In the Doghouse - Chapter 57
As Courtney checked the names on each invitation, Madam Berricker added a piece of advice.
“As Your Highness already knows, it would be wise to maintain a balance of power. It’s best not to be seen favoring only high-ranking nobles. It would be better to visit a variety of circles.”
Although Courtney wanted to respond that she didn’t care at all about the nobles’ power struggles, she bit her tongue. Madam Berricker likely didn’t expect her to actually know all the intricacies of such matters anyway.
Holding the invitations, Courtney once again opened the copy of the noble register. It was filled with her tiny notes, recording essential details: which families were related to the imperial family, which houses were loyal to the Crown Prince, and even the intricate relationships between them all.
It would have been easier if the factions were clearly divided, but things were far more complicated. For example, while House Wrighton’s estate was in the east, the duchy was not on good terms with other eastern houses—apparently due to a conflict between ancestors nearly 300 years ago. Frankly, Courtney couldn’t care less about such ancient disputes.
“Offering small gifts to a select few might work as well. It would make them compete with each other.”
Madam Berricker suggested, continuing to offer advice as Courtney agonized over sorting the invitations. Madam Berricker was more of an advisor than a mere chief lady-in-waiting, but Courtney needed to find new people to help ease the burden.
Finally, she had narrowed the invitations down to less than half. Even for those she wouldn’t attend, she planned to send handwritten replies—though she wasn’t sure how long she could keep that up.
Just as she was about to take a breath, there was a knock at the door. Courtney, confused as she wasn’t expecting anyone else, raised an eyebrow. Hansen opened the door, and Richard poked his head in.
Of course. His patience had clearly run out. He had been holding back for a while, but it seemed that was over.
Courtney scowled visibly, making no effort to hide her displeasure. She had no intention of jumping up to greet him warmly. Without even looking at him, she coldly asked,
“What do you want?”
“How about we have some tea together and relax a bit…”
“I’ve already had tea.”
She shook her empty teacup dismissively. Despite her blatant rebuff, Richard remained undeterred.
As he entered the room, Hansen discreetly slipped out, followed by Madam Berricker, who couldn’t bring herself to mention reconciliation but also knew it wouldn’t help for word to spread that the couple was at odds.
Richard’s arrival had interrupted her work yet again, and as soon as the door shut, Courtney snapped,
“Have I not said multiple times that I don’t want to see you?”
“Courtney, I’ll accept any punishment. But this…”
Richard’s brows furrowed, and his expression turned pleading. After a week of being ignored by her, he was burning up inside. His eyes were full of longing, but her gaze remained cold. Her voice was sharper than a winter breeze.
“Don’t you have a lot of work to do, Your Highness? As you can see, I’m busy, so please leave.”
“Courtney…”
Richard took a step closer, but she turned her head away. He circled the desk to stand beside her, leaning down to meet her gaze.
“I’m sorry. I was foolish.”
Courtney looked him straight in the eye, trying to gauge his sincerity. His blue eyes were serious, more so than she had ever seen. When she didn’t respond immediately, Richard quickly continued.
“I never meant to disregard you. I just didn’t want you to struggle because of our marriage…”
“I know.”
She cut him off sharply. She hadn’t felt disrespected or ignored. However…
“But you should’ve at least consulted me first. Did you really think no one would find out?”
“I thought it would happen soon anyway…”
“And who decided that?”
She scoffed, more like someone pouting than truly angry, which made Richard smile slightly—though he quickly hid it before she noticed.
Courtney glanced up at him again. Truthfully, her anger had already faded. She understood that his actions had been out of concern for her, and after experiencing how overwhelming the work was, she couldn’t entirely blame him.
But she couldn’t let this slide easily. She had spent enough time suffering because of irresponsible family members, and she wouldn’t allow her husband to add to that. In a stern voice, she instructed,
“Sit down.”
Richard did as she asked, sitting on the desk so that their eyes were level. Courtney continued,
“Don’t ever do something like that again. Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was in front of the Emperor?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“If it happens again, I swear…”
“I promise it won’t.”
Richard nodded earnestly, looking serious. He had only wanted her to enjoy life rather than be buried in work, but now he understood that he had underestimated her sense of responsibility. And seeing her take on her role so earnestly made him admire her even more.
The atmosphere between them had warmed, but just when Richard thought everything was settled, Courtney quickly added,
“I haven’t forgiven you yet.”
“Courtney…”
“Come to my chambers tonight. I’m going to make you regret it.”
“Courtney—!”
Richard pulled her into a tight embrace, much like an oversized dog overjoyed to see its owner again. With her chin resting on his shoulder, Courtney allowed herself a slight smile. He could be surprisingly cute, after all.
As Richard pressed against her, she pinched his backside hard enough to make him wince.
