Fatima: The Slave Princess-Chapter 86 - 85

The empire erupted in a chaotic mix of thrilled whispers and bewildered gasps as the news of Florette and the crown prince's renewed romance spread like wildfire. Their names are on everyone's lips—the main topic of conversations at public functions, whispered discussions at dinner tables in noble households, and even casual gossip among the servants. Though the people expressed their befuddled opinions regarding their sudden change of heart, they are all genuinely looking forward to their new endeavor together.

"Have you heard? Her ladyship will travel alongside his highness during his trip to the outskirts."

"Oh, my! Already? They sure aren't wasting any time. How exciting!"

My aim was merely to reinstate Florette's reputation among the elites of high society, but the situation has evolved to a point far exceeding my initial goal.

"Things are progressing rather quickly between the two. I can already hear their wedding bells chiming."

If it hadn't been for Florette's timely intervention that day, I would be all alone and miserable on that dreadful island, enduring the lonely days in that decrepit villa. Dimitriu's fury subsided, appeased by her impassioned request. He granted me permission to remain in the estate, provided I mend my ways and attempt to connect with his wife and children. Although I'd rather not hold up my part of the deal, it's in my best interest to remain amicable with him. *sigh* If only I had succeeded in taking his father out before he inherited the title...

"Mother!" Florette called cheerfully, bursting into the tearoom in haste.

"You must help me pack. I'm afraid I may not have enough time to do so as the days are drawing rather near faster than I thought."

Her eyes, shining brightly with uncontainable excitement, reflected the overwhelming joy she is feeling inside. At times like this, I'm ever so thankful to the marchioness, despite our strained relationship. Seeing as how things have changed this drastically in such a short time, I can't help but be hopeful about what the near future will hold for Florette and me.

"How about this yellow summer dress, mother? Do you suppose his highness likes vibrant colors such as these? Or perhaps I should just wear burgundy in different styles..." she pondered deeply, flinging her yellow dress to the floor.

"Sweetheart, the trip isn't until after the tournament. There truly is no reason to rush, my dove."

"Mother, this is a crisis." She sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead whilst pacing back and forth with her hand on her hip.

"Now that his highness has finally made things official, I must maintain a pristine and extravagant appearance befitting my position as his intended. Why can't you understand my frustration right now?"

It feels as though the old Florette has finally returned. Much to my joy and relief, and almost as if by divine intervention, my daughter has regained her sanity.

"From here onwards, peace will flee from you, and every manner of misfortune will trail behind you like a shadow until justice is served."

Elaphel, was it? Ha! What a load of rubbish!

"Florette, my dear, come sit next to your mother."

"Mother," she pouted, collapsing onto the seat beside me.

"Shall I just take everything with me? I'm having trouble deciding what to pick. How frustrating."

"You should refrain from getting on his highness' bad side, Florette. Your fiancé may have a prickly personality at times; thus, your unwavering support will be essential. What I'm trying to say is...you must seize this God-given chance to win his heart completely by any means necessary. Understood?" I instructed, my hands clutching her shoulders, pulling her into my embrace.

I kept the other ladies at bay for the longest time, just to pave the way for you, my child. All you need to do is stride forth with confidence and determination. No one will dare challenge you, as your mother's powerful influence ensures your path will remain unobstructed.

"Ah! By the way mother-Were you aware of his highness' newly appointed female secretary? I believe her name was...ah! Lottie! Do you perhaps know who she is?"

"P-pardon? A...female secretary?"

Surely she isn't referring to that drab girl I saw at the palace the other day.

+++

What a splendid place this is! It's so entrancingly grand that I thought I'd stepped into a fairytale realm. Towering over the grounds, the mansion rivaled the Nextera palace in size, its imposing facade hinting at the opulence within. The air is filled with the gentle scent of blooming flowers, as perfectly trimmed bushes and trees form a lush green backdrop to the vibrant flower beds. Nathan called it an abandoned estate, but the manicured lawns and freshly painted walls tell a different story.

"Greetings young miss!"

Good heavens! She came out of nowhere. *sigh* I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Good afternoon, madam. I am Lotticia Laurel, his highness' personal secretary and the new housemate to lady Eusebia and Eugenie Rocktenberry. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Did I not bow properly? I wonder why she is giving me such a pointed look, scrutinizing me as if she's assessing my worth. How rude. I'm getting a bad feeling.

