On the second day, the rest of the list is announced.

The Empress makes a fool of herself by complaining before the herald has time to start the declarations. She says it's unheard of that the ladies of the court are not suited for anything, especially for staying by his majesty's side.

After she's vented her frustrations, his majesty nods to the herald who starts his declaration. He adds three names to the shortlist, explaining that some more time was needed to value the ladies from the court.

His majesty then agrees with the Empress, telling her she's right about them being suited.

It looks like an exchange full of love, but the Emperor is making everyone realise, once again, how that woman doesn't have a say in anything. Let alone who's going to become an Empress after her.

Once the formalities are over, Alexander and I take a stroll in the imperial gardens. We're approached first by an aide of the Grahms.

«His grace would like to invite your highness for tea this afternoon. If your highness's schedule has a free spot, of course,» he says.

I just nod and turn to Alexander. He's nervous, but he knows we have to do something if we don't want to be eaten alive by all these beasts.

«I've done as you commanded, my dear,» he murmurs when we're alone. «I hope it's enough to avoid trouble.»

I caress the back of his hand with my thumb and do not reply. I can't lie and say it will be all right. Just retreating from the competition won't be enough.

But I have it all covered. It will happen soon, and that harpy will once again underestimate us and attack.

Duke Grahm realised he made a mistake by choosing the Dowager Empress, and he's moving with haste to let go of that losing end. Like that, he will retreat his forces from her faction and join the loyalists.

His daughter will become Empress after all: what need is there to support the rebels?

Before being able to reach the exit, another figure visits us.

«Your highnesses, may I have a word with her highness?» he mumbles.

Here we are. The Empress's spy in the council.

«No,» Alexander replies, cold and transparent.

What is he doing now? We'll be discovered at this rate!

I clear my throat and attract some attention from both the men.

«My dear,» I whisper to Alexander while fixing the collar of his jacket. «I will be right next to you. One minute only.»

My husband doesn't even consider it.

Before he can say a word more, I lean closer and whisper a few naughty words.

«The rest of the afternoon is all yours.»

Alexander blinks, taken back. While he fights with his most ancient instincts, I take a few steps to the side and start talking with the spy advisor.

«Is something the matter?» I ask.

«There were some changes to the shortlist,» he murmurs.

Oh, I know. I've talked with the rest of the council, and they agreed without much hassle.

Well, my proxy talked with them. I can't risk exposing myself at this delicate moment.

«I also noticed,» I exclaim, covering my mouth with a hand. «What do you think is going on, officer? Does his majesty dislike the ladies we proposed?»

Implying it's an imperial choice would be enough to shove this one off if he wasn't ordered by the harpy to inquire more.

«Your highness didn't know?»

«No, I didn't. My guess is that his majesty liked the girls that weren't on our original list more. Hence, he adjusted the shortlist to his preferences.»

«Why keep a council, then?» the man comments, annoyed.

«I don't dare to guess what happens in an imperial head,» I reply.

I don't have time for it; my hubby is waiting.

«Right, right...» the advisor continues.

He drops his shoulders and leaves, accepting failure before even double-checking my words. Not that he would find anyone telling something different.

But his half-done job makes me realise why the Empress has a hard time reaching that throne despite her years-long tries. She doesn't know how to choose her helpers.

«Are you done with your daily scheming?» Alexander murmurs when I reach him back. «Can we go?»

«Yes, my dear husband,» I sigh. «I have to get ready for the tea party. The Duke is waiting for me. I can't test his patience...»

«You said the afternoon is for me!»

«It will be. The rest of it.»

«You swindled me.»

«You won't complain later,» I chuckle. «Let's talk about it when the afternoon ends, ah? If you're still unsatisfied, we'll look for a solution.»

«Why do I need to make an appointment to see my wife?» he mutters while we go back. «I should have left you in Stoneyard. At least, you would be writing me letters.»

As annoyed as he seems, Alexander's mood improves when he sees Lavinia. He plays with her, carrying her around and talking with her, while I prepare and then leave for the most challenging chat of the day.

Duke Grahm doesn't have the face of a regretful man. He just is displeased by the turn of events.

«My sources at the Palace revealed their incompetence today. No one but you knew who was on the shortlist,» he sighs. He's showing some weakness to appease my vanity, isn't he? «I'm grateful for your help. I could have made a fool of myself like the Marquise if I didn't know. Challenging imperial power like that has difficult effects. Especially if it's a trial for the girl's family. Even if his daughter is still on the list, it's clear she won't be chosen.»

«The Marquise was unfortunate that his temper is quicker than his brain,» I sigh. «To me, it was rather obvious that something was going on.»

Also, the Marquise was not the only one to react. The fiercer and louder was the woman they all were following for some reason.

«Ethiro is lucky to have an advisor like you, your highness.»

«Oh, I feel lucky to be serving such a magnificent country.»

«What will you do once the selection is over, your highness?»

«Go back to Kyre. My daughter will be old enough to withstand the journey. My place is there, after all.»

«Aren't you the least tempted to stay in the capital?»

«Not really. There's too much work.»

It's clear I won't sit on the throne, is it? You can risk supporting the Emperor, Duke.

«We'll feel the loss,» he chuckles. «It's been so lively since you arrived this summer.»

«Even last summer was rather lively,» I comment. «But I guess it's like this, at imperial courts. Lively, dangerous, and tiring.»

«My granddaughter in law is her majesty's lady in waiting. Have you heard about it?» he starts, feeling that time is flowing away.

«Lady Bertha, right?»

She's also Alexander's cousin. A single person, linking all three factions, what a coincidence.

«Yes, that's correct. She's close to her majesty. Lately, she seemed very bothered by something. I guess her majesty isn't feeling safe.»

«You're sensing a turmoil in her ranks?»

«Something like that. Bertha doesn't talk about her majesty very often, and it's difficult to extract information from her. But there must be something going on.»

«If her majesty is planning something against the throne, she won't succeed that easily,» I point out. «You better keep your family in check for the next few days.»

«Bertha doesn't exactly listen to me,» he points out.

«Make sure your grandson isn't involved with the Empress. The rest will follow suit.»

«Her majesty feels that time is running out,» he sighs. «But all this hurry after waiting for years...»

He shakes his head and looks at the distance. Maybe, he's thinking about his own generation. The late Emperor, the Lord and Lady of Kyre... They're all gone.

The only two remaining are Duke Grahm and the Dowager Empress.

Surviving does make people feel closer, but he's not dumb enough to risk his life, family, and status. Not for a delusional and greedy woman.

He knows there's little for him in it.

«Loyalty will always be rewarded,» I remind him. «And his majesty is less clueless than we all like to think.»

«I know, your highness.»

He's considering making a decision and betting all his chips on Caroline. He doesn't have a better option regardless.

His granddaughter in law does have a strict relationship with the Empress, but she doesn't share it with the rest of the family. That route wouldn't benefit him much, and all the rest of the choices are now unreachable.

As I witness the moment he considers all the matters, and he decides to step back, I bite my tongue and inner cheek to prevent grins and grimaces.

I've managed to bring the mighty Duke Grahm in a corner and to make him see the route I liked for him. And he chose that same path without realising it's as doomed as all the other options.

We're a step closer, Alexander and I, to our promised, dreamed peaceful life.