Chapter 7
Countess Harriet stood smiling at the doorway.
"Countess Harriet, how do you do?" Prince Derek gave her a smile.
"Fine. Just fine. And you, Deeerek?"
Daria thought the Countess looked rather like a fox emerging from its' hole.
Daria stepped forward and acknowledged her. "Countess."
"Princess. How are you? We rather missed your company at yesterday's dinner."
Somehow, from the way the Countess looked at her, Daria thought that it was actually more the opposite.
"I was having a most delightful chat with her highness, the Queen. She was saying how wonderful dinner was…"
Yes, I'm sure she did! Daria thought sarcastically.
Daria mouth was still locked in a practiced polite smile.
She caught Prince Derek's glance. His eyes held humour and then he smiled at her.
"Princess? Wouldn't you agree?"
Countess's voice made her snap back.
"Yes." I have no idea what she was talking about.
The marble grey eyes of the Countess narrowed slightly but Daria noticed.
"I think it's marvelous that we can attend court together now. Yes, your mother told me all about it. And with Derek too!" The Countess laid an arm on Daria's shoulder while simpering at the Prince.
Daria cringed at the thought of her mother telling the Countess anything personal about her. Once her mother started talking with the courtiers, it was very easy to accidentally let something slip.
"You don't attend court normally, Princess?" The Prince turned toward her, frowning.
"No. But I have come of age recently, and my mother thought it would be appropriate that I begin." That was the excuse she had decided on, if anyone asked. Though, her mother could have told anyone the real reason, anyway.
"Oh, it's ever so much fun! Everyone is there. For a whole morning we just sit and talk!"
"What do you talk about?" Daria was intrigued. For a whole morning?
"Well, the fashion, Princess! The new style in hats, dresses and hair. Of course, any court – news."
You mean spiteful gossip?
"Well, I guess I will see for myself next week."
"Yes." The Countess turned toward the Prince.
"Derek, have you had a tour of the palace ground yet?"
"Princess Daria was just giving me a tour."
"How wonderful! Have you seen the gallery, yet? Perhaps we should go there, Princess? I can't imagine what you are staying in the library for."
Daria nodded her ascent and the three of them proceeded towards the gallery. The Countess was chattering about the palace to the Prince.
She felt kind of…annoyed? That the Countess should be giving a tour, not her!
"Countess," she sweetly cut in during a pause of silence. "How has Lord Nicholas been? I haven't seen him since the last ball. I heard you saw him in town last week."
The truth was, Daria had heard more than just a passing meeting between the Countess and the Lord Nicholas. Court gossip was powerful sometimes. Daria knew that.
For the last week, the maids had been whispering about a secret affair between the two nobles.
"Fine. He is doing just fine." The Countess looked a little surprised at Daria's sudden comment.
I suppose she did not think I would try to hold a conversation? Well, she should be in for a new revelation. Though, it was kind of low to mention court gossip in hopes of stopping the Countess's sweet syrupy voice.
"-just a friend, Derek. Always has been quite close with my parents, before they passed away. You will see Lord Nicholas at court." Countess Harriet was explaining to the Prince.
"This is the gallery." Daria announced once they reached the end of the hallway. She led them to the right.
She could see the Prince's eyes widen with amazement at the sheer grandness. Centuries old portraits had been placed there starting from 5 centuries ago, when her ancestors had built the palace.
"Why, you seem so surprised, Derek! It is quite old. 5 centuries, I believe?" The Countess supplied, inclining her head towards him.
Daria sighed. "Yes, it is."
The Countess Harriet didn't appear to hear her. She was really getting on Daria's nerves.
Why does mother's words keep circling my head?
"Do not let the Countess dominate the conversation…hold most of the Prince's attention."
She didn't always agree with her Mother's views, but she always couldn't help but instinctively obey what her mother said.
And so it went on that afternoon. The Countess flirting horribly with a polite Derek. With Daria interrupting politely off course. And with the Prince politely listening to the Countess while paying attention to Daria.
Throughout the entire palace they went and the Countess's voice never stopped.
That night, before she went to bed, Daria stood in front of her mirror. The same familiar eyes looked back at her. Brown and dreamy.
She reflected over the days events. The afternoon had been tiresome.
Though, I think I did quite well, despite the Countess. A small smile appeared on her face. Mother would be quite proud of my behavior too! Which is something quite rare. She thought drily.
Yes, Daria had maneuvered herself excellently at the conversation. She considered what her mother had said that morning.
Yes, maybe practice does make it a bit better! Hopefully it will go smoothly at court as well.
An overwhelming tiredness suddenly filled her and she ran to her feather-bed and jumped straight into the luxurious pillows.
"Princess, would you like me to do your hair?"
Lara had been chillingly polite ever since the argument and it showed in her attitude.
"No. Lara, I told you not to call me that."
"I apologise – Daria." The name was said grudgingly.
"Fine."
"Is there anything else you would like for tonight."
"No, thankyou."
Lara went out the room, cold expression still on her face.
"Whatever. Be that way, then." Daria snapped to a closed door.
The room was silent, except the sounds of the clock chiming out 12 times. Daria, annoyed and tired, rolled sideways and arranged herself on the bed. She drew the covers up to her chin and soon she was asleep.
While the clock was chiming in Daria's room, two silhouettes were hidden in the shades of the garden bushes.
"When will it be time, sire?" It was said softly.
"I am still awaiting directions."
"The letter…?"
"The time will come soon." The cold voice snapped back.
The other merely bowed his head and soon the two figures melted into the darkness of the night. If there was an observer at all, the presence of the two would have been barely noticed. They left no trace at all.
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