Regina
I almost let out a scoff at Jasper's pathetic attempt at pinning this incident on my knights and me. But thanks to Charles, who celebrated before his victory, I realised the truth. Otherwise, I would have been wallowing in sadness and missed the perfect chance to attack.
Charles himself chose to stay at the palace with his knight, while my knights remained at mine. They could not blame me anyway rather just highlight Charles's disrespectful act of claiming the throne before the Grand Duke's funeral took place.
I leaned forward slightly and spoke the truth they saw,
"Yesterday, no one knew of the Grand Duke's passing. Only today the news reached the nobles, yet the attack happened before the news was even public." I let the implication settle. "Now, tell me, who was the true target?"
Whispers spread among the gathered nobles.
I didn't give them a chance to doubt. "The attack was on this palace, on this seat of power. It's obvious the attack was meant for the Grand Duke. But the assassins did not know that, and it seems Charles got mistaken for the Grand Duke and was murdered."
I looked at my hands on the table as I continued acting like I was sorrowful, "If only Charles held some patience and did not step into the Grand Duke's chambers, occupying the very room of a man who had not even been laid to rest."
The murmur of the nobles grew louder. Disrespectful.Audacious.Shameless.
Margaret clenched her fists, Jasper remained silent. I could see his mind had already started working to salvage what he could.
A measured sigh left his lips before he spoke, his voice smooth. "Perhaps Charles was misguided in how he handled things, but he must have meant well. His heart was in the right place." He bowed his head slightly. "We extend our sincerest apologies for his actions."
I merely arched a brow, curious to see what he would come up with next.
Jasper took another step forward, offering a sympathetic smile. "Duchess Regina, you've inherited an overwhelming responsibility. No one will fault you for needing assistance." His tone was persuasive, dripping with calculated charm. "Governance is not an easy task, especially in these uncertain times. Allow us - the House of Godwin - to help stabilize the Duchy in Charles's absence."
Margaret, seizing the opportunity, straightened herself. "Indeed. The House of Godwin will take responsibility for Charles's title. After all, we must ensure the Duchy remains strong."
Unlike her son, who masked his emotions perfectly, the greed in her eyes could be seen so easily. They were trying to act like a family, hoping that the possible marriage alliance could still help them out.
Did she think I would hand over the authority to them? I felt a sudden surge of anger rise within me again as I saw how they seemed to have forgotten the difference between our status to openly undermine my authority so easily.
Calm down. Be Patient.
I smiled.
And then, I struck.
"The House of Godwin," I said, voice steady, "has nothing to do with the Grand Duchy anymore."
Silence.
Margaret flinched. Jasper's expression froze.
I leaned back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Charles was never my official husband, he was not even my official fiancé. It was a mere promise. One that died the moment he did."
My gaze flicked to Jasper. "And, rather now that Charles, your cousin, the heir of the Godwin family, has died, shouldn't you be busy filling his shoes at the Godwin household? How can a man who himself has now gotten additional responsibilities come to help me?
With a smile that was anything but warm, I added, " I hope you are not taking my duties lightly."
Jasper's smirk faltered. The nobles, too, looked at him in doubt. The confidence he exuded mere moments ago wavered, but he was quick to recover, smoothing his expression into something more neutral.
"Grand Duchess, you misunderstand," he said smoothly, his voice calm despite the tension thickening the air. "I have no intention of undermining your duties and authority. My dues as heir of Godwin are humble compared to yours, so I merely wish to ensure stability during these uncertain times."
He turned to the gathered nobles, appealing to their concerns. "A sudden shift in leadership, especially under these tragic circumstances, could create unrest. The people need guidance. A steady hand to ensure the transition is seamless."
In simple words, he was trying to say a man was needed to guide; a woman would be incompetent at the job.
A few ministers exchanged glances. One stepped forward hesitantly. "Duchess Regina, while no one questions your competence, governance is an arduous burden. Ruling alone…" He trailed off, reluctant to voice the full thought.
My expression remained unreadable. "Tragedy does not stall duty," I answered plainly. "The Grand Duke did not raise me to falter when faced with hardship. And if I recall correctly, none of you had concerns when I handled state affairs in his absence before."
The murmurs that followed weren't of opposition but of realization. I was right.
Still, another minister cleared his throat. "Even so, Duchess, there is no denying that a male figurehead strengthens perception. Our neighbors, our enemies, may view a lone ruler as vulnerable."
