Rather than assisting the Duchess, it was more like I was following her around while she ordered people around. She was doing a great job on her own, she didn’t need me. I was pretty much useless to her but she still insisted that I must assist her and ‘learn’.

As much as I would like to say that spending more time in her company made me see her in a new light, that despite her harsh words, cold glares and general nastiness, she was in fact a sweet mother; it wasn’t the case.

The more time I spent in her company, the more my distaste for her grew.

If the guest list incident wasn’t enough proof that she was demanding and unreasonable, she kept throwing me curve balls and expecting me to catch them without breaking a sweat.

After gathering every ounce of brain power I possessed to memorized dozens of names, faces and random details, it still wasn’t enough to satisfy her.

She would randomly ask me questions about the guest list and expect me to recite word for word what was written on the paper. She would test my knowledge about the empire and etiquette skills. I felt like I was constantly being analyzed, judged and I was failing every test she was subjecting me to.

She then gave me an afternoon to determine the budget that should be allocated to this party, prompting me to work restlessly for hours before putting aside the fruit of my work with a fleeting glance and a scoff and showing me the budget that had already been decided weeks ago.

I barely knew the value of the currency used in this empire. To me, silver, bronze and gold coins didn’t mean much. They just invoked images of medals rewarding athletic feats. That aside, I just couldn’t stop being bewildered at the things she expected a child to do and at the amount of effort I put into a task that ended up fruitless and unappreciated.

I felt the volcano of anger inside me tremble, threatening to erupt and unleash all sorts of hell on this woman.

Peaceful thoughts. The beach, the wind quietly blowing, the rumbling of waves crashing against the rocks and onto the sand and birds lightly chirping in the distance.

That had become my daily mantra to keep myself calm and collected. It worked… mostly.

I merely forced my lips to form a small smile, inwardly gritting my teeth, clenching my fist and hurling the vilest curses in her direction.

Keeping up with her random, unwanted and impromptu tests, she made me wake up even earlier yesterday, summoned a row of dresses and asked me to choose the best one to wear at the party.

Almost all of them were frilly, heavily decorated, and obnoxiously colorful. Some dresses were an assemblage of clashing colors and gave me headache just looking at them.

Some had an abundance of decorations. Frills, jewels and sequins gathered together made for a sparkly Frankenstein of an accoutrement that even Rihanna couldn’t redeem.

Others had both clownish colors and excessive amount of frills; wearing one of them would most definitely make me look like a piñata.

Among all these hideous creations, one of them stood out of all of them. It was a light blue dress that was quite simple. It lacked most of the decorations that ruined the other dresses and the silhouette was defined by a bow.

Noticing my interest in that dress, the Duchess only dignified my choice with a backhanded compliment.

“You do not have much talent but at least you have eyes.”

Was there even a choice? It was the only decent dress.

***************

The day of the birthday party finally came. People were running all around the mansion, organising sitting arrangements, bringing in trays of sweets and entrées, decorating the hall and taking care of last-minute preparations.

Although I never paid much attention to the countless people working in the mansion, they were good at doing their job while staying discreet. They were he invisible men and women that kept the mansion pristine and upright. It was exceptionally easy to get used to them being around and even forget that they were there despite them providing for the needs of the ducal family.

They all walked with a sense of purpose and seemed to know exactly where to go, exactly what to do. They moved in sync as though animated by a hivemind that dictated their every movement and thought. It was truly a spectacular sight for the usually calm and serene mansion to be so lively. The milling and the activity was almost dizzying at first sight.

However, as soon as the Duchess entered the room with me on her toes, the organized chaos and hubbub ceased immediately.

 The servants that were previously running around in all directions quickly aligned in two perfect lines, leaving a pathway in the middle for the Duchess to walk in. With the same synchronisation, they bowed in a perfect angle and greeted the Duchess.

With a simple flick of her hand, The Duchess sent all of them scurrying back to what they were doing before. Still, as they ran through the room, they made sure to avoid her path. She wasn't particularly careful to follow a precise trajectory as she walked, but even when she would abruptly stop and turn around, people still kept a respectful, almost deferential distance from the Duchess. It was as though she had an invisible shield around her that people made sure not to cross.

