Chapter 4: Strong Personality
I glided down the deep blue halls. The Red silken chiffon skirts of my evening gown caressing my long legs as I walked. My long black hair which cascaded down my back blew gently behind me like ribbons in the wind as I went, and the lights of the hall reflected off the dark strands, making them appear even darker than usual.
I'd chosen a gorgeous strapless red gown that shimmered with every step I took. It clung to my curves perfectly and made me feel like a goddess; one that made my skin glow like a sunset, with its bright colors and intricate patterns.
The only sound that rattled across the hallway was the clacking sound of my heels against the polished floorboards which was accompanied by my soft humming, which filled the air as I strode forward.
As soon as I came to stop before the door of the royal dining, the two guards who guarded the doors heavily gave me a customary bow before returning to their stoic position.
I was about to move closer to the door when one of the guards stepped forward to block me.
"Milady, we received an order from his highness that you shouldn't be allowed outside your room. What if I escort you back, Milady? The man spoke sternly and held out an arm to block me again.
I stared him dead in the eyes, letting my gaze hold him there until he looked away, flustered.
" I hate repeating myself twice. Open the door" I said flatly, my voice holding no emotion at all.
The guard hesitated, but then they slowly turned to open the door when my cold voice cut through their hesitation.
"Don't!
"Move aside," I said with a hint of irritation in my voice as I impatiently gestured forward and swung the door open with my two arms.
The creaking sound of the door swinging open echoed throughout the dining room before me, cutting the tension in the air like an icy knife. I ignored the shocked look of the two guards who had blocked my entrance earlier as I faced the large room that lay before me.
The room was decorated extravagantly with beautiful floral patterns on the walls and furniture. The floors were a pure white marble, infused with grey veins running through them. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung in the center of the ceiling.
My eyes drifted towards the large long table set in the middle of the room, where my father with his 'supposed' wife and her two daughters sat.
I stood rigidly as I watched the four of them staring back at me. Their stares ranged from shock and disbelief to utter surprise.
I let out a soft scoff of contempt as I glared at my father's "wife" for what seemed like hours. The way I was trying so hard to maintain a blank expression, despite looking as though I wanted nothing more than to wipe those smug looks right off her face!
My face was void of any emotions, as I calmly strode towards my usual seat at the opposite end of the table.
When I neared, I saw the way they all stiffened up and leaned forward slightly in their seats.
My gaze didn't waver for one second from my father as I slid into my seat and crossed my legs elegantly.
A silence hung over the group for another moment after I sat down. I could see the confusion written all over my father's face, and could almost imagine the thought process going through his head.
"Speak of the devil-"
"And she will appear" I finished the sentence softly, smiling wryly at my stepsister's remark.
"Well, aren't you just a sight for sore eyes? Hana, the second child of her mother, drawled as I studied her closely. She was wearing a pink dress with heavy makeup as usual.
She rolled her eyes as she continued speaking " I thought you were strictly forbidden from hovering around here".
At that, my smile disappeared and I frowned at the comment. My eyes flickered toward her in annoyance.
"Look at what we have here..." I grinned mischievously. " I almost got blinded by your heavy makeup. Thanks to the illuminating light from the chandelier, I couldn't distinguish which one shone brighter than the other. Wearing heavy makeup won't cover your ugly features."
"You know I mean no harm. Why don't you apply for a makeup session under my tutelage? I stated as I folded my hands neatly on the table.
"Thea! a feminine voice cooed.
"And how may I help you, Amelia? I ignored the sarcasm dripping from my words and focused my attention once again on Hana's older sister.
Years ago, my father had issued a decree that I was only to remain in her room without stepping out. The only freedom I was granted was the limited hours I spent around the palace. I remembered questioning my father concerning his orders, but the king had told me it was for my protection. For my own safety.
I quickly believed my father, thinking it was for my safety. It even made my love for him grow even stronger...
It was not until I discovered the true intentions behind the motive, with my father's mistress being the co-pilot. He was made to believe I was an embodiment of a bad omen since I was born the day the great war happened. He was told I also ripped off my mother's life when I was born.
I was branded the unlucky child. The doom bringer. So keeping me around would only taint his image. All those lies were the plans orchestrated by them to keep me hidden away. Forever… till I was silently married off, While they enjoyed the bliss of their new marriage.
"How dare you come here without the king's invitation! Melina, my father's mistress, cried out, as though trying to get herself attention.
" How could thou make a derogatory sentence in my father's house? I replied.
" What do we owe for this visit? the king asked, ignoring our outburst.
"This is not a visit, Father. I have come to notify you that I'm not liable to your decree anymore."
Silence descended on the group once again at my statement. My father's eyes were narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, as though trying not to let anything show on his face.
"I-"
"Father, you can't keep restraining me forever. If there's anyone who needs more restraints, it should be the two of them" I cut off his statement, pointing at my two sisters.
" You betrayed my trust for you, Father... Just like you betrayed mom" I murmured bitterly, shaking my head slightly.
An unknown feeling crawled up his throat, threatening to choke him. He felt helpless at my words, as though they were a whip whipping at his back.
The atmosphere around us became suffocating, yet, it felt like nothing compared to the anguish and pain I had bottled up inside my heart for years.
"I'm done eating" I took a glass of wine and gulped down the whole content in one swift motion.
I excused myself from the table and took a final glance at my father who was lost in the ocean of his own thoughts as I made my way toward the door.
" Remember your wedding is coming up next week" my father's voice stopped me from leaving the room.
I turned around slowly, a look of indifference plastered onto my face " So I heard..." I answered nonchalantly as I walked out of the dining hall.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone