Lady Dhampir
Chapter 28

"Half an inch larger? What are you planning, Lady De Crescent, attending every tea party and eating like a pig until the new year?" Chuckled Yasina. Milena shook her head, frowning a bit while massaging her waist.

"No, Yasina. But my corsets are on the thicker side, and to speak honestly, I would rather breathe than suffocate for a half-an-inch smaller waist..."

Her friend nodded with a little laugh, handing back her meter and notes to one of her young attendants behind her. Then, she helped Milena get down from the little stool.

They were at the De Cictrin's family clothing shop on Main Street, in one of the private rooms meant for noble ladies who came shopping. Milena had decided to stop by on a whim, as she knew her friend would be working and happy to receive her.

"All right then, two new dresses for Lady De Crescent, and as usual, we will send the bill to the Manor."

"Don't you want me to make an advance payment?"

Yasina rolled her eyes, accompanying her back to the sofa.

"Please. The House De Crescent has never paid one credit late, and we both know you could actually buy this whole shop if you wanted to. Just pay whenever it's delivered, and wear it. Our sales are boosted anytime you wear one of our creations, Milena. It helps to have a rich and pretty friend..."

The young Duchess chuckled. Indeed, Yasina was a businesswoman. She made sure to give Milena dresses that would flatter her unique features and blooming curves. As the Dhampir Lady was beautiful, she also regularly awakened some jealousies among the noblewomen, who were always eager to get the same brand she had. She was thankful to her Vampire blood for that, as Milena never had to worry about her skin's condition, spending too much on makeup or making her black hair shinier.

They sat down, and a maid poured some hot tea for them.

"Have you heard? About the competition?" Asked Yasina, talking softly.

"Just this morning... My father isn't happy."

"He is not the only one," sighed the young woman. "The nobles are agitated, the news is just spreading but the rumors are spreading even faster. Some say the King, Queen and the Princes couldn't agree, and decided on this competition to make a final choice. But the old Houses are furious."

The Baron House De Cictrin had eyes and ears in every social circle through their numerous businesses. Yasina often used those precious connections to gather information from the various Noble Houses.

Milena observed her friend, who slowly sipped her tea with a frown. That day, Yasina wore an orange dress with lots of embroideries and pearls and had her hair in two braided buns. She often wore very different styles, trying to replace new and original trends. She was the one who had come up with the half-skirt idea of Milena's riding outfit and stitched buttons on her belt so she could add layers as she liked on colder days. One of the things most admirable about Yasina was her ability to think outside the box, and in a very bold way.

"Of course, most of the Old Houses will support Philomenie or their own daughters. She is so popular with the people, and the Church fully supports her too. The perfect little church girl..."

"Funny you mention her. I just happened to run into one of her charity events just now."

Yasina brutally put her cup down.

"Again? Good gracious, I'm so fed up with her stupid clothes and soup-distributing charities all over the City! I don't know if this is an act, but it's getting on my nerves!"

"Then you'll be happy to hear I put an end to it."

"Thank you, Milena! That little wench is unstoppable, with her rank and titles. Even the Merchants' Guild didn't dare to speak up once, can you believe that?"

Actually, it wasn't surprising. Each of the Duchy Houses was so powerful, none of the Guilds could speak badly of them. Though Milena suspected the House De Winter hardly gave a damn. They would rather please the people and the Church first. "What has Rachael been up to?" She asked, shifting the topic and appeasing Yasina's anger.

"Well, she's a workaholic just like you. I hear from Chartiana that she is struggling with her Father to change the Military Factions. Do you know how Rachael tried to have this new military amendment? Well, some were against it, and did not appreciate her move." "That doesn't surprise me. Some Vampire nobles are as stubborn as they're old..."

Yasina sighed.

