Chapter 4 - It was WINE?
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-Amoria Palace; Luxana's Room-
The soft light filtering through the delicate curtains bathed my room in a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. I was lost in my thoughts when the gentle knock of a maid broke the silence.
"You have a visitor worth so much more than you," she informed me, her tone a mix of formality and something else I couldn't quite place.
I merely nodded. My mind raced through the possibilities, but I was careful to keep my expression neutral.
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-In the Guest Room-
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so long," I admitted as I stepped into the room.
"SISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Isabella exclaimed, launching herself at me with an enthusiasm that caught me off guard. She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, her warmth enveloping me like a comforting blanket.
"Did you miss me, Sister?" she pressed, her voice a melodic blend of excitement and curiosity.
I managed a small smile, feeling the familiar mix of abhorrence and exasperation.
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Isabella, my step-sister and the Queen's biological daughter, was an epitome of mesmerizing beauty. Her luscious, pink lips evoked images of delicate roses, while her evergreen eyes sparkled like precious emeralds, enchanting all who dared to gaze into their depths. Crowning her angelic face was a flowing mane of light blonde hair, gleaming as if spun from golden sunlight itself. With each gentle sway of her head, the shimmering tresses seemed to whisper secrets of celestial allure. The soft, celestial glow of her porcelain skin danced gracefully in the light, radiating an aura of pure ethereal charm.
Her delicate features were perfectly sculpted, as if by the divine hand of an artistic master. High cheekbones graced her visage, emphasizing the elegance of her slender, swan-like neck. The gentle slope of her petite nose harmonized with the subtle curve of her Cupid's bow, while her brows arched with just the slightest hint of mystery. Her beauty was so magnetic, so utterly bewitching, that it seemed as though the heavens themselves conspired to create such an enchanting vision.
Isabella's smile was a radiant jewel, casting a spell of warmth and kindness upon all who witnessed its splendor. Like the sweet song of a siren, her melodic voice captivated the hearts of noblemen throughout the kingdom, ensnaring them in a web of desire. Even the most indifferent souls were powerless to resist the charm of this exquisite, divine maiden, their hearts aflutter with the first glimpse of her angelic face.
Her shy, demure nature only enhanced her allure, casting an irresistible mystique over those who watched her every move. With her delicate, graceful movements and regal bearing, it was no wonder that she left an indelible mark on the royal court, her presence forever etched into the hearts and minds of all who beheld her ethereal beauty.
But I'd hate to break to y'all; she frequently throws tantrums and demands attention since she is such a cry baby when it comes to things she doesn't get. Because of her extreme stubbornness and lack of willingness to compromise, she may be quite difficult to get along with at times. Trying to please her with every whim and mood fluctuation might get exhausting. It can be draining to deal with her continual need for approval and affirmation, particularly when she gets too worked up over trivial matters. To control her means to beg for your death. And don't even ask about pleasing her; I have no idea how the maids in charge manage it. It's the talk of the palace; every day, there'd be at least 10 servants being punished, fired, or sometimes even dead by her own hands. Oh well, of course, this information is kept top secret from the nobles; only the people inside the palace know about it.
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"C'mon sis, you're always like this, so cold!" Isabella exclaimed, her voice a mix of frustration and playful teasing. "You also lack the knowledge of how to respond appropriately when asked a question..."
"..." Yes at least I'm not like you, angel on the outside and devil on the inside. I thought as I stood there with a straight face.
She rolled her eyes dramatically, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, by the way, sis... where is he?"
There was a hint of concern in her voice, but I could sense the underlying suspicion lurking beneath her words.
I tilted my head to the right, maintaining my straight face. I had no intention of revealing anything. Pondering who she might be referring to.
"I'm talking to your lover who..."
"HUH?" I blurted out loud, unable to grasp the situation. The outburst seemed to freeze the entire room in an instant. Isabella, along with everything else, halted in motion. Time seemed to stand still, as if suspended in a moment of silence—not even a clock dared to tick, and no one dared to speak. An eerie stillness blanketed the space, leaving me utterly perplexed by the sudden shift in the atmosphere, but I was an exception to this.