I didn't like her. At all.

But even I had to admit that she commanded the room as soon as she entered. Just from the reactions of the workers, you could tell they respected her and her authority.

As we perused through the hall, a woman, who I recently learned was the Duchess’ aid came toward us.

“Is everything ready?” The Duchess asked her as soon as she was within hearing range.

“Not yet. The reception hall is ready to welcome the guests, but the kitchen servants have not yet finished preparing the food.”

“What are they waiting for? I have given the instructions days ago; they should have been done at least an hour ago.”

The Duchess did not raise her voice, but her irritation could be sensed by anyone in her vicinity.

She then gestured toward the tables with appetizers and asked:

“Is this all they have prepared for the entrées?”

The woman nodded.

"We need more.

And was there not a more flattering color for the tablecloths? Why is everything not ready? Do you expect me to do your job for you?”

It was a rhetorical question. Most of us understood that answering would only anger her further.

A maid still tried her luck and attempted to provide a justification for their alleged failures. She was obviously new and had yet to understand the small cues that everyone in the estate, me included, had learned to detect and interpret.

“But Madam, we still have 3 hours befo—"

"The tales of your incompetence do not interest me. Find a solution. And I advise you to do so quickly before my patience runs out." The Duchess cut her off.

Another maid, as though to appease the bubbling volcano that was the Duchess, came and presented another tablecloth option to the Duchess.

"What about this Madam?"

This time she didn't utter a word but simply pursed her lip in distaste. The maid visibly panicked, bowed several times apologetically.

I pitied them but there was nothing I could nor was willing to do to help. I’ve already had my fair share of her bullying and I’d rather let someone else suffer before she remembered that I existed.

She then proceeded to give orders to the surrounding servants.

“you, fix this mess.” She tilted her head toward the tables. “You, go tell the kitchen staff that they have an hour to finish. And Jean, make sure my husband and son are not still in the training court.”

 

---

 

What Miraella had noticed from her brief attendance at the Vedar twins’ birthday party was that gatherings such as these were not for children or for fun.

No matter the reason behind the party, it was still a battlefield for nobles trying to gain more influence or plotting the fall of others.

Social circles, in general, were not much different from a duel.

Although they do not involve a sword or any weapon of that sort, they are just as dangerous. People can fight more freely with words and rumors than they can with a weapon.

If you show any opening in your defense, any weakness, they will strike you down without an ounce of hesitation.

At the young age of 10, Miraella had learned to discern the nuances in the way her parents and other adult spoke. Although the words coming out of their mouths were pleasant and complimentary, they were full of hidden meanings and tacit connotations.

The people at this party were no different. They did not come here because they cared about the twins or the ducal couple but because they wanted an opportunity.

An opportunity for what?

Some wanted to form links with the second family of the Empire. Some wanted to build economic ties with the wealthy dukedom. Some, like her own mother, aspired to plant the seeds for a future marital union.

And others, like Countess Menaget, wanted to see the Duchess humiliated and drag her daughter to the ground with her.

It was no secret that the youngest child of the Duchess had awakened, and her results were less than satisfactory.

Although it has not been officially confirmed, the rumor was accepted as the truth by everyone and they all expected the ducal couple to make an announcement during the party.

Why else would they celebrate the twins’ ninth birthday? It was not even a significant date in a noble’s life.

If there was indeed an announcement, it was bound to shake the entirety of the South’s high society.

It would leave room for the most daring to try and undermine the Vedar’s influence in Prath and Hazel Vedar would become the weapon with which they would do so.

As Countess Menaget approach the table where Maeve Vedar was chatting with her entourage, everyone in the attendance knew Lady Menaget’s intentions. These two had been at odds since Maeve married the Duke and despite her higher position, Lady Menaget kept provoking her every chance she got.

Countess Menaget sat at the table, uninvited. It was a bold move that even Lady Menaget herself had not dared do before.

She probably thought that she would succeed in destroying the Duchess’ reputation today and thus, felt that there was no need for tedious conventions.

From what Miraella heard about Lady Vedar, she knew she would not be a simple prey to hunt down. She was the center of the South’s high society for a reason. The Duchess was known for her impeccable control and for her intelligent ruthlessness, making her lose control of the situation would be extremely difficult.

