Chapter 19 CHAPTER NINETEEN
ROSALINDA
"Princess Seraphina Of the Darkrave Kingdom arrives, your highness," a footman announced, her voice cutting through the quiet of the morning.
"Seraphina?" My mother scoffed, her disdain barely concealed. She sat upright, a picture of queenly disapproval.
"Come on, Mother, she isn't so bad," I offered, a faint protest. Seraphina was sweet, if a little navie.
"I don't like the girl," Mother retorted, a wrinkle forming between her brows.
"You never really did like anyone," I muttered, more to myself than to her but she caught it. Her frown deepened, her eyes narrowing.
"Let her in," she commanded the footman, ignoring my jab. "She's also of Royal blood, we will attend to her like royalty, even through her Kingdom now is crumbling." The last part was a venomous whisper, meant only for me.
I rolled my eyes, a rebellious murmur escaping under my breath as I stood up and excused myself. Elina and my other maids trailed behind. "Why do my parents love to look down on people so much?" I asked, the question more to myself than to her.
"Being the most powerful and respected has to be earned, your highness," Elina replied softly, a hint of weary resignation in her voice.
"Not this way, it's wrong," I stopped, turning to her. "They say don't show weakness, I agree. But I don't agree to this rubbish. There's a difference between strength and cruel arrogance."
She sighed, a slight shake of her head, and then stayed silent, knowing further debate was futile. I chewed my bottom lip, the nervous habit returning, and continued down the grand staircase. My mood lightened fractionally as I spotted Seraphina in the hallway below, a splash of cheerful color against the muted tapestries. The moment she looked up, her face bloomed into a full grin, her geninue delivery like the sudden ray of sun.
Seraphina was a vision of youthful innocence. Her golden hair, the color of spun sunshine cascaded down her back to hee waist, a vibrant river against the soft linen of her gown, her brown eyes wide and luminous held a purity that felt increasingly rare in this cynical court. She was petite, with small curves.
"My princess," she greeted, bowing low, her golden hair shimmering.
"Don't," I warned. "You're also of royalty," I said, stepping forward quickly to wrap my arms around her. Her embrace was warm, a genuine comfort. "What brings you here, Seraphina? It's been ages."
Her smile flattered, turning into a slight frown as she looked down at her feet. "My people-well, I...I..I know it's wrong, but I was hoping that-"
"Seraphina," I cut in. "Whatever you need, I'm here for you, we are here for you,"
"I know it's just..."
"Apart from financial support, you need solace, isn't that it?"
She looked up, her eyes widening. "Yes," she nodded, her eyes welling slightly. "Just...a place to breathe,"
"You have come to the right place," I said, a small geninue smile gracing my lips for the first time in days. I gestured towards the glass doors leading to the formal gardens. "A walk would be a great start to clear the mind, don't you think? Let's take some air before we go deep into royal matters."
She laughed. "Of course, your highness. Thank you."
As we walked towards the garden, our conversation light and easy, a sudden tableau caught my eye. All together, Valerius, Zade and Cyrus gathered beneath the weeping willow tree near the fountain. Valerius and Zade seemed deep in conversation, their heads close, while Cyrus stood a bit far away, his impressive impassive as always.
My gaze flickered back to Zade, who seemed utterly pissed off, his jaw clenched, while Valerius seemed frustrated, running a hand through his hair.
I looked over at Seraphina, whose face was subtly contorted in confusion, following my gaze. "Wait here." I ordered, my voice sharper than intended, addressing both her and the maids trailing behind me.
"Zade? Valerius?" I called out, my voice carrying across the manicured lawn as I walked towards them, my own heart thudding with a mixture of dread and defiance. Upon hearing my voice, Zade's head snapped up, a flash of pure anger in his eyes. He turned abruptly, muttering something under his breath, and walked away without a word. Valerius huffed, a sound of deep annoyance, then gave a curt almost dismissive bow in my direction before turning and leaving, melting into the shadows of the path Zade had taken. Only Cyrus stayed, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"What's going on?" I asked but he didn't reply, he merely bowed and stormed off in the same direction Zade had gone, leaving me standing alone, surrounded by the sudden hostile silence of the garden.
What's going on?
"Princess Rosalinda," I heard Seraphina voice, soft and concerned. I turned to see her approaching me slowly, her brow furrowed. "Are you okay? Is something the matter? What happened?"
Her numerous questions, though asked out of geninue concern, were already starting to irk me. I needed answers, not sympathy.
"It's fine," I said, managing a small voice, trying to project an air of composure I didn't feel. "I'll tend to them later. For now, let's talk, shall we?"
She studied me for a moment, her innocent brown eyes trying to peer past my carefully constructed façade, before finally nodding. "Of course, Princess Rosalinda."
As we walked towards the bench, I looked over my shoulder at the path Zade had taken and I could feel was dread.
If Valerius had told him what happened in the past.
Would he hate me?
Worse...would he blame me just like everyone else did?