She shouldn't have kicked him. She knew better, but her temper—an unfortunate inheritance from her father—got the best of her.
Of course, she was a ticking time bomb.
She sighed heavily as she read the letter summoning her to the palace.
What a perfect way to ruin an already dreadful afternoon.
Of course, the King wanted to see her. She had slapped his son—with her foot, no less.
If her actions caused a rift in the peace treaty between their kingdoms, her parents would have more than a few sharp words for her. She would be scolded like a child because she had behaved like one.
But he brought out the worst in her!
Not only had he introduced another woman as his future wife—in public, no less—but he had the audacity to seek a divorce right there and then. And the woman? She wasn't a dignitary or even a member of the court. No, she was a lowly commoner.
The worst part? She had been Cassandra's best friend. Had been.
Across from her in the carriage, Ruth shifted nervously. "Your Grace, the wheels in your head are turning so fast, I fear they might catch fire," she said with a weak laugh, her hands fidgeting in her lap.
Cassandra's sharp gaze snapped to her. "You're usually amusing, Ruth. Not today."
Ruth winced. "Of course. My apologies, Your Grace."
Cassandra sighed, tossing her head back in frustration. "What do I do? This is the worst humiliation I could imagine. The highest disrespect to our marriage."
The carriage halted at the palace gates, and Cassandra forced herself to sit upright, smoothing her dress. As the herald announced her arrival, she plastered on a smile of false excitement.
"Let's go greet my in-laws," she muttered through gritted teeth.
She stepped out, her heart sinking as she spotted the Queen waiting for her. Dressed in the grandest attire of peach, gold, and silk, Queen Gardenia looked every bit as regal as her icy demeanor.
Cassandra bowed. "Your Highness."
"You still have the audacity to greet me after failing so miserably—and so publicly?" The Queen's irritation was palpable.
Cassandra beamed, her composure unbroken. "I will make amends, Mother."
"You should have maintained this same composure when he introduced that nobody to you," the Queen snapped, turning away, her entourage trailing behind her.
Cassandra followed, swallowing her indignation.
"Whatever the King says to you, smile and nod. He doesn't like women who are too clever," the Queen advised coldly.
Cassandra nodded, her polite smile never faltering.
"And when you're done, come to my court. We need to have a chat," the Queen added, before sweeping off in the opposite direction.
The doors to the throne room opened, revealing the King seated in all his majesty, surrounded by courtiers.
Cassandra felt a bead of sweat slide down her back as she entered, silently thanking the heavens that she had chosen to wear royal colors. Perhaps that might soften his temper.
"You are all dismissed," the King announced, waving his hand. The courtiers bowed and exited, though not without casting judgmental glances in Cassandra's direction.
She bowed deeply before the King. "You sent for me, Your Majesty?"
He studied her for a moment, his blue eyes—a mirror of his son's—piercing in their scrutiny.
"Come, child. Sit."
Cassandra sat on the cushion below the throne, her pulse racing.
"I heard my son brought home a new woman yesterday," the King said, his tone casual.
Cassandra kept her expression neutral, her hands folded demurely in her lap.
"And what are your thoughts on this, Princess Cassandra?"
She smiled softly, feigning innocence. "I have no thoughts, Your Majesty. He is the Prince; he has the right to do as he wishes."
"Including divorcing you?" he pressed.
Her breath hitched, but she kept her composure. "I have no words, Your Majesty."
The King leaned back, sighing. "The Prince has been at war for too long. He seems to have forgotten his duties." He glanced at her sharply. "But kicking him in the face?"
Cassandra flinched.
"That will not remind him of them," he finished, his voice sharp.
"You are a woman. Use what you have to bring him back to his senses. Remind him of his responsibilities."
She bowed her head, her voice steady. "Thank you for your wisdom, Your Majesty."
"You are dismissed."
Rising, Cassandra bowed deeply once more and left the throne room, her steps measured until the doors closed behind her.
Outside, Ruth fanned herself dramatically. "Yikes."
Cassandra ignored her and walked the long, majestic hallways until they reached the Queen's court.
The guards opened the ornate doors, revealing a colorful room filled with noblewomen sipping tea, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of harp and pianoforte.
"Come in, child," Queen Gardenia called from her cushioned throne, a sleek cat curled lazily in her lap.
Cassandra bowed and took her seat on the cushion below the Queen's throne.
"Now, tell me," the Queen began, her sharp gaze fixed on Cassandra. "Have you lain with the Prince?"
Cassandra's cheeks flamed. "I-I'm not sure I understand, Your Highness."
The Queen's expression darkened. "You mean to say the Prince has not taken you to bed?"
Gasps erupted from the Duchess Relina and Countess Margaret, the Queen's closest confidantes.
"What if he's already gotten that lowly commoner pregnant?" the Countess exclaimed in horror. "Would she bear the heir to this kingdom?"
"I forbid it!" the Queen snapped, her fan snapping open as maids fanned her furiously.
The Queen leaned forward, her tone decisive. "Listen closely, child. We are going to teach you."
Cassandra's blush deepened. "Teach me what, Your Highness?"
"How to conquer your man," the Queen said, her posture impossibly straight.
Cassandra blinked, her nervous gaze darting to the other women, who looked equally determined.
"First," the Queen continued, "tell us what you know about consummating your marriage."
Cassandra hesitated, her voice trembling. "It's...an act a man and woman perform to enact intimacy."
The Queen's lips twitched in a humorless smile. "And?"
Cassandra stared at her, utterly lost.
"Bring more tea," the Queen barked. "We're going to need it."