The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 147: Breakfast With The Queen And The Ladies

Chapter 147: Breakfast With The Queen And The Ladies

Escorted by the attentive attendants, Anna was led to a private dining room located in the queen’s quarters.

As the sliding door gracefully glided open, she stepped into a room adorned with elegance. The room exuded an air of refined sophistication, with bright light casting a warm morning glow on the surroundings from the opened glass window. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, and the room boasted an array of decorations.

Vases filled with an assortment of fresh flowers stood at various corners of the room. Their vibrant colours and intoxicating scents filled the air, creating a sensory feast of enchantment and splendour.

"Please be seated, my lady. Her Majesty, the Queen, and her ladies-in-waiting shall be joining you shortly," one of the female attendants gently informed Anna.

The princess nodded graciously, her eyes taking in the exquisite details of the room. She approached a chair thoughtfully pulled out for her by one of the attendants and gracefully took her seat. As she settled in, the door closed again, leaving a few attendants stationed outside to ensure her privacy.

Her gaze shifted to the table before her, beautifully set with an array of gleaming silverware. Placed up meticulously were an assortment of forks, spoons, and knives, each one carefully placed in perfect alignment. Fine porcelain plates adorned with delicate patterns and intricate designs were arranged flawlessly, hinting at the culinary delights that awaited her.

The sight of the meticulously arranged tableware and the regal ambience of the private dining room brought back memories of Anna’s etiquette classes at Ardel’s castle.

She couldn’t help but recall how her strict etiquette teacher would cast disapproving glares whenever she made a mistake, be it dropping a fork or placing a spoon in the wrong position.

As Anna settled into her seat, the sliding door glided open again, signalling Queen Emelda’s arrival. A warm smile graced the queen’s face as she entered the room, accompanied by a group of distinguished ladies. Anna gracefully rose from her chair, curtsying respectfully to the queen, a gesture of reverence and respect.

The ladies who followed the queen stood proudly, exuding an air of nobility and refinement. Although Anna had never met them, their attire and elegant appearance spoke volumes about their high social standing, making her quickly note who they were. Their gowns were adorned with intricate embroidery, and their hairstyles were meticulously adorned, showcasing their status as noblewomen.

"Good morning, Anna! Have you been waiting for me long?" the queen inquired with a warm smile.

"Oh, no! Not at all. I’ve just arrived," Anna replied, returning the smile.

"Good. I was worried that I had made you wait," the queen expressed her relief.

Turning her attention to the ladies-in-waiting still standing, the queen addressed them, her voice carrying authority.

"Ladies, I’m sure you have all heard the news. I would like to introduce you to Lady Anna Raychard, the new addition to the royal family," she introduced. "This is Lady Sarah James, the chief of the ladies-in-waiting, and this is Lady Nancy Glenn, Lady Sophia Lawrence, Lady Evelyn Harper and Lady Bridgette Lynn. There are other ladies-in-waiting, but these are the closest to me and are frequently around me."

Anna approached the ladies, extending her hand for a handshake as a goodwill gesture.

"Hello, how do you do?"

Sarah’s gaze fixated on Anna’s hands, her keen eyes discerning the faint scars that adorned her wrists. Right on the second, she knew that they were the signs of handcuffs.

A knowing smile crept onto her lips, revealing a glimpse of her calculating nature.

Rather than accepting the handshake, the ladies responded with only subtle nods. Their demeanour radiated an unyielding pride.

"We’re fine. Thank you, Lady Raychard," Sarah said promptly, exuding grace and elegance that set her apart from the others.

Her cascading blonde hair, flowing down her back, enhanced her striking beauty, making her the most captivating woman in the room.

Slightly taken aback by their reserved response, Anna quickly withdrew her hand and nodded in acknowledgement. She surmised that it might be a cultural difference in Cassian etiquette for noblewomen to gesture with a nod rather than a handshake during initial introductions.

Observing her ladies-in-waitings’ behaviour, Queen Emelda furrowed her brow slightly, seemingly unsettled by their gesture. Nonetheless, she chose not to dwell on it.

Suddenly, a gentle knock resonated on the door, capturing everyone’s attention. The door swung open, revealing another lady-in-waiting who had arrived.

