Chapter Thirty
The Hunting Grounds
I considered myself an educated woman, and thus, I believed I knew what I was getting into when I arrived at the Imperial Hunting Grounds.
After all, I’d read a lot of historical fiction and was in a heavy historical fantasy webtoon binge reading hole right before I’d died, and the benefit of webtoons were that they were illustrated. Therefore, I thought myself well prepared for what was coming.
I had severely underestimated the size of this shindig.
The tents that were set up for the convenience of the non-hunters were on a far greater scale than I’d ever imagined, and that didn’t include the area that was set up solely for the use of those who were participating in the hunt.
I couldn’t believe how much coordination went into an event such as this, but I knew one thing.
Thank all my lucky stars that my father hadn’t pushed me to get engaged to Crown Prince Torin instead. Organising the hunt was the responsibility of the Empress and the Crown Princess, which meant I would have been in for a lifetime of this, and I could barely organise a birthday party.
I’d dodged a real bullet here.
Wait.
If one was organised in Stein, would it be my responsibility?
Hmm. I would have to look into that. I wasn’t against a little delegation.
“Watch your step, my lady. The ground is uneven,” Rina said, holding her hand out for me.
“Ah, thank you,” I said, taking her up on the offer of assistance. “Rina, are you not joining the hunt? You used to go out with your father and brothers, didn’t you?”
Her lips curved into a wry smile. “My lady, we aren’t in Stein. Women aren’t welcome to join the hunt here in the capital.”
Right.
Of course not.
Misogynistic bastards.
Maybe I could ply the Emperor with some more Evsea wine and talk him into loosening those old-fashioned laws a little bit.
“My mistake,” I said, releasing her hand when we arrived at the tent that was set up for me.
Unlike many other noblewomen, I had my own tent. This was a luxury I’d never been awarded before—even when Alicia had attended in the past, the tent of House Vermillion had been shared with another noble family, and it’d always been the Marchioness’ house which had been nothing but misery.
Which reminded me…
“Sir Otto,” I said, turning back to the front of the tent. “Would you come here a moment?”
The young knight stepped inside. “Yes, my lady?”
“If Marchioness Vermillion or Lady Sophia Vermillion approach the tent, please don’t let them in. Especially while the curtains are closed.”
He paused for a moment before nodding. “As you wish.”
“Thank you. You may return to your post.” I undid the ribbon beneath my chin and took off my hat, handing it to Bella. “We’re close to the Imperial Tent, aren’t we?”
“They’re directly across from us,” Bella said, setting my hat in a hat box to protect it.
“So, the Empress is keeping an eye on me,” I murmured, glancing in that direction. Their Majesties wouldn’t arrive until the last minute, although Crown Prince Torin was already here as he would be participating.
“Don’t be so sceptical, my lady,” Bella replied.
“Most likely,” Rina said at the same time.
“Dame Draper!”
Rina shrugged. “I would keep an eye on the woman who’ll be my daughter-in-law, especially if she’s marrying my stepson whom I have a terrible relationship with. And doesn’t she want to steal our lady for the Crown Prince, anyway?”
“You cannot speak like that here in the empire, Dame Draper,” Bella explained, holding up her hands frantically. “If anyone were to hear you, not even the Grand Duke could stop you being questioned.”
“Questioned? For what?”
“Treason.” I met her gaze. “His Majesty gave his permission for our engagement and issued an Imperial Order for our marriage when we arrived. Your words could be misconstrued as the Empress plotting against him, and to accuse Her Majesty of such a thing could be considered as treason.”
Her eyes widened. “How barbaric.”
“It may be best to keep those opinions to yourself until we return to Stein. Kalon may allow you speak freely there, but Bella’s right. Even he won’t be able to save you if the Empress sets you in her sights.”
She lowered her head. “My apologies for misspeaking. I will take heed of your words, my lady.”
“I thought I heard your voice, Allie.” Blair stepped up in the open doorway of the tent. “May I come in?”
“Blair!” I rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Of course, come in!”
“Thank you.” She returned my embrace before following me inside. “Bella, it’s good to see you again.”
Bella bobbed. “Hello, Lady Blair.”
Blair’s gaze hovered on Rina for a moment, then she looked at me questioningly.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, realising. “You haven’t met, have you? Blair, this is my personal knight, Dame Alexandrina Draper. Rina, this is Lady Blair Rainforth, the daughter of Marquess Rainforth.”
