Zireya’s Anger
Barely two hours after the servants had discovered the new color of the former silver tree, two ladies stood at the entrance of the second prince’s mansion. Anger laced their expressions. One paced around the place while the other stood with her hands on her waist, glaring daggers at the guards.
“How dare you refuse to let us in?” she yelled, her voice reverberating in the surroundings. “Do you not know who I am? I am the prime minister’s daughter and you know better than to offend me. I could get you beheaded!” she spat. Although the two guards who had stopped her from entering the second prince’s mansion were tall and bulky, she stood still, refusing to be intimidated by their height. After all, she was the daughter of an influential man. In terms of wealth, power, and prestige, she was taller and bigger.
Her hands itched to strangle the lowlives and throw them out of her way. Actually, she could’ve asked her guards to defeat them but she knew one thing. Her guards were like children in front of the second prince’s guards. It was a known fact that his guards and armies were the strongest in all of Elyria. Starting a fight would do her no good.
“Forgive us, first Princess and Lady Zireya. We’re only following orders.”
“How dare you? Move, this instant!” Zireya screamed at the guards. When none of them attempted to move, she let out a groan and stomped her foot on the floor. “Definitely, you both will be the first to face my wrath once I start living here. I’ll throw your damn bodies to the wolves.” She would make sure they’re used as scapegoats for anyone who dared disrespect her.
“What is going on here?”
Both girls’ eyes shot upward when they heard a deep commanding voice from behind the guards. The two bulky guards stepped aside to reveal Draven. They curtly bowed.
“General.”
“General.”
They greeted in unison.
Draven marched forward. “And what is this commotion? Speak now.”
“The princess and Lady Zireya have insisted on seeing the green tree. But his highness had openly ordered not to let them in ever again.”
“Brother Draven,” Lilth cried. She stormed forward and wrapped her hands around his arm. She peered up at him, tears beginning to gather around her eyes. “Brother Draven. News has already spread to everyone. It would be such a shame to come all the way here and not even see the sight of the tree. We’ll be good, please let us in.” When he didn’t reply, she tugged at his arms and continued. “Even if it’s just a look, we’ll appreciate it. Let us in. We haven’t seen a single green leaf in years.”
As if scalded by her touch, he pulled out his arms from her hold and took a step backward. Lillth tore her gaze off him in embarrassment and she bit her tongue. “Princess Lilth, you should learn the habit of not showing up without invitation.”
“I already told you why. I only want to see the tree.”
“You are not allowed here.”
“And why is that?” She screamed. This is the mansion of my brother. How dare you say I’m not allowed here? I wonder why the heavens chose this cursed mansion for a green leaf to appear first.”
“Mind your words.”
“Let us in already.”
Draven shut his eyes for a second. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he agreed. “I’ll give you both just 20 minutes.” He knew the girls. They’d continue to persist until they had their way.
“You can’t give us just that,” Zireya fired. “Did you forget this will be my home sooner or later?”
“How ungrateful. If His Highness finds out you are in his humble abode after yesterday’s incident, I’m afraid you’d fall into trouble. If you can’t take this offer, leave.”
She harrumped and crossed her arms around her chest. “Fine. Lead the way.”
Both women followed the General closely behind as he began to walk to the courtyard.
They let out a loud gasp when they finally walked into the courtyard and their gazes fell on the tree. “Good heavens,” Lilith exclaimed.
“It’s true.”
“A green tree in Elyria. We’ve been forgiven.”
They took no time to rush over to the tree but they halted in their steps when they saw the back of someone.
“Princess Elora,” Lilith bit out, her teeth gritted.
Elora slowly turned away from the tree to face them. Her eyes expanded slightly when she saw Zireya.
“Princess Lilith, Lady Zireya,” she acknowledged. She’d had her bath and was fully dressed in a brown straight dress. She didn’t wear a corset. Her chest was already tight with worry to even think of tightening it with a corset even further.
“A bow will do you no harm. How disrespectful. Whatever, get out of our way.”
Lilith lightly shoved her aside with her shoulder and walked past her to the miraculous green side of the tree.
Zireya giggled and ran her hands over the tree. “Oh heavens. I must truly be blessed.”