CHAPTER 98: ELOISE & THE DOWAGER [PART 1]

"The life of a scholar," Ravyn corrected.

"Scholar? You and I know that is just a formality. When did you become interested in books? Little Ravyn?"

Ravyn chuckled nervously.

I cleared my throat, grabbing their attention back to me.

"You still haven’t told me why you’re here and with the human."

Tsk! She’s ignoring me again.

"I’m a member of her court."

The Dowager’s expression morphed into shock. She took one look at me and then back at Ravyn, hoping for some joke.

"What are you talking about? Your family has never supported the crown!"

"Well... Your Majesty. The princess here did a good job bringing me to her side."

I froze at her words, giving her a side eye. That was a lie! It was Drevon who convinced her to come to my side, not me.

"I never knew a human was capable of such a feat. After what happened at her unjust trial, ruined by the whispers, tainted upon her name as an adulter...she was utterly overthrown, but alas! She did not stay down and let that decide her fate."

What are you doing, Ravyn?!

"Determined not to be dragged down by the beasts, eager not to be in her husband’s shadow, she began her quest for strength, and that led her to me. Of course, I was intrigued by her bravery to come seek me out. The life of a scholar was ultimately fleeting. What better fun than taking the human to my side? She’s a Balthar after all."

RAVYN!

I turned back to the Dowager and gasped quietly. She looked stunned by her words. She believed her.

But as quickly as that expression came, it was gone. "Very well, leave us. I want to speak to the human alone."

"I must disagree with that," Ravyn refused coolly.

"What did you say?"

"You’ve been nothing but a danger to my princess. Why should I leave her alone with you?"

"How dare you?!"

"I mean no disrespect. I’m simply speaking based on past events that have endangered her life, can’t fault me for being cautious, Your Majesty."

Her jaw clenched, and it was a look that shattered the superior countenance she always had on.

"R-Ravyn, it’s alright, I’ll be fine."

"Are you certain, princess?" she asked with a smirk.

It took two beats before I caught on. Earlier, the Dowager had trashed me by ignoring my existence, and now Ravyn pulled this move to show I wasn’t just the human her son married anymore.

Gods! It was perfect!

I smiled. "Yes, I will," I said with my chin high up.

I walked in here without confidence, but now, thanks to Ravyn, I had the courage I needed to face this woman.

Ravyn gave a bow and stepped outside, the door slamming shut behind her.

I turned back to the Dowager, who looked as if she was in a mental turmoil with herself.

I walked to the chair, purposely dragging it out to grasp her attention.

I sat down, flattening out my skirt, and placed my hands atop in a pose. "You summoned me, Dowager."

"Yes, in fact, I did. I didn’t think you’d respond," she said with disdain laced in her tone, like she wanted to pour out her frustration on me.

"You’re my mother-in-law, what kind of daughter would I be if I refused your call?"

"Daughter? I suggest you don’t get too bold. It’s nauseating hearing that coming from your mouth."

"Do you have a thing against daughters?"

"Excuse me?"

Smirking, I pushed off my chair, carrying the tray with the golden tea set, and walked closer. I took a seat beside her, placing a teacup in front of her and pouring tea for her.

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Whatever do you mean, Your Majesty?"

"Turning my tea will not get me in good graces with you. It doesn’t matter if you have a taste for servanthood."

Ouch.

"Not a taste, but it’s how I grew up. You see, I wasn’t born into wealth or lived a life of gold and glitter. I’m the lowest of the low, an insect, you can squash with your fine shoes. And yet here I am, drinking tea with a superior species, and a rank unbefitting of me."

The Dowager fixed me with a pointed stare.

"Humans may be the lowest to you. But I assure you we’re capable. We’re survivors, and we do not need something special in our blood to earn something."

The Dowager scoffed scornfully. "Just like the Archduke of Beloria gave away his daughter to my son?"

"Yes," I took a sip from my tea. "Survivors."

"Some mouth you have, with a sly wit too. Here I thought you were a weakling with no backbone."

A compliment?

"But it doesn’t change the fact you’re nothing but an omen to the Balthar family."

"An omen? I never thought I could account for anything like that to such a renowned family."

She scoffed at my words.

"I’m but a humble human who wants to live out her days in peace."

"Peace? Like what transpired at the ball? Have you no shame? Do you have any idea of the dispute you have caused to the monarch and its people? It wouldn’t be about your futile surviving, but your existence has destroyed Drevon’s life."

I flinched, but I quickly masked it up as I dropped the teacup back on the saucer. "Destroyed?"

"His actions towards his brother not only raise questions about the Royal Family, but also about his position. As the light we’re to this empire, it is crucial that we show our people that we’re a good example. What do you think Drevon’s actions entail?"

Many things. I need not think deeply about it. The Dowager made a lot of sense. How come I never thought about how society would react after what happened?

My fists were clenched against my lap tightly. Once again, I was a burden to Drevon, but this time I felt more like a curse.