Rina’s eyes widened, and she stared at Blair for a moment before quickly regaining her composure and bowing. “Lady Rainforth, it’s an honour to meet you.”
Blair gasped and rushed to her, grabbing one of Rina’s hands with her own. “Oh, my goodness. Dame Draper, I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Rina’s cheeks flushed bright pink. “You are?”
“Of course! You’re a female knight, and I’m quite aware of your father’s prowess on the battlefield.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing compared to your family’s accomplishments, my lady.”
“Nonsense. Your father would be an aura sword master if he possessed the ability to use mana, no? He’s exceptionally talented, and so is your brother!”
“You’re acquainted with my brother?”
“I am. I often visit the Imperial Knights with paperwork for my father when he’s busy, and we’ve crossed paths on several occasions.
Sir William has even visited our house and sparred with me once.
” Blair’s eyes sparkled. “I’m sure you’re just as talented as he is!
Oh, I’d love to talk with you while you’re here, if it’s possible. ”
Rina opened her mouth to reply, then quickly stopped and coughed into her hand. “It would be my pleasure, my lady, but I’m afraid I’m on duty at the moment.”
“Oh.” Blair’s shoulders drooped. “I understand.”
“Actually, it’s all right,” I said and motioned for my hat from Bella. “I was thinking I would take a walk around on my way to find His Highness, so why don’t you two have a chat while I do that?”
“You can’t possibly go alone, my lady,” Rina protested.
“I won’t.” I tied the ribbon under my chin and reached outside of the tent, giving Sir Otto’s arm a yank, much to his surprise if his yelp was anything to go by. “I’ll take Sir Otto with me,” I said brightly, pointing to him. “See? I won’t be alone.”
Rina hesitated.
“If His Highness says anything, I’ll make sure to tell him you stayed behind on my order.” I touched her arm. “Rina, Blair is one of my closest friends and a passionate swordswoman. Female knights are almost impossible to find in the empire, so it would make me very happy if you’d talk with her.”
She stared at me for a moment, then sighed. “I can’t possibly argue with you when you ask me so sweetly, my lady.”
I beamed at her. “Thank you.”
“Sir Otto.” She turned her icy blue gaze on him, and he straightened as if someone had smacked him on the back with a ruler. “If as much as one hair on my lady’s head is harmed, I will hunt you down and gut you like a fish. Do you understand?”
He bent stiffly at the waist in deference. “Yes, Dame Draper.”
“Good.”
I smiled. “Bella, are you coming?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Then let’s go, Sir Otto!” I patted the pocket of my dress where my handkerchief for Kalon was carefully folded and headed out of the tent with Sir Otto and Bella on my heels.
It was so busy. I had no idea how I was supposed to find Kalon in these circumstances, and I said as much to my two shadows with an instruction to keep their eyes and ears open for him and my family.
I couldn’t believe how many people were here and that carriages were still arriving.
There were people of all ages, from young babies to the elderly, and I smiled as a group of young boys darted past me cheering loudly.
They were quickly followed by two frazzled nannies begging their young masters to slow down, and even Sir Otto chuckled behind me.
“My lady, Lady Sophia is heading this way,” Bella said, briefly tugging on my sleeve.
I cast my gaze around until it landed on my sister’s smug face. As Bella had said, she was on her way to me like a woman on a mission, and I was surprised to see she was only being accompanied by her maid, Ruby.
That alone said how strict the restrictions placed upon her by Father were.
“Sister,” Sophia said, stopping in front of me. She held her fan up to hide the lower half of her face, but I knew her expressions well enough to know she was smirking.
I guess she hadn’t learnt her lesson just yet.
“Sophia,” I said, clasping my hands in front of me. “It’s good to see you here. I was under the impression you were banned from social events for a short while.”
She clenched her jaw. “It was an Imperial Order for all nobles to attend, you know that.”
“I do, but I thought Father would make sure you were accompanied by a guard. Or did you give one the slip?”
“You—”
“My lady,” Ruby said softly, casting her gaze to the left.
I followed where she was looking and caught sight of one of the aides who worked closely with Father in the trading business. Ah-ha-. Father had posted some of his people through the area to keep an eye on her, presumably to allow her to save face.
Sophia took a deep breath and glanced at the aide before huffing. “How frustrating. I’m like a leashed dog.”
“That is the result of your own actions, Lady Sophia, is it not?”
Oh, no.
Not him.
“Your Highness.” I curtseyed. “It’s an honour to greet the Crown Prince.”