Lady Ivory modestly left the pavilion and approached the three ladies. Behind her was Lady Julienne, glaring daggers at Suzanne, while the latter also glared back at her. Their dislike for each other was obvious, but the rest turned a blind eye to this silent gesture.
Lady Ivory uttered a few flowery words, which Aries returned with the same energy, praising the lady's demeanor and even her great results during the entire competition. Despite the kind words used, there was a clear hostility in the air. Yet, Lady Ivory invited them to join them for a cup of tea.
Sybil and Suzanne signaled Aries to refuse, knowing Aries was still recovering and the last thing they wanted to deal with right now was humoring the vain Lady Ivory and her arrogant handmaiden, Lady Julienne. However, Aries feigned ignorant and accepted her invitation. Which led the five ladies to sit around the round, intricate table with snacks and tea on top of it.
"I heard you were ill, my lady. Is it alright with you to walk around now?" Lady Ivory put down the teacup back on the saucer, looking at Aries with utter concern. "Won't it strain your body?"
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Norwood. I had been inside my chambers for weeks and I feel even sicker staying indoors." Aries smiled modestly. Her bearing was mild. "Having a walk and taking a breath of fresh air is good. I feel better now."
"My lady fell ill because she takes care of the people in the west district, forgetting to take care of herself." Sybil frowned, but sneakily stressed her words to make a point. "Everyone in the west district was very concerned. They were very fond of my lady."
"When they heard a fever strike Lady Vandran, everyone was very concerned. They would even ask the knights and tell them to send their wishes for her speedy recovery," Suzanne chimed in with a modest smile, darting her eyes between Lady Ivory and Lady Julienne.
"My… I bet they had been praying for your recovery." Lady Ivory picked up her teacup and gazed at Aries over the rim. "Good thing you're alright now, my lady."
"But… isn't that a little concerning, Lady Vandran?" Lady Julienne jumped in the conversation, looking at Aries with a tinge of curiosity and cluelessness. "The position for an empress isn't just to assist His Majesty to lead this great empire, but also to carry his seed. Even if there were rumors regarding the empire's bloodline, people would have few expectations. Furthermore, even if there was some truth in this rumor, the empress still requires a healthy body to protect her subjects."
"Lady Julienne, are you insinuating Lady Vandran isn't fit for the position?" Sybil frowned, being more direct as she hadn't learned how to keep her emotions at bay.
Lady Julienne shrugged, feigning innocent. "That is not what I meant, Your Highness Sybil. All I am saying is that Lady Vandran had always had a weak body ever since. She only recovered from the illness that had stricken her all her life. I'm simply concerned since the pressure, once she becomes the empress, might endanger her health."
"Lady Storme, I would appreciate it if you choose your words carefully," Suzanne returned, her voice laced with a warning. "Lady Daniella had emerged victorious from her sickness. I believe that alone is enough proof she was far stronger than any sickness."
"That is correct." Sybil nodded. "If I were Lady Julienne, you shouldn't speak so carelessly. You are lucky it is us who had heard your remarks because if it were others, I'm afraid it would reach the crown prince's ears again. What would you do if His Highness the crown prince takes your statements as treason?"
The side of Suzanne's lips curled up into a smirk. Her eyes lit up as if a light bulb on her head suddenly lit up.
"Speaking of, I heard it is thanks to Lady Norwood that Lady Storme avoided the noose," said Suzanne with a bright smile, obviously mocking Lady Julienne. "Lady Norwood surely takes care of her people. I was in tears when I heard how she begged the emperor to pardon Lady Storme's slip up."
"I also heard His Highness, the crown prince, threw a huge fit when he heard His Majesty's interference," Sybil purposely let out a brief chuckle, covering her lips as if she didn't mean it. She then looked around cautiously and then whispered-yelled at her. "Lady Julienne, it must be hard treading on eggshells, knowing the crown prince is watching all your movements, waiting for you to make a mistake."
Lady Julienne's expression died, listening to these two and their fake concerns. They were obviously hitting a sore spot over and over, pretending they were worried, when, in fact, they were attacking her.
"Lady Storme, it is good that Lady Norwood takes care of her people." Suzanne leaned forward, nodding at Lady Julienne encouragingly. "However, you should consider Lady Norwood's disposition. She couldn't keep begging people just so you get pardoned."
"That's right. The crown prince, although young, holds authority. What would you do if he ordered to execute you on the spot?" Sybil chimed worriedly. "Even if Lady Norwood rushes to the emperor's palace, I don't think her feet were faster than a royal knight's sword."
Hearing Suzanne's remarks, Lady Ivory frowned. She raised her gaze to Aries across from her, and the latter simply raised her brows innocently. They had been keeping quiet and allowed their lackeys to do their bidding. Aries wouldn't normally tolerate such scenarios prolonging, but right now, she was purposely feigning innocence and wasn't showing the slightest intention of stopping Suzanne and Sybil from ganging up on Lady Julienne.
"You…!" Lady Julienne's voice shook, clutching her skirt as the two were going too far. "Lady Ivory invited you for a tea with good intentions, but not only did you keep saying nonsense but also disrespect her in every way possible —"
"Lady Julienne." Lady Ivory cast Lady Julienne a look, and the latter cleared her throat and lowered her head. She nodded mildly, setting her sharp eyes back to Suzanne and Sybil. "I appreciate Your Highnesses concerns. Lady Storme had been a little sensitive recently; please disregard her previous remarks."
"No, Lady Norwood." This time, Aries also joined the conversation. "I think Suzanne and Sybil had gone too far, but keep in mind they were still learning and don't intend any harm."
Aries cast Suzanne and Sybil a look, and the two lowered their heads. They knew in their hearts they crossed the line, but that was because Lady Julienne attacked Aries first. Still, if Aries already gave them a subtle warning look, they didn't have a choice but to shut their mouths.
"They simply get emotional when they think someone is trying to attack me. But I know that is not an excuse. It is my responsibility to discipline them." Aries kept her modest. "This exchange will never happen again. I promise."
Lady Ivory let out a faint scoff, getting the gist of Aries's insinuation. Aries was clearly pushing the blame on Lady Julienne, and every one of them understood that.
"I didn't know there was a gathering of candidates." Just as Lady Ivory's lips parted to rebut Aries's remarks, Princess Agnes's voice rang from their side. They turned their heads at the entrance of the pavilion, and there stood the sophisticated princess.
"It seems you ladies are having a good time," said Princess Agnes, sensing the heated tension in the air, but ignored it with a smile. "May I join you for tea?"
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