Even now, as Lady Menaget was looking down on her with a smirk, Lady Vedar’s attitude was still dignified and she had an appropriate smile on her face, looking gentle and elegant.

“Do sit down Lady Menaget. It has been too long since we have seen each other. How has your health been? A woman your age ought to stay vigilant.”

Lady Vedar’s greeting was rude but it was an appropriate response to the provocation she received.

Lady Menaget, still confident in her ability to win this battle of words, did not take offense to the insinuation.

“Thank you for your concern Lady Vedar. It has indeed been a long time, but I am happy we are now gathered to celebrate the best of news. I am referring to your daughter’s good health of course.”

They all knew it wasn’t what she was referring to but despite her previous actions, she at least had the decency not to be totally explicit with her words.

From her seat next to her father, Miraella could witness the confrontation that was about to happen between the Duchess and Countess. Miraella wasn’t the only one who was eavesdropping. Although they all pretended to be busy doing something else, everyone in their vicinity was intently listening to their discussion.

“I have heard what happened to your daughter. I cannot fathom how hard it must have been for you to see her suffer so. I am glad to see her well.” She added with feigned worry in her voice.

“How kind of you. It was unbearably hard to go through such a hurdle. What mother would not be in pain at the thought of losing their child. Pradma Hazn be praised, my daughter escaped the Sea of Souls and was returned to me.”

“Pradma Hazn be praised indeed.

I have also heard about her awakening. Should we expect a second prodigy from the Vedar household?”

Miraella could only hold her breath when she heard that. She had expected Lady Menaget to go about it in a more subtle manner, but she had hit directly on the nail with the subtlety of an elephant.

Her attempt to bait Lady Vedar was anything but practiced and smart. She was too confident and forgot who her opponent was.

Despite the perilous topic that was brought out, Lady Vedar kept her gentle indifferent smile plastered on her beautiful face. It was almost like she had expected this from the Countess and was left unaffected by her lousy attempts at humiliating her.

“My daughter is but a feeble child, we do not want to put too much stress on her by putting outside expectation on her. Her well-being is our utmost priority.”

Translation: back off and mind your own business your gossip-mongering harpy.

In that sentence alone, the Duchess had shown the control of her emotions and the ability to use words that made her a prime player in Prath’s high society.

A normal person would have understood the hidden warning and would have apologized right away but Lady Menaget, emboldened by the rumor and her long-lasting hatred of Lady Vedar, kept pushing.

“It is a shame. We all expected so much from her. With such outstanding parents how could the progeny not be exceptional.”

She was implying that Lady Vedar was at fault for her daughter’s failures.

The countess had always used the Duchess’ lower origins to try and ridicule her. The Heindel family from which Lady Vedar hailed had gained more power since Maeve Vedar married the Duke but they started out as an unimportant count family whose sole defining quality were their daughter’s fire abilities and a depleted iron mine.

Lady Menaget, whose original house was richer and more powerful, deemed herself superior and a better candidate for the title of Duchess. She was one of those nobles who valued lineage and influence over magic abilities.

Since Prath had conquered Lubella, the last kingdom of the continent, and established peace, more and more nobles seemed to share that mindset.

But that did not stop her from using both arguments to discredit the Duchess. She attacked her both on her lineage and on her daughter’s lack of power.

Miraella could not help but be somewhat impressed at her ability flip from one mindset to another as convenience saw fit.

“Do not fret Countess Menaget.” Lady Vedar laughed gently, insisting lightly on the word ‘Countess’ as though to remind her of their difference in status. “My children are nothing if not exceptional. As you all know, Haron is a magical prodigy and his swordsmanship will rival and even surpass his father's in the future. As for Hazel, her intelligence is on par with that of the brightest geniuses and her beauty can only be compared to that of the goddesses.”

“She resembles you quite a lot, Duchess.” A woman by the Duchess’ side added. She was most likely part of her entourage.

“You flatter me.” She chuckled. “Her father is also quite the handsome man, it is only natural that she would be a devastating beauty.”

