“Lady Artemisia?”

  “Yes?!” I zoned out! She chanced a glance at him. He still looked slightly dead-eyed, but had raised his eyebrows in what could be either puzzlement or offence. “My apologies, my attention was elsewhere. What did you say?” Oh my god, I think I’m blushing. This is embarrassment, nothing else!

  “I only said that I am well, and that you don’t need to treat me with such respect. We are only one year apart, after all.” He opened his mouth to say something else, but then closed it.

  “Y-yes, of course.” How do I respond to that?

  The silence returned, and if possible, it was even more awkward than before.

  “What is that painting?” Artemisia asked one of the servants escorting them. She pointed towards a painting her height and easily three times that in length, depicting what seemed to be a holy battle.

  The servant responded with an in-depth description of its history, and by asking multiple questions about the art on the walls Artemisia and the duke made their way to the venue of the gathering without exchanging another word.

  Tables and chairs had been arranged out on a lawn, with large parasols being set up in case the sun decided to show its face. It wasn’t a cold day, but not a particularly warm one either. Autumn was entering its final phase.

  A woman who appeared in her early thirties was watching the proceedings with her arms crossed. Her hair was adorned with colourful feathers and her spencer jacket was embroidered with an excess of golden thread. A tiara perched upon her head, confirming her identity as the crown princess.

  Princess Sissi noticed the group approaching and turned to greet them with a confident smile. “What a delight to see you all!”

  The whole group bowed and curtseyed, although Artemisia noticed that Verda didn’t curtsey quite as deeply as was expected. Probably because the crown princess is her sister-in-law.

  “Verda!” Princess Sissi took Verda’s arms and kissed her on each cheek. “How are you? How are the little ones?”

  “Well, my dear Sissi. The little ones are, dare I say, almost too well. Harold upset a mirror yesterday.”

  “Ah, what a shame. Did you have to discipline him terribly?”

  “It gave him enough of a shock that we just sent him to bed without dinner. He came to us first thing this morning and apologised most profusely.”

  “A valuable lesson learned, it seems.” Princess Sissi drew apart. “But forgive my manners, I am neglecting the rest of you. Harold, are you well?”

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  She smiled. “Good to hear. How was your hunting trip down in Teraccia?”

  “Abysmal, Your Highness. We caught half as much as last year.”

  “A pity.” This time, the princess’ eyes moved to Artemisia.

  Oh god, here we go.

  “My dear young Lady Artemisia! We were all terribly dismayed when we heard of your misfortune, but you seem much recovered!”

  “I am indeed, thank you, Your Highness.” I can’t seem to make eye contact… she’s so intimidating.

  “Oh, don’t feel like you need to cower like that, I’ve heard tales of your boundless confidence.”

  Uhhhh… that doesn’t sound like a good thing. Still, Artemisia forced herself to straighten and meet the princess head on. “Thank you for the well wishes, Your Highness. They were much appreciated.”

  “That’s better!” Princess Sissi unexpectedly reached forward and tapped Artemisia on the cheek. “I’d say you’re still a little pale, but that’s typical of the von Lindts. One could have you working under the sun for a week and you’d still remain as white as milk, save for an abundance of freckles.”

  Artemisia chuckled weakly. “It’s a family trait, Your Highness.”

  But she had already moved on to the final member of their makeshift group. “However, you have no excuse, Duke! You should spend more time outside!”

  “My apologies, Your Highness. My duties unfortunately mean I rarely get the chance to step outdoors.”

  “Nonsense! Are you not out inspecting your land?”

  “My younger siblings have taken it upon themselves to assist me in my duties by doing the inspections themselves, and who am I to prevent them from that?” Look at the way his expression softens when he mentions his siblings. He must love them dearly.

  “And what about riding? Hunting? All of the typical diversions of a young gentleman?”

  “Only when the affairs of the estate are all in order shall I let myself rest, Your Highness.”

  “Too honourable for your own good! Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Artemisia?”

  “Oh, um! Ye… es?” Artemisia started to respond before she fully registered the question. “Although I think someone so devoted to their work in that way is an admirable person.”

  “Oho! So you think the duke is admirable?”

  Why is the crown princess looking at me with a glint in her eye… oh, god damn it! She’s trying to take my words out of context! What is she even thinking?

  “As I said, I think anyone who would deny themselves enjoyment for the sake of important duties is worthy of respect. Much more than my brother, who I have seen shirk his own to play with my niece on several occasions.”

  The crown princess laughed, and even the von Rustruchts let smiles pass across their faces. “Once you have your own children, you will understand how hard it is to resist the allure of them,” said Princess Sissi. “Mine have now reached the age where I have to seek them out instead of them coming to me, and I might say I miss those golden years where they clung to my skirts.”

  “I dread the day where my children grow apart from me,” said Verda sympathetically, and the two of them fell into a conversation about motherhood, something Artemisia could not contribute to.

  Verda von Rustrucht’s husband, whom Artemisia privately dubbed Harold Senior, shuffled over towards her. “Lady Artemisia, if you wouldn’t mind me asking, when will the duke and your elder brother arrive in town?”

  “Should everything go as planned, within the next two weeks.”

  “Splendid, splendid. I plan to call upon the duke when he arrives, and tell him all about Teraccia.”

  Artemisia nodded along, before noticing another gaggle of new arrivals coming up behind them. Princess Sissi must have as well, as she summoned an aide with a wave of her hand. “Lady Hohlbein will direct you to your seats.”

  “Please, come with me, my good lords and ladies.”