Ch - 4 Battle of Wits

Regina

I almost let out a scoff at Jasper’s pathetic attempt at pinning this incident on my knights and me. But thanks to Charles, who celebrated before his victory, I realised the truth. Otherwise, I would have been wallowing in sadness and missed the perfect chance to attack. 

Charles himself chose to stay at the palace with his knight, while my knights remained at mine. They could not blame me anyway rather just highlight Charles’s disrespectful act of claiming the throne before the Grand Duke’s funeral took place.

I leaned forward slightly and spoke the truth they saw,

“Yesterday, no one knew of the Grand Duke’s passing. Only today the news reached the nobles, yet the attack happened before the news was even public.” I let the implication settle. “Now, tell me, who was the true target?”

Whispers spread among the gathered nobles.

I didn’t give them a chance to doubt. “The attack was on this palace, on this seat of power. It’s obvious the attack was meant for the Grand Duke. But the assassins did not know that, and it seems Charles got mistaken for the Grand Duke and was murdered.” 

I looked at my hands on the table as I continued acting like I was sorrowful, “If only Charles held some patience and did not step into the Grand Duke’s chambers, occupying the very room of a man who had not even been laid to rest.”

The murmur of the nobles grew louder. Disrespectful. Audacious. Shameless.

Margaret clenched her fists, and Jasper remained silent. I could see his mind had already started working to salvage what he could.

A measured sigh left his lips before he spoke, his voice smooth. “Perhaps Charles was misguided in how he handled things, but he must have meant well. His heart was in the right place.” He bowed his head slightly. “We extend our sincerest apologies for his actions.”

I merely arched a brow, curious to see what he would come up with next.

Jasper took another step forward, offering a sympathetic smile. “Duchess Regina, you’ve inherited an overwhelming responsibility. No one will fault you for needing assistance.” His tone was persuasive, dripping with calculated charm. “Governance is not an easy task, especially in these uncertain times. Allow us - the House of Godwin - to help stabilize the Duchy in Charles’s absence.”

Margaret, seizing the opportunity, straightened herself. “Indeed. The House of Godwin will take responsibility for Charles’s title. After all, we must ensure the Grand Duchy remains strong.”

Unlike her son, who masked her emotions perfectly, the greed in her eyes could be seen so easily. They were trying to act like a family, hoping that the possible marriage alliance could still help them out. 

Did she think I would hand over the authority to them? I felt a sudden surge of anger rise within me again as I saw how they seemed to have forgotten the difference between our status to openly undermine my authority so easily.

Calm down

I smiled.

And then, I struck.

“The House of Godwin,” I said, voice steady, “has nothing to do with the Grand Duchy anymore.”

Silence.

Margaret flinched. Jasper’s expression froze.

I leaned back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other. “Charles was never my husband. He was not even my official fiancé. It was a mere promise - one that died the moment he did.” 

My gaze flicked to Jasper. “And, now that Charles, your cousin, the heir of the Godwin family, has died, shouldn’t you be busy filling his shoes at the Godwin household? How can a man who himself has now gotten additional responsibilities come to help me? 

With a smile that was anything but warm, I added, “ I hope you are not taking my duties lightly.”

Jasper’s smirk faltered. The nobles, too, looked at him in doubt. The confidence he exuded mere moments ago wavered, but he was quick to recover, smoothing his expression into something more neutral.

“Grand Duchess, you misunderstand,” he said smoothly, his voice calm despite the tension thickening the air. “I have no intention of undermining your duties and authority. My dues as heir of Godwin are humble compared to yours, so I merely wish to ensure stability during these uncertain times.”

He turned to the gathered nobles, appealing to their concerns. “A sudden shift in leadership, especially under these tragic circumstances, could create unrest. The people need guidance. A steady hand to ensure the transition is seamless.”

In simple words, he was trying to say a man was needed to guide; a woman would be incompetent at the job.

A few ministers exchanged glances. One stepped forward hesitantly. “Duchess Regina, while no one questions your competence, governance is an arduous burden. Ruling alone…” He trailed off, reluctant to voice the full thought.

My expression remained unreadable. “Tragedy does not stall duty,” I answered plainly. “The Grand Duke did not raise me to falter when faced with hardship. And if I recall correctly, none of you had concerns when I handled state affairs in his absence before.”

The murmurs that followed weren’t of opposition but of realization. I was right.

Still, another minister cleared his throat. “Even so, Duchess, there is no denying that a male figurehead strengthens perception. Our neighbors, our enemies, may view a lone ruler as vulnerable.”

I knew if I wanted to change the rules for woman to rule independently, I had to play their game, at least for now. Things won’t change so easily. But right now, I am willing to compromise but not give up my right completely. 

I looked up at the minister in front of me and spoke, “Which is why I will, like usual, take the necessary steps to ensure that perception does not become reality.”

I turned my gaze to the other assembled ministers, my voice steady. “Tell me, who among you has not worked directly with me in the past? Who among you has not witnessed me oversee trade agreements, military strategies, and court diplomacy?”

Silence.

Not a single noble could deny it.

I allowed a pause before continuing. “If you did not question me then, why question me now?”

Jasper’s fingers twitched. I could tell he understood I was not willing to give up my right.

Margaret let out a sharp breath through her nose, frustration flickering across her features. “That may be true, but ruling is more than just competence. Strength must be displayed.” She straightened, clasping her hands together in a show of composure. “The House of Godwin has long been a loyal ally to this Duchy. We are merely extending our hand in support during these uncertain times. Surely, your grace understands the wisdom in that?”