Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Celestina’s eyebrow arched. The Duchess’s fan unfolded halfway, the gentle breeze it stirred belying the emotion conveyed by the gesture.
“Of course, no one can compare to your eldest daughter in virtue and reputation. I hear she garnered considerable attention after her debut last year.”
The belated addition softened the atmosphere. Clementine, relieved, poured the tea. “My daughter has been chosen as a companion to Her Majesty, the Empress, and will soon enter the palace. So, I need you to select a dress befitting her status.”
“I have just the thing for special young ladies.” Giovinetta’s ears perked up at the word “special.” Clementine’s characteristically sweet, lilting voice took center stage. “This style is similar to the one worn by the Princess of Etreille, but crafted even more exquisitely. With the finest silk and lavish jeweled embroidery, it’s incredibly opulent. It will undoubtedly be the most striking design this year.”
“I’ll take it. Yes?”
“Let’s have several made in this style.”
Clementine inwardly rejoiced. The Duchess, as renowned for her discerning taste as for her deep pockets, was a dream client. “Then, I shall have the finished gowns delivered to your mansion.”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Clementine, beaming, saw the mother and daughter to their waiting carriage, the Flores family’s double-horse-drawn vehicle, which then turned towards their mansion.
Giovinetta, pleased with her extravagant purchase, hummed a tune as she admired the hat and ribbons she had bought earlier. Watching her, Celestina felt a pang of concern. Despite having come of age, Giovinetta still seemed so young. “You will soon be entering the palace to serve Her Majesty. You must conduct yourself appropriately.”
Giovinetta, trying on the hat adorned with elaborate decorations, pouted. “Yes, Mother, I know.” Seeing her daughter straighten up with a sullen expression, Celestina responded gently, “You know, you must stand out, more beautifully than anyone else.”
Giovinetta’s brow furrowed. “I’ll need to be more noticeable than her.” Celestina’s heart ached as she watched her daughter fidget, her thumb rubbing against her fingers as if she wanted to bite her nails.
“Don’t worry. In that dress, you’ll outshine everyone.”
Giovinetta’s eyes sparkled. “Do you think I can capture the attention of the princes, too?”
“Don’t even think about it.” The Duchess’s tone was sharp, her expression stern.
“I hear the Second Prince is quite handsome. He was abroad last year, so I haven’t seen him.”
Celestina’s expression turned grave. “He is off-limits. Do you understand?”
“Why?”
Celestina offered a faint smile. Yes, why indeed. The Second Prince, Matthias, carried a significant burden, a mark of his birth. “Prince Matthias is the son the Empress had when she was still a… mistress.”
The label of “illegitimate son” clung to him. Even though Cornelia now sat on the throne as Empress, perceptions hadn’t changed. Crown Prince Caesar, despite his rumored mental instability, maintained his position as the legitimate heir, enjoying the unwavering support of both the allied forces and the conservatives, all due to his rightful claim.
Compared to Caesar’s mother, the late Empress Adelaide, a princess of the Kingdom of Isabria, the current Empress Cornelia was merely the daughter of a minor provincial official. Her family had even lost their hereditary title due to their involvement in the forbidden slave trade, effectively making her the daughter of disgraced nobility.
In truth, Cornelia had been a lowly servant in the palace, catching Guido’s eye and becoming his mistress. Gossipmongers still whispered about Empress Cornelia’s humble origins.
“Besides,” Celestina continued, “the Second Prince has a notorious reputation with women. You must avoid any entanglement with him.”
“I understand.” But Giovinetta’s interest was already piqued. Sensing this, Celestina reiterated her warning, her voice firm. “Absolutely not. Don’t even dream of it.”
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