章 18: SEEDS OF DOUBT
Lady Evelina and Prince Thaddeus worked in tandem, each playing their parts in the delicate dance of courtly intrigue. Evelina's extensive network of contacts within the palace allowed her to whisper the first seeds of doubt about Princess Elara into the ears of the influential and the gossip-prone.
In the grand halls and opulent salons of the palace, Evelina began her subtle campaign. Over lavish dinners and afternoon teas, she would sigh and shake her head, her expression one of concern.
"It's such a pity," she would murmur to a gathered group of courtiers, her voice low and confidential. "Princess Elara, so consumed by these wild fantasies of knighthood. Neglecting her royal duties... It's almost as if she doesn't care about the kingdom at all."
The courtiers, always eager for a morsel of scandal, would lean in closer, their eyes widening with interest.
"Neglecting her duties?" one would gasp.
"Training like a common soldier?" another would exclaim.
Evelina would nod solemnly, feigning reluctance to speak ill of the princess. "It's true. Such behavior is hardly becoming of a future queen. One must wonder what this means for Astoria's future."
Meanwhile, Thaddeus played his part with equal deftness. He attended banquets and balls, his charm and easy smile captivating those around him. But beneath the surface, he was always at work, subtly steering conversations toward Elara's supposed failings and his own strengths.
At a royal banquet, Thaddeus sat among the kingdom's nobles, a goblet of wine in hand. "It's worrying, isn't it?" he remarked to a nearby duke. "Elara's obsession with training. I fear she might be losing sight of what truly matters – our kingdom's stability and prosperity."
The duke nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, we need a leader who is focused and dedicated. Someone who understands the responsibilities of the throne."
Thaddeus smiled modestly. "Exactly. I only wish to serve our people to the best of my abilities. We must all do what we can for Astoria."
Rumors spread quickly through the court, whispered behind fans and in the shadows of grand columns. The courtiers, ever eager for intrigue, seized upon these morsels and passed them along, each retelling more embellished than the last.
In the gardens, a group of ladies-in-waiting gossiped amongst themselves. "Did you hear? Princess Elara has been neglecting her duties, training with knights instead of preparing for her future role!"
"How unbecoming!" one exclaimed. "It's a disgrace to the royal family."
Even the palace staff were not immune to the rumors. Servants whispered as they went about their tasks, their voices hushed but excited. "I heard she's out there every day, swinging a sword like some common soldier!"
"It's a shame," another servant added. "Prince Thaddeus is so dedicated, always attending to his royal duties. He'd make such a fine king."
The rumors reached the ears of influential advisors and ministers, who began to question Elara's suitability for the throne. In hushed meetings and private discussions, doubts were raised about her priorities and her ability to lead the kingdom.
"What kind of queen abandons her responsibilities for such reckless pursuits?" one minister asked, shaking his head.
"Astoria needs stability," another agreed. "Perhaps Prince Thaddeus is the better choice. He seems more focused, more prepared for the weight of the crown."
As the rumors continued to circulate, the perception of Elara in the court began to shift. Where once she was seen as a dedicated and capable princess, now she was viewed with suspicion and doubt. Her commitment to the kingdom was questioned, her behavior scrutinized.
Lady Evelina and Thaddeus watched their handiwork unfold with satisfaction. The seeds of doubt they had planted were taking root, and the court's opinion of Elara was beginning to sour. All that remained was to ensure that these doubts reached the king's ears at the right moment, solidifying Thaddeus's position as the favored heir.
The stage was set for the final act of their plan, and they were ready to play their parts to perfection.
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