Reprimand

The Prince looks up at Bertrand, who loosens his grip on Agathe. Clement-Victor returns his adoring gaze to me. "But she has to apologize to you for her insolence."

"That sounds just." I agree, following his cues. He lifts one of his hands, and motions for Bertrand to bring Agathe closer with a wiggle of his index finger. The large man complies to the instruction without hesitation. Agathe regains some color in her face with the hope of salvation, but it pinches as she is brought closer.

She stands in front of me, with a look that could kill. "Kneel down." Clement-Victor orders. Her disdainful look turns to him. Bertrand, upon seeing her obstinance, pushes on her shoulder and the back of her knees. She collapses under his skillful pressure.

Clement-Victor glowers at her. He must hate when people challenge his authority.

"I.. I am sorry." Agathe stammers, head bowed to hide her face in under the shameful circumstance. The prince raises his eyebrow in contempt at the week apology. Bertrand keeps his eyes on his master, tuned into every micro expression of the Prince, ready to decisively follow his slightest motion.

"Do you think you will be pardoned without even admitting your fault." Bertrand states. The rest of the servants look on with anticipation. I understand their fear, and delight, knowing that she is not esteemed by her peers.

I can see her jaw clench despite the strange angle. "I am sorry Duchess Pierrette-Danielle for speaking out of turn."

"I will forgive you, but this won't exempt you from receiving a punishment for disrespecting Prince Clement-Victor as you have. Bertrand please take her to her room, and lock her in. She will be allowed to receive food but no visitors. I don't want to hear of her starving, but she needs to reflect on her actions." I am bold with my command to Bertrand, because I know Prince Clement-Victor wants to portray intimacy between us, to secure his position. Normally I wouldn't dare to use his servant, but he has indicated his approval.

Agathe trembles, having finally understood the situation she has placed herself in. Bertrand, and his comrade lift her by her arms, to her feet. She remains limp as the men drag her from our presence.

"Everyone else is dismissed to fulfil their duties. We will be eating at the family dining table and expect to be served in 30 minutes." When I end my speech, the hall jumps to life. The servants scamper to their respective stations. Again, Prince Clement-Victor extends his elbow to me. I link my arm to his and lead him further into the palace towards the family courters. I point out different features that we pass, such as the style of the arches or the carvings used.

As we pass the chapel Prince Clement-Victor interrupts my tour. "I don't care much for architecture."

"Of course, you Highness." I stop trying to hold a conversation. It was one sided to begin with and I would prefer to remain in the Prince's good graces.

After a minute of awkward silence he breaks it. "Just because I am not interested in architecture doesn't mean that I don't want to talk." He continues to surprise me. It is apparent that I don't know what to expect with him, although that is justifiable. I only met him this afternoon. I will need to learn quickly if I am to survive and serve my people.

"You can pick the subject then." I offer him.

"Why didn't that servant like you?" He goes straight to a deeper topic.

I sigh, thinking about how to word this. "Agathe was the top maid for Antionette, Duchess Antionette's oldest daughter, and my half-sister. Agathe was spoiled by my sister, so she acted as if she herself was a lady, breeding dislike among her fellow servants. When I heard that she was left in Villefranche by my family, I knew that she was meant to spy on me. Unfortunately for her, I was able to keep my plan quiet. She was reacting out of fear from realizing her mistake when she was accusing me. Why did you have me intervene? You seemed set on a lighter reprimand. You let me choose the punishment."

"Can't you figure it out?"

"My guess was that is was a display to secure me as someone important to you, solidifying the connection of my reputation with the people to you. It also gave me a gentler image for the people."

"Both points are true, but I needed to test you. If you are to stand by my side, you need to know my signals, and be able to handle situations on your own."

"Why are you sharing this with me, and being kind? It doesn't sound like the tyrant I had heard of."

"You will see." Instantly I know that this is yet another test to see if I will trust him. I drop the topic, especially because we have finally arrived at the family wing of the palace.

I go to untangle my arm so I can open the grand, gold inlaid door, but the Prince holds my hand in place. "You don't have to do those kinds of things anymore Duchess Pierrette-Danielle." I nod my understanding, as a guard behind us breaks off, and overtakes us to complete the task. It is strange to hear that title attached to my name.