It's been a month since we arrived in the Palace.

After my battle with the dowager Empress for a painting, which already was mine, the other ladies started noticing me more.

Some of them don't dare to approach me, fearing the reaction of the first woman of the court. Others, though, were elated to have one side more to this complicated society.

Alexander became busy like last year, and days can pass without seeing him. However, the Princess is always nearby all the time.

Viscount Prothus has met his end, and voices about it are all over the place.

The new lord of the fief isn't related to him. His majesty knighted one of the squires from that land and bestowed him the fief. No one has the courage to ask what happened, but they can imagine.

The enemies of the crown have calmed down, sensing that something isn't quite right. One of theirs, the Viscount, has been discovered. Hence, it's dangerous to try anything until the dust settles.

I've stopped walking to the central gardens for a few days, and I would receive my guests in our wing of the Palace. I'm glad the ladies don't find it too tiring to walk here.

My backache is almost a constant in my life now. However, I need to show myself in court from time to time.

A little bird told me today might be a good chance.

There hasn't been any scandal in almost a week, which means it's time to make some trouble.

The Princess is nervous while walking next to me. Her hands are clenched in fists, and her brows furrowed.

«It will be all right,» I reassure her. «I am no fool.»

«I know, but... I can't understand why my brother allowed you to endanger yourself like this.»

«It hasn't been easy to convince him,» I chuckle. «But I'm not in danger, your highness. Your brother's name is enough to protect me. Not to mention that you'll be nearby for the whole time...»

She smiles, trying to hide the proud light in her eyes. She's so similar to Alexander: reminding her that she's of help is enough to let her forget her worries.

Kate is following me, two steps behind. She's silent and tries her best to pass unnoticed, but her eyes are always on me and the surroundings, looking for threats. Two maids from Kyre are following, but they have to stop before entering the throne room.

I turn around and nod to them, signalling that everything will be all right.

Kate tightens her lips but doesn't say anything. She's getting used to this place, and she learned that it's always better to keep quiet and tell me her mind when we're alone.

The throne hall is full of people, but I can't spot George anywhere. Weird, because I thought he wouldn't lose the chance to see me fall. Especially now that Alexander isn't present.

Elisabeth Grahm is in a corner, throwing daggers with her eyes. She'll depart as soon as her sister has her debut. I'll have to make sure that Duke Grahm declares the Count his heir before ruining the latter. It'll be fun...

«Oh, she's here,» the Princess murmurs, her teeth gritted.

The Dowager Empress is standing on the left side of the throne, talking with his majesty as if it was a normal sight. He's not her son, but she doesn't seem to mind anymore.

This woman survived a failed coup, now that I think about it. She's scary. Not enough to make me retreat, but I better not underestimate her influence.

Her grin when our eyes meet tells me more than she'd like. She read the letter, obviously. Is his majesty falling in her trap and trusting her, or is he using her greed to his advantage?

«As such, I will forget your failure for this time,» the Emperor says to the man kneeling in front of him. «Since mother asked me to forgive you, so will I. But next time, I won't be this merciful.»

The man bows his head and thanks the Emperor for his mercy before getting up and retreating into the crowd.

«Next?» his majesty asks his aides. They deliver a piece of paper to him, and he sighs. He's slightly annoyed.

I guess it's time. At least, I won't need to stand here for long.

«Is the Duchess of Kyre here?» he murmurs.

I walk to the front and curtsey, looking at the floor during the motion. Better avoid another incident today. I'll just follow the protocol.

«May the gods bless the Sun of the Empire,» I exclaim.

His majesty's eyes are crossed by a pleased flash, but he manages to hide it before beginning the show.

«Have you contacted any member of your family, Duchess?» he asks, immediately focused on work.

«I've met my uncle,» I reveal. «He's an Ambassador here in Ethiro, isn't it a pleasing coincidence?»

I smile, showing an innocent face to the court.

«Only him?»

«There isn't anyone else related to me by blood in the Empire.»

I look at my fingers, pretending to have remembered something.

«Oh, I've met my husband's family!» I exclaim.

It's clear what the Emperor wanted to know when he asked, but showing how I deem Alexander's family as my own should reveal where I stand.

«After a year as a citizen of Ethiro, you're now liable to accusations of treason, Duchess,» his majesty states, reminding me how he overlooked my challenge when I first refused to bow to him.

I tilt my head, confused.

«Is meeting the Ambassador an act of treason?» I inquire. «If it's the case, I won't accept his visits anymore.»

Not that I'm all that happy to have tea with that man. Not anymore, unless it's needed for a greater purpose.

«We're not referring to that,» the Emperor states, sighing. «A missive of yours has been caught.»

«A missive?» I repeat, showing a shy smile. «What kind of missive?»

«You were writing to Asteria's Prime Minister,» he states, his voice resounding in the hall.