Chapter 530: Ladies’ Counsel
Anna’s face lit up when Callis entered with Elis and Athillia in tow.
"Oh, Elis is here, too! This is wonderful! Come, have a seat, ladies!" she exclaimed, motioning them to join the gathering.
Anna sat comfortably on the settee in the parlour with Sylvia, Meredith, and Emily. They were already enjoying their little party, nibbling on crisp apple slices. Oddly, the fruit on Anna’s plate was coated with a white powder.
After exchanging greetings, Callis, Elis, and Athillia joined the group.
"Clara isn’t with us?" asked the Mederian Princess, noticing the absence of the knightess.
"Ayden took her to visit his family. They won’t be back soon, as they are busy preparing for their upcoming betrothal ceremony," Anna explained.
"I see... Then, where are the attendants? Aren’t they supposed to be here as well?" Callis asked again.
"I dismissed them. It feels a little too stuffy having them around all the time. They deserve a break, too," the princess replied.
"Yes, I agree. Let them have some time off. It’s not like we’re going anywhere," Meredith added.
Once the newcomers were comfortably seated, Sylvia leaned over and offered a plate to Elis at her side.
"Have some, Your Highness."
The princess consort accepted it with a small, hesitant smile.
"Please... just call me Elis," the princess consort said softly, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.
It still felt strange to hear the title spoken so naturally when everyone here knew who she had once been.
"If you insist," Sylvia replied warmly.
Callis and Athillia, on the other hand, were already reaching for the apples before them without a second thought. The Bargesian Princess popped a slice into her mouth, her eyes widening upon tasting the delightful blend of tart and sweet.
"Mmm! This is amazing!" Athillia exclaimed, covering her mouth as she chewed with delight.
Anna giggled.
"Isn’t it? I swear, if Kyren walks in now, I’ll kiss him all over for bringing these apples to me!"
Elis took a tentative bite. Sweet, juicy, and perfectly crisp — it was truly delicious.
In the meantime, Callis’s sharp eyes noticed something.
"Wait. What’s that in the little bowl? You’re not sharing?"
"Ah... this?" Anna tapped the dish in front of her. "Just fine salt."
"Salt? You dip apples into salt? Why?" Athillia blinked in surprise.
"Her taste buds change. Somehow, she swore by it. Trust me, don’t try it unless you want to regret it," Sylvia answered with a wry smile.
Anna burst out laughing, recalling how the noble lady had once braved the salt-dipped apple only to crumple into coughing fits. Clearly, it wasn’t for everyone, but the expectant mother savoured it as if it were nectar.
Emily sighed dramatically, finishing her slice.
"I’m just relieved to finally enjoy something in peace after days of being scolded. Do you know how unbearable it is to have my husband dictate every bite I take?"
"Sir Brooks doesn’t let you eat freely?" Anna asked.
"Oh, he allows food, but only the ’healthy’ ones. He hovers over me, ensuring I don’t take too much sugar or salt. Says the baby will grow too big and I’ll struggle with childbirth. Where he picked up such nonsense, I’ll never know!" Emily huffed.
"Hah! Welcome to the club!" Meredith threw her hands up. "Alex is no better. That man nearly faints if I take more than two steps. He loomed like a hawk... won’t even let me go to the bathroom alone. I swear, sometimes I feel like punching that grin right off his face."
Sylvia chuckled.
"So how did you escape him today?"
"I threatened him," Meredith admitted without shame. "Told him if he didn’t let me out, I wouldn’t allow him to name our child. That shut him up quickly enough."
Anna snickered.
"I used to have the same trouble with Kyren. Thankfully, he’s learned better. These days, he’s loosened the reins."
"Men!" Callis rolled her eyes. "They think they’re superior, but half the time they don’t even listen. It’s like being shackled to a stubborn mule that refuses to move unless it’s his way."
"Sounds like you’re having some discord with Rafe," Anna remarked. "I saw the two of you quarrelling in the garden last night from the balcony. What happened between you?"
The Mederian Princess waved her hand dismissively.
