I won't let the Dowager Empress kill my child. Not even with underhanded tactics.

Kate has been around for the whole time, checking everything I eat or drink. My Duke's maids have blended in with the others, watching over me.

Even now, one of them is nearby. She seems distracted and uninterested, watching the flowers in a corner. Yet, her gaze sweeps over the whole place in search of dangers.

«It's not long,» I whisper.

A few weeks more, and the baby will be born. I have to endure this stress and be careful for a little more. Then, I'll return to Kyre as soon as possible.

When the Empress attacked me, she showed everyone that Alexander is indeed a threat. Like this, he will soon be contacted by those planning a cue.

His majesty seems to have the Empress's faction under control. We only have to get rid of those aiming at a change on the throne.

I would have helped Alexander get the crown if only he was interested. However, he seems more bothered by it.

I can understand why: all he wants is a family, a simple life, and time to stay with his friends. An Emperor does not have that.

While I was Queen, he suffered alone most of the time. Somehow, he learned how to make the most of it.

But, in the beginning, he didn't like being left behind. I'm sure he doesn't want the same to happen to me.

He prefers being just a lord so that his responsibilities allow him to see me more often.

«I've heard some gossip while in Kyre,» I say, remembering to continue with the other task I came here for.

I can't let this chance slip: I'm surrounded by ladies that don't want me dead, for once. I better proceed with my job.

«But I can't be sure how much of it is true,» I add.

«What kind of gossip, Duchess?» Duchess Prim inquires. Her eyes are now focused as if we were talking about state affairs.

Oh, we are.

However, this has to look like a light chat. Not politics.

«I've heard that his majesty is looking for a bride,» I say. «Is it true?»

«It is,» the Duchess says with a nod. «There have been several voices saying this.»

«Voices?»

«It's not official yet. However, it's time for his majesty to find someone whom to share his life with.»

«Oh, it's right.» I nod. «I'm delighted to hear such news. And also curious about the potential candidates. Are there any voices about this?»

«No, Duchess. The names are kept reserved. Also, it's just the first phase... Months will pass before we finally catch a name or two. There aren't many girls in the Empire that would fit such a position; everything seems to point to a lady from another country.»

«It's an ordinary occurrence for royal marriages,» I sigh. «It's difficult to find someone suitable within the borders. But Ethiro is large: I'm sure there are plenty of ladies that would be suitable.»

«But isn't it early, your grace? His majesty has just turned fourteen. Young men his majesty's age don't think about marriage,» a girl murmurs.

«Oh, but we're talking about the Sun of the Empire,» the one next to her reminds us. «Age didn't prevent him from becoming a just ruler.»

«His majesty is still young,» I say. «But an Empress at his side can only help him. Not to mention that the Empire needs an heir as soon as possible.»

«Are you sure?» a girl asks from the back. «Wouldn't that decrease your position, your grace?»

«Oh, it would make it more stable. A throne without an heir is fated to be battled for. It's necessary, for Ethiro, that his majesty chooses a bride as soon as possible.»

«And would that bride be from the court?»

«I don't know.» I shrug. «It's not for us to decide that.»

«But you are a counsellor to the crown. I'm sure his majesty will ask you the same.»

«If that ever happens, I will tell my understanding of the situation. But for now, it's not my place to judge, nor to think too hard about it. I'm just a loyal subject of his majesty. Nothing more.»

I smile at the girl, ensuring to her that I'm not misunderstanding her concern. I'm not in an adverse environment, and I do not feel challenged. It's nice, for a change.

I thought that coming to the capital would have been endless torture, but there are decent people in here. They're difficult to find, apparently, but not everyone wants me to fail.

«I'm sure it will happen,» Duchess Prim comments. «Why make you officially one of the advisors if not for this? Who better than a woman can advise our Emperor about marriage?»

«It's more complicated than it sounds. There are many factors to keep into consideration before deciding,» I point out. «Also, imperial and royal marriages are more delicate than it seems. First of all, there's the need to keep into consideration the political effects of such a choice.»

«Oh, your grace is so competent,» the girl from before comments. «That must be why his majesty treasures any advice coming from your mouth. The way you challenged the Empress and told her she shouldn't have hidden that letter for so long was of inspiration to us all. I haven't seen so much devotion before. Not from someone born out of the borders...»

«I would have taken the chance to ask for justice! That woman deserves to pay for her mistakes, yet she gets away this easily...»

«You should have asked for compensation, your grace.»

I chuckle while Duchess Prim shakes her head. A smile is on her lips as she looks at the youth with her typical, motherly gaze. She finds them cute: clueless yet adorable.

«Greed is not a trait of Duchess Kyre, apparently,» she says. «It's a blessing for us all.»

Indeed, you all are fortunate that I am not aiming at the throne.