…

Amirya shifted in the comfortable bed, ill at ease.

Between the memory and reality, a man’s voice called her name.

“Father?” She exclaimed, sitting up. “Ah - this, this wasn’t on purpose…”

“I already know,” he responded. Galien stood near the foot of her bed. The royal physician shifted uneasily behind him, head bowed. Estel stood near her bedside stoically which contrasted her sweet and gentle spirit, and Yanafir stood next to the nanny, head bowed.

The physician, though, appeared frightened and aggrieved, his aura fizzed with red-orange colors. He probably found Amirya not worth the trouble she brought him lately.

“It is the physician who is lacking.” There it was. Galien sent a sharp glance to the physician who bowed deeper. Amirya had meant her exclamation, but he thought she meant her fainting.

“There… there is no apparent cause for her body to act like this, per… perhaps she has ingested something-” The man defended himself.

“Are you suggesting someone poisoned the princess or are you suggesting Her Highness the Princess doesn’t know the difference between edible and inedible food?” Estel coldly berated him.

“H-Her Highness, she…” the physician trailed off. Undoubtedly, he recalled the times Amirya intentionally injured herself.

“How dare you offset blame to my daughter when it’s your incompetence showing?” Galien said. “If you’re incapable, I will find someone capable of this position. Leave and be silent of this, unless you dislike having a tongue and hands.”

Oof, Amirya jerked slightly from the comment, this is a medieval-like fantasy, I guess. She had been exposed to talk like that before in this life, but it hit differently after living in a modern world. A small sense of guilt permeated her when she realized she didn’t truly care what happened to the physician. That’s why I’m a petty villainess and not the main character.

An awkward silence followed once the man scurried away. Galien cleared his throat.

“Valerian has arrived in the capital,” He said stiffly. “Shall I have him called for?”

Amirya tensed up momentarily with wide eyes; her instinct was to vehemently decline and that would have been too abnormal of behavior. Before, Amirya would have lit up immediately and enthusiastically agreed. The incident at the ceremony was the perfect excuse to force him to see her. As Amirya stared into her father’s eyes, the realization that this was a kind regard from him made her uncomfortable.

Galien engaged the two before they ever met. At their first meeting, when Amirya was ten and Valerian twelve, Valer showed perfect noble etiquette to his fiancée. In other words - he exhibited a respectful, attentive, and amiable attitude. That was all it took for Amirya’s infatuation to ignite. By nature, the girl fixated on things she liked and did whatever she needed to possess it. Valerian may have been her fiancée, but she felt the need to monopolize him. In the beginning, he dealt with her clingy, rude conduct rather smoothly.

The insidious gossip of the nobility never stopped. Valerian’s mother, Lord and Commander of the Northern Dukedom, Juniper Beaumont, was Galien’s half-sister and his only surviving sibling. Valerian, after the Galien’s children, was next in succession for the throne, which meant everyone saw him as a potential competitor.

When the engagement to the princess went public, uncontrollable rumors circulated: the current prince may not satisfy the king. Amirya never minded the details, and in her ignorance and desire for him, cavalierly mentioned he was the most suited for the throne. His expression when he looked at her haunted her. He turned aloof and austere from then on. The perceived rejection propelled her into full obsession. Her antics worsened - she tormented and targeted anyone close to him, even his siblings.

There was a lifetime between then and now. She had viewed their relationship as a third party spectator, and while feelings still stirred, it was over the fact she failed to obtain the thing she wanted. Mostly, though, only a sense of indignation remained, because she did not deserve the way he treated her after such a trivial comment, especially his treatment in public.

“Um…” Amirya stuttered. “Well, Father, perhaps right now is not good… I’m having this sickness, after all, so… I’m unsightly… and I need to prepare for my débutante soon, before the start of school. Oh!”

Amirya flung her legs over the side of the bed to stand up, but Estel placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her sitting. Children of the nobility debuted anywhere between the ages of thirteen and twenty one, but for a princess, nineteen was rather late. Nevertheless, it still should happen prior to the start of school. Galien had moved closer reflexively when she moved. Amirya reached out and caught one of his rough hands with hers and spoke with determination, “Father! I know what I want for my débutante, and only you can give it to me.”

How perfect that he came to see me. I need to talk to him about several things.

Galien blinked at the sudden sparkle in her eye. The corner of his mouth twitched up with mild amusement, “Yes? What is that?”

