I was returning to my position on the balcony when she spoke up again.
"My Lady! I may only be a Baroness, but I refuse to back down. I will work until those ladies see I am not someone who will tolerate their cruelty!"
Her words had fire. It felt like she meant every syllable. Feeling a spark of pity, I decided then and there to take her under my wing—to give her enough power to make those people taste their own medicine.
It was the biggest mistake of my life.
I tossed my handkerchief toward her. "Keep that. If you truly want to make them regret what they've done, come to House Regulus. Show the guards the embroidery on that cloth, and they will lead you to me. I am making you my Lady-in-Waiting."
Her eyes widened. Was it shock? Fear? I didn't know, and I didn't stay to find out.
I walked away, not stopping even though she tried to call after me. Long talks were a waste of time. I had never been fond of them.
I was almost back to the balcony when a deep voice came from behind me. It was my brother. He looked just like our father. Hmph. Asshole. I didn't say anything; he never listened to me anyway, so why bother?
"Yes?" I asked coldly.
"The Prince is calling for you," he replied.
The Prince. Argh. Not him. We had been engaged since before we were ten years old. It was the late Empress's wish to make me her daughter-in-law. We had been close once, but after she died, I hadn't truly talked to anyone for a long time.
Now wasn't the time for memories. I needed to go before he threw another one of his tantrums. He was my fiancé, and he claimed to have a crush on me, but to me, he was just... possessive.
I headed upstairs, my steps heavy as I climbed the stone stairs. My brother led me to the door where the Prince waited. The guards bowed and opened the way. "His Highness is expecting you."
I stepped inside. My eyes were immediately drawn to him.
Golden hair that shone like the sun and eyes like polished rubies—the true face of Royalty. Those red eyes fell upon me, watching me as if I were a shiny toy, something worth his time.
"Iris, my beloved. Come closer." His voice filled the room. He smiled at me—a sweet, friendly look that would make any other lady fall in love. To me? It was disgusting.
"What is the matter, Your Highness?"
He smiled again, knowing full well I wanted to finish this business as quickly as possible.
"You see, today is the day you must act."
Ah. I understood. That was why he had called me. It was a plan my father had forced upon me, and I had already set the wheels in motion.
"Your Highness, I have already acted. All you have to do is sit and watch."
"Very well," he said, extending his hand. "Now come here, beloved. Take my arm. We should enter the Grand Hall together."