"Greetings to the Moon of Cassian! Forgive me, Your Majesty, for being late. I was running an errand for Lady James," the lady-in-waiting explained, her voice filled with sincerity.

"No worries at all. We are just about to begin," Queen Emelda reassured her with a kind smile. "Anna, this is Lady Naise Warren, assistant to Lady James," the queen introduced the latecomer to Anna, ensuring a warm welcome.

Naise gracefully curtsied to the princess, demonstrating her respect and acknowledging Anna’s presence. In response, the princess offered a nod of acknowledgement. With Naise’s arrival, the gathering was now complete, and the anticipation grew for the meal to commence.

"Please be seated," she gestured to Anna, indicating that it was time to take their places at the table.

The princess graciously responded to the queen’s invitation and returned to her seat. Queen Emelda’s gaze shifted towards Sarah and the other ladies, her voice filled with inclusivity.

"Please join us as well, Lady James and all of you," the queen warmly invited.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sarah replied with gratitude, accompanied by a respectful nod. Taking her cue, she settled into a seat next to the queen, followed by the other ladies-in-waiting who found their places around the table.

Soon, the breakfast was served, and the tantalising aromas wafted through the air, whetting their appetites. The table was adorned with a sumptuous feast, presenting a delightful array of dishes showcasing the palace chefs’ culinary expertise.

A platter of freshly baked pastries and bread, still warm from the oven, greeted them with golden, flaky crusts and various fillings, from sweet fruit preserves to savoury cheese and butter. The inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee and tea filled the room, accompanied by delicate cups and saucers placed within easy reach.

A selection of fresh fruits, meticulously arranged on a bed of glistening leaves, added a burst of colour to the table. Succulent slices of ripe melons, juicy berries, and other fruits tempted their taste buds.

The centrepiece of the breakfast spread was an assortment of savoury delicacies. Scrambled eggs and mushroom soup, perfectly cooked to a creamy consistency, were accompanied by sizzling bacon, crispy potatoes, and buttery croissants. Various condiments, from tangy sauces to fragrant herbs, were available to enhance the flavours according to their preferences.

The flavours danced on their tongues as they enjoyed their meal, satisfying their hunger and delighting their palates.

"How was your sleep, Anna? Did you have a good one?" the queen asked, initiating small talk with a genuine interest in her well-being.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I did. The room is very comfortable. Thank you for the hospitality," the princess responded graciously, appreciating the queen’s attention to detail.

Engaging in the conversation, Sarah, the chief of the ladies-in-waiting, posed a question to Anna. "Tell us, Lady Raychard, where exactly do you come from?"

"I come from Constance, Ardel," Anna replied.

"Oh, so you’re an Ardelian. No wonder you look so different," Sarah commented, her words arousing curiosity.

"Different?" Anna inquired, seeking clarification.

"You look... petite," Sarah smiled, trying to convey her observation.

Anna chuckled lightly, understanding the context. "Well, it’s just my stature. Most Ardelians I knew were quite similar to Cassians in terms of height and build."

The conversation continued as Nancy, another lady-in-waiting, joined in. "We heard you’ve just arrived in Gantz a few days ago. Where were you before that?"

"I was together with my husband at the camp near the border. We spent some time there before coming here," Anna responded.

"You lived in a camp? Did they provide a proper house there?" Sophia inquired, her curiosity apparent.

"Not exactly a traditional house. Tents were provided for the occupants," Anna clarified, offering insight into her previous living arrangements.

"Tents?" The ladies, excluding Sarah, exclaimed in surprise, their voices filled with astonishment. The sudden outburst startled the princess, causing her to flinch momentarily.

"How can you live in a tent? Is it even sanitary?" Bridgette questioned.

Breaking the silence, the queen interjected, gracefully addressing the situation.

"Lady Lynn, the campsite is provided by His Majesty, the King, for the usage of any appointed knighthood on duty for the campaign. He personally oversees the welfare and interests of the forces in the field. I assure you, the camp is well-established and suitable for occupancy."