"Don’t bother asking, it’s just not worth discussing anymore since it’s all got a bit stale. I’m fed up with his excuses and have no patience left for his shenanigans. Let him do as he pleases. I’ve had a gutful of his stubbornness. Honestly, I don’t care anymore... really, I don’t!"
Elis blinked. The lively conversation had turned into a club of wives venting about their troublesome husbands.
Athillia didn’t hold back and jumped right into the topic.
"I may not be married, but men being thickheaded is universal. They speculate, assume they’re right, and when they finally realise they’re wrong, their pride still gets in the way. Even when they apologise, they miss the whole point!"
"They are like that!" Emily agreeingly remarked. "And trust me, they get even worse when we’re carrying their child. That’s when the stubbornness turns unbearable."
Meredith narrowed her eyes at Athillia. From how the Bargesian Princess lamented, she knew something must have happened between her and Eli, and the lady-in-waiting’s curiosity grew stronger. But it was too bold to pursue the matter further. Perhaps, it would be wiser to tread carefully on her.
"I heard from Alex last night about who you really are. That was quite a surprise to us. But it seems Anna already knew," Meredith began, smoothly shifting the conversation from husbands to the Bargesian Princess.
"We were just talking about you earlier, and I asked Callis to bring you here so we could all get to know you better. I told them a bit about you from our previous reconciliation meet-up," Anna added warmly.
"There’s nothing special about me," Athillia murmured, looking down in embarrassment.
Even so, she didn’t feel uncomfortable among these ladies; none of them had treated her poorly. Only Anna had been angry at her at first—and that was due to a misunderstanding.
"Hey, you’re the granddaughter of Lord Aram Silas, the great northern warrior! Have some pride, girl!" Callis nudged her with an elbow.
Athillia chuckled softly.
"I have Emir blood in my veins, too... It just feels complicated," she admitted, her tone subdued.
"Don’t say that. I’m an Adhemar," Anna replied firmly. "We’re alike in that sense. We shouldn’t feel guilty for the mistakes of our forefathers. We weren’t even born then. Whatever happened is part of history, shaping who we are today. Why should we bear the blame for their sins?"
Athillia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Of all people, Anna would understand her best. Still, compared to her, the Bargesian Princess still had her mother, while Anna had been raised only by her nanny.
"Just so you know, no one here is speaking ill of you," Sylvia reassured her kindly. "On the contrary, we’re glad to have someone like you helping us win the war and stop the Laradie plague. You did remarkably well, Lady Athillia."
"And more than that," Anna added with quiet sincerity, "I’m truly grateful you saved the love of my life. Whatever misunderstandings we had before, please don’t take them to heart."
Athillia’s lips curved into a small smile.
"Don’t mention it. I’m just happy to be accepted here in Cassian. Hopefully, I’ll also receive a warm welcome at the March of Roland."
"Wait... you’re going there?" Emily asked, startled.
Athillia nodded.
"Uncle Mattin wishes me to return with him. He’ll be coming to fetch me once he finishes his duties at the palace."
"When will that be?" Meredith asked.
"He said he’s preoccupied today, but it could be as soon as tomorrow," Athillia explained. "He promised to come once his tasks are done."
"By Uncle Mattin, you mean... Lord Silas? I thought his first name was Matthew and he took his father’s first name, Aram, as his middle name," Sylvia asked.
Athillia smiled faintly.
"That’s true. Mattin is his nickname. He prefers me to call him that."
"Ah, of course. That would’ve made sense since you are his family." Sylvia nodded.
"So, you won’t be staying long..." Meredith murmured, a little disappointed. Then her eyes lit with sudden curiosity. "Didn’t Sir Henderson say anything about it?"
Athillia tilted her head.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well..." the lady-in-waiting hesitated, glancing away. "He’s your escort, isn’t he?"
"He did ask if I could stay," Athillia admitted, "but I told him I had no reason to." A hint of gloom lingered in her tone.
Callis and Meredith exchanged a knowing glance, the Mederian Princess arching her brow. Their silent communication went unnoticed by the others.
