Two-Faced Princess

New Embers (5)

However, Petra was different from Seta. Seta was insensitive to pointed questions while Petra was patient. She knew how to hide her hostility and bring her opponent to her side. Petra smirked. People who were determined to stay in the castle had to treat Seta favorably. It was better not to engage in unnecessary quarrels against the emperor’s will.

“You’ll be busier from now on.”

She pulled out one of the most colorful bracelets she had on her wrist. A turquoise topaz surrounded by silver ornaments.

“Here. This is for you.”

“Hey! This is too valuable.” Seta refused, but her face had turned radiant. Petra smiled and held the bracelet in her hand.

“This bracelet is so rare that even the royal family can’t get their hands on it quite easily. A famous jeweler made it. Consider it as a gift.” Petra rose from her seat and added, “Tell the Emperor to come earlier next time. He seemed to be very late. Even if he arrives now, he’ll probably want to spend time with you.”

Petra smiled once again and left Seta, who looked bewildered by her uncharacteristic kindness and consideration. Friends should be kept close and enemies should be kept closed. She should do that until she figured out how to handle her.

* * *

“Miss Seta, someone is here.”

An hour later, a servant told Seta when she returned to her room from the study.

She didn’t ask as if she could guess who it was.

“Let her in.”

“Miss Seta.” Adrian greeted her as she walked in. Her green eyes, which always seemed kind, were sparkling.

“Her Highness, the princess, said that she dropped something after exchanging pleasantries with you at the last banquet.”

“You mean the blue handkerchief.”

As if she had expected this, Seta opened the drawer and pulled out the handkerchief. Apollonia didn’t really own this but it was one of the most believable excuses she could make to meet Adrian without arousing suspicion from others.

“Since you’re here, why don’t you have some tea?” She naturally gave Adrian a cup of tea.

“You came just in time. “Duchess Lippert has just come and gone.” Adrian put down the teacup with surprised eyes.

“Did you come across her in person?”

“Yes. I think she likes me enough.” Seta smiled. She was quickly adjusting to her new life in the royal palace. Also, it wasn’t difficult to pass the Emperor’s examination thanks to Apollonia’s training. However, Seta seemed to know a little about dealing with Petra based on her earlier experience.

“What did you two talk about?”

“It’s about Paris’ recruitment of Marquis Fortrus to become the Royal Knight Commander like Her Highness once guessed.”

Petra had no idea what went on at first but Apollonia was able to inform Seta that Count Bronen, the current Royal Knight commander, had committed corruption. With that information, the Emperor planned to give the position to Marquis Fortrus and persuade him to become his right hand.

Seta smiled, recalling Petra’s reaction a while ago.

“Did you say it as it was?” Adrian asked, puzzled. She knew Petra wasn’t that easy to fool

“I briefly mentioned it and she assumed that I’d heard it from His Majesty. That can’t be helped. In her eyes, I’m just a dancer. One who’s ignorant about politics. She thinks I can’t guess such things in an instant. In addition, no one could possibly inform me of what’s happening outside.”

As Petra initially thought, the Emperor would never discuss politics with Seta. Apart from loving her, he wasn’t the type to divulge political secrets with his lover.

“And then?”

“I told her that it’s just a rumor I’ve heard about His Highness,” Seta replied honestly and Petra did consider that strange. “Her Highness is right. We should give these suspicious people something to doubt. When I stuttered on purpose, she immediately concluded that she heard of it herself.”

Adrian’s eyes widened in admiration before she grinned. “It’s great that you’re able to put those skills into practice to the Duchess and to His Highness.”

“After interacting with all kinds of people, I became good at it.” Seta shrugged. Adrian wondered if she was bragging or if she was just trying to help. “I didn’t reveal anything, but her mind might not be fine. After knowing that I’ve talked about His Majesty’s secret, she is bound to feel betrayed. If that builds up, the crack between the two will deepen.”