The queen’s response sent a chill down Bridgette’s spine. Although her explanation seemed comprehensive, the lady-in-waiting sensed an underlying message emphasising the importance of not questioning a place designated by the king himself.

Feeling a mix of apprehension and regret, Bridgette quickly sought to rectify the situation.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn’t mean to imply anything unpleasant," Bridgette apologised sincerely, her voice tinged with genuine remorse.

Sensing the tension in the air, Sarah gracefully stepped in, interjecting with a desire to diffuse the situation.

"Your Majesty, Lady Lynn had no intention to diminish the significance of the camp. It’s simply that living in a camp designated for the armed forces is an uncommon experience for most ladies here. The remark was made out of curiosity and unfamiliarity rather than any disrespect," Sarah clarified, her words serving as a bridge to understanding.

The queen nodded, acknowledging the response made.

"Though His Majesty has given full attention to the camp, as someone who has experienced living there, I can attest that it is truly an eye-opening experience," Sarah shared, her voice carrying a sense of familiarity and understanding.

"You used to live in the camp too?" Anna inquired, her surprise evident.

Sarah’s smile widened as she reminisced. "Yes, indeed. I went to deliver medical supplies when the Knighthood of Neblim was on duty. At that time, my brother served as the Knight Commander, and now he holds the rank of admiral," she explained, her pride shining through her words.

Recognition sparked among the ladies-in-waiting as they recalled the events.

"Yes, yes, I remember. Lady James spent a week at the camp to assist the knights. It was truly admirable!" Naise praised.

The other ladies joined in expressing their awe and respect, their admiration for Sarah’s contribution evident in their expressions and words. Sarah’s heart swelled with pride as she basked in the appreciation of her fellow ladies-in-waiting.

As Anna listened to the story unfold, a realisation washed over her. She recalled Kyren mentioning an admiral upon their arrival in Port Braska. The pieces fell into place as she discovered that the person her husband spoke of was none other than Sarah’s brother.

Furthermore, holding such a prestigious position in the army indicated that the lady’s family wielded significant influence and held a position of power within the kingdom.

"How is your mother, Lady James? I heard she fell ill after your brother was deployed to the sea. We haven’t received any news from the fleet yet," the queen inquired.

"She is recovering now, Your Majesty, after I took several days’ leave to accompany and care for her. Naturally, she was deeply saddened when my brother was deployed, and the lack of news has been difficult. However, his duty is to protect the kingdom’s peace. Our family considers it a great honour to fulfil this task," Sarah responded with pride and resilience.

Curiosity sparked within Evelyn as she sought to understand the purpose of the admiral’s dispatchment.

"Why were the admiral and his fleet sent to the sea?" she asked.

Sarah’s expression turned serious as she gently declined to provide further information. "I’m sorry, but I cannot disclose that. It is a matter of national security and falls under the umbrella of secrecy."

Just then, an attendant approached the queen, catching her attention. The sudden interruption signalled a shift in the conversation and piqued the curiosity of those present.

"Forgive me for interrupting you, Your Majesty. But, the governess informed that Her Highness, Princess Lilith, has been crying non-stop in the tutor room," reported her.

Queen Emelda’s expression shifted, displaying concern.

"What happened?" she inquired, sensing something amiss.

"The tutor scolded Her Highness for making repeated mistakes in her homework. She became upset and started to cry," the attendant explained.

A sigh escaped the queen’s lips as she contemplated the situation.

"Oh, dear... Lilith can be quite sensitive when faced with reprimands. However, it is important for her to take responsibility for her mistakes and learn from them. She must understand that owning up to her errors is necessary for growth," the queen remarked with a touch of weariness.

Realising that her daughter may only be comforted by her father’s presence, Queen Emelda made a decision.

"I’ll go and speak with her. Lilith tends to listen to no one except for her father when she is upset. Ladies, please excuse me for a moment," she said as she gracefully rose from her chair.

Responding to the queen’s departure, the rest of the ladies promptly stood up and bowed respectfully. They watched as the queen left the room, accompanied by a retinue of attendants. The door closed behind them, granting Anna and the ladies-in-waiting a moment of privacy.

The atmosphere in the room shifted, the queen’s absence leaving a void inviting a more profound conversation among the ladies.