"Honestly, I quite admire her. She's under crazy pressure from being the next head of her family, and still standing tall and proud in front of the Senate. A bit too proud, I'd fear. Sometimes, Rachael's ideas are a bit too extremist." Milena nodded silently. She had heard about it. Rachael's initiative was a bit too much coming from a sixteen-year-old girl, no wonder most of her elders were upset. A bit too dangerous too...

"I heard she wants to go to war with the Giants."

Yasina laughed.

"Yes, she is that crazy. She thinks they will attack us soon. Didn't she read her history Books? The last war was a big blow to them, they won't attack for a while now! And she wanted the Senate to finance her new school, too." "A new school?" repeated Milena, intrigued.

"I didn't hear the details, but it was a military thing, again. Of course, it was flat-out rejected, and this time, her family won't agree to finance it. So, she is slowly trying to win allies, but there's only so much she can do." "...so she will be serious." "What?"

Yasina observed the young Duchess, a bit confused, but Milena was lost in her thoughts. She knew that face, when her friend was scheming. Though, Milena didn't seem happy at all.

"Rachael will enter the Queen's contest seriously," she said. "I was wondering before, but now it is clear. She needs allies, and Vampires will rally her if they think she stands a chance to become Queen. If she does, she will immediately be undisputable, even in her own family. The House De Nova is stubborn and very patriarchal, but they won't have a choice if she becomes a Princess."

Yasina grimaced.

"You're right... I know she clearly doesn't care much about the Princes, but Rachael is dying to get more power..."

"She's not the only one. Other Houses will make sure their daughters enter the contest."

"All of the Count Houses will present their daughters! It is a unique chance for them. Though the Queen will probably make a selection. It will be a nightmare to organize otherwise, and all the Houses will start turning on each other. If I were her, I would keep the candidates to a minimum and see who they can rally."

Milena couldn't agree more and smiled.

"I will need some ladies-in-waiting..." She said nonchalantly, spinning her spoon.

"You will need strong allies," nodded Yasina, thinking. "Ladies with connections, wealth and power. I would recommend you take Briseis. Her family's power is limited, but she's a walking library, and..."

"Yes, but I was also thinking of asking you."

Lady De Cictrin frowned, looking at Milena with eyes wide open in surprise.

"...Lady De Crescent, have you gone mad? With all the work I have here, I couldn't possibly..."

"I wouldn't keep you from working. And you would have plenty of time to work even while taking care of me."

But Yasina shook her head, unhappy.

"No, no, you can't ask me that. I cannot. I have much friendship for you, Milena, but the Cictrin Family is not going to take part in this! You know we don't like to speak our opinions. If I become one of your ladies-in-waiting, it will be like claiming you have House De Cictrin on your side!"

"Don't I?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Of course, you have mine, but our family has always been neutral... Our elders haven't voiced our opinion so far! We are merchants at heart, we do not take part in politics! If I was to join you, I would need to convince the elders, my father, even my brother..." Milena sighed. Her friend was smart, and she wanted to respect her family's position. But the Dhampir Duchess had one last card to play... "Well, I guess there is no helping it then."

Yasina's eyes flinched, turning to her with suspicion. That was too easy. Milena never ever gave up so easily on something she wanted. Why would she abandon her idea after only arguing a minute? Something was fishy...

Very calm, Milena pretended to take some invisible dust off her skirt, avoiding her gaze, while Yasina was frowning.

"... Who is dressing you up for the Spring Ball?"

Milena shrugged, with her innocent little smile.

"I haven't decided yet. House D'Orphira did send me a burgundy dress, though."

After a few seconds of silence, Yasina brutally stood up, her face red in anger.

"Burgundy, you say! How dare they suggest you wear burgundy! It's such an old-fashioned, annoying and tasteless color! What do they see with, their feet? How dare they! I would rather take my eyes out than ever see you wear burgundy or anything made by the House D'Orphira! Over my dead body will you wear their damn tacky dress!"

