The Duke's Unwanted Wife

2“Introducing, his majesty, King Fredrich Kristen the first and her royal highness, the royal consort, Princess Alana Willow Ducroft,” the chamberlain announced. The whole crowd kept their head low as they walked past. They looked regal, especially the former Grand Duke who was wearing royal regalia. It looked like he was born to wear it. Beside him, the third princess, despite being royalty, wasn’t as elegant. In fact, everyone thought of the woman most fit to stand beside him as Queen but as she was dead, there wasn’t anything they could do about it.    4

    

They sat on the throne and the ball resumed. It was the first official ball after Fredrick took the throne. The social order had not yet been officially established so it was a cutthroat season. What was more intriguing was the nobility promotions. Four houses now held the title of Duke: Adamantine, Orland, Kristen and Bellam. With the influence of the four houses, the court was very unstable.    

    

“Presenting the emissary from the Empire of Illumine, the eminence of the Sun, his royal highness, Crown Prince Reagan Frances Illumine and his escort, Lady Amanda Illumine,” the chamberlain announced. There was a ripple of shock because there was no news that the empire was invited. Even Alana and Adelie were shocked.    

    

“I want to thank his majesty for inviting me to foster good relations between our two nations. I offer my sincere condolences on the tragic death of your wife. I was looking forward to seeing the flower of the capital shine as the queen so this makes me quite sorrowful aswell. I hope you would accept this gift as a show of my sincerity,” the handsome crown prince said as soon as he was in front of Fredrich.    

    

His servants brought forward a velvet cushion with a box on it. Fredrich’s personal guard took the box and opened it in front of him. In the box were two adamantine rings with a dragon carved along the body. They were beautiful pieces befitting for royalty.    

    

“I had them made with the intent to honor her majesty but I heard too late that her majesty has passed away. I plead for compassion from your majesty and your highness that you would accept my sincere gift,” he said, showing a little guilt on his face.    

    

But who was he fooling? Everyone knew he was looking down on Alana. They all thought the same thing but no one went out of their way to embarrass Alana like Reagan did.    

    

“Thank you for your kind gifts, your imperial highness, they are truly lovely. As I was friends with the late Queen, I am sure she would appreciate this gift. I will make sure to wear them proudly as a tribute to her,” Alana responder gracefully before Fredrich could say anything. But the crown Prince wasn’t backing down just yet.    

    

“Oh, I wasn’t aware there was a tradition in Ducroft that made it possible for friends to comfort the husband of the deceased one. I think it’s a very endearing tradition. It would also save such more time in securing the blind spots in society. Wow, I’m learning so much in one visit already!” The crown prince clapped happily.    

    

Alana’s patience visibly reduced. She was aware she dug her own home but correcting a murderous maniac who started a war for no reason was a path to a swift death. Instead, she decided to use another approach.    

    

"I am of the royal family and an heir to the throne. In the event of the unfortunate death of my royal parents, his majesty gracefully stepped in and took me as a consort so he could pay his respect to the ancient royal family Ducroft. This, is our tradition, your highness," she smirked confidently.    

    

"Ah, I see. Thank you for clarifying it for me, your highness. It would surely be disastrous if I made careless assumptions in a foreign land. I am truly honoured to be here," he smiled amicably. Their interaction finally came to an end and they went on to greet other guests. It seemed like Reagan's next target was Adelie.    

    

"If it isn't the blessed one of Ducroft, the Saintess Adelie Grayson," he said as he approached her. The conversation she was having was brought to an abrupt halt as she turned around to face him. She held her gown and curtseyed.    

    

"I greet your Imperial highness."    

    

"Please don't act too distant. This isn't the first time we've met. I would feel disheartened if you were to treat me like a stranger," he said, smiling.    

    

"Our interaction was brief and from afar. I couldn't possibly claim to be close with your Imperial highness so simply," she replied curtly.    

    

"If that is the way you feel, then I am compelled to change that. I want to become closer with someone with the same spiritual affiliation as myself. Although we believe in different gods, I wouldn't like to think we are so different."    

    

"Your Imperial highness is someone with a lot of experience being the eminence of the sun. Your level is too advanced for us to have similar principles. But if you wish to visit the church, our doors are always open."    

    

"If one receives an invite, then one should accept it gracefully, right? I will make sure to visit the church before I leave for my home."    

    

"You are always welcome, your Imperial highness."    

    

He finally left her alone, going to bother the other guests. Once they were alone, Alana could finally confront Fredrich.    

    

"Your majesty, I truly believe it is unfair that you would invite his Imperial highness and not inform me. I was placed in charge of organising this event and I need to know our guests so I can prepare for them appropriately."    

    

"It was a last minute decision when I heard they were coming to give their condolences. If they bother you so much then I can send them on their way as quickly as possible."    

    

"No, don't. You will anger that suicidal maniac. He's already here so what's the rush? Let's just observe him and see what his true intentions are," she said, leaning into her chair with cold eyes.