Wife of The Demon Prince
Chapter 177: Finding her good grace

However, Catherine her accomplice in the crime, had somehow escaped with the help of her family’s connection. Immediately the news of Claire being caught started to reach the nobles, the Morrison household didn’t waste anytime in Findara; they fled with their daughter to God knows where.

On the other hand, Eleanora had no friends to hang around with, and she had been trying all her best to get on Ara’s good graces.

She cautiously walked inside the parlour room to meet Ara. She bowed deeply to the waist, "Hail Her royal Highness."

Ara offered her a curt nod before she gestured for her to take a seat, "Sit."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Eleanora was internally tensed at Ara’s cold demeanor, but she outwardly kept a soft smile on her face. She had betrayed Claire to save herself from being part of the crime. She’d sent the letter so when things go wrong she’d at least be kept out of it, and the crown princess would be her backing. And it seemed everything was going smoothly.

Moreover, her family were considerably less influential to the Tudor or the Morrison household. And if she was to be part of this crime, there would be no one to bring her family nor her out of this huge scandal. That was why she’d chosen to betray Claire, and she had no regrets in doing so.

Though she wasn’t still fond of Ara, but she had no choice, she would now have to stick with Ara to survive in this high society circles. Furthermore, now that all the help her family received from the Tudor had been immediately cut off because of what she’d done, she had to make the crown princess like her.

Even though she hated the idea of having to be with Ara, the situation to survive in the high society circles had forced her to betray her friend.

Eleanora slowly glanced towards Ara from where she sat, then cleared her throat, "You know, I think Claire really deserves to be locked there forever. She’s so full of schemes, and I think she should rot in the dungeons forever for what she’s done"

"Hmm." Ara hummed in reply as she causally stirred her tea.

Eleanora was taken aback by Ara’s brusque reply, but she quickly composed herself and continued, "Claire has always hated you, she even went too far this time, tsk. She’s nothing but a wicked witch, I never liked her anyway. It’s good that now I’ve learned my lesson, and you are really smart to have caught her in your trap..."

"..."

Ara didn’t even reply and just causally sipped her tea, there was no change in her expression. And Eleanora felt her blood ran cold at Ara’s indifferent behavior.

’Why is she not reacting like the others?’

If there was one thing Eleanora was good at; she was a sweet-talker and it had always worked on every noble. Just like she’d sweet-talked Claire into liking her since from childhood. But it didn’t seem to work on Ara, she wasn’t responding the way she expected.

Eleanora decided to try once again, "Your Highness, are you going to forgive Claire? I really envy your brilliance in handling things, I have to say; you’re a beauty with brains not like_"

"Lady Stewart, I have no plans of forgiving lady Tudor, not just her, but with all her accomplices. Anyone who helps her will not go unpunished."

Eleanora quickly nodded, "Yes, Your Highness. You shouldn’t forgive them..."

"Mhm...I’d like to thank you for your help in this matter, you’ve done well."

"Oh, of course, I did what I thought was right then. And from now on, you can always count on me to help, Your Highness."

Ara gave a stiff smile, "I am glad then." She then rose from her seat first indicating the end of her conversation, "Lady Stewart, it was nice having you here today, but unfortunately I have some matters to handle at the moment. We shall talk another time."

It was a clear invitation for Eleanora to leave. However Eleanora was slightly frustrated that the conversation didn’t flow as smoothly as she intended. But considering that she and Ara had been enemies right from childhood, it was natural she wouldn’t open up to her easily. Eleanora thought, but still she couldn’t give up that easily without getting Ara’s good grace like she did with Claire. Now that Claire was gone, she needed to cling to someone powerful, and Ara was that person. There was a lot she could benefit by being by Ara’s side.

Eleanora plastered on a fake smile, "Ah, Alright. I’ll make sure to come around, and you can also send for me if you need my help, Your Highness

Ara nodded, "Very well. Thank you."

"Oh, don’t mention it. Now that we are on the same side there is no need to thank me. I’ll take my leave then." Seeing it wasn’t necessary to stay any longer, Eleanora stood up and gave a bow and left.

Ara just wordlessly stared at her retreating figure. Her feelings were too complicated to express in words. She somehow found it hard to even trust Eleanora. How could she trust someone who could easily betray her childhood friend? Moreover, someone who used to bully her.

On the other hand, she didn’t want to send the young woman away. Unlike Mary, she wasn’t completely comfortable with Eleanora. Well, it wouldn’t be bad to keep your enemies closer, but she wouldn’t trust Eleanora.

As Ara was in thought, Emma walked inside the room to inform her, "My lady, I have inquired from Oliver where lady Tudor is being locked in. She’s in the east dungeon."

"Very well, I shall pay her a visit then." She had some questions to ask Claire herself.