For a moment, anger flared in Rosetta’s emerald eyes.
"You are a fool. The Duchy of Croyso owns one of the largest granaries in Wedon and the Seven Kingdoms. Even if parts of its eastern territory are to be ceded to Dristan, the remaining land could still make one as rich as any royal. And yet, you won't even fight for it?"
"We have no need for more wealth."
"One can never have enough power or wealth," Rosetta retorted, her voice growing heated. "If you won't fight for it, everything will be handed over to me, which is exactly what our father wants!"
"It doesn't matter."
Rosetta's face contorted subtly at her calm response. Maxi knew she had disappointed her sister, but she was not about to force herself to do anything simply to please her.
"If you wish to go against our father, you are on your own," Maxi added in the same calm tone.
Rosetta's expression grew stony. Abruptly rising from her seat, she angrily spat, "I see that I was mistaken. You haven't changed at all. You are as helpless as ever."
Maxi made no reply.
Rosetta's lips parted as if to spout more vitriol, but she whirled around instead. "This visit has been a waste of my time."
With that, she struck toward the door. Maxi watched her back for a moment before breaking the silence.
"Rose."
Her sister paused, fingers on the door handle. She slowly turned to face Maxi.
After a moment, Maxi ventured, "Is the crown prince...kind to you? Does he hurt you, or-"
Rosetta's lips twisted into a sardonic smile. "No one can hurt me."
Her response was in no way reassuring.
Maxi studied her sister's cold face with worried eyes. "Do you...not get along?"
A faint crease formed on Rosetta's comely brow as if uncertain how to respond. After a long look at Maxi, she replied frostily, "Our relationship is neither good nor bad. I fulfill my duties as the crown princess, and he regards me as he should a wife."Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
She seemed to be questioning if further explanation was required. Meanwhile, Maxi pressed her lips shut.
Rosetta regarded her with an inscrutable expression before walking out the door. "At least make an appearance tomorrow," she called over her shoulder. "I don't want rumors to start going around."
Unfortunately, that dream would have to wait for the time being. After a lengthy and tiresome time with the nobles, Maxi was escorted back to her room by Elliott. Meanwhile, Riftan was obligated to attend yet another gathering. According to the knights, it was a clandestine meeting meant to sway the Arexian feudal lords into supporting the armistice.
The negotiations dragged on, as Riftan failed to return even late into the night. Maxi eventually gave up waiting and went to bed alone.
Over the next few days, opportunities for time alone with her husband were scarce. He was consumed with preventing disputes, while Maxi spent most of her time cloistered in her room.
She let out a despondent sigh as she gazed out the window. As usual, lively music emanated from the Roem Palace, signaling the start of another banquet. After flipping through a spell book that failed to maintain her interest, she rose in irritation. She was pulling on a light coat with the intention of going out for some air when there was a knock at the door.
"Wh-Who is it?"
"It's me, Sidina."
Maxi opened the door to find her friend, resplendent in a pearl-colored dress.
"I knew you would be in your room again," Sidina remarked, clicking her tongue in exasperation.
Frowning, Maxi pointed to her cloak. "Actually, I was just about to go for a walk."
"In the back gardens, I presume," Sidina scoffed. "Why not explore the city with me instead? I hear there's a new play debuting at the theater."
Maxi briefly considered the invitation before shaking her head with a sigh. "I'm sorry, but I cannot go outside without an escor-"
"I knew you'd say that, so I brought just the people we need. Tada."
Stepping aside, Sidina yanked at something behind the door. Maxi's eyes widened as Ulyseon and Garrow appeared before her.
Ulyseon, eyeing Sidina with a sour look, pried his arm free rather roughly. "You said her ladyship had summoned us!"
"I said she was about to summon you," Sidina shamelessly retorted before shooting Maxi a mischievous smile. "What are you waiting for? Ask these fellows to be your escort."
Maxi glowered at Sidina incredulously before giving the two young kinghts an apologetic look. "It seems my friend has inconvenienced you."
"Not at all, my lady. We were passing time at the training ground anyway," Garrow said with a gentle smile. "Please, don't let us be the reason to decline your friend's invitation. We would be more than happy to escort you if you wish to see the city."
Pushing Garrow aside, Ulyseon chimed in, "Yes! If that's what you wish, we will gladly accompany you, my lady."
After a brief pause, Maxi bobbed her head. In truth, she did want to do some exploring.
"In that case, please be our escort."