"The young prince is with the lady, Your Majesty."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And what are they up to now?"
"Well, the young prince refuses to return to his nanny and clings to her, so he'll be staying with the lady for the night."
"I see."
---
Who would have thought he'd refuse to return to his maids? It is now the eighth hour of the night (8 p.m.), and the young prince is adamant about remaining by my side. I had to give in and requested that the maids bring a change of clothes for tonight and tomorrow. He refused even when they offered to bathe him.
So here I am, kneeling on the floor with the young prince playing happily in the bath. His towel is draped over my shoulder, ready for when he has had his fun.
"Are you ready to exit the bath, Prince Hassan?" I asked, standing up.
He stood as well, holding his arms out for me to pick him up. I wrapped his small body in the towel and dried him off before letting him sit on my lap. Then, I dressed him in his little nightgown and handed him a warm glass of milk. When he falls asleep, I'll take a bath myself.
Who would have thought the young prince would grow so attached?
His mother was a royal from the southern kingdom, Austren—whom the Emperor fell in love with. The truth of his lineage became public when the prince turned fourteen. However, the story known to the public now is that his mother was merely a dancer the Emperor spent a single night with and later kept hidden until the child's birth. Because of his illegitimacy, the young prince was neglected by those assigned to him.
I took the cup from the prince and rang the bell for a maid. Once she arrived, I handed her the cup and requested that she refill the bath. Then, I lifted the covers for the young prince to climb under and tucked him in.
"You're not going to leave me, are you?" he asked, staring at me with hopeful eyes.
"No, my prince. I'll be right next to you when you wake up, alright?"
"Okay," he said mid-yawn.
I lay beside him until he finally fell asleep, placing pillows on either side—just in case he was a restless sleeper—before going to take a bath. I hadn't seen Cedric since we parted ways in the throne room, not that I minded.
When I returned, I adjusted one of the pillows and laid down. Just as I was about to close my eyes, the door opened and Cedric walked in, placing his coat over one of the chairs.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, a bit stunned by the sight of him.
"Is this not our room?" he said, unbuttoning his shirt.
"Yes, I know that—but why couldn't you request another room?" Like you did in the past.
"What husband and wife sleep in separate rooms?" he replied, ringing the bell and asking a maid to refill the bath.
"We…" I paused, taking a deep breath to soothe my irritation. "We sleep in separate rooms at the duchy. We can do that here as well."
He looked at me, then at the young prince—who had shifted closer to me—before looking back. Without another word, he turned and headed into the bathroom, completely ignoring what I said.
Is this happening because I'm doing things I've never done before?
I took another deep breath and decided it was in my best interest to go to sleep and pretend he wasn't there. I closed my eyes, trying to doze off, until I felt the bed shift beneath his weight. I opened one eye to see him staring between me and the young prince suspiciously.
"What is it?" I asked, closing my eyes again.
"What are you planning?"
"I'm planning to go to sleep," I said flatly. "Something you should try... in another room." I rested my head on one arm, my body facing the sleeping prince as he held a finger on my free hand.
"If any harm comes to the young prince, I will not hes—"
I quickly sat up and pressed a finger to his lips to silence him, leaving him stunned. "Wake the prince, and Solanthar won't be of help once I'm finished with you," I threatened.
The noise he made caused the prince to stir. I immediately laid back down and soothed the child, who settled almost instantly. Cedric turned his back to us, which was perfectly fine by me. I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
---
"Good morning, little prince." I smiled as he finally opened his eyes. It was now the ninth hour of the morning (9 a.m.), and instead of waiting for him to wake, I had gotten myself ready first. I'd requested two maids to help with the young prince's bath and dressing today, since we would be returning home early tomorrow. Cedric had already left without a word. I still couldn't see the point of him sleeping here.
I picked up the young prince, who clung to me immediately upon seeing the maids.
"Don't worry, Prince Hassan. I'll be right here with you while they give you your bath. They're not taking you anywhere, alright?"
"You promise?" he asked, eyes brimming with tears.
I held out my pinky, and he hooked his with mine. "I promise."
He allowed the maids to undress him and take him to the bath. I stood nearby, watching every move, but kept a little distance to avoid getting my dress wet.
Today, I wore a soft cornflower-blue dress made of fine muslin. The high empire waistline, as usual, was gathered beneath my bust with a delicate white satin ribbon. The square neckline was edged with tiny lace trim, and the long sleeves, slightly puffed at the shoulders, tapered into fitted cuffs buttoned with small pearls. I decided on a string of pearls for my neck and cream slingback court shoes—the heel neither too high nor too low.
Once the prince was done with his bath, the maids awaited my decision on what he should wear. The first option was a pale sage tunic with short puffed sleeves, tied with a narrow sash over white cotton trousers and soft beige leather shoes with a single strap. I wasn't drawn to it, so I chose the second set: a white linen shirt—soft to the touch—with a rounded collar and tiny pearl buttons, tucked neatly into cream knee-length breeches fastened with silver buckles. Over it, a powder-blue waistcoat faintly embroidered in silver thread, paired with white socks and small brown leather shoes. I'd be lying if I said the blue didn't sway my choice.
I had planned to request breakfast in the room as I'd done the night before, but the Emperor instructed that I join him—and bring the young prince along. Holding Hassan's hand, we made our way to the dining hall. The Emperor sat at the head, joined by the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, the First and Second Princesses, and the Third Prince. Cedric was nowhere to be seen, and the Empress was bedridden after giving birth to the Fifth Prince and Third Princess.
"May the light of Solanthar shine upon the Imperial family forever," I greeted with a bow. Hassan tried to mimic me before clinging to my dress, staring timidly at his siblings.
