Chapter 5 Roots of Another
“WHAT?!” My mother roared. “LILIANA!”
I flinched.
Uh oh.
“Dear, please,” Father murmured. He walked across the throne room, took my arm in his gentle, wrinkled hands, and inspected my cut. “You said Captain Jackson helped you?”
I nodded.
The king sighed in relief. “Thank goodness it wasn’t more serious—”
My mother pushed past Austin, still barking, “What were you thinking?! You are no knight! You can’t throw yourself in harm’s way like that!”
“I had to do something,” I protested, rubbing my bandaged arm. “I’ll wear a long-sleeved dress. Nobody will notice.”
“I don’t care about that!” Mother shouted, her brows furrowed. “Do you know how lucky you are? You could’ve been badly hurt!”
“But she wasn’t,” my father interrupted. “She handled the situation perfectly, including the man at fault. It’s in the past. Let’s move past it.”
Victoria groaned, rubbing her temple behind her golden, silver-streaked hair. “I’ll help you prepare for dinner.”
“Uhh, you really don’t have to, Mother…” I stammered.
"I wanted to have a word with you anyhow,” Victoria added.
Oh boy.
I forced on a smile. “Yes, Mother.”
Maribel stiffly stood nearby.
“As for you,” Victoria said, glaring at my lady-in-waiting. “I’ll have a word with you later.”
“Mother, it wasn’t her—“
“I said I’ll have a word with her. I don’t need your input,” she stated, marching her way to my room.
Maribel hung her head and shot me the side-eye while mouthing ‘I told you so.’
I looked up at my father helplessly. He grinned, murmuring, “She’s only worked up because she was scared. You know how your mother is. Go talk it out with her.”
My lips pursed but I didn’t complain. I followed after Mother, spotting her saying something to Amina by the time I caught up.
“Of course, Mother,” Amina said, smiling. When our mother continued on her way to my room, Amina grinned at me and winked.
I hung my head, cheeks flushed.
As I followed my mother into my room, I caught her setting down a roma lily on my dresser.
“What’s that?” I asked, tilting my head.
“A little girl brought it as a gift for you,” she said, turning to face me. “I’m assuming the same girl whom you saved.”
"A gift wasn’t necessary,” I said, shrugging. “She outta—“
Mother squinted.
I cleared my throat. “I mean, ought to forget about the incident.”
"Forget about the incident? You saved her.” Victoria went through my closet.
“The incident was dramatic and frightening. Ya’ll didn’t—“
Mother squinted.
I cleared my throat. “I mean, you all didn’t see it. A little girl shouldn’t have to witness that—“
Victoria heaved a dramatic groan, cutting me off.
"What?” I asked, tone growing tense.
"And you still won’t listen. If only you’d be more like your father. But, no. You just had to inherit my traits, didn’t you?” She grumbled.
I gave her a crooked smile, and she returned it.
"I remember when you used to run up and down the halls with a helmet and wooden sword,” she murmured. “But those days are long over. You’re a grown woman now. I know it’s hard trying to be something you’re not. Trust me. I know. But you’re still the crowned princess and future queen, and you must present yourself as such. Do you understand?”
My tense shoulders relaxed, but my heart stung. I wished I could’ve confessed my worries and doubts, but if Victoria were once like me and shouldered through, then she’d expect the same from me.
I may have been born with her quirks, but I wish I had inherited her confidence and passionate heart instead.
"I understand,” I whispered, eyes on the floor.
Victoria lifted my chin with her hand and smiled softly. Despite her old age, her blue eyes were still vibrant with life. “Good. Now then~” She pulled out an ivory and gold dress. “How about this one?”
I smiled. “It’s lovely, Mother. Thank you.”
My platinum blonde hair was braided and twisted up into a bun, my wavy bangs neatly parted to the side. Silver eyeshadow, peach-colored lipstick, and a faint rosy blush replaced the earlier makeup. My diamond tiara adorned my head with a matching diamond necklace dangling down my chest. My long-sleeved, elegant dress carefully hid the bandages on my arm.
Here goes nothing—
“Ah!” I yelped, tripping over my heels, and Maribel caught me.
“Sheesh, I’d say break a leg, but it looks like you have that covered,” the brunette laughed. Her gorgeous pale green eyes sparkled. “How about you try not to break your neck instead. Sound good?”
“Thanks, Maribel,” I chuckled, steadying myself. What I’d give to have eyes as pretty as hers.
“What’re you staring at?? Go! They’re waiting on you!” My best friend urged.
“R—right! Right,” I stammered, hurrying down the hall.
As I neared the dining room, I saw Amina talking to three strangers. Amina wore an emerald and gold dress. Her silky black hair flowed behind her, reaching her hips. A charming smile played on her rose-red lips as she spoke to them. The strangers dressed like royalty, but their colors were black and red.
Aren’t those the Barren royal family colors?
They looked at me, falling silent.
The oldest woman looked between Amina and me before her jaw dropped. “That’s the crowned princess? Why—she’s just a girl!”
The older man looked me up and down, stroking his auburn beard. “You must be Princess Liliana. The rumors of your beauty weren’t exaggerated. You truly look angelic and divine.”
The younger man, who had been engrossed in a conversation with Amina now stared at me, his dark brown eyes entranced.
“You’re too kind,” I chuckled, ignoring the brunette’s insult. “I’m Princess Liliana Ray. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is ours.” He prodded his wife, murmuring, “Come.” They went to the dining table. Amina walked past me.
The young man took my hand and kissed my knuckles. His warm lips felt like silk cushions against my skin. “Prince Henry Barren,” I said. “And the pleasure is all mine.”
I gulped. The heat from his hand and the dormant fire in his brown eyes left a wave of goosebumps across my arms. Thank goodness I’m wearing long sleeves! His dark auburn hair was neatly combed back and his slender, handsome face was hard to look away from.
“Princess Liliana,” my mother called.