The rough movement tore the thin fabric, and white feathers scattered everywhere.
Panting heavily, Talia stared at the feathers drifting down like snow.
Holding her wrists down against the bed, Varkas looked at her with darkened eyes. His suppressed voice poured over her face.
“I understand exactly what you mean.”
Taking a deep breath, Varkas slowly continued.
“We'll hold the succession ceremony within a few days. At that ceremony, I will formally introduce you as the Grand Duchess of the East.”
Talia felt every hair on her body stand on end.
She did not know whether it was because of the fate awaiting her or because of the man before her.
Removing a strand of hair stuck to her cheek, he continued softly.
“So until then, behave yourself.”
Keeping her mouth tightly shut, she glared at him with bloodshot eyes.
Several feathers settled onto his shoulders. Brushing them away with a light motion, Varkas slowly stood up.
Soon, the sound of the door opening and closing echoed through the room.
Talia stared blankly at the place he had left behind before pulling the blanket all the way over her head.
* * *
After the brutal welcoming ceremony, a heavy tension settled over Laedgo Castle.
The maids, who had once acted stiffly around her, now behaved as though they were walking on thin ice, while the guards held their breath and lowered their eyes whenever she stepped outside.
Apparently, some ridiculous rumor had spread that anyone who treated the Second Imperial Princess carelessly would incur the wrath of the future Grand Duke.
It was a misunderstanding born from the death of the retainer who had insulted her.
That monstrous man had merely paid the price for challenging the heir of the Grand Ducal House, but Talia had no intention of correcting their mistaken assumptions.
It was safer to be feared than to appear easy prey.
If one foolishly bent over trying to earn the goodwill of others, they would only end up with their head crushed beneath someone's foot.
That was the lesson she had learned over many years.
“I don't need attendants, so stop bothering me and get out.”
Turning a page, Talia waved one hand arrogantly.
The maids standing by the door exchanged troubled looks.
Normally they would have retreated immediately, but seeing them stubbornly remain in place, Talia sharpened her voice.
“Didn't you hear me tell you to leave?”
“Your Highness, the succession ceremony will be held this afternoon.”
The head maid spoke with a solemn expression.
Talia's eyes widened.
“Already?”
Varkas had told her the ceremony would take place within a few days, but she had never imagined he would hold it before even a week had passed.
Her face drained of color as she lowered her feet from the bed.
“Where is Varkas right now?”
“The Young Lord is currently meeting with the High Priest who will preside over the succession ceremony. Once the details of the ritual have been finalized, the ceremony will begin immediately.”
Talia raised the corners of her eyes.
“And you're only telling me this now?!”
“It was the Young Lord's orders that Your Highness not hear about it until the day itself.”
The head maid spoke with a sigh.
Talia grimaced.
She could easily imagine what he had been thinking when he gave such instructions.
He probably thought I'd hide or run away.
Whenever faced with something she hated, Talia had often vanished without a trace.
This time was no exception.
Overcome by the urge to flee immediately, she looked out the window.
Seeing this, the head maid spoke gently, trying to soothe her.
“There is still time, Your Highness, so there is no need to be so anxious.”
Talia glared at her irritably before muttering in a somewhat deflated voice,
“What am I supposed to do?”
“We have prepared the traditional attire of the East for Your Highness.”
The head maid let out a small sigh of relief and stepped aside.
Moments later, several burly servants entered the room carrying piles of brightly colored garments embroidered with elaborate patterns.
“The attire of the East is unfamiliar to the maids from the central region, so for this occasion, we hope Your Highness will allow us to attend to your preparations.”