Chapter 241: A Brother’s Love
"Since you know the craft of a cobbler so well, I trust you to clean my dearest’s shoes to perfection. It shall serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect. Shall we begin?" Ivan’s voice remained unwavering, his cold gaze fixed on the trembling gossipers who think they can spew rubbish at his loving wife and walk away freely– under his watch.
Samantha simply stared, surprisingly transfixed as she watched Ivan deal with the women on her behalf. Her purpose was mainly to kick them out of her Boudoir, as she would not entertain those who wear a mask and pretend to be happy for her when in reality, they are not. Frankly speaking, she was enjoying this a lot more than she thought she would, having them realize their mistake in front of everyone like this– but when Lucy suddenly brought a chair from the Boudoir so she could sit, she became hesitantly diffident.
The eyes watching them made her feel that way, she didn’t like the attention, but everything was soon forgotten when Ivan reached her side. Taking her right hand in his, he led her towards the chair so she could have her sit. The two women already received a brush and a cloth, half grateful that they were still alive and not having their tongues severed in the dungeon. The mere thought of it was enough to leave the hairs on their skin, standing at its wake.
Lady Elizabeth, who trembled with embarrassment and fear, stepped forward and went on her knees before Samantha. She had always heard that the girl was soft at heart, so if she looked pitiful enough, there was a chance she might let her go, but, as the fake demeanor lingered on for several minutes, she came to the realization that that soft spot was not meant for her, because the girl had lifted the hem of her dress, showing off her feet that were hidden in the exquisite heels she had put on.
The glow in Elizabeth’s eyes dimmed, and her whole face was flushed red as she carefully began to clean the shoe’s intricate design with some cloth and a brush. The onlookers watched with hush stillness, their eyes darting between the humbled lady and their imposing King. The process was slow and deliberate as Lady Elizabeth meticulously worked, her bruised hands trembling in pain as she cleaned the shoe, knowing that the eyes of His Majesty were solely fixed on her.
When she was done, Lady Penelope was made to clean the second leg of her shoe, and in her years of living, no one has ever humiliated her in this manner. The symbolism of this act was not lost on the crowds, and the tension in the corridor was palpable. Samantha couldn’t help but feel pity for them, it was one of her greatest flaws, but not today. They did her wrong from the beginning, laying tantrums in front of her face, despite being aware of her new position, so it was only right for them to incur the wrath so the rest won’t step on her toes the way they did.
Once the shoe was spotless, Ivan helped his little lamb rise up from the chair. Lady Penelope and Elizabeth wisely remained on their knees, already too afraid to stand up. If they had known His Majesty would end up coming this way to see his soon-to-be bride, they wouldn’t have uttered a word from the start, but it was too late to regret their actions now, as the deed had already been done.
With their gazes low, unable to look at the crowd and Samantha herself, they heard Ivan speak, "let this be a lesson to all." He strictly pointed out, his voice echoed once more as he said, "Nobility is not inherited, but earned. Samantha’s worth is immeasurable to me, and to this kingdom, so I expect you to treat her with the respect she deserves."
Ivan’s message was clear, and the corridor fell into an uncomfortable silence, whilst the two women scurried to their feet and immediately left, eyes teary from the humiliation they had to face, not to mention but their hands that had been brutally bruised by His Majesty’s feet. It was painstakingly obvious that Ivan would not allow anyone to tarnish his little lamb’s honor, and Samantha’s eyes sparkled with gratitude when he defended her in front of everyone.