In the Doghouse - Chapter 73
VI.
Courtney had grown accustomed to playing the role of “Master” after just three nights, but adjusting to the role of Crown Princess wasn’t as easy.
In fairy tales, the story ends happily with a grand wedding to the prince, but reality continues long after.
Courtney spent day and night trying to adapt to life in the imperial palace. She tirelessly worked to fulfill her duties, and in her rare moments of free time, she read the records of past empresses. Coming from foreign imperial families or prestigious noble houses, they had been trained and prepared for their roles, managing an astonishing amount of responsibilities.
They not only took care of the palace’s affairs but also participated in social activities that influenced politics, and their fluency in foreign languages allowed them to play a significant role in diplomacy. Courtney sometimes wondered if those empresses had two bodies to handle it all.
In comparison, all she had to show for herself was a strong sense of responsibility. She felt pressured to do at least a quarter of what they did, if not more. She desperately wanted to no longer be the pupil of the Emperor’s attendants, learning every step of the way.
Today, like every other day, Courtney hadn’t left her desk all morning. Madam Berricker, who had been watching over her, finally spoke up with concern.
“Your Highness, why don’t you take a short break?”
“Hm?”
Courtney lifted her head and checked the time. It was almost lunch, so she didn’t see a need for a separate break. She quickly lowered her gaze back to her work.
“I’m fine. You should take a break yourself.”
“Well…”
For once, the lady-in-waiting hesitated. Courtney looked up again, noticing the troubled expression on her face. Was there something she hadn’t considered?
Madam Berricker’s lips parted as if to say more, but she quickly closed them again. Even though the Crown Princess had always been receptive to her advice, it felt too presumptuous to speak further.
“It’s nothing, Your Highness.”
There are two ways to irritate someone: one is to stop halfway through a sentence, and two…
Courtney, being naturally impatient, felt a flash of irritation. Her voice sharpened slightly as she pressed for an answer.
“Just say it. Unless you’re teasing me.”
Startled, Madam Berricker quickly confessed what was on her mind.
“No, not at all! It’s just… perhaps you might consider spending more time with the Crown Prince?”
Her suggestion wasn’t without merit. For a woman of the imperial family, producing an heir was more important than running state affairs. Since they hadn’t shared a bed in quite some time, it was only natural for the lady-in-waiting to worry that their relationship might be growing distant.
Courtney understood why it might look that way, but she didn’t agree with the concern.
“I appreciate your honesty, but there’s no need to worry about that.”
“Yes, of course. My apologies.”
Courtney turned her attention back to the documents on her desk.
Her mind cycled through all the tasks she had to complete. The palace affairs and recruiting new ladies-in-waiting were her top priorities, but she also had to keep an eye on her family estate. Although the butler managed the household well, her family was far from ordinary. She could never tell when one of them might cause some trouble.
She also exchanged letters with her nephew, Edvard, to ensure he wasn’t feeling lonely. Of course, she promptly tossed Frederick’s useless letters into the trash.
But her concentration was already broken. Her thoughts wandered to private moments she couldn’t share with anyone, and a small smile crept onto her face.
No one would ever guess what really happened between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess during their meals. She was already looking forward to lunch.
* * *
Courtney arrived in the dining hall right on time. As always, Richard was already there, having arrived early.
The moment she entered, his blue eyes softened into an affectionate curve. Courtney suppressed the smile threatening to break free and spoke as casually as she could.
“I’m a little late, aren’t I?”
“No, not at all.”
Once she was seated, the dishes were brought out—starting with the appetizer and ending with dessert, all served at once. A few days ago, Richard had specifically requested this serving style, which was completely against imperial etiquette, but no one found it particularly strange. They assumed the newlyweds, busy with state affairs, just wanted some alone time together.
The Crown Prince’s lovestruck gaze toward the Crown Princess had long since stopped being a point of gossip among the palace staff. When the attendants finally left, Richard broke the silence.
“Were you in the office all morning again?”
“Yes.”
“I know you’re working hard, but don’t overdo it.”
Richard spoke carefully, watching her closely. He wasn’t trying to dismiss her efforts or hold her back.
He just wanted to make sure she didn’t push herself too hard—and maybe, just maybe, spend a bit more time with him.
