Natalya of the North 《The Remarried Empress》

《04》

Laura felt ashamed as she was defeated by a mistress. Never shall that happen ever again.

Laura was now back in Empress Navier's care, feeling grateful that her beloved empress wasn't going to discard her away.

A brunette noblewoman walked towards her, with a tiny black box in hand.

It was Lady Olga Petrova, a Countess from the Northern Empire. She is one of Princess Natalya's lady-in-waiting, notorious for her huge share of hatred towards concubines.

"Her majesty, Princess Natalya of the Northern Empire has sent you a gift, Laura Tarital, daughter of Marquis Tarital.." She announced, bowing her head at her, offering the black box to her.

Laura fell agape, the renowned Queen of the Glass had sent her a gift.

"Thank you, Lady Olga.." Laura replied, a humble smile tugging her lips as she accepts the gift with great gratitude.

Olga shook her head with her smile.

"Please stop the formalities, we've known each other for quite a long time now.." Olga mused.

"And besides, my royal highness was supposed to send you this gift herself but unfortunately, her royal duties prevented her to do so.." She added.

Olga gave her one last smile and left.

Laura's eyes glistened as she opened the tiny black chest, revealing a very beautiful emerald brooch.

Laura felt very grateful for the princess.

Princess Natalya had always been such a considerate person.

She was never afraid to point out anyone's mistake. She even challenged Emperor Sovieshu back when he was still a prince and defeated him.

There was even a time when she exiled a very powerful court noble because of his corrupt deeds. And to top it all off, she was only 16 back then.

-~*The Remarried Empress*~-

Natalya was now lying on her bed, feeling exhausted.

Honestly, the more she saw Rashta, the more her cheeks are strained due to the insincere smiles.

Her lady-in-waiting, Olga had left to get her lady some sweets she oh so adored. Polina on the other hand was brewing some black tea.

So she was left alone in her quarters.

"I wonder if the bird will come once again.." She muttered to herself, closing her blue jeweled eyes.

Natalya just wished to disappear into a world where she had something else to do. She had already finished her paperwork and now was having a break.

She was going to die out of boredom.

Natalya slumped on her bed.

Yes, it was not ladylike to laze around but whatever. It's not like Natalya cares.

She was not raised like other princesses from other kingdoms/empires. She grew up knowing swordmanship and archery. Although she also etiquette classes, most of her lessons center upon the importance of a woman in society.

A woman was not only to continue a bloodline but also nourish it. Which is a great honor. Men and women weren't given separate classes and were taught how to defend themselves at a young age.

The Northern Empire was the first ever country to bring up gender equality and female rulers.

Empress Vanessa Tsvetok Lyubov, her great grandmother, ruled the Northern Empire single-handedly and married Duke Igor Ivanov, giving birth to her grandfather Alexei Nikolai I.