After the harsh berating of Shia, the two maids were dismissed and rushed to leave. Instead of turning her attention to the hurt prince, Shia first asked Charlotte, "Princess, are you alright? Did those lowly girls frighten you?"
"No, it's alright, Shia." Charlotte glanced at the prince who was sitting on the ground with a bit of dirt on his face. "We should take care of him first. Shia and Anna, please bring out a wet towel and something to ease the pain. Me and Shila will accompany him here." Charlotte directed.
"Right away, your highness." Shia bowed before leaving with Anna to do as their princess said.
Charlotte carefully knelt down to face Zenneth. She then questioned him without hesitation, her eyes showing some concern, "This isn't the first time, isn't it? How long has this been going on for? If there is an issue, I shall take care of it for you prince Zenneth."
"I-I don't need your help...! I'm fine!" He tried to stand but ended up falling right back down. He then avoided her gaze with embarrassment.
"Don't you need my help? But you've just received it. Honestly, you're a prince. How come you aren't able to defend yourself with dignity? Has your parents taught you nothing?" Charlotte decided to take a different approach. Acting innocent and cute won't work in gaining this prince's trust.
"..." Zenneth was silent for a moment, before responding stubbornly. "Hey!Are you calling me stupid?"
"Perhaps. I just couldn't help but notice. I've heard rumors of your incompetence in both education and swordsmanship. Pardon me your highness, but many have said your very untalented in those aspects." Charlotte stated.
"Haha! Well you've been lied to because those rumors are false! In fact, I have never even picked up a sword or been given a teacher! Hah! How can I fail at something I never tried?" He stuck his nose up high, seemingly unaware of how his words only made him looked even more stupid.
...
Charlotte was slightly dumbfounded. This is the most useless prince she has ever met? Has never received education or learn swordsmanship? These two aspects are most required for the son of a ruler!
' This child's ignorance amazes me...'
"You've never trained in swordsmanship? Well, after my fifth birthday, my father will allow me to learn swordsmanship. Would you like to join me in training when that time comes?" She asked with a tender smile.
"Pfft! What makes you think I'll be willing to train with you?" He turned his head away arrogantly.
"Well it is your choice. I'll ask again when that time comes. You can think about your decision until then. Would you choose no and be vulnerable to people's mistreatment, or accept and learn to be a true mighty prince you claim you are?" Charlotte chuckled as she rose back to her feet and turned away.
"..." He fell into silence.
Soon after, Shia and Anna came back. They helped apply medicine to Zenneth's injuries before leaving to return to the first princesses Blooming Hour Palace.
***********
Once they had arrived back inside the Blooming Hour Palace, Charlotte dismissed her other handmaids, including Shia, but Medea. After they had left, the door was locked and Charlotte made sure they were far enough before asking Medea for a small favor.
"Medea, acquire me some poisons. Not fatal ones or ones that cause incurable damage to the body, but ones that would inflict pain." Charlotte requested without hesitation.
"Poisons? Sure!" Medea agreed immediately. She was already aware of the first princess's 'hidden illness' and did not question further. Charlotte nodded at her quick response. The best type of servants are the ones who don't question your intentions and follow orders obediently. Not only was Medea quite skilled, she's very helpful for certain things normal servants wouldn't dare do...
That afternoon, Sasha took Charlotte with her as she went to visit a friend of hers. It didn't take too long to arrive at their destination as this friend of Sasha lived very close to the capital. This friend of Sasha was revealed to be Count Bennetlyn.
"Arthur! It's been a while! I've missed you so much!" Sasha and Arthur, Count Bennetlyn, discarded the usual courtesies required and behaved rather intimately. They were in a midst of laughter as they quickly drifted into a topic, completely forgetting the other people in the room. Charlotte looked at the two with a patient smile on her face, but she rolled her eyes when no one was paying attention. She didn't remember too much about Arthur, as she never really put him in her sight, but she knows he's also one of Sasha's 'past loves' that had been rejected.
He was a bright young man from what Charlotte did remember. He acted quite spoiled and cutely when facing Sasha in the past. He put in much effort in trying to win Sasha's heart but ultimately failed in the end. At present he has matured slightly and even had a child with Countess Bennetlyn, Sylvia. Though he is now married and does have a respectable relationship with his wife, Charlotte knew there were still some feelings for Sasha in his heart. As much as he tried to hide it, Charlotte couldn't ignore the helpless longing hidden in his eyes. As well as Sylvia herself.
She wore a welcoming and inviting smile but, as someone who had experienced a similar situation herself, Charlotte could guess her thoughts immediately. However, though Charlotte did feel pity for Sylvia, she didn't possess a single intention to help her. After all, she came back to avenge herself, not to help others. That's their problem. As long as it doesn't impact her, she has no reason to get involved.
After what felt like a century, Sasha finally remembered the daughter she brought with her and eagerly introduced Charlotte to Count and Countess Bennetlyn.
"Here's Charlotte! Isn't she just adorable?" Sasha pushed the child closer to the Bennetlyn couple with a proud smile. Though it's not like Arthur and Sylvia have never seen Charlotte, it's the first time they've properly met.
