During the next few days, nobles walked in and out of the Imperial palace to greet the Crown Prince. His political presence increased steadily until he gathered enough supporters to take over Sir Vigos’ responsibilities. Before Prince August’s arrival, Sir Vigos had been managing the Zionitte Empire’s budget and state affairs.
This struggle for power created two separate factions which consisted of the young nobles who supported the Crown Prince, and the greedy elders who didn’t want their power to be taken away. They pushed for the Second Prince to receive a portion of the Crown Prince’s responsibilities, and the Emperor didn’t care enough to resolve with this conflict.
The Second Prince also didn’t interfere and remained as a bystander. Stepping in to refuse the greedy nobles’ proposal would hurt Lady Irene’s reputation and social status, which would greatly upset Audrey in return. If Zayden did interfere and initiate a fight for the throne, this would anger Audrey.
Therefore, the two opposing sides continued to clash until Sir Vigos was eventually forced to step down.
Meanwhile, throughout this ongoing turmoil, Lady Irene paid frequent visits to Audrey’s chambers in order to relieve her stress.
Audrey frowned at the appearance of the woman in front of her, who seemed to be quite thin and weak. Her usual aura of grace and elegance had dissipated. Lady Irene seemed exhausted and drained of energy as she explained her current situation.
“He’s just too greedy for more power. At this rate, I’m afraid that the Crown Prince will strip our title away and exile us once he becomes Emperor. The Second Prince doesn’t even want the throne either. What does he think he’s going to accomplish?” Audrey pushed her seat closer to Irene and gently rubbed her friend’s back. She quietly ordered Hala to bring them a cup of tea with special herbs.
Audrey attempted to speak as softly as she could. “Perhaps he will realize that the Crown Prince has many redeeming qualities and-”
“stop being stubborn?” Irene interrupted. “He believes that you will help him! Why do you think he lets me visit you this often?” She rolled her eyes and continued. “I am tired of the humiliation I face everyday. The women call me shameless and covetous, while Lady Audrey’s title is also threatened due to the concubine. How did we become the most scandalous women overnight?”
Audrey smiled and considered her words. She had not made an appearance to the public since the Crown Prince’s arrival. She had rejected many invitations and simply didn’t bother showing up to any social functions. After all, Audrey believed she would be leaving soon.
She didn’t voice her future plans to Irene. Although Lady Irene was one of her closest companions, she was still loyal to the Emperor and was the wife of Sir Vigos. Audrey was sorry for Irene’s situation. However, she knew that Irene would never abandon her husband. Although Irene was complaining now, Audrey could detect the concern and worry for her husband.
What’s going to happen to this couple once I leave?
Audrey bit her lip and didn’t want to imagine such a dreadful situation.
“How can you smile right now? Your claim as an Empress is jeopardized!” Lady Irene sipped her tea with disgust in her eyes. The liquid momentarily soothed her mind before she continued in frustration. “Your husband isn’t an Emperor and he already issued a concubine. I am even more concerned for you.”
“Irene, I am not bothered by the Crown Prince’s personal matters.” Audrey shrugged as if this was a common occurrence in her life.
“You may not care, yet there are rumors currently swirling around concerning the change in support for the Second Prince!”
“Yes, but Prince Zayden will never aim for the throne. Anyways, there are more pressing matters to worry about than this.” She brushed away Irene’s concerns, unable to explain how these rumors would actually benefit her in the long run.
Irene was exasperated as she pressed on. “What if Prince August misunderstands? You’ll be convicted of treason.”
If Prince August misunderstood, he would want to end their ambiguous relationship immediately. Audrey didn’t want to be considered unfaithful, but Prince August would have no right to judge her. If the Crown Prince didn’t believe her innocence, it would be his own fault.
“Actually Irene, we were never officially engaged. I was welcomed as a fiance, yet the Emperor never issued any official documents. I don’t care what anyone else believes, because the relevant people involved know the truth.”
“Audrey… The opinions of other people may hurt you in the end and contort the truth. If everyone hates you, they’ll stand up against you with no hesitation. It is better to clear your name.” Lady Irene was worried for her close friend. She could tell that Audrey didn’t want to be the Empress. Although her heart squeezed in pain for Audrey’s dreary future, she believed that her friend was destined to be a benevolent Empress. The throne could only belong to her. Audrey was the epitome of elegance, symbolizing feminine power unlike any other women. She was a creator, a smart woman who knew how to bargain and convince a group of people, and her mere presence demanded power and respect.
Irene lovingly admired her friend’s beauty. This woman had been abandoned by her own family and become engaged to such an unaffectionate man, yet she still stood confidently without a care in the world.
“Thank you for your concern, I will see what I can do. Maybe I should improve my reputation just a little bit.” Audrey giggled, and her bright smile was blinding to her friend.
Irene nodded and reverted back to complaining about her husband’s wrongdoings, while Audrey listened earnestly and provided sound advice.
Later, she sought for ways to clear Audrey’s name and secretly conspired to push for Audrey’s return to the social circle. Irene recalled her first impression of Audrey very long ago. Audrey’s cheeks were pink and lovely as she mentioned Prince August. This memory motivated Irene to help improve her friend’s relationship with the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince wouldn’t be blind enough to choose Debbie over Audrey!
Meanwhile, Audrey felt an ominous feeling and randomly shuddered.