An Underhanded Method

Confident in her plan's potential success, Queen Emma saw an additional opportunity to tarnish Lady Runa's reputation further.

The recent scandal involving Duke Fabian still lingered, and the queen hoped it would cast a darker shadow over Lady Runa's name. Lady Catharina's testimony, indicating that rumors about Eleanor borrowing her dress at the tea party hadn't spread widely yet, provided a glimmer of reassurance.

With her confidence soaring, Queen Emma knew she had to be prepared for any unexpected twists. She couldn't afford to fall prey to Lady Runa's tactics as she had in the past. This time, the queen was determined to up her game with thorough preparations.

Lady Rafaela, tried to offer a word of caution, "Your Majesty, I would advise against pushing Lady Runa's preparations to fall. The charity ball is tied to the royal family and celebrating Luminara is a tradition. A failure could affect—"

"Enough, Lady Rafaela!" Queen Emma cut her off, waving her hand dismissively. "I don't need pessimism."

Frustrated, Queen Emma raised her voice, "You constantly take her side! Will you keep betraying me?"

"I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty. I was simply concerned," Lady Rafaela protested.

Rolling her eyes, Queen Emma retorted, "Save it! Remember, I'm the queen, not you."

Just then, Zara entered the chamber, announcing the arrival of the guests. Queen Emma rose from her seat, a smile of satisfaction on her lips. As she walked toward the door, her eyes fell upon Zara's fading wound.

"Whatever medicine you're using, it seems to be working. Make sure to leave some in case I need it," she ordered, before departing to attend to her guests in the sitting room.

Queen Emma swept into the northern parlor, greeted by her assembled guests. Around the round table, maids bustled about, arranging delicate treats and pouring tea.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," the guests rose and bowed in unison.

Acknowledging them with a nod, Queen Emma settled into her seat. Miss Elena, renowned for her eating house, adorned events with her culinary prowess, often using lavish gold ornaments.

Mrs. Ivonne, the entertainment maven, possessed a discerning eye for talent, nurturing emerging artists into stardom with her cadre of musicians, performers, and dancers.

Sir Bastian Kranz and Mrs. Edith Kranz, floral decorators extraordinaire, lent their artistic touch to venues, while Miss Rita oversaw her parents' legacy of providing exquisite silverware and furniture rentals for events.

These industry leaders had worked grand affairs, even for the previous monarch. "Your experiences are vast, reaching back to the former monarch. I trust you are willing to assist Lady Runa in her current endeavor, just as you did for the former royal family," Queen Emma probed, though she knew their loyalty would be hers.

High society knew of the queen's disdain for Lady Runa. Aligning with the former princess marked them as enemies of the queen. No vendor dared risk such enmity. Royal events held immense sway, irreplaceable opportunities none could afford to forgo.

"Lady Runa lacks direct experience in event organization, Your Majesty. Such a novice would greatly benefit from your guidance," Mrs. Ivonne tactfully avoided giving a clear answer, aligning herself subtly with the queen's stance.

Mrs. Edith's smirk deepened, the mole above her lip seeming to rise in agreement. "I must admit, I'd hesitate to offer my assistance to someone of her caliber. Associating my business with potential failure is not appealing."

"I'd rather lend my expertise to a private tea party than Lady Runa's charity ball," Sir Bastian chimed in, his loyalty to the queen apparent.

The married couple boldly stood as the queen's allies, while Miss Rita, navigating the complex politics of nobility's business, remained reticent.

Queen Emma turned her attention to Miss Rita, her query testing the young businesswoman's allegiance. "What do you think, Miss Rita?"

Miss Rita hesitated, seeking support from her peers before conceding, "I would never defy your wishes, Your Majesty."

A hearty laugh erupted from Queen Emma. "My dear, you amuse me. What 'wishes' do you speak of? I'm issuing no orders here. We're simply indulging in casual conversation, acquainting ourselves, aren't we?"

"Loosen up, young miss," Mrs. Elena nudged Miss Rita playfully, her eyes conveying the message more directly.

"I am not a heartless person. Despite her limitations, I'm extending a hand by providing her a list of notable vendors in the realm. I suspect she'll be reaching out to you soon, if she hasn't already begun her preparations for the charity ball," Queen Emma explained.

Mrs. Edith, ever so a flatterer, declared, "I will Mrs. Edith, known for her artful flattery, chimed in, "Rest assured, if she approaches me, my rejection will be swift."

Queen Emma's satisfaction grew, though she had a more intricate strategy in play. "On the contrary, Mrs. Edith, why not grant her an audience?"

The queen's suggestion hung in the air, causing a momentary hush as everyone grappled with its implications. Silence settled, broken only by the gears turning in their minds as they tried to decipher Queen Emma's true intentions.

"I mean, turning her away outright without giving her a chance to speak her piece might reflect poorly on your reputation," Queen Emma elaborated, her tone seemingly innocent.

The vendors exchanged glances, still unable to discern the queen's underlying motive. Queen Emma shed more light, "Of course, if Lady Runa can't afford your services, that's her predicament. It's not your responsibility if she mismanages her budget. Your reputations precede you, and it's only natural that quality services come at a premium."

Understanding dawned across their faces. The queen's plan became clearer. Mrs. Ivonne nodded with a newfound clarity, "Indeed, Your Majesty. My standards come with a certain price, one I'm not willing to compromise."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, my rates are well-known among the nobility," Miss Elena chimed in confidently. As the conversation progressed, the consensus among the vendors seemed to solidify, though Miss Rita remained a bit hesitant.

"I'm pleased to see such understanding," Queen Emma remarked, raising her cup to her lips, a satisfied smile gracing her face.

***

Yohana had managed to secure an appointment with Sir Bastian and Mrs. Edith at their grand manor. The couple was renowned for being notoriously discerning and siding with the more influential party in any noble disputes. Given Yohana's status and the queen's, it was all but certain which side they would favor.

Anticipating the encounter, Yohana envisioned the couple promptly dismissing her proposal. Vendors willing to collaborate with someone of her reputation, particularly following the recent scandal, were scarce.

While walking down the corridor to visit Sir Bastian and Mrs. Edith, she bumped into Princess Eleanor. This was the first time she appeared after that dress incident. Princess Eleanor looked elated to see Yohana.

Seizing Yohana's hand, Princess Eleanor's eyes glistened, though Yohana couldn't help but notice the pronounced lines beneath her eyes.

"Runa, my dear! Are you off to meet the venerable couple?"

Observing Yohana's perplexed expression, Princess Eleanor clarified, "I'm talking about Sir Bastian and Mrs. Edith."

"Ah, yes."

"They're quite a challenge to win over. You might need a little incentive to win their favor," the princess remarked.