"Hmph! My name is Odette Gloria Devalora and I am the chief steward of this estate."

Did she just...scowl at me? Even the maids standing behind her are making the same expression, their eyes silently following my every move. Why are they being so impolite to me? I'd never met any of them before today.

"Follow me. I shall guide you to your room on the first floor."

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First floor? Isn't that where the household staff usually lodge? Well, I suppose there is not much of a difference since I am just a secretary.

"Breakfast will be ready by eight every morning..." Miss Odette explained as we tread the quiet halls.

"...and you may not eat before the ladies of the house. The same goes for dinner and bedtime."

What? But I must get to the palace at a quarter-hour prior to my shift, which is at eight in the morning. Meaning I'll likely have to work half a day on an empty stomach. I suppose making sandwiches the night before could be the optimal choice from here on out. I have never in my life heard of such a strict and outlandish household rule before.

"You will be responsible for your own laundry and maintaining your personal space. Weekly inspections of staff rooms will be performed on the first day of every week to verify compliance with all household rules and regulations."

I'm not a staff member, though. This place couldn't be more different from Nathan's palace. Will I truly be able to live here without any hiccups? I was hoping it would be the case until I can afford my own space.

~Meanwhile...

"It seems Odette is purposely making things difficult for her. Should we intervene?"

"I'm afraid we can't for now, Clover, lest we worsen the situation. Keep in mind that her identity as a princess is to be kept a secret until his highness comes up with a plan."

"I don't like Odette anymore." Clover sulked in response.

"Come. Let us give Fati some space to acquaint herself with her new environment. We'll think of a way to approach her later."

"But...they'll continue to bully her. You saw their sneer earlier..."

"We're talking about Fati here, Clover. It's only a matter of time before she makes them regret messing with her. Let us go. Our etiquette instructor has just arrived."

~Ecchelon Royal Palace

"The elders are growing restless with the news of prince Carlisle possibly being alive after all these years, my queen."

The unsettling discovery of the prince's locket by the temple priests has left her constantly on edge, plagued by a sense of foreboding. As a result, not a single one of her bedroom toys has been allowed inside for some time now. Even Gaurdin, my own son, was acting oddly towards me, his behavior shifting on account of my unique privilege of being the sole person permitted entry into the queen's private chamber. I felt relieved when she picked him to send on the trip, however, I can't dispel the unease I feel knowing full well the dangers that lie beyond the palace walls.

"Throw them a bone, Raulin. I can't be bothered with those loons right now."

"I'm afraid such a method is no longer effective against them, as the circumstances are direly different this time, my queen."

Since the beginning of her reign, the former king's council has been actively seeking ways to remove her from power. Therefore, when news of the prince broke out, they started mobilizing their forces and forming search parties to find him. The temple is deeply involved in the entire situation by performing constant prayer rituals with the prince's heirloom, hoping to receive divine guidance on his location.

"Quit pestering me and get out if you're just going to spew such nonsense in my ears." She shouted, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she flipped the pages of the magazine in her grasp.

Under the pressure of her cruel grip, the thin paper crinkled, its surface a map of tiny, angry wrinkles. Just like...our Ecchelon. The fact that our kingdom is still standing is nothing short of a miracle. If the rumors about the prince's survival are accurate, there is a chance that our situation is not completely hopeless. However, to keep him unharmed until...

"Raulin!" the queen called menacingly, lowering the creased magazine, and revealing a murderous expression on her slender face.

"Yes, your royal highness." I replied calmly.

The source of her sudden anger...is likely to be in that magazine-Wait a moment...isn't that an international newspaper? How did I not notice it earlier? How on earth could she have gotten a hold of this?

"What is the meaning of this?" she asked, shoving the paper onto my face.

"P-pardon?"

"Is that all you have to say...after keeping such an important piece of information from me...Raulin?"

I thought I'd been meticulous enough to eliminate every trace, but her knowing glare tells me otherwise. The recent news had left her vulnerable, so I carefully avoided doing anything that might upset her. The queen's anger outbursts often lead to horrendous catastrophes among the palace staff, after all. She slays any and everything in sight, whether it's an animal or a human being whenever she's frustrated. I'd been hoping for a change, that she would outgrow this terrible habit, but to no avail...

"Answer me...Raulin. How dare you ignore your queen who is standing right in front of you?!" She yelled before planting a dagger on my shoulder blade.