“Father,” she squeezed his hand, “please escort me on my nineteenth birthday. Nanny said that a débutante is not just a presentation into high society but a symbolic graduation from adolescence to adulthood. I’ve behaved better lately - just ask Nanny, she’ll tell you. It won’t be an embarrassment to present me to society. So, I think-”

Amirya cut herself off when Galien placed his other hand on top of hers.

Damn it, I should have put my thoughts together first, I ended up rambling - Amirya’s stomach twisted into a knot, and she swallowed her saliva. Is he going to reject me? Am I not worthy of his time at all? Screw you, I didn’t even want to ask…

Emotions collided and fought each other in a storm inside of her; she hadn’t spent time to understand how she felt about her father. On one hand, she hated him for neglecting her, and on the other, a part of her still yearned for his affection. The memory was heavy in her head - she knew that he was bedridden and unable to help her at that time, thanks to the novel. It did nothing to help her complicated emotions.

And now, Amirya bit her lip in agitation, she needed him. If the king escorted her on her débutante, her social standing would experience a positive impact.

People wanted to sneer at her, and they would - if Galien did not agree to this. She could wear his attention like armor. If Valer escorted her, he would do nothing to shield her. In fact, he would most likely point out her flaws and reprimand her character instead of those who’d mock her. People already loved to giggle about his disdain toward her. Galien and Estel shared a disbelieving look with one another.

Yeah, they might think I was possessed if I suddenly asked for him to annul the engagement. I’ll figure out how to work up to it.

“Do you truly wish that?” Galien asked.

Amirya’s heart leaped with hope, “Yes!”

Galien patted her hand that was still sandwiched between his. “Child,” he said sternly, “is this why you’ve been so quiet? To ask such a thing?”

Amirya’s heart sank again. “No - I mean,” she stuttered, then sat straighter and cleared her throat, “I will continue to behave, even after.”

Galien chuckled, “Well, how could I deny a coming of age request? Do you desire anything else?”

That easy? Amirya turned her gaze to his aura core; the wisps that came off it danced in pink and purple shades. As she soaked its presence in and felt the impression of his emotions, a sense of bewilderment overtook her. This man was pleased right now.

“I have one more,” Amirya said slowly. “But can I ask another time?”

I need to ask for a knight when no one else is around, not even nanny.

“Sure,” Galien answered. “I’ll be sending doctors to you. Behave well.”

“Yes, of course,” Amirya said, shock still not worn off.

Estel covered her mouth and chuckled, “You are always the most pleasant when you get your way, Princess.”

Amirya pouted.

“Thank you for your visit, Your Majesty.” Estel formerly bowed to him. “May the sun continue to shine on you.”

Galien nodded and left for the door without another word. When the door opened, Raven came into view before disappearing behind the king. Amirya stilled. He was always cordial with her, and his sincerity helped her all these years. And in the little pieces of him that appeared in her memories, it stayed that way even as everything worsened.

He had joined the Imperial Guard five years ago when Amirya was thirteen. He quickly earned Galien’s favor and rose all the way to the Golden Guard vice captain, a position much too high to escort the disdainful princess. But he always offered. All this time, Amirya only looked at Valerian. A strong emotion twinged at her heart and brought forth a flashing image.

She, behind the bars of the prison and him, on the other side. But her emotion here was that of solace and immeasurable gratitude. She knew she did not have the constitution to grab these memories and pull them to her, so she released them.

Her head pounded in objection, so she pressed her knuckles into her temple to relieve the tension. Emotions create pathways to recalling these things…

A complete second did not pass before Estel had Amirya in her grasp with an anxious look, even Yanafir exuded a concerned deposition.

“It’s fine - it’s fine.” Amirya stated quickly. “I’m fine. Just a little headache. That’s all.”

Estel moved away to start making a medicinal tea.

“Nanny, I’m going to attend the family dinner this weekend,” the princess suddenly announced. I need to stagger my requests, and for this one, the Queen can’t sabotage it.

Estel spilt the tiniest bit of tea over the edge, her eyes wide.

….

Amirya underestimated dinner.

Her hands trembled in her lap, but she withheld from lowering her chin. Across the table, Queen Corentine sat with her lady-in-waiting Petra Kayd behind her. Corentine boasted a graceful ambiance and beauty with warm beige skin and dark golden hair with a marmalade orange undertone parted in the middle. Her bangs were braided back with two pieces loose to frame her face; the rest of her hair left down and reached her hips.