Hearing that, Lady Menaget could only grit her teeth and boil with anger. Everyone knew the affection the Countess had for Elias Vedar. They also knew that, after all these years, despite him refusing her advances and both of them being married to different people, Lady Menaget still hoped to become his wife and saw the Duchess as an unworthy obstacle.

The Duchess turned her attention back to the woman who had the nerve and audacity to poke the lion and would now end up as its meal.

“I do believe both of my children are more than enough to meet your expectations Countess Menaget. I might even say that they are exceptional enough to compensate for those among us who are unable to fulfill their duty to the Empire.”

She was referring to the fact that Lady Menaget recently adopted a commoner since her own children still hadn't awakened despite having already had their coming of age ceremony.

Without spending much effort, Lady Vedar was tearing her apart. She didn't raise her voice, not even once but the monotone condescending tone her voice held was even more humiliating. Although speaking with subtlety, she was being openly cruel.

Lady Menaget’s confidence crumbled and dissolved. She was visibly losing her composure, a sign of defeat in this battle.

“I was quite surprised to hear that Duke Vedar would take his daughter to a Temple after what happened to his sister.”

Seeing that she couldn't win by attacking her children, Lady Menaget decided to change her strategy and target. But mentioning the Duke’s dead sister was not a good move. It was both stupid and dangerous.

The people around the Countess flinched and tried to distance themselves from her as much as they could without being openly rude.

Miraella looked around to check if the Duke was nearby. If he were, he would not let this go.

Talking about Elea Vedar in front of the Duke was not advised. Miraella could not understand why the Countess would risk exposing herself to the Duke’s wrath like that. Perhaps she forgot, in her blind anger and desperation, that she was in his domain and that there could be dire consequences for her whole family.

She was lucky that he was currently on the other side of the reception hall discussing with a merchant, away from them and unable to hear the blasphemous words.

“Let us not speak of the dead lest they rise up again and punish us for sullying they good name.”

Despite the coldness of her tone and the threatening meaning of her words, the Duchess was showing her mercy. They both knew that if they kept this discussion going, it would not end well for the Countess.

Knowing that she could dig her own grave with just one wrong step, the Countess relented and tried to diverge the attention from her mistake.

“Of course. What I meant to say is that the Temple of Zahar has become quite splendid since its renovation. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit it but my husband praised its architecture quite enthusiastically. Pradma Hazn will surely bring prosperity to the Dukedom.”

Her change of subject was awkward and not seamless at all. It had been at least 5 years since the Zahar Temple had been renovated, mentioning it now did not hide her previous mistake, on the contrary it highlighted it even further.

“Pardon my rudeness but you seem to have forgotten something Countess.”

Despite bailing her out earlier, the Duchess was not so magnanimous as to let her escape so easily after disrespecting her.

“Excuse me?”

“One must own up to their mistakes. Is that not what you once told me when I debuted in the South's social circles? As my elder, you were caring enough to provide such a good lesson for me to learn, I cannot possibly imagine that the venerable Lady Menaget would not apply her own teachings.”

The countess was now as pale as white linen. She who wanted to humiliate the Duchess would have to bow her head and apologize to her.

It was quite ironic.

Lady Vedar was not a woman to trifle with. She had shown that she had several ways of destroying the Duchess but was ‘charitable’ enough to simply accept an apology.

Lady Menaget’s smug smile was long forgotten, her jaw now clenched, and she looked like she wanted to die and take the Duchess to the Sea of Souls with her.

The choice she was given was not an easy one. She could refuse to apologize but that could mean her death as well as her family’s. Nobody would pity her since she brought it on herself and refused the Duchess’ generosity.

She could accept to apologize but she would lose face in front of her entourage and other nobles. The humiliation could be enough to severely damage her reputation and the Menagets influence in high society.

What was clear was that no matter what she chose, she would be humiliated.

“You are right. Pardon me for bringing up such unpleasant topic. I do not know what came over me.”

The words came out with difficulty, through gritted teeth. Judging by the expression on her face, uttering them was extremely painful.

The Duchess, the same gentle smile still plastered on her face, placed her hand over Lady Menaget’s before giving the final blow.

“It is alright Countess. I must thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to learn that one should see that their own garden is well kept instead of tending to their neighbor's weeds. Even today, you are a woman full of wisdom.”