"Your highness is so beautiful. May your highness's life be blessed with prosperity for all eternity." Sylvia nodded and respectfully curtsied.
"Princess, you look so much like doll! So pretty! Your highness really do look like a little version of his majesty." Arthur laughed. Unlike duke Lengrid who after Sasha and Lucas were wed, held a hidden grudge towards Lucas, Arthur still had a harmonious relationship with his childhood friend Lucas.
"Thank you for the praises, your grace. I am not worthy of such compliments." Charlotte's lips curled up sweetly and she replied politely.
"What a humble and good child." Sylvia smiled. Arthur had prepared a small group of musicians to entertain the Empress and the princess while they all enjoyed tea together in the garden. Sasha was delighted by the offer and eagerly accepted. On the way to the garden, Arthur led with Sasha beside him and Sylvia along with Charlotte, walked behind them.
It was only Sasha and Arthur that engaged in a conversation, Sylvia and Charlotte were both quiet. Until...
"My mother seems very close with the count. Were they good friends before?" Charlotte spoke in a tone that only Sylvia could hear. Sylvia was visibly caught off guard as she didn't expect the princess to strike up a conversation with her. But she replied calmly.
"Indeed, your highness. Her majesty and his grace has always been quite close. They have been friends ever since her majesty was brought to her first ball by his majesty."
"Oh, then I presume the rumor of his grace previously having feelings for empress mother is true?" Charlotte's words turned into needles that stabbed deep into Sylvia's heart.
"... Where did you hear about that, princess?" She said with her lips shaking slightly.
"I heard some of the nobles and even the servants talk about it." Charlotte answered before pausing. She looked up at the man and woman giggling and sighed, "Count Bennetlyn must be a very kindhearted and selfless man to be rejected by my mother and still treat her so well."
"..." Sylvia's hands that held each other tightened. She looked closer and couldn't help but notice the lingering affection in her husband's eyes. Unfortunately, that affectionate gaze was never upon her.
After a grueling afternoon, Sasha finally took Charlotte back to the palace. However, during the carriage ride, Charlotte asked Sasha a question that has been bothering her for quite some time.
"Mother, we've been gone for a very long time. Have you taken care of your duties beforehand?" Charlotte asked while leaning into her mother's warm embrace.
"Don't worry about me, Lottie. I had someone take care of it in my stead. Being an empress is really tiring... I deserve a break!" Sasha stated with a bit of joy in her tone.
"..." Charlotte was smiling but her hands were trembling with the urge to suffocate this mother of her's. What is she talking about!? She hasn't even been doing anything these past few days! What did she mean by tiring!?
************
"Sasha, how was it?" Lucas approached with open arms. He had awaited her return all morning. Seeing Sasha rush into his arms, his heart finally eased. He almost couldn't bear the thought of Sasha visiting another man if he's not present. She's so beautiful and charming, perhaps even too charming, how could anyone not feel the need to cherish her? She really is a blessing the heavens had sent him.
"It was absolutely wonderful! I missed Arthur and Sylvia so much! They seem to be doing great, that makes me glad!" Sasha buried herself in her dear husband's arms and spoke sweetly.
"How was Lottie? She didn't cause any trouble, did she?" He asked as he gently stroked the cherry red hair.
"Lottie was very obedient and quiet! She didn't misbehave even once! It's no wonder she's my child... Any child of mine will be perfect!" Sasha stuck her nose up high and gloated. This cute arrogant appearance of her tugged at Lucas's heartstrings, giving him the urge to pamper her even more. He didn't notice, but his arms that wrapped around her petite figure subconsciously tightened, as If wanting to imprison her in his embrace.
Then it all became quiet. They both silently enjoyed each other's warmth intimately.
As if remembering something, Sasha's body suddenly turned stiff before softening. She raised her head out of Lucas's chest and asked him with a tender tone, "Lucas, do you think we should find Lottie a fiance soon? Arthur's daughter, Hailey, already has one."
"Fiance? But Lottie hasn't even turned five, don't you think it's a bit too early for that?" He answered, a bit confused as to why she would bring that up suddenly.
"I'm not saying now! But soon. I just think it will be best to find her a fiance when she's still young so they could develop feelings for each other! Lottie's fiance must be the best of the best! In fact, I already have a few exceptional boys in mind! How about Caden's son? He's only two years older than Lottie and he's a very handsome boy! Nice temperament, acceptable family standing, and very talented!" She suggested sincerely.
"But Sasha, that son of Caden is an illegitimate child. He was given birth by some random woman Caden met in a bar!" Lucas disagreed. After hearing her words, he finally understood why she's brought up such a topic so suddenly. She feels burdened.
"Yes, I know... I just owe Caden too much. He's done a lot for the both of us. He contributed a lot in the process of your ascend to the throne. Not only that, he treats me so well even after I rejected him. He's always there for me, I just thought we'd return the favor..." She sighed, her eyes drooping with sadness.
"Sasha, I know how you feel. " Lucas sighed as well and took her hands, "I'll think about it after Lottie's fifth birthday..."
**************
A few days later, another one of her 'playtime sessions' was held and they all were gathered up in one room with a bunch of toys just like before. But the three young boys didn't expect the princess to bring a stack of educational books instead...