The Rightful Bride Chapter 19

Stella approaches the tower, heart racing. Her face is neutral, but building a clone takes too much time. Time she doesn’t have.

She takes a deep breath and presses the red button.

“Yes?”

She blinks. Princess Eva’s voice is soft.

“Am I using this right?” she says, sounding slightly irritated. “I knew it was a bad idea to get this installed. The old way worked just fine.”

“I’m sorry,” Stella says. “I can hear you, My Lady. I was a little surprised.”

“Oh. Hello, Stella. My staff is off. It’s just me in the tower. Give me a moment to figure out how to let you in.”

“Of course.”

It takes a few minutes for the door to open.

“I’m in my sitting room, Stella,” she says.

Stella finds her way to the sitting room.

“I’m sorry, dear,” Princess Eva says. “I’m not well acquainted with the system. There’s also no tea today. I was not expecting anyone.”

Stella smiles, examining the princess’s face.

“You look very tired, My Lady,” she says.

“I just woke up from a nap,” Princess Eva says. “I’m alright.”

“Did you eat lunch?”

“I’m about to.”

“I’ll make you something.”

“Nonsense.” Princess Eva waves dismissively. “You’re my guest.”

Stella smiles.

“I’ll take care of it,” she says. “Finish waking up. What would you like?”

Princess Eva sighs.

“If you insist, my dear,” she says. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll show you around the kitchen.”

“It’s okay,” Stella says. “I’ll find my way.”

An hour later, Stella and the princess sit across from each other in her sitting room.

“Thank you, dear,” Princess Eva says.

“Of course,” Stella says.

She came with a purpose, but she’s not sure anymore.

“What brings you hear today?” the princess asks. “I’m sure you didn’t come to feed me. You wouldn’t know my staff is off today.”

“I didn’t know,” Stella says. “I assumed you had a weekend staff.”

“The palace does, yes, but I do not. It’s good to have the tower to myself sometimes. There are things I get to do without concern that my staff will gossip.”

Stella smiles, Mom Angela’s words coming to her.

“You must endear yourself to your staff, but there are things that you must not encourage. The main thing is gossip. The staff is practically invisible to the nobles, so they hear everything. They can start rumors that can potentially hurt you. Make certain your staff is discreet.”

Thankfully for Mom Angela, their staff was loyal. They were loyal to her father. When he married her, she was included. Mom Rita was included years later.

“Understandable, My Lady,” she says, “but are you okay by yourself?”

“Of course,” Princess Eva says. “My staff tends to cook for the weekend, but I also know how to cook. I rather enjoy being in the kitchen sometimes.”

Stella relaxes.

“If I’m not mistaken,” Princess Eva says, “you have a day off, too. I thought you would be enjoying yourself. It’s a lovely day. The rain finally stopped.”

Stella smiles. At least in her mortal form, the rain doesn’t affect her.

“I don’t really have many plans,” she says. “It’s very rare when I leave the palace grounds.”

The princess nods.

“Your plan is to visit me then?” she says.

Stella considers her words.

“Part of it,” she says. “I need your help.”

Oh? Is Stella about to tell her the truth?

“What can I do for you?” Eva asks.

“There’s something I want to do,” Stella says, “but I won’t be able to with my current position at the palace.” She pauses, considering. “It involves my safety.”

True. She must be attempting to figure out how to get involved in this contest. Well done, Harald.

“I’m not sure if this will work,” Stella says, “but it’s the only option I have right now.”

“And how can I help?” Eva says.

Stella takes a deep breath.

“Would it be possible,” she says, “to accept your offer, though I will only be able to work for this month? At least in-person. I can still work remotely.”

“What happens after this month?” Eva says.

“I need to arrange a few things to keep myself safe.”

“You’re being rather vague, Stella.”

“I’m aware. This is personal.”

Eva nods.

“Very well, Stella,” she says. “I’ll help you, but you will do something for me.”

Stella knew this wouldn’t be so simple. Why should it be?

“You owe me a favor,” the princess says, “and I expect you to do as I ask when the time comes.”

With no other choice, Stella nods.

“Due to what you have said,” the princess says, “I assume you’re accepting the position for lady-in-waiting.”

“Yes, My Lady,” Stella says.

“Very well. You’ll begin on Monday. When the month ends, do what you must do and I will cover for you.”

She sighs, only slightly relieved.

“Thank you, My Lady,” she says.

“Don’t thank me yet,” the princess says. “You haven’t completed your objectives.”

Stella smiles.

“Right,” she says. “Either way, thank you. Without you, I don’t think I would be able to even start it.”

“I hope it all works out for you,” the princess says.

“Me, too.”

They eat in silence for a few minutes. At least something is working.

“Since you’re here,” the princess says, “let’s discuss responsibilities. I’m sure you know them, but it’s worth going over them again.”

Every noble lady has a different set of responsibilities, but most stay the same.

“Of course, My Lady,” Stella says.

“You’re leaving me, darling,” Celia says.

Stella hugs the older woman.

“I’ll come visit,” she says. “I promise.”

“I know,” Celia says. “You’re also not leaving the palace. I hope you enjoy being her lady-in-waiting. It’ll be a new challenge for you.”

Her responsibilities are not too stressful. They’re the ones she expected.

“I’m sure it will be,” Stella says.

Finally, her certification can be put to good use. That’s a plus. Yeah, everything may go to hell, but that’s something.

“I’m very happy for you,” Celia says.

“I’m happy, too,” Stella says.

Stella picks up her backpack and leaves the palace for her new job.

Did you enjoy today’s chapter? Let me know in the comments. Feedback is also welcome.

I’m currently posting a first draft of a story. However, if you’re interested in seeing what my final products look like, check out my debut, Daughter of Death. It’s available in many retailers, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo in eBook and audiobook formats. It’s also available in my shop.

I’ll leave you for now. Make sure to come back for the next chapter.