Teatime Talk

When Nicole got back from dealing with Maria, Raquel had calmed down a little. Hannah had even come by with some refreshments, helping to distract Raquel from her anger and self-loath.

“Has everything been resolved?” Raquel asked quietly as she stared into her blue teacup.

“Yes, your highness. Everything has been dealt with.” Nicole responded quickly. “Baroness Anthea will send you some documents for some potential lady-in-waitings soon.”

“News travels fast in the palace. Too bad I can’t make you my lady-in-waiting.” Raquel laughed sadly. “Damn rules stating only ladies from viscount families or higher ranking noble ladies can be a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess.”

“Language your highness…” Nicole murmured in an indifferent tone as she poured Raquel a new cup of tea. “Besides, I enjoy serving you like this… As a lady-in-waiting, I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

“I suppose so…” Raquel mused, looking at the golden brown liquid in her teacup.

“Oh before I forget your highness, I have some news for you.” Nicole suddenly said, breaking the silence. “While you were gone, Lord Colddell came by. He told me that the palace will be expecting guests in the next few days and that you need to prepare for that.”

“Lord Colddell? You mean the brown haired one who stares at you all the time.” Raquel asked, the anger from the earlier incident slowly fading away.

“He doesn’t stare at me all the time. That prick has an ego that would rival the gods.” Nicole blushed, her calm demeanor finally breaking. “Besides, what heir to a Countdom would marry a lowly Baron’s daughter? Not that man, that’s for sure.”

Raquel smiled at her maid’s anger. Despite the rumors claiming her to be a cold-hearted demon, she was actually quite the sucker for a good romance and like a bloodhound, she seemed to always sniff them out.

And this time, her maid had gotten her attention.

Nicole was usually quite a calm person, even when having to deal with Raquel’s episodes of madness. But ever since she had bumped into the Emperor’s secretary, Lord Colddell, Nicole’s calmness had suddenly broke.

And while the Count’s son had treated Nicole coldly at first, Raquel noticed that he soon became warmer to Nicole, always making excuses to see Raquel, so he could meet Nicole.

“Nicole, don’t deny it. That man is in love with you.” Raquel laughed. “No normal secretary would visit my office seventeen times a day to do something a page boy could easily do. What else is he doing but looking for a way to be around you?”

“Perhaps he’s seeking you seeing as he comes to your office.” Nicole muttered.

“If anyone wants to seek me out, they know it isn’t coming here. I’m not here half the time I should be.”

“So, you finally admit your laziness.” Nicole smirked.

“Besides, that man told me anyone who marries me is sentencing themselves to death.” Raquel continued ignoring her maid’s jag. “And last I checked, Lord Colddell doesn’t have a death wish.”

“He also said to me that I’m worse than commoners acting like a noble because of my family’s title. Saying that Barons are just glorified servants.” Nicole said, deadpanned. “I really don’t think he likes me, your highness.”

“Alright I’ll drop it.” Raquel sighed, sensing Nicole was getting uncomfortable about the topic. “So, what was the whole thing about preparing for guests? Last I checked, my dearest stepmother, Lady Diana, was in charge of guests.”

“That’s true, however he gave me the guest list before leaving and upon looking at it, I think I know why.” Nicole said, walking over to the desk to grab a document.

She then headed back to where Raquel was lounging in the corner of the room and handed her the document. Raquel looked over them for a moment.

“Princes, a few Grand Dukes and a Duke. That’s quite a few high ranking nobles and members of royalty for a visit. Oh look…Prince Dimwit is coming too.” Raquel mused as she went over the list of names.

After reading through all the names, she looked back up at her maid and asked, “Is there a festival or event happening that I forgot about?”

“No…Also please don’t call the Crown Prince of Adoron by that vulgar nickname.” Nicole sighed.

“Fine…” Raquel muttered. “Looks like I’ll need to organize the Royal Guard for them. Sigh… Can you ask Captain Magemoor to come by my office later today? I need to ask him about the troops.”

“Of course, your highness…” Nicole paused for a second.

Raquel recognized the look on her maid’s face. “What is it?”

“I’m not meant to say this… but Lord Colddell hinted to me that your father was preparing it. I think they’re suitors.”

“Suitors?!” Raquel cried out, accidentally spilling some tea on her purple gown.

“It’s the only thing that makes sense…” Nicole murmured as she handed Raquel a handkerchief. “What other reason would your father have to hide something like this?”

“That’s true…” Raquel muttered as she took the handkerchief. “Can’t believe he’s pulling this after what happened two months ago…”

“You’re not getting any younger, your highness…” Nicole murmured. “Most of high society would consider you a spinster by now.”

“Touché.” Raquel smirked. “Aren’t you twenty-four now? That is spinster age…”

“Please be serious about this.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “And you’re the same age as me. Older considering you were born three months before me.”

Raquel smiled. If it had been anyone else they would probably have gotten into trouble but considering Nicole had been with her since they were kids, she was happy Nicole acted comfortable with her, even if it was rarely.

“Alright so my father is trying to get me married… But there are so many here. How many men are near death’s door that they would willingly want to marry me?”

“Well, despite your curse, you are technically the ultimate bride on the Continent.” Nicole responded logically. “What man wouldn’t want to be married to the next Empress of the Cadilaria Empire, the biggest nation?”

Raquel gave Nicole a pained look. “I can name one…”

“Except him of course…” Nicole said, looking at Raquel with understanding in her eyes. “Don’t worry your highness, your Prince Charming is probably out there right now riding his way to you.”