The Duke's Unwanted Wife

“Presenting his grace, The Grand Duke Kristen and His wife Grand Duchess Kristen” the chamberlain announced and almost the entire grand hall turned to the two walking in. Natalia had her arm in the crook of her husband’s and an elegant smile on her face as opposed to the ugly expression her brother had escorting the third princess in the hall earlier. Because of the sheer distaste radiating from the man beside her, she couldn’t find it in her to laugh.    

    

“Oh my, it’s their first public appearance, is it not?”    

    

“Lady Natalia is as beautiful as ever. She is the only one who truly suits his grace. They’re the most eye catching couple here”    

    

“The Grand Duke looks as cold as ever though”    

    

“No matter how cold he looks, he is still very handsome, is he not?”    

    

“Of course!”    

    

The whispers of the young ladies they walked past were so loud, they might have well been saying it in their ears. Natalia was pleased with the public opinion and searched around for the two princesses she had set her eyes on.    

    

“Ah, you two make a truly lovely couple” A pot bellied noble stopped the two in their tracks. The two could recognize Marquis Bellam almost immediately. He belonged to the extremely wealthy faction and he was the most prominent supporter of the Duke’s Faction.    

    

“Marquis Bellam” the two greeted.    

    

“It would seem that you have something important to discuss with the Grand Duke. I shall excuse myself now since I also have people to greet”    

    

“Then I shall see the Grand Duchess later” the man smiled. Natalia removed her hand from her husband’s grasps, walking towards where the ladies were gathered. Fredrich looked at his empty arms and wondered if it was his imagination that his wife was always fleeing his presence. No, it wasn’t his imagination. She tuly had no intent to spend time beside him.    

    

“Lady Natalia!” the ladies squealed excitedly as she drew near. It elicited a warm smile from her as she was welcomed into their midst.    

    

“You ladies all look lovely today” she complimented.    

    

“Of course the Grand Duchess looks the most splendid! This must be a piece from La Borisque, right?”    

    

“Yes. Lady Borisque, your house has outdone itself this time”    

    

“I thank you for your kind compliments” A young red haired girl bowed respectfully, her cheeks dying scarlet. Part of the fame of House Borisque could be attributed to Natalia who patronized them quite frequently.    

    

“It’s so comforting to see that you haven’t abandoned us in the capital” a lady chirped from the side.    

    

“How could I abandon you ladies? You are all my friends”    

    

The ladies giggled and chatted for a bit more. What brought every conversation in the grand hall to a screeching halt was the entrance of the royal family with the exception of the third princess that had entered earlier. They all bowed as the King and Queen made their way to the thrones made for them in the grand hall. Once they sat, the music resumed and the festivities continued. However, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere, especially after the two princesses decided to approach Natalia’s circle.    

    

“It has been a while since I have seen this fellowship” Princess Francesca commented, her eyes sharp.    

    

“Greetings to your highness” the ladies bowed. The only one who didn’t was Natalia since she didn’t have to anymore.    

    

“Your highness, you look very lovely tonight” Natalia commented.    

    

“Of course. The royal tailor cannot be compared to that of a countdom”    

    

It was an obvious jab at House Borisque. The ladies that were present in Natalia’s circle belonged to the high nobility. Most of them were raised up there by her using the wealth of her family and her illustrious reputation. They also bonded over several things, like their joint dislike for the royal family. Their tea parties were the best in the capital so much so that various ladies craved an invite. The two princesses hadn’t gotten the opportunity to have tea together with all the ladies despite their effort in the absence of Natalia.    

    

“The two phoenixes of the kingdom cannot be compared to us noble ladies. You are the only ones with different fashion senses after all”    

    

“What’s so wrong with being different, Lady Yeri?” Princess Francesca snapped. The lady smiled gracefully.    

    

“I meant no offense, my lady. The royal family stands out resplendently, doesn’t it? I am simply complimenting my ladies”    

    

“If it’s a compliment, then why is your style so different, Lady Yeri?”    

    

“I couldn’t bear to copy your highness’s style so I spent my time looking for a style vastly different from yours so I will not disrespect your highness”    

    

“I thought you weren’t feeling well, Lady Yeri?” the second princess pointed out.    

    

“I cannot refuse her majesty’s invitation. Thanks for her grace, I am being properly taken care of in the palace” The lady she referred to smiled.    

    

The princesses knew they were being mocked for their style. They were truly the only ones who couldn’t purchase a La Borisque dress. They had a circle of their own so they strutted off to meet them. Once they were gone, the eyes of the ladies turned malicious.    

    

“There are several pheasants that pretend to be phoenixes” Lady Yeri said and the whole circle cackled. Natalia chuckled and turned her head just in time to see the saintess candidate walking up to their circle.    

    

“Greetings ladies. I am Adelie Grayson from the Grayson Barony. I am pleased to make your acquaintance” she introduced.    

    

“The church has a good eye for people. I can see you will shine so marvelously in the presence of our god, Miss Adelie”    

    

“Thank you for your lovely compliment, Lady Yeri. I also want to thank Lady Borisque for this beautiful dress you gifted me”    

    

“It’s nothing to worry about, Lady Grayson. I cannot turn down a request from Count Selene. You look very beautiful tonight. Don’t you think so, your grace?”    

    

The ladies turned to Natalia. They were waiting for Natalia’s evaluation of the saintess candidate before they could decide if she was friend or foe.    

    

“Lady Adelie is a sight for sore eyes indeed. I’m afraid the men in the grand hall would be falling over themselves to seek her favor”    

    

“You praise me so highly your grace. I’m afraid I’m not that capable of catching the eye of high nobility so easily, especially the most eligible bachelors”    

    

There was no way no one could tell who she wasn’t talking about because despite being one of the most outstanding women inside the hall, Sebastian Adamantine hadn’t glanced her way more than once.