-Prior-
It hadn't been that long before there was another knock at Prior's door. At least she had briefly had time to eat something and rest. Was it already time to meet the queen again?
To her pleasant surprise, however, it was Kassia standing there.
This time Kassia had come without Yina and hugged Prior in greeting.
They sat down, and Kassia asked, "How have things been going for you?"
Prior shrugged. "Everything's alright."
Kassia looked at her seriously. "Is my father still avoiding you without apologizing?"
"Mm."
"And my mother, is she being very demanding?"
Prior only gave a faint smile.
Kassia laughed. "I know very well what the two of them are like." She paused briefly. "But let me give you some advice. Don't let yourself put up with everything either. I know you want to have a good relationship with Kashion's parents. But don't forget that you also have value and status."
Prior sighed. "Thank you, Kassia. Honestly, I haven't thought too much about your father yet. I keep pushing those thoughts away. But I'm also a little afraid of him."
Kassia pressed her lips together. "He can be intimidating, and after what you experienced, feelings like that are normal. Give it time. And if you somehow want justice for yourself, then Kashion and I would understand that too."
That felt good. It was so nice to know that someone respected and appreciated her.
"Actually, he also has a very soft side. He just thought wrongly and acted too impulsively. And my mother always wants everyone to think well of us and sometimes forgets that we have feelings too." Kassia laughed dryly. Prior nodded. "I think it can't be easy to carry so much responsibility and be so much in the public eye."
"Yes. I've known that since childhood. Kashion too. Believe me, we've already had to make quite a few sacrifices. Some small, some…" Kassia sighed, "pretty big."
Prior felt sorry for the two of them. That certainly couldn't be easy.
"Nevertheless, you mustn't forget whose girlfriend you are."
Prior looked at her questioningly.
"You are the Regent's girlfriend, and also the friend of the Princess of Tingdao. You can—no, Prior, you should make your own decisions too."
"Yes, but everything is still so new, and I do think I still need help with it."
Kassia nodded in agreement. "There's something else I want to tell you. But don't be mad at me."
Prior was curious about what was coming now. Why would she be angry with Kassia? "Go ahead."
"My mother naturally complained that you're so against an engagement right now. But if you're sure about Kashion, then don't hesitate for too long either."
Prior looked at her questioningly.
"I only mean well, because right now you are the girlfriend of a Regent. But a girlfriend is still replaceable."
Prior inhaled sharply.
Kassia made a dismissive hand gesture. "I don't mean that in a bad way, but once you're engaged to him, everyone will automatically have much more respect. The people here in the palace. The High Council. The people, and also the other Regents."
That did make sense. Prior hadn't even thought that far yet. But could an engagement really change that much? And wouldn't that all be selfish then?
"Thank you, Kassia. But that's not a reason why I would want to get engaged."
Kassia's smile widened. "And that's exactly why Kashion and I like you so much. Because you're genuine. Because you don't care so much about what others think of you."
Prior smiled too. "And you're going on vacation soon? Back to Gelserkh again?"
Kassia laughed. "By force, basically. But only after the farewell banquet. I'm curious to see how Tendol will do in Gelserkh. But it's good for Yina. Finally more time with her father away from politics."
"I'm happy for you. Ah, I'd really love to come along," Prior laughed.
Kassia nodded. "Yes, next time you absolutely have to." She winked at her. "Together with Kashion."
At the thought of that, Prior felt butterflies in her stomach again.
Then there was another knock at the door.
Kassia raised her eyebrows questioningly.
Prior said quietly, "Probably your mother with my possible future servant."
"Ooh," Kassia said. She stood up. "Remember what I told you. Don't let everything be decided for you—make your own decisions too."
Prior nodded. Then the two of them went to the door.
Kassia opened it, briefly greeted her mother, cast an appraising glance at the three young women standing behind the queen, and said goodbye.
The queen stepped inside and said to the women, "Come, let me introduce you."
After the queen, the three women entered and lined up in a row.
They looked perfect. Perfect facial features, hairstyles, and not even the slightest wrinkle on their elegant dresses.
"I could never be that perfect," Prior thought to herself.
The queen pointed at the first one. She had long, straight, light blonde hair and blue eyes. "This is Amanda. She has a degree in economics and communication."
Amanda looked at her defiantly and gave a slight curtsy. It almost looked unwilling.
"Then we have Ariana here," the queen continued. The young woman had dark skin, dark eyes, and long black curls. "She has a degree in physics and worked at the court of Ostrand for several years." She was tall and looked down on Prior not only because of her height. She too gave a rather reluctant curtsy.
"And then we also have Marybeta. She has a degree in aerospace technology." Marybeta had reddish shoulder-length hair and green eyes. She smiled almost mockingly and gave a slight curtsy.