"Thank you for joining us, Lady Valemont. Please, take a seat."
I sat beside the Third Prince, settling Hassan next to me. I unfolded a napkin and gently tied it around his neck.
"I see the Fourth Prince has grown quite attached," the Crown Prince remarked. That's when I noticed all eyes on me.
"I heard he made a fuss when his maids tried to take him back," the First Princess added.
"That is to be expected for children his age," I replied with a smile.
"Correct, you are, Lady Valemont," said the Emperor. He clapped, and servants streamed in with food.
At the center of the table stood a tiered platter of freshly baked pastries—flaky croissants, fruit-filled danishes, and warm scones dusted with sugar—accompanied by strawberry preserves, honey, and clotted cream.
Next came silver domes revealing golden scrambled eggs, herb-seasoned sausages, and thin slices of smoked ham. Smaller trays held buttered asparagus spears and grilled tomatoes glistening with olive oil. Hassan didn't seem to be a picky eater, so I expected he'd enjoy the vegetables.
For refinement, there was also a delicate mushroom-and-cheese quiche and bowls of fresh berries—strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Crystal pitchers gleamed with freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, and a deep amber tea infused with mint and bergamot. Those preferring something richer had dark-roasted coffee steaming in silver pots.
When the Emperor gave the go-ahead to begin, I prepared Hassan's meal first. I took a small plate, adding scrambled eggs, sausage, and asparagus, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
As I turned to eat my own meal, I realized everyone was still watching.
"What was the purpose of cutting his meal into pieces?" the Emperor inquired.
"It makes it much easier for a child his age to eat, Your Majesty."
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone do it that way."
Of course you haven't. Most noble families expect too much of their children, seeing them as nuisances if they can't manage every task perfectly. I spread my napkin across my lap and began eating, attending to Hassan when needed.
After breakfast, I took him to the garden, a maid following behind with a large blanket. I had also requested a book from the library to read to him. He was a quiet boy, always sucking his thumb.
"How old is the young prince?" I asked the maid.
"He recently turned four, my lady."
"Does he take lessons?"
"No, my lady."
I sat on the blanket, and Hassan climbed into my lap, thumb still in his mouth.
"Young prince, did you wash your hands before putting them in your mouth?"
He looked at me and shook his head slowly.
"Use your words," I encouraged.
"No."
"You'll get sick if you keep doing that."
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes, really," I emphasized. "Does the young prince want to get sick?"
"I don't," he said, shaking his head vigorously. "I don't want to get sick."
I held out my pinky. "Then do you promise to at least wash your hands before putting them in your mouth?"
He hooked his pinky with mine, but not long after, his thumb was back in his mouth. I chuckled and began reading, the maid standing silently nearby.
---
"I've finished dressing the young prince, my lady."
"Great. Bring him here."
The maid returned with Hassan, who ran to me as soon as the door opened—a bright smile on his face. After reading in the garden, he'd been taken for his nap and then dressed for the banquet to be held for me and Cedric this evening.
I hadn't seen Cedric all day—not that I was worried—but it would be proper for us to enter the banquet hall together. Tonight, I took extra care with my appearance. Instead of my usual simple attire, I chose a gown of midnight-blue satin. It had an off-shoulder neckline edged with delicate silver embroidery in soft floral patterns. A faint trail of pearlescent beads traced the bodice, flowing into a gracefully layered skirt. At my waist, a silver sash was tied neatly with cascading ribbons at the back. My shoes were low-heeled silver slippers crafted from satin, adorned with tiny crystal accents at the toes.
One of the maids braided my hair into a bun, leaving a few loose tendrils. She then placed a jeweled silver comb shaped like a crescent moon among the bun. Hassan watched quietly as she tied a midnight ribbon choker around my neck, centered with a sapphire framed in silver.
I stood, holding the young prince's hand, and stepped into the corridor—where Cedric was waiting.
In silence, we made our way to the banquet hall. Upon entry, our names were announced, and the room's attention fell upon us. The Emperor arrived shortly after, and we all bowed before I decided to take a seat. I kept Hassan on my lap while Cedric slipped away as soon as he could. I had no interest in mingling with the nobles, for they only knew how to gossip.
Many stared and whispered at the sight of the young prince sitting comfortably with me. Sadly, it would be my last night with him, as we were to depart early tomorrow. I played with the young prince here and there and watched as the young nobles danced together. In a corner, I could see Cedric—who was looking my way—chatting with the Crown Prince.
The night eventually ended, and though I normally slept peacefully, I was restless. The thought of parting with the little prince haunted me. Did I get attached because I've always wanted children of my own?
I woke at the fifth hour and began preparing to leave before being summoned by the Emperor.
"May the light of Solanthar shine upon His Imperial Majesty forever," I greeted with a bow.
"Yes, you may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You must be wondering why you were summoned before your departure, Lady Valemont."
"I am curious, Your Majesty."
With a wide, almost mischievous, grin he began. "I've seen how attached the Fourth Prince has become, and how well you care for him. As you know, the boy has no mother and has been mistreated because she was thought to be a commoner."
"How devastating." I was already aware of his situation, but to think the Emperor acknowledged it too…
"I cannot show him favor publicly, as it would put him in danger. So, I am leaving the care of the Fourth Prince to you—until he comes of age."
"I beg your pardon?" I stared, stunned. "He won't come of age until he is sixteen, Your Majesty. Are you certain you wish to separate from him at this age?"
"I am certain. He will fare better under your care. If you require anything, make your requests to my steward." He gestured to a slender man standing in the corner. "His belongings have already been packed and sent to the duchy."
"But, Your Majesty—"
"You are dismissed."
---
And that is how I ended up in the carriage, with Prince Hassan resting peacefully on my lap.