Rumors and Lies

After the dance had ended and they left the dancefloor, Ryker and Raquel walked around the ballroom for a few minutes, Raquel introducing Ryker to the important members of the emperor’s council as well as the more neutral nobles of the empire.

Ryker then met up with Prince Aki and was introduced to his fellow noblemen that had accompanied him to the empire. Raquel meanwhile went over to sit with the emperor and observed the ball.

Now standing in the corner of the room, eating a small cake that had been set out on a buffet table, Ryker observed the party. He noticed that Lord Myster was talking to the small noble families and that most of the younger nobles were engaged with dancing.

It seemed like your average ball.

However behind all the smiles and dancing were business deals and gossip to destroy the enemy families. Everyone here was either showing off their power or trying to gather more.

“Duke Ryker, you’re looking awfully lonely.” A voice suddenly purred.

Ryker looked away from the ballroom to find a group of five young noble women gathered next to him. The ringleader was of course Princess Faina as Ryker recognized that they were the women from the café.

He immediately raised his guard up, knowing these women were backstabbing and controlled society too. A single slip up before establishing himself would be a grave mistake.

“Evening ladies. I do hope you’re doing well.” Ryker murmured, giving them a fake smile.

“We’re doing well, Duke Ryker.” Faina smiled back before pouting. “But we’re worried about you.”

Ryker knew she was feeling him out, seeing what side Ryker was on and if she could manipulate him. It made him wonder if Lady Diana had put Princess Fiana up to the task.

“Worried about what, my lady.” Ryker asked.

“Well…It must have been hard for you to accept this marriage.” One of the other noblewomen said, placing a hand on Ryker’s arm. “We heard the way you suddenly went after the princess…”

It seemed news spread fast around the nobles and Ryker had a feeling Princess Fiana had something to do with it. Of course he was a little happy everyone had misunderstood what he had done that night.

If they knew the truth…

“Oh well… The news was a little shocking, honestly.” Ryker murmured, trying to act naive. “I didn’t expect her to choose me considering I’m just a duke from a small kingdom. Compared to others, I don’t offer much…”

“Oh, don’t sell yourself so short.” Princess Fiana grinned. “You basically run the mage industry.”

“That’s impressive.” A blue eyed lady exclaimed. “Are you a mage too?”

“I am.” Ryker said, sheepishly. “It would be weird if I wasn’t.”

Ryker decided it was best to be truthful about him being a mage, that way people wouldn’t go digging so much into his family. Of course, he would have to hide the full extent of his power.

“Wow!” The blue eyed lady said. “I’ve never really met a noble with mage abilities. Most are just commonors.”

“Well…I hate to disappoint you but my abilities are not that powerful. I can only do a few tricks.” Ryker lied.

“Really?” Princess Fiana said. “That’s surprising.”

“Yes. I guess it’s because my family focuses more on running the research labs than actually training our abilities.” Ryker explained.

“Hmmm…” Princess Fiana was quiet for a moment. “I guess that explains things but still it’s sad to see such a great man be wasted on that princess.”

“Yes.” The third lady chimed in. “You would be better off marrying someone like Princess Fiana.”

“Lady Ria!” Princess Fiana gasped in shock.

“I know it’s a little mean but you’re more deserving of a man like Duke Ryker than the princess.” Lady Ria retorted.

`Ryker cringed inside. If only they knew we were cousins. They’d be disgusted by it. Of course I can’t tell them that.

“Come now, my ladies… I’m not as grand as you think I am.” Ryker exclaimed. “I’m sure there are more powerful noblemen here that are more suitable.”

“You’re quite the modest one.” The first lady chuckled. “You are too nice, your grace.”

I think I’m the opposite. Ryker thought to himself. Everything he was doing was for his own selfish gains.

“I don’t think so, my lady.” Ryker replied back.

“No, Lady Emily is right.” Princess Fiana said. “You’re the first person to dance with that princess. Everyone was shocked when you did it.”

The comment made Ryker pause for a moment. Was this the reason Raquel had been hesitant to dance with him? Because she had never done it before.

He knew she was treated horribly but to think she had never done something as normal as dancing at a ball. It was shocking how much the nobles here hated their future empress. He even wondered how she had stayed alive for so long with everyone just hating her and wishing she didn’t exist.

“I didn’t realize…” Ryker murmured. “Is she that bad?”

“Worst.” Lady Ria said. “Her first fianceé died after being alone with her. She drove him to madness and he jumped off a cliff.”

Ryker had already heard about it but he wondered how much truth there was to the rumor. Maybe Lady Diana had a hand in it? Cursing the fianeé.

“Oh and remember the time she went on a rampage and butchered several villages. When they found her, she was sleeping in a pile of rotting bodies.” Lady Emily added.

“And that time she executed Princess Fiana’s sister in the middle of the street.” Another lady exclaimed. “It was so gruesome.”

“If you don’t stop gossiping, my madness might kill you next.” A voice suddenly said.

Everyone turned to see Raquel standing there, arms crossed over her chest. She stared daggers at the noble ladies.

“You better stay away from other people’s men, Princess Fiana.” Raquel spat. “Unless your mother’s mistress genes are in you too.”

“We were just telling the duke the truth about you.” Princess Fiana retorted. “He should know what he’s marrying. Come on ladies. Before someone loses it.”

They quickly left, leaving Ryker alone with Raquel.