“Princess…”

  Kamaria looked up at Lili and smiled but Lili couldn’t help but feel that there was something a little sad about the smile. Then it occurred to her that this was the same type of smile she had seen not long ago as she treated Kamaria’s back.

  “Why is Lili even surprised anymore?”

  Kamaria turned to look at the maid in front of her, thankful there was someone other Raisa and Lili still willing to be on her side. The little maid had even taken her own personal day off to make a trip to the Commander’s mansion to try and see her

  There should be someone else in the palace who had intentionally let the maid come by the information. But Kamaria couldn’t figure out who it was just yet.

  “Thank you for the desserts, I’m sure they’ll be delicious.”

  “Your Highness…”

  “Why is everyone acting as if we’re at a wake?” asked Kamaria before she turned to the small table next to her.

  She carefully chose one of the little squares and picked it up before putting it in her mouth in one bite. It was indeed as delicious as she thought.

  “These are wonderful; I’ll make sure to inform the steward about a little reward before you leave. Next time I come to the palace, I’ll trouble you to make these for me, okay.”

  The young woman looked as if she had more to say from the look on her freckled face but decided against it and bowed before leaving the parlour.

  As she was leaving, she couldn’t help but touch her cheek. Hopefully what little information she had given would help in repaying the princess’s kindness to her.

  Kamaria pushed the tray towards Lili with a mischievous look and the other couldn’t help but give in and take one of them. Raisa stared at both of them and then walked over to the side table as well.

  As they were enjoying the little moment, there was another knock at the door. Raisa walked over to answer and there were a few whispers before she returned to the princess.

  “There’s an attendant who arrived. The maids and guards confirmed that she came from a private carriage belonging to the palace.”

  “From the palace? Why would anyone miss me in that place? It’s fine, let her in.”

  Maybe Kamaria could solve the question about her generous informer. It couldn’t be a coincidence.

  A short while later, a single maid walked in. She respectfully curtsied to Kamaria as if she were in front of the Empress Consort herself.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Kamaria silently turned to pick up her little cup of coffee and took a sip before turning to stare at the young woman who was still in a low curtsey. Most people from the palace never brought good intentions so the patience of the girl was a little interesting.

  “Please rise, you’re permitted to speak,” said Kamaria.

  “Your Highness, my Lady said she was feeling a bit lonesome and would appreciate some lively young company,” said the maid.

  Kamaria took another look at her, studying her dress and accessories. Other than her mother, none of the emperor’s wives would have asked to see her and of course she knew all their attendants.

  Since she was mostly raised outside the palace, sometimes she was a little overlooked as a princess. If it weren’t for her mother’s position, her existence would probably even be forgotten but even so there was still a layer of respect that separated her from others.

  With that, none of the other noble ladies or courtesans living in the palace would dare to send for her. Besides, how could those people gain access to the Grand Prince’s residence?

  After a few moments, Kamaria nodded, and Lili immediately occupied herself with finding an appropriate kaftan coat and shoes to make a trip to the palace.

  Kamaria was somewhat unfamiliar with the part of the palace city known as the Autumn Palace which was the residence of the grand lady dowager. They visited maybe once or twice a year to pay their respects, so Grand Lady Nadira was someone they barely saw since she clearly liked her peace.

  Kamaria tried to stay still but she couldn’t help but glance around the parlour as she waited for her cup to be filled. The old lady looked at her and faintly smiled at her child-like curiosity.

  “The princess is very quiet or is it that the youngest prince talks enough for the both of you,” she commented.

  “Oh, I’m very sure he swallowed a small whistle when he was younger,” said Kamaria with a smile as she picked up her cup.

  “At least he keeps good looking decent friends. What was the boy’s name?”

  “From the ?aska family, the count’s son?” asked the steward.

  “Yes, the same one. U-Urien? That boy basically grew up in the palace and well I wouldn’t blame him if he found this princess of ours quite outstanding.”

  Kamaria paused for a few moments before carefully placing down the cup. It was only expected that the grand lady dowager would be nothing short of extraordinary. Even the empress hadn’t noticed their situation yet and she was always well informed otherwise how could she manage the imperial family. Then again, Lady Nadira had been the Regent at some stage.

  The grand lady watched Kamaria’s reaction with interest. Most youngsters especially young women no matter how strong their personality would have at least had the slightest bit of shyness at having their romantic relationship discussed especially if it was by an elder.

  Not to mention that it was a noble match that could come with all sorts of complications but in the final observation, Kamaria was slightly hesitant but still calm.

  “My Grand Lady, this Princess subject would admit to everything else except the fact that she’s outstanding.”

  “Everyone is outstanding in their own way Lalla.”

  There were once again a few moments of silence, but it was not as strained as when Kamaria had arrived. Despite her regal aura, it seemed the grand lady was not as scary as they had initially thought.

  She wondered about the point of the older woman subtly stating her awareness about the relationship with Urien. Clearly it was not to threaten or reprimand her about it at least not for now.

  The information from the maid should have somehow come from her as well maybe as some sort of olive branch. So what role was the Grand Lady playing in this production?