Liliette blinked, struggling to process Ingrid’s words.
“M-Me… a lady-in-waiting… to Your Highness?” she stammered.
“Yes. And as soon as I become Crown Princess, I will bestow a title upon you. You shall be both Duchess Liliette de Winter and Countess Isles. I’ll even grant you land—fertile land!”
Liliette’s mind reeled at the enormity of it all. Ingrid, clearly enjoying the shock on her face, laughed heartily and leaned back in her chair.
“I did the same for my other ladies-in-waiting. Though they only became baronesses, having their own land and title gave them power. It’s quite useful when dealing with troublesome husbands or fathers. Men need to feel threatened to behave properly. You have to keep a tight leash on them.”
She failed to mention the uproar that ensued in the imperial court every time she bestowed titles upon her ladies-in-waiting. It didn’t matter to her; she did as she pleased.
“My own land and title…” Liliette murmured.
