"What makes him think he can order you around, Your Grace? Even if he becomes crown prince, that means nothing until he actually takes the throne," Bern scathed.
Dorian's expression didn't shift.
"He's greedy," Dorian murmured, almost to himself. "But I'm no different. And he knows eventually, one of us will have to fall."
"Your Grace, what will you do?"
Dorian's lips curved slightly, a trace of derision, a hint of mockery. "It's time he buries himself in his princely responsibilities," he said. "Before anyone begins to suspect he's gone soft. Or idle."
He rose and walked toward the railing, slouching as he rested his elbows on the vertical poles. He took another puff of the cigar.
"We'll go to the palace tomorrow."
Dorian gazed at the dark shapes of the trees as the cold wind passed, stirring his dark hair.
...
CHARYS WAS FINALLY free from house arrest. Her father, the emperor, had punished her for getting herself involved in that incident during the Rashet banquet two months ago.
She didn't like the punishment at all. But her mother convinced her to obey, saying her father was only playing politics. He didn't want people to see her as a spoiled princess.
"What's the news?" she asked impatiently.
Her handmaid, Zenny, came in.
She reported: Third Prince had sent gifts to the Rashet Manor as compensation. The palace had also sent gifts to the Venche family, whose daughter was bullied by the fallen Lady Kissell. Baron Venche had been promoted to a higher official rank.
Charys scoffed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "Vanery Kissell's true colors have finally been revealed. Back then, Dorian Alexei defended her. And yet, when the Kissells got tangled in scandal, he abandoned her without a second thought." She laughed mockingly. "Vanery actually thought he cared for her? Now she's rotting in a nunnery. And she's no longer a virgin."
"Your Highness, the duke must have realized what a two-faced bitch she really is," Zenny said. "But you're the beloved princess. You're one fit to be the Varyn duchess."
Charys smiled, satisfied.
"Bring out the best dress," she said. "We're going to see Father today."
Zenny beamed. She knew the princess was already aware that the duke would be at the emperor's quarters today, discussing new war strategies against the barbarians.
If the duke sees the princess again, after all this time, he'll see a different princess. Wiser now. More refined. She had studied war history. Her words would deeply impress him.
...
THE WHISPERS AROUND the imperial court said the First Prince should serve as temporary finance minister until the emperor found a suitable replacement.
Several ministers argued the emperor shouldn't rush to appoint a new minister, not with the massive corruption scandal still under investigation, and the investigation far from over. Someone from the trusted imperial family had to step in, they claimed. For stability.
A few ministers resisted.
It would only strengthen the First Prince's faction, especially those aligned with the Third Prince. But the emperor sided with the majority. He issued a decree appointing Prince Kaelian to oversee state funds, for now.
Bern smiled.
The duke's plan was working. Better to trap Prince Kaelian in a position where all eyes were on him. That way, they could track his movements more easily.
"Is Father inside?" Charys asked the Head Eunuch, who nodded quietly.
The two stood outside the emperor's grand study. After the court meeting, the emperor had retreated there to meet with the Grand Duke of Varyn—whose territory shared a border with the barbarians. It was assumed they would discuss the ongoing war, especially since the Defense Minister had also been summoned inside.
As Charys began to step forward, the eunuch spoke. "Your Highness, His Majesty is in a private meeting with His Grace. Please return when they are finished—"
"Nonsense," she scoffed.
But the door opened from within.
It seemed the meeting had just ended.
A servant pulled it wide, and on the threshold stood a tall, imposing figure: a handsome man with dark, impatient eyes. He glanced at her sideways, then turned and walked past her without a word.
Charys stopped mid-step, almost struck by the sight of Dorian Alexei Varyn. She gripped her dress, stung by his usual indifference, and turned to watch his departing figure—him and his assistant, walking away without a glance back.
She strode out to follow him.
"Your Grace, I want to talk to you about the barbarians."
Dorian stopped calmly, but he didn't turn. So she hurried to catch up and faced him. He looked utterly expressionless, his eyes empty as he regarded her.
"I just think our fortress walls could be improved with better archery. Even though they hold well against the barbarians—they have powder cannons now—it would be better if we—"
"Take these brilliant ideas to your father and the Defense Minister," Dorian said, his voice flat.
The indifference in his tone stung worse than any insult.
"But the Varyns border the west. I'm just saying this out of my knowledge—"
"Whether that can be called knowledge or not," he cut in coldly, "I've given no impression that advising the Varyn Duchy is welcome."
Zenny, standing behind the princess, gritted her teeth at the duke's cold arrogance. The princess had only wanted to help. With her looks and temperament, why did the duke always act like this?
"Are you this angry because of Vanery Kissell?" Charys said, her tone indignant. "She's a sinner—she schemed against you. I saw through her act long before her true colors were revealed. I don't understand this hostility."
Dorian's expression stayed flat.
"You hardly know me, Princess. Certainly not well enough to read my moods," he replied.
Her mouth parted.
But Dorian had already turned and walked away. Servants passing by kept glancing at Charys, standing frozen.
"What?" she snapped. "Enjoying the show?"
And quickly, the servants scattered.
Dorian Alexei, why are you so stubborn? Charys thought bitterly.
"Your Highness," Zenny said carefully. "I think the rumors are true. He has a secret lover. She was seen at Viridian House a while ago, wearing a veil."
Charys turned on her sharply.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I—I mean, they're only rumors. It's hard to say if they're true."
"A lover?" Charys let out a mocking laugh. "Dorian Alexei Varyn has a lover?" She gripped her dress in fury.
So it was never Vanery?
*