The Cursed King

"Um, I am not sure if the Duke is aware but I already have my servant from Myreen who could take care of all my needs," Elise smiled politely. "I was not aware that I would have a lady-in-waiting already?"

"Oh, is that so?" Duke Goodwin raised a brow. 

Loriel was surprised at Elise actually speaking up for herself, but decided to take her side in this matter. "Yes. Isn't it a little bit early for this kind of arrangement, Prime Minister? I have a feeling that Lady Rose might change her mind too."

He was aware of how Lady Rose prided herself in being a competent lady who could manage the affairs of the kingdom almost as well as her father. 

The idea that Lady Rose would follow along Elise was something that Loriel did not fail to find too suspicious. Even if it was common for noble and royal ladies to have attendants.

Lady Rose shook her head and only grinned. "I do not change my mind easily. I am sure that you know that, Your Grace."

Loriel sighed inwardly. What was it with ladies with strong personalities? He was aware that Lady Rose would not back down, and naturally, Duke Lance Goodwin backed up his daughter.

"Rest assured, Your Grace, that having Lady Rose in Princess Elise's company will make managing the kingdom of Summeria in the future more secure. My daughter will be of good help to the Princess that no maid servant can help accomplish."

Duke Goodwin's smile was only a tad bit sharp.

It was already considered slightly offensive that Elise compared a noblewoman with a maid servant, but the Prime Minister and his daughter did not act offended and instead were genial and only pushing for Lady Rose to be at Elise's side.

What was so wrong with it? Loriel wondered if Elise would create some sort of fuss if he were to agree to it or would she simply accept it because he wanted it to be this way? The latter seemed like what the woman would do.

After a moment of deep consideration, Loriel nodded.

"Alright, Duke Goodwin. I think I will accept your offer of Lady Rose waiting on my wife," Loriel said at last. He turned to Elise and smiled lightly. "Elise, here is Lady Rose. Your lady-in-waiting, I hope that the two of you will get along."

Elise was unhappy. It felt like Elise's desires were simply trampled upon and ignored… but she was not blind to the political weight that this arrangement meant to both Loriel and Summeria as a whole.

Only because of that would Elise tolerate this sudden affair.

"Do not worry about us, Your Grace," Lady Rose replied with a bright smile as she met Elise's gaze. The lady swept into a courteous low curtsey. "I think that Her Highness and I will get along quite well."

Elise decided to fake a smile and nodded at Rose. "Thank you, I am looking forward to an amicable relationship, Lady Rose."

"I as well, Your Highness."

It was so difficult to be happy right now, but Elise wanted to try. 

This was going to be the life that Elise now led so it was important for her to get used to the minute changes that happened instantly about the people in her life and who surrounded her.

"Now that we have finalized this arrangement, shall we celebrate your engagement in the royal dining hall, Your Grace?" Duke Lance Goodwin seemed merry in spirits. "I propose a toast to the future queen's official introduction to Summeria."

Loriel nodded. "We will." 

All four of them departed to the banquet and were followed along by the rest of the company of visitors and distinguished guests from all over the kingdom. Even though Loriel was not someone who enjoyed mingling with people, it was important for him to still do it. 

"Thank you so much for inviting us, Your Majesty." Another nobleman bowed and approached once Loriel's conversation with the prime minister finished. "It is an honor to witness the announcement of your fiance."

"I am glad to have each and everyone of you here," Loriel replied back with a proper nod.

"Have there already been any plans or due time as to when the wedding ceremony will occur, Your Majesty?" Another person inquired. "We would like to offer our hands and service for it, if it pleases you."

Loriel raised a brow nonchalantly. "What do you have in mind?"

"For the outfits to be worn during the ceremony, I know both a renowned tailor and dressmaker who will be able to make suits and gowns inlaid with the finest silks and threads, Your Grace," Someone else interrupted with a bow.

Even though Loriel was uninterested in everything they were speaking about, he listened with half an ear. The contributions given were important and most wanted to outdo one another even though Loriel didn't even declare a day or time yet.

"And for the flowers, bouquet and garlands that will adorn the palace during that day, my land and gardens are well known for providing the most beautiful blossoms, Your Majesty."

This kind of back and forth between others from Summeria that had a vested interest was something that Loriel unfortunately knew. It was something that Elise might as well learn, the responsibilities and duties of the crown.

Not everything was as easy as it seemed.

Compared to Myreen, where the king and queen dowager's reign of the kingdom was secure due their magical abilities that prevented any kind of power struggle, the same could not be said for Summeria.

Lady Rose Goodwin was just one of the many encounters that Loriel thought was something that could show Elise what it meant to be the queen of his kingdom. He hoped Elise was up for the challenge.

"I hope that Summeria has been a welcoming place for you, Your Grace," Lady Rose said. "If there is anything else that is not up to your tastes, then I hope you can confide in me and I will deal with it properly."

"My fiance has been more than accommodating to my needs," Elise replied and made sure to address Loriel as her fiance without batting an eye. 

Lady Rose didn't blink and only smiled. "Ah, while that is true, I am sure that His Majesty has not dealt with every matter efficiently as he also has other affairs in the kingdom."

Elise could not believe that Lady Rose would actually speak that way about their king.