Emile’s soft amber and several years older. Colourful jewels glittered against her olive skin. Compared to the von Rustrucht heir, her husband was unremarkable, but he matched the description Marianne had given.

  The door to Artemisia’s carriage was opened by one of the attendants. “May I assist you, my lady?” he said, offering his hand.

  Artemisia took a deep breath. Here we go. “Thank you.”

  “Lady Artemisia? I didn’t know you’d been invited!” Verda gasped, holding her hand to her face.

  Was that a dig? Her tone is hard to read. I’ll just respond neutrally for now.

  “It was a surprise to me as well, but I was greatly honoured by the invitation. Are you well, Lady von Rustrucht? Emile sends her regards.” She never said anything of the sort, but it feels appropriate when meeting a family member of hers.

  “Oh, how is my dear cousin?” Verda asked. “And her darling little one – Elspeth, was it?”

  “They are both very well. Elspeth is progressing well – her speech improves every day.”

  “Oh, how sweet! I shall have to visit soon. When will the rest of your family join you in Seraph?”

  “In a week or two, gods willing.”

  Verda smiled. “When they do arrive, make sure to send me notice, and I will visit at once.”

  “That is most kind of you, Lady von Rustrucht.” Artemisia bowed her head in deference. The von Rustruchts were the most influential of the ducal families, with the eldest son being married to Princess Sissi. And from the way she holds herself, doesn’t she know it.

  “Duke von Loambarn! You’re here! What an unexpected surprise!”

  Artemisia stiffened. What? Here? Now? Don’t turn around too fast! Casually, like it doesn’t matter to you…

  The final carriage of the trio was departing, leaving the solo passenger adjusting his clothing on the gravel driveway.

  “Lord and Lady von Rustrucht,” was all he said in response, tugging at his collar as if it annoyed him. “Lady Artemisia. A pleasure.”

  Wow, he really does look like male lead material. Look at that slightly dead-eyed expression! He was handsome enough that Artemisia felt the need to look away lest she gawp. Have we ever met before? How should I act? Whatever you do Arte, don’t stare!

  Artemisia decided that the best way to not stare was not to look at all. Luckily, the attendants ushered her group into the palace, offering an awe-inspiring distraction. The vaulted ceilings, the huge artworks, the luxurious furnishings… Artemisia held her fan up to hide her gape.

  Less luckily, the von Rustruchts walked ahead, discussing something amongst themselves, leaving Artemisia and Duke von Loambarn with only the other to talk to.

  The duke cleared his throat. “How are you, Lady Artemisia? I heard talk that you were quite severely injured a little while ago.”

  “Um!” Artemisia jumped to attention. “I am quite well, as you can see. The rumours may have made it sound worse than what actually happened.”

  “I see. That is fortunate.”

  An awkward silence fell.

  “What about you, Your Grace?” That’s the correct way to address a duke, right? Ack, was that too casual? He’s about my age, but I’m not sure how much deference to show towards him. I mean, he’s bottom of the pecking order in the ducal families at the moment, so does it really matter? Still, I wouldn’t want to be rude and give off a bad impression. He seems to get enough rudeness – Verda von Rustrucht was even more snobby to him than she was to me.