The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 93: Missing Home

Chapter 93: Missing Home

Anastasia smiled and did not pull her hand away from Elizabeth. She was used to her pretending to be friendly. She could guess what her words would sound like should she continue to ignore her. After all, even though her legitimacy in the family had been restored, everyone still saw her as the daughter of a mistress in their hearts.

Her actions to distract herself from Elizabeth would give Elizabeth the chance to make people believe that she was proud and had forgotten her roots.

Seeing Anastasia smile, Elizabeth had a smug look. She felt that no matter how much their situation had changed, she would still have Anastasia under her control.

"How have you been these days? Are you getting used to the palace?" Elizabeth asked in a caring voice. She did not even bother to lower her tone, as though she was worried that others would not hear and know that she sincerely cared for Anastasia.

"The palace is such a beautiful place; who would complain about living here?" Anastasia replied with a smile.

Elizabeth was angry when she heard this reply. Of course, the palace was grand—anyone would want to become the crown princess and be respected by all. "It’s wonderful that you are getting used to it. Then don’t forget to invite me if you miss home. I will definitely come to keep you company," Elizabeth offered. She had made her voice so loud that it was impossible for Anastasia to refuse her.

"My dear sister, it’s difficult for me to get bored here in the palace. As for missing home, I lived within the Duke’s walls for eighteen years without taking half a step outside. I don’t think I will miss it so soon," Anastasia replied.

When the other noble ladies heard this, they suddenly remembered the rumors everywhere—that Anastasia had no talent and was unpresentable, so she never went out with her family for celebrations or to make friends.

"The Duchess must have been trying to suppress her, right?" Sabina asked in a small voice, but everyone present heard her.

"Otherwise..." Jilian, who had been quiet, answered. It was said that she was slow to learn, and many concluded that she was not presentable, but the Anastasia before them was elegant.

This was also not the first time a few of them had seen her. If she was as ignorant as the rumors claimed, it would be impossible for her to change so much after just a few days in the palace.

Although nobody continued this line of conversation, as they thought it might be a bit disrespectful to Anastasia, everyone felt that the Duchess was worried Anastasia would steal her daughter’s stage, so she kept her locked up.

Elizabeth’s face darkened when she heard the whispers around her. Anastasia gave her a warm smile and pulled her hand away without saying a word.

Isabel, on the side, also felt a bit uncomfortable—after all, the Duchess was her aunt.

The walk around the garden was simple. Dorothy tried to talk with Sabina and Jilian, who had been polite to her before, but their gazes were no longer as friendly. They had been polite to her before because they thought she was related to Anastasia, but seeing that the two were not close, they decided to ignore her.

Especially during their conversation and small games, Dorothy did not seem very knowledgeable. On the other hand, Anastasia’s brilliance was obvious to everyone.

Seeing them look down on her, Dorothy was angry. Her gaze grew sore, and she acted as though someone had offended her. Her reaction made the ladies look down on her even more. Most noble ladies had learned from a young age not to wear their emotions on their faces, especially when it would be considered inappropriate.

Anastasia took note of this behavior and smiled. She understood best how prideful and arrogant these noble ladies could act behind their gentle smiles. She had no plans of helping Dorothy—after all, she had invited herself. From her behavior, Anastasia guessed that she was trying to befriend noble ladies.

The royal garden was grand and had many precious flowers. Anastasia knew a lot about flowers and had studied them a bit, so she carefully introduced a few.

The ladies were impressed by her knowledge. This was also why Anastasia had held the gathering in the garden—she understood that these ladies would only respect her knowledge or background, so she had to show off a bit.

After taking a walk, they returned to the sitting area. At the same time, two maids carrying trays lined with silk stood aside. Upon each tray rested delicate sachets, carefully embroidered with gold thread.

Miss Magdalene looked at Anastasia. Seeing her nod, she instructed the maids with her gaze to present the sachets to the ladies.

"A small token of appreciation from Her Highness," Miss Magdalene announced. "Her Highness has personally directed the servants to make these from a rare blend of dried petals and fragrant herbs," she explained, introducing a few of the petals.

Hearing Miss Magdalene’s words, the noble ladies who had received their sachets thanked Anastasia before curiously bringing them to their noses to breathe in the rare and exquisite blend of flowers.

A soft yet captivating fragrance drifted through their noses—a delicate blend of floral sweetness with a hint of something rare and exotic. The ladies’ eyes showed rare excitement.

"May its fragrance bring you peace and fond memories of this gathering," Miss Magdalene finished speaking.

The ladies were happy to receive such gifts.

"What a lovely scent," Cecilia commented.

"Indeed, Your Highness’s gift is special," Bridget said in a flattering voice.

"Your Highness, Miss Magdalene said you instructed the servants yourself to make this. May I ask what flowers were used? I have never smelled anything quite like this," Rosalind asked. She remembered that Anastasia seemed knowledgeable about flowers.

Anastasia smiled when she heard this question. "I will ask a maid to write down the ingredients and procedures if you are interested," she said.

Hearing that Anastasia was willing to share, a few other ladies also showed interest.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Her mother used to make Anastasia prepare these things for her. She never thought a day would come when she would use them to shine.

She wondered if these noble ladies had never seen rare treasures before and were acting ignorant.

Amber also found the fragrance nice, but she felt too proud to ask. Anyway, when she returned, she would have the servants study the contents and make it.

After a little more chatting, the gathering came to a close.

"What do you think about Lady Amber?" Anastasia asked Miss Magdalene as they rode back to her courtyard.