"The rumors were not very helpful," Countess Helen Stacey gave the other ladies next to her a knowing look. "The sudden order of the Emperor to make the Young Miss of the Lux Family the partner of the Prince at the hunt does not make sense. Why would the Emperor do such a thing?"
She then looked at the woman wearing a pink dress.
"What do you think Lady Marie?" the countess asked.
The Madam of the Lux Family told everyone that she was going to bring both Marie and Rosalind to the hunt. However, it was only Rosalind who was ordered to become the partner of the Prince.
Marie, who had a very high possibility of becoming the next Blessed one, was not invited by anyone. However, this was all a part of courtesy, everyone knew that the one who would receive the Blessing would have the possibility of marrying the next crown prince.
If she accepted any other invitation, it would be detrimental to her reputation. This was also the very reason why Dorothy did not receive any invitation from any man in the past.
Everyone assumed that she would receive the Blessing, so they had to acknowledge the fact that she was going to become the fiance of the next crown prince.
The same that happened to Dorothy was now happening to Marie. Though, this time, many realized that anything could happen, so they stopped showing so much favoritism to avoid any complications in the future.
"I honestly don't think that is any of my business Countess. The Emperor sees it all, He must have a good reason for doing this," Marie said before taking a sip of her tea. Then she looked around the tents.
Groups of people sat next to each other, enjoying the early morning conversations. The hunting event would start before the sun rose, and the sun has yet to rise. Darkness was currently surrounding them.
The tents were constructed with sheets of white fabric that lit up under the dark. Many said that this was a gift from one of the southern Empires. A rare fabric that would collect the heat of the sun and use it as fuel for when the darkness came.
Tonight, the sheets showed its grandeur on the six rectangular tents where the nobles were currently staying.
She glanced at the first and second tents where the nobles were supposed to stay. Just as she was about to wonder where the Royal Family members were, she heard someone announce their arrival.
"Bow down to the Emperor of the most prosperous Empire, the descendant of the slayer of the sea beast Utimbre, the head and sun of the Goosebourne family, Emperor Nicholaus Goosebourne and Empress Edith Winsley Goosebourne!"
Then the thin voice started introducing the other members of the Royal Family.
"Announcing the arrival of the first Prince Lawrence Goosebourne!"
"Announcing the arrival of the second Prince Piers Goosebourne!"
"Announcing the arrival of the third Prince Giles Goosebourne!"
"Announcing the arrival of the fourth Prince Julian Goosebourne!"
Since all of the Princes were still unmarried, the Herald didn't have to announce anyone else. As usual, the Emperor was wearing all-white clothing adorned with gold. His golden hair, which was just a shade darker than the hair of the Lux Family members, was something that all of the Royal Family members possed.
To complement him, the Empress was wearing the same white dress, but hers was adorned with phoenix embroideries and a small tiara with red and white gemstones.
The four princes on the other hand were all wearing white with red vests and white long coats. Prince Lawrence immediately attracted the attention of most of the women. At the age of twenty, he was considered to be at the prime age for marriage.
However, because of the delay coming from the side of the Lux Household, the prince hadn't received his proper title yet as he has no betrothed. Rumor had it that the old man had called everyone else because they wanted to have another awakening to find out who was the most likely to receive the Blessing.
Then, the one who received the Blessing would become the crown prince's betrothed. This would then make the Emperor finally name the heir to His throne.
Marie squinted at the First Prince. Tall and handsome, the man earned the title of the most good looking man in the Empire. On the outside, the Prince always looked cold and intimidating, however, the rumors that the Prince loved drinking seemed to have become popular these days.
Another rumor stated that the reason why these rumors were happening was that one of the other princes was purposely trying to spread them in order to damage the reputation of the eldest prince.
Politics.
Marie Lux understood the term at such a young age. She knew that the palace was just like a jungle. There would be people that were willing to betray you at any time or day, so one should be very careful inside the palace.
Marie hid the smile on her face.
She had already prepared herself for those schemes. She was ready to become the Prince's betrothed.
"Announcing the arrival of Princess Isabel of the Duance household! Escorted by" The Herald stopped and everyone turned towards Princess Isabel who just stood there alone. The Princess was wearing a pink large gown totally not suited for hunting.
But then again, this was the first time that women were asked the join the hunting event. It was only natural for someone to make some mistakes.
"Escorted by"
The Herald cleared his throat and looked at the awkward Princess.
"Uhh Announcing the arrival of Princess Isabel of the Duance Household."
Marie looked at the other noblewomen who were trying to hold in their laughter. The Princess was well known not just because she was the only Princess of the Empire, but because of her rather dreadful reputation.
The songs about the Princess talk about avoiding her at all costs if you wanted to keep your head on your neck.
"Announcing the arrival of the Duke of the North!" the Herald said. "And Ehem The Duke of the North is with"