Purple and gold eyeliner highlighted her jade green eyes while a string of crystals twinkled around her forehead with a few strings hanging down at the temples. A purple satin dress wrapped around her chest, cinched with a golden wire corset with more jeweled strings outlining around her hips and outer thighs and draped, open sleeves that hung off her shoulders like a cape and tightened around her wrists. Gold bands twisted around her upper arms, and a simple crystal choker rested on her neck. Her aura core twisted in on itself, the center a cadmium yellow with apricot orange ends. Her aura stayed in a state of chaos.

To her right, Crown Prince Cassivan sat with considerably less poise. He slouched in his chair, one arm relaxed over the back of it. His head was slightly cocked as he sent a critical look to his half sister. His skin was darker than his mother’s, closer to their father’s tone, and his hair also resembled Corentine’s - a golden color but with a honey orange hue. It was cut in a long shaggy mullet.

A white, deep open v-neck reached beneath his chest, the string to lace it up left untied while the sleeves sat big and loose on his arms. An orange vest with intricate gold embroidery was on top, a matching earring dangled with an orange tassel, gold bead, and purple gem. His aura had inverted colors compared to the queen, a tangerine orange center with mustard yellow edges. The most striking feature was his bright purple eyes, a marker of Aureliun royalty and a resemblance of Galien. Amirya hated his eyes. She despised these people.

Petra, who stood behind the Queen with a haughty smirk, was one of four ladies-in-waiting to Corentine. Amirya sat rigidly. Her muscles ached from how tightly her body coiled. A part inside her screamed and wanted to throw the plates at their heads. An involuntary shiver sneaked up her spine at the memory of Petra holding that cane with unexpected strength, fighting for dominance over the image of Cassivan turning his back to her at the post.

“Oh my - little princess, you look paler than usual. Are you perhaps still sick?” Corentine called with a toxic-sweet voice. The smile on her face did not reach her eyes.

Amirya caught a scoff in her throat and answered tersely, “I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

Cassivan’s nose twitched like he witnessed something unpleasant. He leaned forward and spoke as though it was to himself, “It must be true that the energy backlash fried your brain. What? You’re trying to act like a lady all of the sudden?”

The talk of her new attitude after the ceremony twisted into a ‘fried brain,’ then. Worse things could have spread. Zee’s adopted little brothers came to mind. They were little terrors, but they’d hang off her like monkeys and beg her to make them cookies. She only opened her heart fully to her adoptive mothers after those brats wormed their way in first and taught her how to love.

Her heart twisted terribly. Cassivan never acted like a brother, and he certainly never loved her. He glared at her when no reply came.

“Amirya,” Corentine called casually, “I hear you’re attending the academy next month. With all that happened, everyone would understand if you waited a year or even chose not to go at all. After all, it’s not like anyone expects, or wants, the princess to join expeditions or fight in the Never-Ending war. In fact, I barely slept the last two nights just thinking about you. I have so much anxiety. The Academy is not a place for a frail girl like yourself.”

“Frail?” Cassivan muttered. He rolled his eyes and held back snicker. While Corentine used a serpentine approach, the prince was simply loutish in his bullying.

“Oh,” Corentine called thoughtfully, “and then your débutante is just around the corner before the start of school. That’s a bit much to handle, isn’t it? Well, after you’re introduced as an adult, you really only need to concern yourself with the education of managing a household. Ah, but not even that, you’ll have people do it for you, surely. They probably don’t even want their structure touched by outsiders in the north. Really, there’s no reason to worry your pretty head about a thing.”

In other words, stay ignorant. Don’t even spend time thinking, is that it?

Corentine hailed from the Southern Dukedom, the Rivertill household, and they voiced their discontent with Amirya’s marriage often and rather loudly. They, especially Duke Rivertill, loathed that the king’s nephew was betrothed to the kingdom’s princess. Not only did it strengthen Valer’s stance, but it legitimized any children they produced as potential heirs. Galien appeased them by declaring the engagement to last until Amirya’s twenty second birthday. Had her groom been anyone else, Corentine would have already pushed her into the marriage to rid of her.

