Chapter 61
I inconspicuously entered the tea lounge, carrying the tea and a few small plates with slices of cake on my tray. The lounge was filled with perfectly-dressed, perfumed ladies, chattering like their life depended on it.
The soft sunlight of the late afternoon illuminated the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere. But the conversation was anything but peaceful at the moment, judging on the stressed faces of some tensed ladies. The majority of them seemed very invested in their discussions though, as they eagerly gossiped the latest news, even if a few of them stayed rather unbothered and tranquil, I noticed.
Ella was already there, serving a round table of elder cards-playing ladies at the left of the room, so I decided to serve on the right side. I approached a group of four middle-aged ladies, seated on a couch behind a low table and occupied with needlepoint. As I deposited a small plate of cakes on the low table and slowly refilled their half-empty cups, I strained my ears to hear what they were saying.
"...and she said that some of the servants had seen her in the kitchen to eat her breakfast," one of them said.
"What?", the seemingly youngest of the group stopped her needlepoint to look at the first one.
"Really? I thought she had died a few years ago," a lady with similar features as the youngest one commented.
"Well, apparently not according to my maid. But I hope she's wrong because I don't want any more taxes anytime soon," the first one continued haughtily.
"Yes, you're right. At least your husband lets us enjoy ourselves as we like. There's a reason he's the Head of the Council now," the third lady agreed.
The Head of the Council's wife, who seemed like the oldest of the four with her greying hair and painted face, nodded with a smirk, "Well, I know he's the most suitable. Now that Lord Rutherford is gone, he has struggled a bit with the lack of support, but look at where he is now. He's capable of anything."
"But King Ludwig wasn't that bad, do you remember? Even if we had a few taxes, our country was in a better shape," the lady who hadn't spoken since I was here, countered.
"Ha!", the Head of the Council's wife barked out a laugh, "Do you think I care about those poor peasants? As long as they pay their taxes and provide our food, they can starve for all I care."
"Well, if Lord Erlenwind stays as the Head Council, that poor girl won't be able to do anything," the youngest lady sniffed, continuing with her needlepoint.
What? Lord Erlenwind, as in Charles' father? I struggled to keep my face neutral. If he was the Head Council, it didn't surprise me that our kingdom was in such a state. I glanced at Lady Erlenwind, feeling a new surge of disgust towards her. So, she was the one who kicked Charles' mother out of her house and made her homeless.
"I know. Let's just see what happens. She doesn't have much power anyway, even with her princess status. What's the worst she can do? The dangerous one is her father, so if it's only her who's back, not much will change," Lady Erlenwind concluded.
"Lady Canterbury, your husband came back today, didn't he?", the youngest lady shifted the focus of the conversation on the shyest lady of the four.
"Yes, he did...", she went on as I distanced myself from them before I made myself suspicious by loitering near their table.
The next group of ladies that I approached were visibly younger, but not enough, not to be married or spinsters. "So that means Lord Canterbury came back yesterday, right?", one of them asked.
"Well yes, he's the most influential person of the Council after Lord Erlenwind, so he has to be there for the Yearly Reunion in two days."
"But I thought he came back today?"
YOU ARE READING
Saving Her Kingdom
Historical Fiction(Complete) I backed against the door, and balled my hand into fists, to keep myself from panicking. "I..." Another step. We were now inches apart and he stood in front of me, his face in the shadows. "Who are you?", he asked, his voice sending shive...
