Chapter 12: She Loves You!
"She did not come for dinner either." A maid informed Oriana as she combed her hair. "I heard Paul speaking. She had gone to buy a canvas and a frame. She told him that he wanted to paint her parents, your grace." Oriana had a calm expression on her face as she stared at her own reflection in the mirror.
The maid looked worried at her place.
"I have never seen My lady complaining. She had never gone against you. But now, she had not eaten a thing, she had not talked to any of us. She did not even go to see the kids. It had never happened before your grace. The lady is behaving strangely. What if she is planning a rebellion." the maid urged with a look of worry.
Oriana laughed mockingly.
"So she would rebel. And then.. Where would she go?" her voice had a sense of confidence.
"What if she had found a lover?" The maid did not give up. "There is no way that a girl could rebel without a reason." Oriana paused. Finally her expressions changed and deep unease settled on her face.
"But where would she find a man?" Oriana shook her head. "Olivia had the liberty to go out but she had never met a man outside. Even today.."
"Then what if it is a servant who frequents the palace? Lady Olivia spent a good time in the garden too. The training ground of knights is nearby. Your grace, she had already crossed twenty, her youth must be carving for it." the maid nodded with a knowing look that made Oriana frown.
Oriana had Leo already when she was twenty. But it was different. It was not her desire but to secure her position as the duchess since she has a tough competition. But could it be possible that her foolish sister had found herself a boy! And she was rebelling under his influence.
"What shall I do then? Should I confine her in her room or shall I confront her?" Oriana held her dress tightly, "I have already promised her to the second prince. But he did not look very interested. If she did not charm him, her youth would be wasted on a commoner. She had better features than me. If she uses them well, she could secure a position in the royal family. The foolish girl did not understand my good intentions at all." her lips twisted with anger but the maid only sighed.
"She is in a rebellious period. You have pampered her way too much. From the start she had not suffered at all. With a sister like you, the lady had an easy life. But if you punish her, she would only resent you, your grace. You need to handle the situation with trepidation." Oriana sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"This is a headache! I do not know when she will mature. Forget it, since I am the elder here, I will guide her." She stood up and the maid let go of her hair. Orina ran a finger on various jewel boxes on the table. She paused at one and took it out. There were various pearls, amethyst and other gems inside it. She took out a peridot pendant in a gold chain.