The Second Mistress (Sovieshu x OC)

Chapter 73

-In The Western Kingdom-

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-In Navier's Room On The Balcony-

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-Third Person POV-

'A week before the wedding...Foreign dignitaries who had been invited started arriving one by one. However...I wasn't tasked with greeting the guests since I was the bride...So I could spend my time without being interrupted.' Navier thought as she flipped to the next page of her book as Countess Joubert walked over with a tea kettle in her hands along with Laura next to her "Bringing Lady Nian to take over High Society was an excellent choice, Your Majesty." Countess Joubert said making Navier turn to her "I was surprised she charmed the nobles of the Western Kingdom...By making herself the talk of the town. To think she used the numerous rumors that have been circling since she was at the Eastern Empire to her advantage instead of refuting them." Laura said, "That was an aggressive tactic that only Nian could have gotten away with." Countess Joubert said with a small laugh making Laura nod "At the last party I attended, she arrived with two gentlemen in tow! It was so gravitating to see everyone stare at her with stunned looks on their faces! I wish you had been there to see it!" Laura exclaimed happily as she turned her attention to the basket of flowers.

"And now that Miss Merlandy has sent over some flowers in response...I think things are going to be plain sailing from now on." Laura said as Navier turned her attention to the flowers 'Ageratum flowers signify...Trust. Since she sent these flowers after receiving Corydalises, which symbolizes secrets, and Gaillardia Pulchellas, which represents cooperation...It means she has accepted my proposal to join forces in secret.' Navier thought as she shut her book with a sigh. 'Perhaps I'll take a quick break...' Navier thought as she stood up walking to the edge of the balcony looking down to see a lot of noble ladies in the garden 'A lot of people have arrived already. I wonder if Angelica and Sovieshu have arrived here safely or if they haven't arrived yet...Once I get married before them...And officially become the Queen, I'll be able to help the Western Kingdom in earnest. In order to do that, I'll have to get through the wedding night without any issues.' Navier thought turning to Laura with a smile "I'd like to go for a stroll since the weather's nice." Navier said, "Oh! Should I pack some food since it's been a while since we last went for a walk?" Laura asked while Navier nodded "Go ahead." Navier said following Laura back inside.

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-Outside/Inside The Palace/In Grand Duke Kaufman's Room-

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-Third Person POV-

As Navier went outside with Laura, Rose, and Miss Mastas following her talking to each other happily, Navier soon spotted Grade Duke Kaufman "Grand Duke Kaufman?" Navier called out to him making him turn his attention onto her closing the locket with a click as he bowed to her "Your Majesty. Please accept my apologies. I did not know where the boundary of the Queen's Palace begins...Because it's my first time visiting the Western Kingdom." He said as Navier waved it off with a smile "I'm only staying here temporarily. I plan to move into the Queen's Palace after the wedding." Navier said as Grand Duke Kaufman stood up "Oh...It's lovely to see you." He said blushing as Laura dropped the basket filled with food looking at them surprised with a little blush on her cheeks "Oh!" Laura mumbled making Navier turned turn to the three laides "Would you bring over another basket of food...Since this one it ruined?" Navier asked and they nodded " Of course, Your Majesty!" They said and quickly ran off while Grand Duke Kaufman stared at Navier "I expected as much, but it seems the antidote isn't working very well." Navier said making him chuckle turning his gaze away from her "Do you think I can't neutralize the potion...Or do you think I'm not trying to?" Grand Duke Kaufman asked making Navier look at him nervously before he cleared his throat "Was it His Majesty or Your Majesty that invited me?" He asked, "Ah. It was me." Navier said making him blush more "I knew it." He mumbled before looking away and clearing his throat "King Heinrey would have hesitated to invite me." Grand Duke Kaufman said as Navier looked at him 'He made an odd remark and then followed it up with a shrewd observation.' Navier thought. Grand Duke Kaufman's blushed up making him turn away from Navier's gaze "Dammit." He mumbled under his breath "Grand Duke..." Navier mumbled reaching her hand towards him "Don't touch me. Your touch...Will...Devastate me." He said making Navier's eyes widen, soon the wind started to pick up making Navier cover her face from the leaves flying in the wind as she opened her eyes to see Grand Duke Kaufman's hand reach out to her and tap her on her cheek making him blush more taking some steps back which surprised Navier greatly making her look away from him "Would it have been better not to have net until your body was free of the effects of the potion? You could still ask someone to take your place..." Navier's words trailed off "No. I might have turned up uninvited...Had you not invited me." Grand Duke Kaufman said with a chuckle making Navier look at him worriedly 'But if this goes on...' Navier thought "Could you...Make another bottle of that potion?" Navier asked unexpectedly "Pardon?" Grand Duke Kaufman asked surprised "You could drink that potion again, but look at someone else this time. You could choose someone who is...less a problem to love." Navier said making him shake his head "What if I end up loving two people at once? It's painful just loving one person. I don't think I'll be able to cope with loving two people." He said as Navier just looked at him pitifully 'This incredibly proud man...Became someone to feel sorry for.' Navier thought as Grand Duke Kaufman flinched back at her thought 'How is it that...Even a thought like that...Feels like a breeze on a spring day to me?' He thought with a sigh and left back into the Palace to deep into his thoughts.

'It was like that from the moment we first met. She gave me a greeting that was a mere formality and looked very reserved...But deep down inside, she thought...'He's very tall' I kept looking at her...Because I wondered how she could sound so different from what she was thinking deep down. Even now...' As he walked Grand Duke Kaufman spotted Krista and her Lady-In-Waiting, Lady Imarie together making Krista turn to him with a small smile "Grand Duke Kaufman." She called out to him and went inside his room with her following as he turned to his servant "Bring out some refreshments for my guests." Grand Duke Kaufman said making the young male nod "Yes, Your Grace" he said walking walking, while the Grand Duke turned to Krista "So what brings the Former Queen to my chambers?" He asked making Krista look at him with an interest "Ah, so you already know who I am. As a member of the Royal Family, it is my duty to welcome such an honored guest who has traveled from far away." Krista said as the Grand Duke looked at her "Is that so?" he asked questioningly, while Krista sat down Lady Imarie looked somewhat annoyed at the Grand Duke 'Why's he being so curt? Does he think he can act like that just because he's a foreign Grand Duke?' Lady Imarie thought as the Grand Duke faced away from her hearing her thought 'Her Lady-In-Waiting seems to have very firm views.' He thought as Krista spoke up again "Have you encountered any issues that might inconvenience you during your stay? Let me know if there's anything you need. I'll do my best to help." The Grand Duke shook his head "That won't be necessary. I'll ask the person in charge if I need any help." He said making Krista's eyes widen as she felt chills go through her body and she soon looked down "I see." She mumbled. 'I suppose that even visitors from abroad think that...It isn't the Former Queen's place to get involved in court affairs.' Krista thought as the Grand Duke stared at Krista before his eyes wend to a glare hearing Krista's thoughts 'I don't think this man cares for anyone. What do I do? How can I get him on my side so that I can restore my influence at court?' She thought 'So it was true. She's trying to fight with Navier to maintain her influence. That's foolish.' He thought as his eyes widened at her thoughts 'Why did that woman have to go to go for Heinrey...When she is acquainted with a sticking man like the Grand Duke?' Krista thought before she stood up looking over at him nervously "I apologize for taking up your time. I know you must be tired from the journey. I shall take my leave." Krista said ready to leave as the Grand Duke stopped her "One moment. You should at least...Have your coffee before you leave." He said making a her nod and sitting back down looking at a cup with coffee in it.

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