Amirya wanted to laugh at how obvious everything was this entire time. The world wasn’t against her, Corentine was. The world didn’t abandon her, her father did. Duke Rivertill thirsted for power, money, territory, so he was content to allow his emotionally driven daughter to act as she pleased toward the consort and princess. Besides, there was no tactical use to the princess for them.

Nanny was the only one who protected me, which is why - Amirya stared into her stepmother’s eyes, careful to hold back her distaste, - she was framed for a crime that would expel her. Honestly, it was not necessary to bother with a princess like her, but Amirya’s existence itself was a wound to Corentine’s pride.

“Just go to Beaumont’s estate and be their eyesore already,” Cassivan teased.

Amirya refrained so much with Corentine that her bitter sibling rivalry sprang forth and caught her tongue, “Eyesore? More like an eye blessing, unlike you.”

Cassivan fake gagged, about to retort, but Corentine frowned harshly, “Refined noble women ought to act humble and soft-spoken. I knew you never took to the etiquette lessons, but as a princess, you…”

“His Majesty, the King Galien Aurelius enters,” the servant at the door yelled.

The three stood up, and Galien waved his hand.

Without looking at any of them, he sat and immediately drank from his wine glass. His hair was loose today and hung around his shoulders; little red droplets of wine beaded in his beard. The servant stepped forward and refilled the cup. Even though his attire was simple and there were few accessories, a noble air still clung around him. His aura showed deep agitation, and Amirya was careful not to shrink away in response.

“Has it been a long day, Your Majesty?” Corentine said, smiled, and tilted forward to touch his forearm with her long fingers.

“Yes.” He said curtly. A servant cut the main meat dish, placed slices on the King’s plate first, and moved near the queen to continue. “What discussion was had here while I made you wait?”

Cassivan spoke immediately with a laugh, “Rya was praising her own looks.”

The veins in Amirya’s neck twitched. “Don’t call me that. And,” she remarked, then faced her father, “I was told not to attend the Royal Academy.”

“Don’t misinterpret my words,” Corentine said, voice the epitome of patience and maturity all while venom dripped from her spirit. When someone was agitated, static ran through their aura as if to impose itself onto others, like a cat on its haunches with a bushy tail.

“Of course. The Queen was anxious for me and said I did not need to attend if I didn't want to.” Amirya calmly retorted.

“That’s fine,” the King said dismissively. The queen smiled wide, her aura vibrating.

“Wouldn’t it be better if you left for the Beaumont estate instead?” Cassivan said patronizingly. He obviously did not understand why his mother would want Amirya in the palace rather than out. “All your tutors fretted over your inability, and your nanny never tamed you, either.”

Throughout her childhood, Corentine and Cassivan utilized words to torment her and reveal Galien’s apathy towards her position. They remained careful not to push too far in front of him. She expected hostility to engulf their spirits, but Corentine was only annoyed while Cassivan was pleased with the situation. They viewed themselves as cats playing with a mouse, but Amirya felt like a stranger watching the scene unfold.

“Yes, Older Brother is right. I’m lacking in many ways, and my unruly behavior has held me back quite a bit.” Amirya turned to Galien. “That’s why I think it is important to attend the Academy.”

“That’s also fine,” Galien nodded.

Cassivan’s face contorted like he ate something sour. ‘Older Brother’ he mouthed to himself. When Amirya locked eyes with him, he checked his peripheral for Galien, and then stuck his tongue out and gagged. My nine year old brother was more mature than this twenty two year old idiot.

“Tame is too harsh,” Corentine gently chided Cassivan. “Amirya isn’t an animal. Really, it’s not her fault; this happens when one’s origins are a bit murky.”

The two definitely wanted to antagonize Amirya into misbehaving. A jab at Vuschia always did the trick, typically bringing forth a violent reaction. Vuschia Forcrest was the illegitimate child of Count Forcrest, a County that technically belonged to the northern territory but sat low and to the east, a contested area between the two dukedoms’ regions.

Amirya’s hand froze, her fork embedded into a cherry tomato. It wasn’t until she looked at a map of the kingdom that she noted land named the Witch’s forest in the northeast of the kingdom, not far from the Forcrest County. Why did I not put that together faster? If mother was a witch, and…

Her thoughts trailed off when she noted the pleased smirk on the queen’s face.

“Such a thing reminds me, Father,” Amirya said calmly. Galien kept chewing his food but looked at her for the first time. A sense of her insignificance poked at her. “My maids. Can’t I change them around a bit? It’s true I’m unrefined so why make some of the higher class maids suffer? They were trained directly by the Queen’s servants, after all. They should serve another palace.”

