‘…The princess didn’t actually discuss this with my mother, did she?’
He frowned as he added this circumstantial evidence to his hypothesis.
Unaware of his complex inner thoughts, his mother praised the ladies. “They are all wise and virtuous young women,” she said.
Raphael took a sip of the strong tea to moisten his mouth.
‘A wise and virtuous young woman…’
He recalled the different traits of his potential partners that Cayena mentioned.
Dolores Avon, who was skilled at piano and embroidery but fainted at the sight of blood.
Rita Brukin, who was violent and had trained as a knight.
And Olivia Grace, who was sponsored by his mother and recommended by the princess.
‘…I think I’ve been given a sign.’
The princess had told him very precise information. And if her words were right…
‘None of them are suitable to be a duchess. I’m sure of it.’
The duchess pointed to a portrait.
“What do you think of Lady Grace? She isn’t lacking by any means, and she’s very intelligent.”
“I have no intention of getting married, Mother,” answered Raphael.
Rationally, though, his mother was correct.
The most important thing for the family was for him to solidify his position.
However, Raphael was disgusted by skinship and the thought of someone being interested in him.
How could he choose a spouse like this?
If it was just someone to sit with during meals, he would have already chosen someone. But Raphael didn’t feel affection for anybody but himself. He had never even felt love for his own mother.
Her presence in his territory caused him a great amount of stress.
“You can’t really mean that,” she said.
“Don’t forget that marrying quickly is for the sake of your family, Raphy.”
It was a cold reminder that did not suit the friendly nickname she bestowed upon him.
The duchess quickly got up as soon as she finished saying what she had to say. Then, she left, and the door closed firmly behind her.
Raphael once again noticed the portraits that were still neatly placed on the table. His eyes stopped on Olivia’s likeness. She was an impressive beauty with wheat-colored hair and green eyes.
How did Cayena know? How did she end up discussing his potential wife with him at just the right time?
Raphael spoke to a butler who had entered the dining room. “Tell Jeremy to request an audience with Her Highness Cayena.”
“Yes, sir.”
He was curious about the princess.
***
As soon as Cayena arrived at her palace, she noticed that her bedroom was untidy.
“I see that you haven’t cleaned this room.”
“I apologize, Your Highness!”
The young lady-in-waiting who was in charge of cleaning the chamber was surprised, and her knees buckled beneath her.
“Make sure you do not make this mistake again.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The ladies-in-waiting secretly exchanged glances, seeing how Cayena generously overlooked the mistake.
YOU ARE READING
THE VILLAINESS IS A MARIONETTE
Historical FictionCayena, the Imperial Princess, was known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire. She was a woman who knew nothing but evil and luxury. However, she was destined for ruin: she would be used as a chess piece by her younger brother to secure his thr...
