Chapter six

The second delegation to arrive was from the Vindbjerg Kingdom.

"Announcing the Emperor Albert Caris Tenning Ozias Vindbjerg, the Crown Prince Arthur Sunnia Conan Cathos Vindbjerg, the second Prince Ramzan Callisto Ephraim Murad Vindbjerg, the Crown Princes Lidya Sunigilda, followed by Duke Casimir Crowford Dale Egerton Rufus Cromwelling Penburyton, Lady Cassandra Camden..." and many other nobles that Cassiopeia could not remember.

The name Cassandra Camden was familiar to her, but she could not quite put her finger on it.

Her head spun. Why did they have so many names?

They all presented their greetings in a lengthy ceremony that lasted just over two hours. She felt like throwing up, but she feared it was not ladylike.

She had not remembered a name. She noted that the Crown Prince was attractive, as well as many of his entourage.

His brother as well, although he did not seem like a full brother, maybe an half brother. She did not inquire, as it was rude.

The Crown Prince was radiating, and with his blonde hair he shone brighter than anyone. The Crown Princess was very pretty as well, but she could not compare to him.

Had the world always had so many pretty boys? She had never felt interest in any of that, so she could not know.

The second Prince was presented to her as a gift. She was quite shocked. A prince (or princess, usually) was not an uncommon concubinus, but the second Prince of a Kingdom, especially if there was no third prince, was almost unheard of. She was now sure he was conceived out of wedlock, or perhaps with a concubine.

He had tan skin, and his ivory hair contrasted nicely with his complexion. He seemed arrogant and snobbish. She predicted various headaches from him.

Princess Cassiopeia had asked him the same question she asked Lord Wolfgang, and this time the Prince decided to stay in the guests' Chambers. She did not mind it. It meant he was more valuable than Lord Wolfgang, who seemed to have a bad relationship with his family, thus less useful for future trades.

Champagne and fruits, as well as sweets and pastries were served for the guests.

"Congratulations on your coronation and on your future marriages." A blonde lady bowed before her. She had already forgotten her name.

"Thank you."

"I'm Cassandra Camden, the only one with just one name", she whispered the last part in a chuckle.

Chuckle that Princess Cassiopeia shared, "may I ask of this tradition?"

"The names are used to mark achievements, or are passed down by the parents."

"Is that so? How peculiar."

"I have spent most of my life confined to a bed in sickness, so I do not amount to many achievements, and the ones I have, were unfortunately not appreciated as I hoped." She smiled, sipping her champagne.

At that moment, it clicked. Princess Cassiopeia knew who she was.

"You are the former candidate for the Crown Princess place!" She exclaimed, but regretted it right away.

"That would be me, yes, although I wish to be remembered by anything else."

"I apologise, I have spoken out of place."

"No need, it was indeed quite the scandal."

Was it the champagne that made her speech so loose? Princess Cassiopeia wasn't sure.

"I have heard a lot about you."

"Have you?" She winced, most of the rumours about her weren't good.

The Princess nodded. "In truth, you inspired me a bit."

Lady Camden raised an eyebrow, "have I?"

"Yes. You see, all you achieved, the place as the Crown Prince's aide, and the way you lost your place as Crown Princess. You did it all while being a woman."

She was confused.

"I have a lot of enemies. Most of them hate me because I am a woman. That is why hearing about another doing all of that made me feel less alone. As if I wasn't fighting on my own."

Lady Cassandra smiled softly, placing a hand on the Princess'.

"I'm sorry. I'm a bit sentimental and I tend to ramble when I drink. Do not pay my words any mind-" Princess Cassiopeia was embarassed.

"Do you want to know a secret, Your Highness?" Lady Camden smiled, and the Princess nodded.

She got close to her and whispered in her ear "I think you're a badass, and I believe you have more balls than this whole Empire".

The Princess' eyes shot wide open at the vulgarity from the Lady, but laughter came right after.

"That means, you aren't someone who can't fight alone."

"Thank you." Princess Cassiopeia did not believe her words, but she appreciated the kindness of a stranger.

Anyhow, Lady Camden wasn't done. She clinked their glasses. "But even if you are someone who can fight alone, you don't have to. We women must support each other; society has been rough enough on us. So, even if I will be the only one by your side, I'll support you."

Whether her words were true or not, they still reached the Princess' heart. "I too. I too will support you, so let us be friends."

Lady Cassandra clinked again their glasses, "to our friendship", and took a sip.

Princess Cassiopeia imitated her gesture, "to our friendship".