I turned around, searching for answers, and there he was—the last person I expected to see, the person who had broken his promise. "Oh, what're you doing here?" I questioned, with an expressionless face and my voice barely above a whisper.
"Hehe, I told you I'd come get you last night, but... let's just say the circumstances didn't allow me to," Cillian confessed, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.
I raised an eyebrow, my gaze piercing into his. I could tell he was lying, but I chose not to call him out on it. Instead, I turned back to look at my sister, who was still frozen in place. Her expression was priceless, her hilarious face didn't wait an oust to make me smile. As Cillian stepped closer, curiosity flickering in his eyes, I.......
*Hug*
*Blush*
"Ugh, Ugh, wha-wha-what do you think you're doing Lux-Lux-Luxana"? he stuttered, his cheeks turning a shade of red.
"Demon Contractor, huh!" I exclaimed, my expression revealing my suspicion that something was amiss with him. It’s as if he has managed to freeze time, leaving only the two of us unaffected. It appears that he possesses a formidable demon as his ally. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I realized the extent of his abilities. It was clear that I was facing a deadly opponent.
"Ha-how'd you know"? he questioned, genuine astonishment etched across his features.
"Your heartbeat." I replied, my tone steady. "It's different from a normal human's." Now it's clear how he ended up finding my mother's keepsake.
"So you know about demons and their contractors"? He quizzed with a straight face, his eyes narrowing down on me.
"..."
He sighed, breaking the tension. "Whatever, let's go."
"Where to?" I tilted my head slightly, curiosity piqued.
"Anywhere but here," he replied, casting a disgusted glance around the room. It was pink oriented, he must definately dislike it.
I couldn't help but giggle at his dramatic flair.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm busy right now, please come back tonight if possible." I said with a smile.
He hesitated for a moment, then relented. "Fine, but I want you ready by the time I'm here to get you." I nodded, and as he turned to leave, the air around us shifted, time unfreezing with a rush of sound and movement.
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Isabella's words pierced through the commotion, exclaiming, "...just bombarded our father's birthday banquet!" This statement jolted me back to the reality of our situation.
A smirk played at my lips as I recalled my duty to entertain our guest. Isabella's dumb, so she definately wouldn't have realised, time had halted and my position glitched. I'm certain about it.
With a gentle brush of her hair and a warm smile, I sat beside her on the bed, our heads touching lightly. "You've got it all wrong, my little one," I said convincingly. "He was here for you." Isabella's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. "Ma-me? Wha-Why me"? she stuttered, her shyness evident.
"Didn't you see? The way he was looking at you when Father was yelling at him," I asked, trying to steer her thoughts in a different direction.
"Ah...he was...looking at me...and not Father?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course! The smile on his face was his way of soothing his eagerness to meet you, the beloved princess of the Holy Kingdom of Domino. Who wouldn't fall in love with you, Isabella?" I asked, watching as her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.
"You really think so?" she asked, her eyes wide with hope.
"Well, here's my theory: We still don't know if the two individuals who were instantly slain were Elmirian or Dominions. If they prove to be Dominions, then it’s obvious; he showed up to our father's birthday celebration without notice, eager and anxious to see the rumored flower of paradise behind the curtains. Because—come on—who wouldn't fall in love with you, Isabella?" I added, watching her blush deepen. "And what if those two wanted to harm, murder, or even take you captive? He must have evaluated the situation and taken action to keep you safe."
"Oh, oh, do you really think so, sister? Could he have really come for me?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Watching her with a mixture of scorn and amusement, I couldn't help but think to myself, How incredibly naïve... A sinister grin played at the corners of my mouth.
"Of course, there's none other than our lovely Isabella deserving of him, no?" I replied, offering her a soft smile.