"Then... we’ll miss you," Anna said. "We already have so few ladies here, and I don’t have many friends."
Athillia gave her a gentle smile.
"Don’t worry. I’ll write often and ask Uncle Mattin to let me visit Gerhard when possible."
Anna nodded, though disappointment still shadowed her face.
Meanwhile, Emily, who had noticed Elis’ quietness and lack of enthusiasm for another slice, asked, "Is the apple not to your liking? You’ve been rather quiet."
"Oh, no! It’s good. It really is! I just don’t feel too hungry," she replied.
"You don’t look so well. Are you sick again?" Sylvia asked, her attention drawn to Elis as well. "Your eyes are red and puffy."
"I’m fine!" the Princess Consort hurriedly answered, not wanting to trouble them.
"She’s not in a good mood. I don’t know what my brother did, but whatever it was, it made her cry," Callis asserted.
"Oh, you poor thing! Did His Highness Prince Kiev hurt you?" asked Emily, concerned about the princess consort.
Elis had always been the quiet one, rarely sharing matters about herself. Her husband, Kiev, with his commanding presence, had often been perceived as dominating in their relationship. This naturally led many to assume that she had no choice but to be submissive to him.
"No! He’s not like that! He’s quite a gentleman!" Elis protested, defending the Mederian Prince.
She could feel the knight’s wife’s scrutinising gaze sharpen when Kiev’s name was spoken.
"Prince Kiev may not be good with words and often seems demanding," Anna added, lending her view, "but in truth, he’s a good and trustworthy man. Even my husband and the knights hold him in high regard."
"I didn’t mean otherwise," Emily interjected quickly. "It’s just... he can be so stern with his face, and he hardly smiles, though I admit he’s quite handsome."
Callis chuckled.
"Oh, but he does smile a lot when he’s with my sister-in-law. My brother may look tense most of the time, but he’s hopelessly romantic about her."
Elis blushed at that remark. The Mederian Princess would know Kiev best, being his sister.
"Then, what did that enchanting prince of yours do that saddened you?" Meredith asked, curious.
At once, all gazes turned towards Elis, eager for her reply. She hesitated, torn between keeping it to herself and unburdening her heart. But she finally spoke at Callis’ gentle urging not to bottle it up.
"Kiev... wants to go to Dracor to take revenge for me," she said quietly. "He plans to destroy the slave market, the Count of Abinair’s mansion and everything that harmed me and my late sister."
"That sounds just like him!" Callis exclaimed proudly. "He’s standing up for you! Why wouldn’t you be glad about it?"
The other ladies nodded in agreement, echoing her sentiment.
"Be-because... I don’t want him to get hurt," Elis confessed, "...And knowing he’s doing it for me makes me feel guilty. He has already done so much, even made me his official wife and declared me a Princess Consort. How could I burden him further with my own troubles?" Her eyes fell, heavy with regret.
Anna’s expression softened with understanding. Setting aside her plate, she rose and moved to sit beside Elis. Athillia, sensing the need, swiftly moved to make space.
Taking the Princess Consort’s hand, Anna spoke gently.
"I know exactly what you’re feeling. I once felt the same when Kyren wanted to march into Ardel to avenge me. I even threatened my own life to stop him, and he relented with regret. I thought I was protecting him then, but later I realised I was wrong. That’s why I didn’t stop him when he decided to go to the Agathe Islands. You should do the same for Prince Kiev. Let him follow what he believes in."
"But... wouldn’t that put him in danger?" Elis asked anxiously.
"His Highness Prince Kiev is capable," Sylvia assured her. "He is on par with His Highness the Grand Duke. You should have faith in him."
Anna nodded firmly in agreement.
"Besides, he won’t go alone. He’ll have the Knights of Gerhard at his side. There are forty elite knights under Kyren’s command. Even if a few remain here, the rest are at his disposal. They are battle-tested, well-trained, and they will see the mission through without fail."
"You know about his plan?" Elis asked in surprise.
