Chapter 13: The perfect stage
Frederick entered the room where Lady Cornelia was seated. Upon entering, he bowed deeply. The Lady remained poised, sipping wine from a masterfully crafted chalice. The Chalice was a special one, it was crafted under the order of the King who specially ordered its creation for his sister.
The King treated his younger sister very well as some may consider it as pampering although people were indeed confused as to why he would sell her to the family which the Royal Family has always hated.
Behind lady Cornelia stood her maids and several other silent servants, handpicked from the Palace to serve her because they don’t value the servants or guards of the Palace in the Duchy.
"I bring information, my lady," he said, holding his bow, a mark of deep respect since she handpicked him from the lower division of the Royal Guards who were in charge of the protection of the Royal Family and its possessions.
Cornelia didn’t open her eyes. She gently raised the chalice to her lips. "It smells delicious," she murmured while enjoying the sweet aroma, before taking a slow sip.
Frederick cleared his throat. "It appears the Duke plans to grant Estefan the title of Baron, Baron of Rammstein, the third city of the Duchy." He was worried to tell this to her considering she normally gets angry whenever someone mentions Estefan.
Cornelia paused as she set the chalice down. Most of them expected a hissy fit or furious scream, perhaps. But she remained completely still, calm and cool.
Those who served her knew well: she had two faces. One being an emotional face which was easily flustered, quick to anger or joy. The other? A cold, calculating likeness of her brother, the King. That version of Lady Cornelia was terrifying: logical, manipulative, and ruthlessly strategic.
Frederick stood stiffly, uncertain of what to say. She had just seen her oldest son lose his chance at becoming Duke, something she’d long orchestrated. "My lady... perhaps the Duke is setting a trap. Maybe he’s sending Estefan to be eliminated." He tried to please her with those words.