Milena couldn't hide her triumphant smile, even behind her cup of tea. Yasina went on a long rant about the Orphira's taste in fashion, going in circles in the room, and she only had to sit and watch her friend raging.

"I still haven't made my choice," she whispered at some point.

Yasina's eyes flinched.

"With all due respect, Milena De Crescent, don't you dare pick the House D'Orphira's dress over mine. They have never beat me in terms of fashion, and they never will. I will definitely make you the prettiest, most gorgeous woman at the ball!"

The Duchess chuckled. Yasina's pride and love for fashion were both her strongest suit and weakness. At some point, the young Countess turned to Milena, her eyes like a cat's.

"All right, Milena, you win. But if I have to battle my elders for you, I want you to guarantee me the exclusivity of designing and producing every single of the De Crescent Family's outfits for three... no, five years."

Milena didn't even need to respond. She needed the right allies, and she had been set on having Yasina's bright mind and the House De Cictrin by her side all along. Her friend sighed and sat back.

"You little witch. You always get what you want... Who else do you have in mind? As a Duchess, you'll need at least three ladies in waiting, right? You need to take baronesses or marquesses, and ones that won't take part in the Competition at that..." "Briseis, Chartiana and Tiphania D'Aventur."

"Only one Vampire?" Said Yasina, a bit surprised. "What are you playing at?"

"I leave a spot open for a suggestion."

Her friend stayed silent for a while, a bit surprised. Whose suggestion was Milena waiting for? Why wouldn't she just pick who she wanted by her side? Her reason for choosing the Briseis and the respected House D'Artsein was obvious, so was the Kartsein Family, a Vampire family that had obtained the De Crescent's backing from Milena herself. The House D'Aventur was a more discreet family, but they had close ties to several Guilds...

"I wonder what you're planning, but I guess I'll see for myself later. I like a good show, anyway. I actually look forward to the Competition."

"My Ladies?"

One of the servants stood at the entrance of the salon, a bit embarrassed. Yasina frowned and put down her cup. "What is it?"

"Someone is asking for Lady De Crescent... It's the Royal Guard, madam..."

The two ladies exchanged a look, but none was really surprised nor worried. They stood up with the same movement and headed to the entrance. Yasina put on her angry face and crossed her arms as soon as they met with the Royal Guard Officers. Those men's outfits were radically different from the Crescent Knights' sober uniforms. The Royal Guards had white and gold outfits, with long capes and shiny medals lined up, making them stand out in the street. A little crowd had formed behind them to see what was going on in front of the shop.

"Duchess Milena De Crescent. A formal complaint has been made against you for disturbing the peace in the city streets and impeding a Charity Event held by Noble Lady De Winter. Please accompany us without resistance for an official hearing."

The guard who spoke wasn't actually looking at Milena herself, but at her Knights, who were proudly standing like a wall between them and their mistress with angry faces.

"How dare you summon our lady!" said one of the Crescent Knights, a bald man red with anger. "Who the hell do you think you are talking to!"

“Come on, Jeremiah. Lady De Winter took the time to request for the Royal Guard to come and fetch me, it would be disrespectful to disobey, wouldn't it?" said Milena, casually putting some of her hair back.

"But Madam..."

Without adding anything else, Milena stepped in front of her Knights, facing the Royal Guards with an impressive calm. With her coat off, her dark riding outfit made her look thinner and smaller than usual, as she wasn't wearing the usual large dress for noble ladies.

"Where am I to be heard, gentlemen?"

The Royal Guards, a bit surprised by the young Duchess' very passive attitude, exchanged looks until one of them nodded with hesitation.

"P... Please come to the Royal Guard's Headquarters, Duchess, for a hearing with..."

"Fine, fine, I already heard that. Lead the way, gentlemen. Jeremiah, Lukas, fetch my horse and follow us."

The Crescent Knights obeyed but made sure to glare at the Royal Guards all the way. Yasina, left at the entrance of her store, smirked. "Someone's really asking for trouble..."