Ordained

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Three

The royal tea party was almost exactly as Emmeline had imagined it. It was akin to one of Emily's luncheons only far grander. A large round table had been set up outside in the sunshine beneath a vast pergola covered in powder pink roses. To compliment the setting, the table was set with a mass of pink flowers in delicate glass vases that glittered in the sun. With a sense of dismay she realised she was one of the last to arrive, many ladies already gathered together in tight circles talking together. Emmeline cursed Cassius who had delayed her leaving with kisses.

Just when she felt a bubble of nerves threaten to surface, a sure hand slid through her arm, pulling her close. "Cousin." Ariana smiled warmly. "I was worried."

Emmeline felt herself relax at once despite the many eyes now flicking to her. "Your cousin delayed me." Was all she answered, grinning when Ariana laughed knowingly.

"He is rogue." She chuckled. "Come meet some of my friends."

Ariana made a show of introducing her to everyone, and while Emmeline knew almost everyone it was still nice to have the princess' support. Emily and Lavender were there of course. Emily was fanning herself indulgently, looking utterly at home whilst Lavender still had a nervousness to her, like she thought she didn't belong. Emmeline said nothing as they passed them, simply holding out a hand calling her friends to her side. Ariana engaged them in conversation animatedly, all the while holding onto Emmeline like she might fall without her support.

Emmeline wondered if that was what Ariana was scared of, or if perhaps Cassius had spoken to her. She knew she was frailer than usual due to not being able to keep food down, but she was quite steady on her feet.

A string quartet played light melodious music, the distant sounds of events happening elsewhere in the palace almost drowned out by the strings. Just how many events happened at the palace everyday? She wondered vaguely, feeling Ariana lead them towards the table.

"Let us sit." Ariana announced after an hour of light conversation. The round table was genius. It allowed everyone to face one another without having their views obstructed. Despite the table being circular it was very clear where the head of the table was. Ariana sat with her back to a particularly lovely blossom tree, the flowers seeming to frame her loveliness. Emmeline sat beside her as instructed, ignoring the looks that followed in response.

"Miss Emmeline, how nice it is to have you with us. I do not believe we have had you amongst our number before." A voice, sugary sweet, drifted across the table almost at once. Glancing up she saw Miss Laura Hantle giving her a patronising smile.

Emmeline gave her her most gentle smile. "No, I do not believe I have attended a tea party at the Palace before."

Ariana was leant back slightly in her chair, a warm expression fixed in place. "Now that our dear Emmeline is in the Capital, I am sure we will all grow to be close friends."

Miss Laura nodded respectfully. "But of course your highness."

Tea was served from a menagerie of colourfully painted teapots. Jasmine, chamomile, peppermint, dandelion, oolong, berry, and green tea was on offer. Towering, multi-layered displays of delicate cakes, sandwiches, pastries, and quiches also appeared. If Emmeline wasn't mistaken, every single tray, pot, plate, and dish had a predetermined place, the additional items on the table slotting perfectly amongst the complex array of flowers and ornaments.

Ariana began a lively discussion on which dress makers were in the highest demand which proved to be a popular topic. "Of course, we shall need to summon, say... Dubois and Ricci to the palace?" She turned to ask Emmeline. Doing her best not to look confused Emmeline simply nodded. "For your new wardrobe of course!" The princess beamed, turning back to the table at large.

"Perhaps some of you may have heard. My cousin is turning out to be quite the romantic! Yesterday after our lunch together he and dear Emmie returned to the townhouse only for him to announce that Emmeline's possessions must all be replaced!"

Emily jumped on the topic. "It's true I was speaking to his grace just last night about it. He said that Emmeline must have only the best now that she is to become grand duchess, and that he insists on buying her all new things."

Lavender's voice was less sure but no less quiet. "Perhaps we should take a trip to the boutiques in town together, Emmeline."

Nodding enthusiastically Emmeline agreed heartily. "Yes, we shall go tomorrow then." Grinning widely when both she and Emily nodded.

Some of the women looked impressed, surprised maybe, but some were frowning. "You must tell us how it is you have inspired such devotion in his grace. By all accounts he was rather cold before. You'll forgive me for saying so, your highness." The smile she gave Emmeline was kind.

Ariana laughed. "Not at all Miss Lillian. I agree. Cassius could be such a bore before. Maybe that is why I am so attached to you, Emmeline. You've brought my cousin quite out of his shell."

Unable to stop the small smile that played across her lips, Emmelien dropped her eyes to her lap, embarrassed but also pleased.

"And you are not daunted by the task of becoming grand duchess? I know that if I were in your place I would feel frightfully unprepared." A harsher voice demanded. There was an answering swell of tittering laughter at this, hidden behind hands and fans. Emmeline had missed who had spoken, but looking around the table she saw that Miss Laura was looking most smug.

Ariana went to speak but Emmeline reached out to cover her hand with her own.

"Cousin." She stated, silencing the princess with a word. Emmeline knew that to touch the royal family without permission was notable enough, but to stop the princess from talking was as strong a sign as was possible that she felt comfortable amongst the royals. Ariana didn't miss a beat, reaching across to hold Emmeline's hand with both her own, smiling affectionately.

"Miss Laura, I am not daunted at all. I have my Cassius, and my family-" She looked meaningfully at Ariana who was still holding her hand. "To support me. I was chosen by the pairing to be a perfect match for his grace. I am sure I will be up to the task."

She knew she had laid it on a little thick perhaps, but Miss Laura's answering expression made it worth it. Emily gave Laura a triumphant look, and unseen Ariana's hand gently squeezed Emmeline in approval.

Almost like she couldn't help herself, Ariana made a comment. "I am hardly surprised you would find the position of grand duchess frightening, you were not brave enough even to enter the pairing despite your family having not sent a child to the pairing for... three generations I believe?" Her tone was casual, nonchalant even, but her words were cutting. Miss Laura flushed vibrant scarlet before lapsing into silence for the rest of the afternoon.

Conversation moved on then to the mysteries of the pairing and Emmeline was the subject of much genuine interest as she answered questions about her experiences. 

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Author's Notes:

I love Ari.

S x