Anastasia did not expect Dorothy to want to attend the prayer. Although she could have simply rejected her, she chose to agree, as she wanted to understand what kind of person Dorothy was.
Seeing that Anastasia had agreed so quickly, Dorothy was delighted. She immediately returned to her room to change into something more appropriate.
Accompanied by a maid and Miss Madalege, Anastasia went to wait for the ladies at the entrance of the chapel. She intended for them to pray first before heading to the garden. The first to arrive were Rosalind and her sister.
"Your Highness," the three curtsied.
"Welcome," Anastasia said with a polite smile. Bridget and Beatrice wished to engage her in conversation, but Anastasia ignored them.
Instead, she chatted with Rosalind. She had invited them only because she did not want to create trouble for Rosalind. After all, no matter how much her father protected her, the one in charge of the household was still Lady Williams.
Rosalind was surprised by Anastasia’s behavior. Although they had gotten along peacefully during Anastasia’s last visit, her sisters had also been present at the time. She had assumed that Anastasia liked their personalities as well. However, she did not expect Anastasia to ignore them after only exchanging pleasantries.
While the two chatted casually Dorothy arrived. Seeing that other Nobel ladies were already present she felt a bit timid. Thɪs chapter is updated by noᴠelfire.net
"Your higness," she curtsy. Anastasia welcomed her with a smile.
"Your higness, which family lady is this?" Bridget asked. They knew all the nobles ladies within the royal city. Although there were also few who kept low profile or like Anastasia who did not have much presence within the noble circle until her engagement to the crown prince.
So Bridget asked this question thinking that Dorothy was Anastasia’s friend.
But when Dorothy heard this question she felt embarrassed.
"She is not from the Nobel circle in the royal city. Actually, her family practice medicine and she was invited to the palace to be my royal physician," Anastasia replied. She would not be stupid enough to let others know the relationship between Dorothy and the prince. She had just gotten married, and no one could guess what kind of rumors would spread.
This was not good for the prince reputation and it was bad for her.
"Oh, so it medicine girl," Bridget said with a polite smile.
"Yes, her name is Dorothy, you can address her as Physician Dorothy after all she study under the royal physicians now," Anastasia said.
Bridget frown, she only showed interest in Dorothy because she thought she was Anastasia’s friend. Women who practice medicine were few. It was also not our of place for the palace to get Anastasia a personal physician to take care of her.
"Well meet," Bridget said with a Nobel air. She did not put Dorothy in her eyes so she did not bother to introduce herself.
"Same," Dorothy replied. She felt a bit embarrassed after all although she has been learning etiquette since she arrived at the royal palace she was still far behind.
After this Bridget continues to talk to her sister while Anastasia continue her chat with Rosalind leaving Dorothy in an awkward position.
Fortunately another Nobel lady arrived at this time followed by Isabel, who greeted her with a polite smile. "Your Highness."
Anastasia welcomed her with a smile, as she had no personal issue with Isabel.
Seeing another person arrive, Bridget and Beatrice attempted to engage her in conversation, but all the ladies attending today sought to befriend Anastasia.
Thus, Isabel joined the small conversation between Anastasia and Rosalind. She had immediately noticed that the two sisters were being ignored, and as someone skilled at reading situations, she naturally understood what to do.
The other ladies arrived one after another. When Elizabeth’s carriage entered the palace, she coincidentally met Cecilia, who had also just arrived. The two made their way to the chapel together.
"Your Highness," Cecilia curtsied upon seeing Anastasia.
Anastasia was surprised to recognize her as the lady she had met a few days earlier while dining with Isabel and Elizabeth.
"Sister," Elizabeth greeted her, refusing to change the way she addressed Anastasia. She simply walked over and behaved as if they were two close sisters.
Anastasia, however, merely moved her hand away and ignored Elizabeth. She did not ask why Elizabeth had skipped formality.
After all, no matter how close they were, proper etiquette was a must.
Together, the group entered the chapel, the flickering candlelight cast soft shadows against the walls, and the scent of incense filled the air. Anastasia walked ahead, leading them to the front pews. The ladies arranged themselves in neat rows, their hands gently clasped before them.
A priest stood at the altar, his presence commanding yet serene. "We gather here today," he began, his voice echoing through the sacred halls, "to pray for the peace and prosperity of the Kingdom of Nixet. May the Lord grant our people strength, wisdom, and enduring harmony."
"Amen," the ladies echo before getting on their knees and lowered their heads in prayer. Some whispered their silent petitions, while others simply reflected in the stillness. Anastasia remained composed, her gaze fixed on the altar. Though she followed the motions of devotion.
After a few moments of whisper the priest continues to lead the prayer.
Dorothy, kneeling at the back prayed sincerely for the prince safety. After all, she had gotten used to his pampering.
The prayer continued in solemn reverence until the priest lifted his hands in blessing. "May the heavens watch over Nixet. May its people flourish, and may its leaders govern with wisdom. In the name of Christ we pray"
"Amen," The ladies response as they opened their eyes.
Anastasia rose gracefully from her knees. "Now that our prayers have been offered," she said, her voice calm, "let us take a moment in the garden."
The noble ladies followed her lead, stepping out of the chapel. The garden was a little distance from the chapel. So Anastasia arrange maids to bring umbrellas as it was already noon and the sun was a bit harsh.