The drop of Corentine’s mouth at the suggestion gratified Amirya enormously. Corentine paused, deliberated over her response, and responded before Galien, “Amirya, I picked out your maids. Perhaps you didn’t realize. How are they lacking? I will deal with it for you.”

“It’s the opposite, Queen.” The best title for Amirya to call Corentine was ‘Royal Mother,’ but she never once wanted to, and Corentine never suggested it. ‘Queen’ was more informal than Her Majesty, but Amirya did not respect her enough to call her that - or to add ‘my’ to the title. “They’re too… distinguished for me, often speaking on my behalf or telling me how to think about things.”

Amirya held Corentine’s gaze. Corentine knew while everyone whispered about Amirya’s new collected demeanor, the princess acted sharper with her maids, not calmer. Restrained.

“How arrogant. Release them and I’ll make sure they are reeducated to proper palace behavior.” Corentine gave in easily. Her thoughts were obvious; she would simply replace them with more of her people.

“Thank you.” Amirya returned to Galien before Corentine spoke again. “Baroness Estel Farena could pick some maids after assigning a lady-in-waiting.”

Corentine straightened and immediately yelled, “Amirya–”

Galien raised his hand and silenced the room.

“The princess’s débutante is less than two weeks,” he said with an aggressive stare toward Corentine.

“...Yes,” she answered.

“Yet there is no lady-in-waiting.”

“Your Majesty, because I have been carefully considering a wide variety of qualified girls…” the frown pulled at Corentine’s face.

“The palace settled, food and items ordered,” his voice sounded bored but a hint of annoyance peeked through. “Do you intend to embarrass the royal family by having the princess lacking in front of my kingdom? None of the tasks which were managed by you, either.”

A cold chill pricked Amirya’s skin. Normally, she’d relish that Corentine was reprimanded, but she caught things she wouldn’t have before. The Royal Family. The princess. My Kingdom. His words removed all attachment to her. Never ‘my daughter.’ The concern exhibited on her behalf was not for her but for whatever could reflect onto him or the Aureliun royalty.

“Of course not… that’s why it must be perfect, of course. My King, if I have disappointed you in any way, I will fix it. But I haven’t heard a word from you. I assumed you understood I was carefully taking my time for this matter.” Corentine kept a neutral expression as she spoke.

“Of course,” Galien mocked her words. “Should I specify that you should perform your duties? If you don’t want to be bothered, fine. Minister Vonne or another official can oversee the tasks. Disappointment? I don’t have the time for such a thing. But if the image of the royal family falters due to your oversights, I will make time.”

Galien wiped his mouth with his napkin and tossed it on the table. His tone and face were composed, but his aura buzzed in exasperation. Corentine forced a humble smile on while rage pulsated from a dark red halo inside her.

Cassivan bristled. His vexed expression matched his aura, “Father-”

“Quiet,” Corentine quietly snapped at him.

“The baroness will handle the maids and lady-in-waiting for the princess. It’s beneath the queen to handle such trivial affairs. Isn’t it?”

Corentine took a moment to breathe before she agreed solemnly. She was angry at her miscalculation in her approach, but she did not let it out. Cassivan’s red wisped away; he agreed with his father’s choice of words and thought the obligation to manage Amirya’s affairs should not fall on his mother. Cassivan liked to rile her up, but he didn’t care for her beyond that; the disdain he showed was an extension of his mother’s feelings. For the rest of the meal, Amirya mentally checked out and ignored any goading attempts. An uncomfortable silence engulfed dinner, but it seemed to affect the servants the most.

I probably shouldn’t be amused by that, Amirya had a small bit of pity for the workers in the room.

A servant placed dessert dishes in front of them individually, a chocolate jelly. When Cassivan first guided a spoonful to his mouth, it flopped out. Amirya bit her lip harshly to avoid outright laughter, and her eyes shined full of glee in his direction. He glared back and cocked his head as if to dare her to say something. Amirya shrugged blithely and dug her spoon in. As she brought it to her lips, it floundered out and splattered on the plate.

“...”

Cassivan snorted. “School will do you some good, it appears.”

“Shall you go back with me, then?” she shot back.

Galien covered his mouth with his napkin and closed his eyes.