The Duke's Second Lady

Summary

I was merely a consort in the Duke's household, but His Grace doted on his Duchess, disregarding all others. The Duchess, however, was consumed by her affection for the Duke, utterly neglecting the management of the inner court. Thus, the authority of the household slipped from her grasp, and I became the de facto mistress of the estate. Later, when the Duke first ascended to the throne as King, his loyal courtiers presented me as their choice for Queen. I, once a mere consort, became his Queen, taking my place at the heart of the royal court. And the proud Lady of the House, who had once looked down upon me, was relegated to the very position she despised: a lesser consort.