After the small chat amongst the ladies. Seeing that pleasantries has been changed. Anastasia stood up and the ladies attention turned to her.
"It brings me great joy to welcome you all to the palace gardens this afternoon," Anastasia paused and looked at the ladies who now fixed their gaze on her. Her voice was calm yet it carried the authority of a royal lady.
Elizabeth fought the urge to roll her eyes. She did not understand why her once cowardly sister could now speak with so much confidence.
"Though we gather for tea, our hearts also turn toward the brave soldiers marching north. May our prayers bring them strength, and may peace soon return to our lands," Anastasia continues with a smile. The Nobel ladies murmed in agreement to her prayer.
"But while we are here, let us enjoy the company of one another. After all, what is a gathering of noble ladies without thoughtful conversation, shared wisdom, and a touch of grace? I look forward to hearing your thoughts, your poetry, and your hopes for the days ahead. Please, let us begin." Anastasia finished her speech and took her seat gracefully.
The ladies nodded in agreement to Anastasia words. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Princess," Bridget and her sister spoke together with warm smile. They felt that the princess had not spoken to them much so they took this opportunity to remind her of their presence.
Hearing their words a few ladies also acknowledged praised her speech.
"Your Highness speaks with such wisdom. Indeed, our prayers shall strengthen the hearts of our soldiers." Isabel said. After all, she wanted to be a part of Anastasia Court.
Amaber and Elizabeth on the other hand only nod with a measured smile. Dorothy was in this sitting for the first time, so she lowered her head to hide the jealous in her eyes.
When the prince had come to find her on the night of their wedding she had felt that proud but been among this noble ladies reminded her of her status. Anastasia’s grace and confidence seems to be ruthlessly stepping on herm
Nobody paid much attention to her after this. After all, Anastasia was present and this ladies wanted to interact with her.
The servants on the side soon move to start serving tea and snacks as the ladies discussion continue .
Everyone took the opportunity to show their talent and discuss some fashion, and poetry arise.
Some ladies also talk a bit about the war in the north and the current situation of Gube kingdom.
Anastasia listen and took note of the different opinion of the ladies.
Everyone was very respectful. "I heard lady Rosalind is very good with musical instrument," Lady Amaber said as the discussion continues.
"I love music and I just study a bit more, nothing special," Rosalind replied in a humble tone. She had not spoken so much since they started discussing. After all she did not really kind of gathering were they secretly compete with each other.
"You are been too humble," Amaber said.
"That right, I have heard her play once and her skills are commendable," Sabina join.
"How about we play a game of catch," Bridget not wanting the conversation to continue suggested. She was not so good with musical instrument and did not want her sister to take the center stage.
"How do we play?" Cecelia asked showing interest.
"Well, the princess can choose a flower and we all each recite a poem about it. The poem can be written by us or something we have read but you can’t repeat a poem that has already been recited by another. If you can’t come up with a poem when it gets to your turn then you are out of the game and we can start another round. The person who is out of the game can choose the team for the next round," Bridget said.
The ladies were interested in playing the game but they also hesitate. After all, it was a bit uncomfortable to lose.
"Why don’t we change the rules and have whoever fails to recite a poem place a musical instrument instead?" Anastasia said. She understood that this kind of game can make others feel embarrassed. Thɪs chapter is updated by NovelHub(.)net
"If we do that, how can there be a winner?" Bridget said. She was very talented when it comes to poem and she believes she would win.
"Why do we need a winner? Playing a game should just be for fun," Sabina said. Although she was talented she was afraid of embarrassing herself.
"Lady Sabina is right, we are just having fun. No need to compete," Anastasia said. Although this was said, it only made anyone who failed to recite a poem feel less embarrassed.
Dorothy in the side felt that the cake in her mouth has become to hard to swallow. She regret her decision. She only knew a limited number of poem. How could she compete with this Noble ladies.
"Let start, your higness choose a flower," Bridget said.
"Roses," Anastasia said. She did not give much thought to the game. They decided to recite a poem according to their sitting arrangements so the first person’s was Amaber, followed by Rosalind and her sister.
Then it moved to the next table, Where Elizabeth recited a poem she had written some time back. Dorothy knew a poem about Rose. She had learned it recently after entering the palace. Who knows that before it got to her tone Sabina recited the poem she had in mide leaving her unable to say anything.
Fortunately, it was not to embarrassing and she just needs to play a musical instrument; she was lucky enough to have learned the lute from grandmother. So she stepped forward to play.
Her tune was average at best but no body said anything harsh thinking that she was Anastasia’s friend. After playing they clapped with measured smile. She the pick another flower. "Lilies" this time the poem reciting started from the second table to the first. Anastasia joined the fun and also recited a poem.
After playing for two rounds with Dorothy losing, Anastasia felt that it might be a bit too embarrassing so she ended the game and invited the ladies to take a walk around the garden.
Everyone agreed and so they got up to take a walk. At this point Elizabeth was feeling uncomfortable after all her sister ignore her and wanted to walk side by side with Rosalind.
"Sister," Elizabeth walked forward and took Anastasia hand. "We have not seen for a few days and I miss you very much," she said. After all she understood that if Anastasia paid not attention to her at the party it would be unfavorable to her.