I knew if I wanted to change the rules for woman to rule independently, I had to play their game, at least for now. Things won't change so easily. But right now I am willing to compromise, but not give up my right completely.
I looked up at the minister in front of me and spoke, "Which is why I will, like usual, take the necessary steps to ensure that perception does not become reality."
I turned my gaze to the other assembled ministers, my voice steady. "Tell me, who among you has not worked directly with me in the past? Who among you has not witnessed me oversee trade agreements, military strategies, and court diplomacy?"
Silence.
Not a single noble could deny it.
I allowed a pause before continuing. "If you did not question me then, why question me now?"
Jasper's fingers twitched. I could tell he understood I was not willing to give up my right.
Margaret let out a sharp breath through her nose, frustration flickering across her features. "That may be true, but ruling is more than just competence. Strength must be displayed." She straightened, clasping her hands together in a show of composure. "The House of Godwin has long been a loyal ally to this Duchy. We are merely extending our hand in support during these uncertain times. Surely, you understand the wisdom in that?"
I held Margaret's gaze, my expression unreadable. "Lady Margret, firstly, I already have the unwavering support of the ministers who served alongside the Grand Duke," I said calmly. "And secondly, I suggest you tend to your own house's affairs before concerning yourself with mine. Beyond that, why should I entrust the Duchy's matters to you over all those who have stood by us for generations, remain steadfast in their loyalty?"
Margaret tensed, her lips pressing into a thin line. The gathered ministers, all steadfast allies of the Grand Duke, murmured in agreement. Their support was unwavering. It was a simple, now that there is no scope of a marriage alliance, they are just like the rest of the nobles. They no longer stand first in line when it comes to this territory. The favor they once held over others is now gone.
Jasper stepped forward, his voice measured yet firm. "Your Grace, you are right in your competence, and no one questions your ability to rule." he paused before coming to the point, "But the weight of the Duchy is heavy, and a ruler must not only govern but also intimidate. The House of Godwin commands the Silver Sword Knights, one of the most renowned knights in the empire. Let us stand beside you, ensure the Grand Duchy remains unchallenged, and strike fear into the hearts of your enemies."
So this is their play. A throne without an army is nothing but a gilded cage. If I allow Jasper to command the Duchy's protection, the real power shifts to him. The Grand Duchess in name, but a puppet in truth, unable to command even my knights. And if he controls when swords are drawn and when they are sheathed, then he rules this land, not me.
I could see the nobles considering it as well. They could tolerate me ruling over the diplomatic affairs, but the military? No. Who would listen to a woman who never held a sword in her hands? How can she direct them? But I expected it.
My lips curled into a smile.
"A noble sentiment," I replied, tilting my head slightly, I added, "But unnecessary."
Jasper's smile was beginning to strain. "And why is that?"
A door at the far end of the hall opened. Heavy, measured footsteps echoed against the marble floor, filling the grand chamber with a palpable shift in energy.
Gasps filled the room.
Sir Langston
The best knight in the empire. The man who trained the Crown Prince. The man who commanded the imperial knights and won many wars. A warrior whose name sent shivers down the enemy's spine. My only aunt's husband, thus my family.
No one was more qualified than he, and no one could be trusted more than him.
My aunt, the oldest of the three siblings. I had sent her a letter yesterday after the assassination to send her husband to the duchy as soon as possible. He had recently stepped down as a commander of the Imperial Knights, but he was here to aid me. And I needed his support to turn things in my favor.
I turned slightly to look at the defeated faces of Jasper and his mother. "Because the Grand Duke's family has never stood alone."
Jasper inhaled sharply. He knew his knights could not compare to what this man could do for the duchy as their commander. Margaret stiffened, her nails digging into her palms.
I continued after a pause, "As family, he will aid me in maintaining charge of the military of the Duchy. And as you have all said, perception is important." I let the words settle. "If the concern was vulnerability, then allow me to put those fears to rest. The Duchy stands strong. The strongest knight of this empire will lead the knights himself."
The ministers exchanged looks, relief in their eyes.
A man was now by my side, handling the military affairs. And not just any knight, it was Sir Langston, feared across nations. The last barrier Jasper and Margaret had clung to had crumbled before their eyes.
Jasper forced a tight smile, but he was already beaten. Margaret clenched her fists, trembling with barely contained rage.
There was nothing left to say. There was nothing left they could do now.
I won.
And the next time they come up with a new scheme, I will still win again.