"My husband told me," Anna replied. "It was Prince Kiev’s personal request. He said this would be a precious wedding gift for you. A gift far more valuable than a ring. I’m certain he thought long and hard before making such a request."
Elis’ heart sank.
"He must have been thinking about the pain I’ve endured. That’s why he refuses to change his decision. He knows my trauma isn’t gone!" Her voice broke, and her eyes brimmed with tears.
The ladies fell silent, their expressions solemnised with pity. Even Athillia, who had already heard of Elis’ past from Callis, now felt a heavier sympathy for her. The suffering the princess consort endured was darker and more gruesome than hers.
"Prince Kiev loves you deeply, that’s why," Anna said firmly. "But think of it this way... Those women and children forced into slavery, the men crushed under oppression... isn’t this also justice for them? It’s about time someone stood up for them, too."
Her words seeped deeply into Elis’ heart. Slowly, she began to see the truth more clearly.
This was not only for her. The cruelty she had suffered was the same as that inflicted on innocent people.
Even her own townsfolk, who had wronged her, were steeped in corruption—slave trading, loan sharking, exploiting the helpless without remorse and countless other vile deeds.
Kiev’s mission was not merely an act of vengeance on her behalf, but a stand for fairness, and a voice for those who could not speak for themselves.
She remembered the cries of women, children, and men sold at the slave market alongside her and her sister. Their suffering had gone unanswered, and their tears had been left without retribution.
Kiev might not be able to undo what had happened, but this action could strike a blow that would change everything.
At that thought, Elis’ tears ceased, her heart steadying along with the rhythm of her breath. A quiet strength began to replace her sorrow.
"Forgive me for being selfish before," she said, her voice clearer. "I didn’t understand. But now I see... this isn’t only for me. I won’t feel guilty anymore. From now on, I’ll give Kiev my full support."
The ladies’ faces brightened with relief and joy.
"That’s the spirit! His Highness Prince Kiev will be overjoyed to know you’ve changed your heart," Sylvia remarked joyously.
Elis smiled. Her heart was lighter than before. Surrounded by the ladies’ warmth and encouragement, the weight of sorrow eased from her shoulders, allowing her to truly enjoy their company.
"Then... if it’s not too much to ask, could you all give me some advice?" Elis gathered her courage to speak.
"What is it?" asked Emily.
"I want to do something for Kiev before he departs. He said he’ll be leaving in a few days, so..." Elis’s cheeks flushed pink as she hesitated, but at last, she confessed her heart’s desire.
At her words, the ladies exchanged delighted grins, their eyes sparkling.
"You couldn’t have chosen better company. We’ll absolutely help you with this!" Meredith said, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Really?" asked the Princess Consort, lightened by their eagerness.
"Of course! Girls, let’s come up with a plan so good that Prince Kiev will be over the moon!" Anna declared.
"Count us in!" Sylvia exclaimed, while Emily nodded enthusiastically.
Callis and Athillia, too, shared in the thrill of the moment.
The atmosphere in the parlour transformed at once. Laughter and lively chatter replaced the earlier heaviness, as the women forgot their grievances over their husbands and poured their energy into cheerful plotting.
Just then, the door was knocked hard, and a maid rushed in with an urgent voice.
"My lady! My lady!" Scarlett cried.
"What is it, Scarlett?" Meredith asked, startled.
The room fell silent at the sudden interruption.
"Something is happening at the training ground!" the maid exclaimed breathlessly. "Sir Henderson is about to be punished!"
"What?!" Athillia shot to her feet, alarm flooding her expression.
"For what reason?" Anna also rose quickly.
"I-I don’t know! I heard something about negligence... but perhaps you’d better see for yourselves!" Scarlett stammered.
Athillia didn’t wait for further explanation. She hurried straight for the door, her skirts sweeping after her. Anna and Meredith exchanged a quick look, both struck by the same thought.
"I need to see this myself," Anna declared.
Moments later, the women swept out of the parlour, their steps quickening toward the training ground where answers awaited.