After that, the Duchess resumed to drinking the tea she reheated herself, leaving the other ladies to their conversations.

Lady Menaget eventually excused herself from the table and went hide somewhere. No one really cared.

The discussion drifted to one of the ladies’ dress which was adorned with fine silk. They marveled in front of such exquisite piece of textile.

“The commerce routes to the Western regions are full of bandits. It is quite hard get your hands on silk nowadays. Rebels from the former Lubella Kingdom have yet to be subdued and they keep attacking merchant carriages and nobles.”

“Has it not already been 7 years since it was conquered? That situation should be solved now. Count Polby is doing quite a poor job at managing that region.”

“That's true. I have also heard that more and more commoners prefer joining the rebels because they fear starvation. Because of his lousy management, the region has become a wasteland.”

“Still! They should be thankful that we provide them the blessing of the goddesses. We offer them to be a part of the Holy Empire of Prath and they would rather be with these savages? They should have been purged with the nobility of their dead kingdom.”

“It is natural that they would reject the Empire if we do not treat them well. They are now citizens of Prath, something should be done about it. Perhaps it would be better to appoint someone else as a governor, Count Polby is obviously overwhelmed.”

“Well he is not the only one. The former kingdom of Helvet went through an uprising last year. The governor was changed but the rebels are still gaining grounds and causing problems. Same goes for the region around the Pavita Lake.”

“In comparison, Zahar is faring very well.”

“Yes! The Cresci Mountains and Tousca Desert are now fully under the Dukedom’s control.”

They kept on praising the Zahar dukedom, hoping to gain the Duchess’ friendship but she remained silent, only offering empty smiles.

***************

While she was spectating the confrontation, Miraella almost forgot why her mother brought her here. She was supposed to meet the Duke’s son.

Miraella looked around in search for the twins. She saw Hazel Vedar next to the tables, eyeing desserts with a particular interest without touching them.

She was alone.

There were plenty of other children at the party, most of them were around her age or a little older. It was the perfect occasion for her to make friends and gather members of her future entourage. However Hazel Vedar politely greeted those who tried to start a conversation but showed no interest in prolonging their interactions.

Miraella hesitated to approach her. 

Perhaps it would be easier to gain Haron Vedar’s affection if I first built a friendship with his sister. It could give me an excuse to visit the estate more frequently.

As she considered her options, Miraella still looked around, trying to catch sight of her target.

Haron was with his father, discussing with nobles and merchants. He didn’t seem particularly interested in their conversation and seemed to stay there out of politeness. His attention was elsewhere. Miraella followed his gaze, he was discreetly watching over his sister who had been accosted by 3 ladies.

Miraella recognized Lady Dupres, Lady Gravin and Lady Jacquel. They were ladies that usually followed Countess Menaget. It seemed that the previous events led them to adopt a different strategy.

Miraella, curious as to what they wanted from Hazel, rose from her chair, and discreetly approached the group.

“Here is a portrait of my son Lady hazel, what do you think of him?” Lady Gravin pushed a small portrait towards Hazel. “He is a water mage. He is attending the Imperial Magic Academy and has very good grades.”

Lady Jacquel jumped in with her own praises for her son: “My little Edouard is a fire mage, just like your family. He is 13 years-old so your age difference is quite ideal.”

“You have already greeted my son. He is right over there. Just talk to him a little, you will see that you have quite a lot in common.”

Hazel Vedar seemed uncomfortable and overwhelmed by their attempts at gaining her attention.

If I help her now, she will be grateful and invite me back.

Miraella was about to get closer to the group when she heard Hazel awkwardly excuse herself before getting away from the trio and power-walking toward the exit.

Let’s follow her. If we are alone she will be more comfortable and It will be easier to gain her trust.

Just as she started heading in the direction of the exit, she saw the daughter of Lady Menaget and her group of friends beat her to it.

What are they up to? It cannot be good?

The countess and her offspring were the embodiment of the saying 'like daughter, like mother'. It was unlikely that she followed Hazel just to talk about the weather.

Her curiosity as well as her intention to build a friendship with Hazel Vedar led Miraella to follow the group as well.