The Courtesan

Chapter 43

To my surprise, we left the palace early. I was really surprised when I caught a glimpse of the bear's head. Lady Geraldine let me look closely, boasting about how valiant her lady was when she killed the bear. Lady Miriam didn’t look like the type to be able to wield a sword, especially the type of sword she used to kill the bear. 

The ride to the duchy was mostly quiet since it was a fast ride and any simple motion would make one throw up. All five of us crammed into one carriage and waited till we reached the duchy. It wasn’t a long ride and we soon arrived. 

Alighting from the carriage, Dr. Rivers took the child off my hands while Lady Geraldine pulled me into the estate like an excited child. Lady Miram followed close behind, a gentle smile on her face. 

“I prayed to the gods that I would have you over and I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I’m not sure if I’m deserving of that honor.” 

“Nonsense. Come, come, I have a room prepared.”

“You have… what?”

“The last time was so sudden, we barely had time to decorate. I’ve been preparing for your return so I had it prepared.”

“Oh…”

“I cannot wait to show you!”

I turned when she wasn’t looking to ask what was happening from Lady Miriam. 

{I’m sorry about her behavior. She gets excited easily.}

I nodded, not understanding the extent of that. I couldn’t hope to. She pushed open the door and spread her arms, smiling with her teeth. 

“Surprise!” 

I was indeed surprised. Floored, flabbergasted, no end to the adjectives I could use for how surprised I was. The room looked like it was fit for a noble lady. It looked carefully designed and color coded, made luxurious and perfect for whomever it was prepared for. 

“This is… I don’t know what to say.”

“Start with thank you.”

“Thank you…?”

“Oh come on, don’t be so skeptical. I just wanted you to be comfortable.”

“I’m fine with anything, really.”

Especially since I didn’t know when I was going to leave. 

“But... I went through all this trouble…” she pouted. 

“Fine. I accept it with gratitude from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”

“Settle down. When you’re done, ring the bell and someone will come to lead you to the main hall where we can have breakfast together.”

She gestured to the long rope attached with a bell beside the bed. The room even came with attending servants. This was the most luxury I had received in five years. It made me a little emotional. 

“Don’t take too long or all the food will be gone!”

“Okay.” 

They then left me to my devices. Since breakfast was soon, there was no time to settle down so I resorted to changing instead. I had a guess that clothes were prepared for me and it turned out to be right. Smiling to myself, I picked one and put it on. 

There came the challenging part; I needed someone to take me to the main hall. I didn’t want to wander and let the situation end up like the last one with Duke Erik. It still haunted my dreams. Preparing myself for the embarrassment it would come with, I rang the bell and waited. There was a knock on the door and I opened it to see a maid. She was neatly dressed and possessed an air that couldn’t compare to the palace maids at all. 

“I was tasked with bringing you to the hall. Please follow me.”

I had honestly forgotten how formal and discreet the servants in the Horps Duchy were. It’s not like I experienced it a lot either; they all lost their heads trying to find me every time I ran off to do something I wanted. 

She led me to the hall and left right after. I was right in front of the dining room so I just entered. The three ladies were seated there already, eating. I joined them, taking a seat beside Lady Geraldine. She smiled at me and just continued. It didn’t take too long for my meal to be brought. After we finished breakfast, we could finally talk. 

“How did you like your room?”

“It was good. The food was good, as always.”

“Our chef is always very pleased when you say that. I will introduce you two some day.”

“... I’ll wait for that day then.”

Dr. Rivers cleaned her mouth and stood to leave. 

“Please wait Dr. Rivers, I have something to say.”

“If it’s about the prince, don’t worry, he’s in good condition.”

“No, I don’t doubt that. I have something very important to tell all of you.”

“O-Okay…” 

She slowly sat back down and all three of them stared at me. I took a deep breath and started. 

“I am... not who you think I am. I have a very important secret to share. But first, I must tell you that I met with Queen Moriah and she asked me to meet with you and tell you this.”

“Is that the real reason why you followed us back?” Dr. Rivers quizzed. 

“Yes. If I had said it in the palace, it could’ve gone very bad. I am… Princess Ariana Stavenger.” 

“Huh? HUH?!”

As expected, Lady Geraldine was the first one to lose her head. 

“You can’t be serious?!”

“I am unfortunately not lying. Here Lady Miriam,” I said, passing the locket to her. She was unwilling to collect it, her eyes filled with a lot of different emotions. Eventually, she stretched her hand to collect it and opened it. She dropped the locket and looked at me. 

“I’m sorry for lying to you. I hope you understand why I did it and if you wish to throw me out or give me up to the King, I won’t disagree…”

“Why are you telling us this?” Dr. Rivers cut in. 

“Pardon?”

“What’s the point of telling us who you are?”

“I once had the thought of killing the man who slaughtered my whole family. However, as time went on, it became apparent that it was nothing more than a pipe dream, even when I entered the palace. Even if I had the opportunity to kill him, I was too much of a coward to do so. But now, I have been saddled with the responsibility of a child. Even if I have made the decision to risk my life this time, I can’t risk his life. There’s no one who will take care of him in the palace, hence I’ve brought him here.”

“Elayne, what do you mean risk? What are you planning to do?” Lady Geraldine cut in. 

“Dethrone King Mivas,” I said plainly. 

“Not kill him?” Dr. Rivers prodded. 

“Killing him will not be enough. I want to erase the impact he has and build this kingdom properly.”

“And how exactly are you going to do that?”

“It’s the second reason I have come here. I need your help, duchess.”