Chapter 1.
The Slovakia Empire had a proud history of twenty five emperors. Under each emperor the Empire either fell or rose to glory. The 26th Emperor, Casimir Maximus De Slovakia, due to his good governance was praised as the sacred emperor. He brought back the slowly ailing imperial power back to glory.
The allies of the Emperor were praised to be geniuses in their own fields.
Prime Minister Allendale Valkyrie was an excellent administrator. He was the Emperor's administrative arm.
The Emperor's wife, the wife and beautiful Empress Florence of the most loyal family in the Empire used to control the Empire's social circles.
And lastly, her.
Duchess Constance Harper Adaline Von Cassandra.
Unlike Florence, Casimir or Allendale, Constance wasn't born a noble. In fact she was a humble maid who once saved the weak Crown Prince Casimir from an assassination attempt. Her excellent mind and skills were later discovered by him and he made sure she was his ally.
When the Empire, at it's weakest, was attacked by foreign powers, she, with her awesome leadership skills and dynamic speech skills lead the soldiers and brought victory. Five Kingdoms came down on her feet and naturally when Casimir ascended the Throne, she was given the title Cassandra.
Cassandra: Defender of Men.
It was a title befitting of her. There existed only two dukedoms and six marqeeses. After the Emperor's brutal purge the number of nobles existing dropped sharply.
As the top Duke of the Empire, she was showered with jewels and riches, given castles to live in and was given the status of royalty but life for Constance was the same. Boring, dull and tiring.
*****
Casimir drank his tea leisurely besides his wife and best friend. He was in a good mood today which didn't go unnoticed by the two woman.
Constance looked in her reflection visible on the red tea like her eyes and hair. The Empire was peaceful, there were no rebellions and no group trying to go against them and Casimir's rule was stable.
Florence, his Empress groaned. She was pregnant. It had been five months. Both Constance and Casimir were over the moon hearing about her pregnancy. Everyone wanted a boy as a successor but the Emperor wanted a girl. Florence spoke out with a frown.
" Hey Connie, I have something for you."
Only than did the young Duchess lift her head and eyes the Empress. A servant brought a letter in a golden tray. She picked it up. Casimir smiled as if he already knew what it was. Constance opened it and read the contents.
" This is-"
" A marriage proposal for you." the Empress informed cutting her off with a bright smile.
" Who is it from?" Casimir asked with a hint of curiosity lacing his voice
" The Royal family of Solis Kingdom. They want one of the Princes to be married into the Empire. Since there are no princesses over here, the top choice is obviously…"
" Oh my. Seems as if they have set their bar too high. The Almighty Duchess of the Empire getting married. This will definately be a hit topic." said Casimir.
Constance put the letter back in the envelope and sipped some chamomile tea that soothed her perplexed mind. She was reaching the age of 20 , though she never attended a single party except the Royal banquet of Casmir's coronation ceremony , The lonely duchess was always a hot topic. She was also famous for another rumor, it was her hideous appearance.
The Empress and the three female heads of the Marqueesates actively tried to refute such claims but there was a limit to how much gossip could be stopped. Of course their friend the Duchess didn't care one bit but Constance's words of appreciation always calmed their rising anger caused by the rotten nobility.
Constance ripped the letter away and put it back on the tray. Florence scowled. Casmir's face paled. His wife was at her peak in pregnancy period. Because of this her mood swings were quite dangerous. Constance who caught sight of this barely held her laugh. He was the great Emperor of the Slovakia Empire who exterminated all of his opposers yet he was so afraid of his wife the Empress.
" Connie. Aren't you being a bit too careless? A Prince has sent you a marriage proposal. Atleast consider it and meet him for your own sake."
" Nope. Too busy your majesty."
Florence sighed and fanned herself. She didn't feel like arguing 2ith her best friend. It would be fruitless. Constance finished her tea and got up from her seat.
" I shall take my leave your majesties. Have a nice day."
" Have a nice day Constance. Take care." Casimir gave her a smile.
The Duchess quickly exited the Royal Palace and headed out to her home. She was welcomed by her loyal servant, Hans who was the butler of the Cassandra Castle. The Palace was as big and beautiful as the Imperial Palace holding glory and prestige.
" I'm done for the day Hans."
The maids excitedly greeted the Duchess. They were old employees who grew up with her on the estate. The head maid, Baroness Bessie came ahead.
" Duchess! Welcome back. I'm glad you're early today. We have to start with our goal today."
" Goal?"
" Oh my! Did you forget? Please follow me to your room."
Dragged by her into the chambers, the maids quickly got ready and took off her dress.
" Your excellency, after the Empress is the most noblest woman of the Empire. And as a woman you must take care of yourself. Maintain yourself, look after yourself and beautify yourself."
These words passed by Constance's one ear and we're out from another.
' Is this why they all were so excited? Today's beauty day. A day where I dedicate myself to them so they do whatever they want.'
Constance looked out of window while her female servants skillfully apply all types of creams and ointments on her skin to smoothen and brighten it up. She looked at her hand. The blisters and scars had disappeared. She was becoming a lady now.
Her eyes fell upon the sunset outside.
" The day is over.
