CHAPTER 45 - ROYAL GUESTS AT THE DUCHY OF ALMANDINEMiriam stood by Harriet's side, standing on the far side of the main staircase. Her arms were tightly entwined with Harriet's and her eyes stared at the group that had come on horseback and a plain horse-drawn carriage.
"From now on, Miriam," Harriet whispered to her sister-in-law. "Every time we go out of our room, we have to wear beautiful jewelry and dresses."
Miriam still didn't understand why Harriet had asked her to be so overdressed. They looked pretty, but they were not partying or attending a special event or something, right?
When Miriam saw the clothes the Old Duke and Heath were wearing, she was even more surprised because both of them were wearing the regular clothes they wore every day.
Not saying they wore simple clothes, no. The clothes the Old Duke and Heath were wearing were clothes fit for royalty even, but not as extravagant as what Miriam and Harriet were wearing.
But in the end, Miriam decided to go along with her sister-in-law's words. Heath also told her to take Harriet's words. Maybe there was a purpose?
They watched the group approaching and stopped in front of the main door. Crown Prince Ezekiel Euclase dismounted from his horse followed by Crown Prince Heinrich Hyacinth.
Instantly, the two noticed four figures in front of the door welcoming them. Two men, old and young. And two women who were standing some distance away, but not too far from them, who were wearing beautiful dresses and jewels shimmering in the light of this morning sun.
"Heath Goldlane pays his regards to the Dragon's Son, Crown Prince Euclase. Welcome to Duchy of Almandine," Heath said, placing his right hand on his chest.
"Welcome," said the Old Duke, who just nodded.
"Thank you," said Ezekiel, tilting his body and raised his hand to the black-haired man next to him. "This is Crown Prince Heinrich Hyacinth of Central Hyacinth."
"Nice to meet the Lords of the North," said Heinrich.
"Welcome to Duchy of Almandine," Heath said dryly, and again, the Old Duke simply nodded.
Heinrich didn't look offended by their cold treatment. He was still smiling gently as before, and everyone immediately realized that the young man was an experienced young man.
Without further ado, Heinrich waved his hand towards the plain horse carriage. The guards opened the door, and a man with a face similar to Heinrich and the same features as him stepped out of the carriage.
However, it appeared that his right arm had been stunted leaving only his upper arm. He was Prince Julian Hyacinth, the man who had taken Miriam hostage and killed her father.
Harriet stroked Miriam's hand, which was gently embracing her left arm. The woman smiled at her sister-in-law.
When Julian Hyacinth and Heath faced off again, the young prince was chuckling in annoyance. The expression on his face became extremely ugly and irritated, in stark contrast to the gentle and calm smile of his brother, Crown Prince Heinrich.
"We leave my brother in your hands, Lords of the North," said the young man calmly.
The Old Duke glanced at Sir Russell, who was standing among his guards. The man led several people to take Julian Hyacinth away from there, either to a special detention room, or at worst, a dungeon.
After the young prince disappeared from sight, the Old Duke and Heath ushered the guests into the Almandine Castle. At the door, they saw two beautifully adorned women standing up to greet them and bowing respectfully.
"This is our daughters-in-law. Harriet Goldlane, daughter-in-law of Almandine, and Miriam Amaryllis, daughter-in-law of Goldlane," said the Old Duke flatly.
Harriet and Miriam didn't react or greet anyone who came, only bowing respectfully. This made Heinrich immediately look away from them, as did Ezekiel as if neither of them had any interest in the women.
The Old Duke and Heath also made no further comment, directly leading them in regardless of Harriet and Miriam. Instantly, the group ignored them and went inside without saying anything. It wasn't until everyone went inside that Harriet and Miriam straightened themselves up.
Harriet glanced at Miriam, who furrowed her brows deeply. The young woman whispered to her sister-in-law.
"Let's get out of here. Our task as wall decorations has been completed," she said softly.
Miriam batted her eyes. Wall decorations?
Harriet smiled and pulled Miriam away through the other entrance. The two of them remained silent until they were back in Harriet's room.
"Could it be that Sister intentionally made us over-dressed so that the Crown Prince would not perceive our existence as important people in the Duchy?" Miriam asked. She was very confused. "But… why don't they even consider our existence if we dress up like this?"
Harriet chuckled, taking off her earrings.
"Because they are used to seeing noblewomen who overly decorated themselves to seek attention. Now they won't take women who dress up like us seriously," explained Harriet.
"Eh?" Miriam blinked in surprise.
Miriam's brain spun wildly and recalled Harriet's words about 'Wall Decoration'. What did that mean?
"But why doesn't Sister want them to take us seriously?" Miriam asked.
"To protect you," said Harriet, helping Miriam remove the jewellery around her neck and head. She added patiently, "Wall decorations are usually left unattended and neglected. I don't want Crown Prince Hyacinth to approach you to take advantage of you."
Harriet explained further. If they were decorated like this, then it was clear that they were just wives who were pampered by their husbands. At the very least, if the envoys were to approach them, they thought they would have to pass either their husbands or the Old Duke first. That way, Harriet and Miriam could dodge them more easily.
"Is that why you are also decorated like this? For the sake of protecting me and you too?" Miriam asked.
Harriet shook her head and smiled sweetly.
"I dress like this because I want to move under their radar," explained Harriet. "I don't want them to know that I'm also one of the people who make important decisions in this Duchy."
"Hmm… is there a reason why you should hide from their radar?" Miriam asked.
Harriet nodded. She remembered Liam's opinions and suggestions regarding this situation that they had discussed when she had just returned to Almandine.
"When we are strong, we have to look weak. When we're weak, we have to look strong," Harriet muttered under her breath. Miriam, who heard it, couldn't understand, but she still found her sister-in-law very cool.
"Now we just have to wait to hear what Hyacinth wants," said Harriet. "Miriam, get some rest. I'll make sure everything's in order, so don't worry about anything. Tell us when you've decided what punishment you want to give to the Mage Prince," continued Harriet.
Miriam nodded slowly.
It seemed that she could no longer delay her decision.