"All three have degrees and experience with distinction. They are also very familiar with court etiquette and furthermore possess the necessary know-how on how to present oneself attractively, as you can see."
Oh yes. She could see that very clearly.
Prior did not feel comfortable. She looked at all three women, and all of them had something condescending and cold in their eyes.
"Prior, ask them questions so you can get to know them better," the queen prompted her.
But what was she supposed to ask? What mattered? She had absolutely no experience with this.
"Um…" She thought for a moment. She looked at Marybeta. "Aerospace technology? Have you ever been to space?"
Marybeta practically snorted. She rolled her eyes. "But of course. Most people have been to space already. Isn't it like that on Saturn? I heard there are resorts on some moons." She looked Prior up and down. "But I suppose not everyone can afford that."
Prior pressed her lips together. Her attempt at small talk had failed.
"Nice," she simply said. Then she looked at Ariana. "And what did you enjoy about your work at the court of Ostrand?"
She smiled. "I was allowed to serve the prince's wife for a few years and also share my knowledge with the council. The prince's wife is a truly skilled and beautiful woman. I enjoyed working for someone so inspiring."
Prior nodded. She was probably standing deeply in that woman's shadow. Ariana's eyes said as much.
Now Amanda. Prior thought for a moment. Maybe she should make her questions more personal?
"Why would you like to work for me, Amanda?"
The three women looked amused. Amanda stared sharply at her. Then she looked at the queen, and suddenly put on a perfect smile. "The queen herself offered me the position." She looked at Prior. "It is an honor to work for the Regent of Tingdao."
There was almost something flirtatious in her gaze.
Prior let her eyes wander across all three women. She briefly thought back to her work with Evlina. They had never become close friends, but they had had a respectful relationship. But when she looked at these three women now, she felt insecure. As if she herself wasn't good enough. As if the work was merely a duty and Prior was something one simply had to tolerate. She didn't feel comfortable. She felt more like she had to choose a boss than an advisor. She shook her head.
Kassia's words came back to her. Yes, Kassia had been right.
She looked at the queen. Then she said, "Amanda, Ariana, and Marybeta, could you please step outside and wait for a moment?"
The three women left the room.
"What is the meaning of this?" the queen asked. "Which one would you like to choose? All three are perfect."
"Queen Ada, I don't want any of them. They don't suit me."
The queen shook her head. "Child, the three of them are the best. You will not find anyone better for this task. Surely one of them must appeal to you."
Prior sighed. Suddenly a face appeared in her mind. Short brown hair and blue eyes. She smiled.
"I do have someone in mind who appeals to me. But it's none of the three."
The queen pressed her lips together. "Not just anyone can do this task. It has to be someone familiar with court etiquette. Someone who can help you with political matters and also with your appearance."
Prior thought for a moment. Yes, she was certainly familiar with court etiquette. "I think she can do it. And everything she can't do yet, she can learn."
"Nonsense!"
"I myself have a degree in chemistry and physics. I haven't been too interested in politics so far, but I already know quite a bit, and the rest I can learn. She can too. The same goes for appearance."
"And who exactly is that supposed to be?"
Prior pressed her lips together. She didn't want her to be pressured because of this. "I want to ask her myself first."
The queen sighed. "Enough games. You will choose one of the three. Trust my experience."
Prior got an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She shook her head. "I must disappoint you, Your Majesty. I do not want an advisor who does not respect me, but instead looks down on me."
"Oh, Prior. You are seeing this the wrong way. They are simply just as good as you. After all, you do not come from a noble family."
"Maybe. But one should not look down on anyone, even if they are equal or of higher standing. My decision is final. I will choose my own advisor."
The queen began pacing back and forth. "This will be a catastrophe!"
"Give me one month, alright? Let me not choose an advisor for now, and if after one month you think she cannot do the job, then I will invite the three women again."
The queen had stopped in front of Prior. She seemed to be considering it. "Very well. One month. I'm curious to see who you manage to find and how this turns out."
Prior noticed herself relaxing.
"But for tomorrow we will need to find a solution. I'll have to assign Paris."
Prior nodded.
The queen sighed. "Then I'll go to the three women and postpone things for today." She looked Prior up and down. "And you—put on your shoes and a dress. We are going to the dance instructor next."
Prior immediately went to her wardrobe and searched for a comfortable dress. She slipped into it and then put on the less comfortable shoes.
But she had to smile. She had managed to make her own decision. She had managed to stand her ground against the queen. Later, she absolutely had to thank Kassia for encouraging her.
Note: this book will be deleted here soon, if you would like to continue reading, huts text me. Personally or in the Comment section