"Hehe, of course, you're right! Why else would he come other than to see me?" she exclaimed, her happiness radiating like sunlight.
But then her expression shifted, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "Oh, but sister, I hope there's nothing between the two of you, 'cause if there is, it'd be a shame to the whole nation, don't you agree?" she said, her tone suddenly serious.
"Of-of course. I'll definitely keep that in mind," I stammered, recognizing the thinly veiled warning behind her words. She wasn't asking me to stay away from him for the sake of the nation or my reputation whatsoever—rather, she was warning me not to meddle in their burgeoning connection, lest it be severed before it had a chance to blossom and as if my involvement could jeopardize her chances with him.
"Very well then, sister, I'll take my leave. I'm very, very, very, very sorry if I disturbed you," she said, her innocent and captivating gaze disarming me.
"Oh, of course not. Please visit me again sometime," I said, smiling as I escorted her to the entrance gate. "Please take care and come visit again."
"Yes, you too," she replied, her kind smile melting the hearts of the servants behind me.
Haa..................................Thank God it's over. I was getting worried that she might suspect me even more than she is doing right now. Luckily I handled the situation well.
With a small smile, I settled back into my thoughts, knowing that the delicate balance of our lives was ever so fragile.
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-Amoria Palace; Luxana's room-
*Click*
*Clack*
The door creaked open, and in stepped a maid, her expression twisted with anger. "You insolent B*tch!" she spat, her hand lashing out and striking me across the face.
I remained silent, my cheek stinging from the impact. Aaa...she's the maid from earlier that day. The one who I slapped, before going to the Banquet.
"What? Did you think I wouldn't take my vengeance?" she hissed, her eyes burning with fury. "BECAUSE OF YOU, we were beaten with sticks at least 50 times! And now look at how sore my body's gotten." She held up her hands, revealing the angry red welts that marred her skin.
Ow, too bad. It doesn't seem like it'll heal anytime soon. Oh well, they deserved it.
"Just 'cause I spilled some wine on you, and you think you can do this to me?" she cried, her voice laced with accusation.
WINE? It was WINE? The liquid she spilled on me was wine and not juice? Wait....then why'd it taste like cranberry then?
"Ah, I'm so sorry *hick* I didn't know they'd hurt you soo much *cries* Ahh I feel so guilty! *wailing*" my expression crumpled, and I broke down into fake tears.
"Ugh, st-stop crying! If anyone would hear you, I'd be in big trouble!" the maid exclaimed anxiously, glancing around the room.
*Luxana wails even louder*
"I'm so so so sorry, *bawling* Ahhhh"
"Alright fine. I forgive you!!!! Now just shut up and get up! And don't cause unnecessary fuss." Ugh, If I get entangled with this princess again, God knows what she'll do to get me dead. It's best to just stay away from her and be on good terms. I don't want to go through that harsh beating again *shivers*.
"Tha-thank you.......I'll....I'll ask the butler to arrange some ointment for you......" I sniffled, my tears slowly subsiding.
"No need," she retorts, waving off my offer. "Do you want us dead or what?"
"Of-of course not!" I exclaim, my eyes wide with mock innocence.
"Ugh, alright, whatever," she mutters, her anger subsiding. "I'm leaving."
As she turns to leave, I call out to her, "Um, I had a question..."
"My name's Myla, if that's what you're going to ask," she sighs, glancing over her shoulder.
"Um, no," I reply, maintaining my facade. "I wanted to know where you got the wine you spilled on me from?"
"Oh, I found it in the basement a few days ago," she admits. Why'd she be asking that? Well, whatever, none of my concerns. As long as she's quiet I don't need anything else. She thought.
"Oh, alright. Thank you, Myla," I say with a soft smile, watching as she blushes and leaves the room.
*Door Closes*
*Luxana plops onto her bed*
Wine..................wine................................wine.........................Why's there wine in this abandoned Castle in the first place? And to add on, it's Cranberry? Something's fishy.
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To be Continued...