The king of Atheria was drugged one night somewhere around town, with no guards, and no other people he could trust. However, that drug was killing him and used a woman for him to live.
This woman, however, was innocent and not the person who drugged him. She was just an ordinary librarian with huge tastes for books and was engaged to a merchant. The woman would dream of going to different places once they got married, but it became unfortunate for her.
On that night, an illegitimate child was conceived. The king would normally kill the little child, but she had his black hair. Thus, the king couldn't give out the order.
Black hair was a mark of being an offspring of Atherian royalty. Everyone knew that. And if the enemies knew that the King had a child in the village, they would use her to their advantage. Therefore, he separated her from her mother and she was taken care of maids in another palace. A guarded one.
For seven years, she hasn''t seen her parents. For seven years, she hasn't been able to see the outside world.
But in eight years, she made a friend: the legitimate daughter of the king, Alique Pagillian.
Alique was practicing the teleporting spell and ended up in her half-sister's garden. She accidentally met her and they didn't even know that they were sisters.
They became the best of friends until the day she encountered her birth father. She was taken to the main palace, met Alique once again, and found out their relation.
Alique began to despise her. She soon learned how to plot schemes that can throw her out of the kingdom. Unfortunately, the girl made friends who saw Alique for who she truly was and protected her.
One was the first prince of Reverta, Alique's fiance. Eventually, she fell for him and just tried to get out of their way. Due to Alique's schemes, she made the the two closer than ever. Her schemes turned into a waste.
The day after Alique's eighteenth birthday, she died from an illness. Her half-sister mourned for her and her life became peaceful soon. She married the prince of Reverta and thus a happily ever after.
Redamancy.
The novel I read last night, before I came upon this world. The novel wherein Alique is the antagonist, a villainess. The novel wherein she would die because of an incurable sickness . I would die.
"Her name will be Alique Pagillian," pronounced the king and left the nursery afterwards.
What. The. Hell.
Why am I here?!
"Alique!" squealed the boy. "Say 'brother' for me!"
From his navy blue hair to his dark black eyes. With cuteness overload and a smile that no girl can resist. This description matches Arte Pagillian, the first prince of Atheria, the heir to the throne, and now is my brother.
"Oh, Arte." The woman's lips curled into a smile as she patted the head of her son. "She can't speak after she's born. Maybe in a few months or so."
Dashing blue hair as blue as the deep ocean and eyes of the day sky, this is the Queen, Alice Pagillian.
I couldn't utter a word. How sad. I am a fifteen year old girl now residing in the body of a one day old baby. And not just a baby. The Alique Pagillian who has a life I wouldn't want to deal with.
I should train this body to walk and talk. I must get out of this world. But how did I get here anyway? That's just strange.
"Leave your little sister alone. She must sleep," said the queen as they left the room.
The maids awed my appearance, looking at me while my eyes gently close.
This must be a dream. Yes. This is a dream. When I wake up, I will be back in my normal life. At least there, I won't die at a young age.
I took a deep breath and I drifted off to the darkness...
= 🗝️ =
"Princess, it's milk time!" announced Liliana, my maid. She gave me a small sized bottle, but big enough for me to hold.
I stared at the white liquid with my glowing sky blue eyes.
When I the same thought repeated in my mind again and again.
I'm still here. This isn't a dream.
This is my tenth month in this world. Two more and I turn one. Oh lord! Let me be the protagonist in my next life, and please don't let me be the villain who will die soon... again.
"Princess?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. Then she crouched for me to face her without lifting my chin up. "Are you well?"
Yes. And no. I don't know.
Can I be well after being reborn into someone I don't wanna be?! Geez. But I can't tell her that, nor can I speak.
Additionally, if Rebecca hates tea, I hate milk. Especially that milk they give me. Thinking of my haughty half-sister, I wondered. Hmm, what happened to Rebecca? Well, whatever. Might as well enjoy having none of her company as I venture to survive.
"Arlene, call Your Majesties. Princess Alique isn't feeling well," called out Lilian while grabbing me carefully.
I gaped and tried to focus on thinking about how to survive in this strange world. And when the doors creaked open, I didn't expect to see the whole royal family concerned for me.
My father, Aldean, the king, took me from Lilian and used magic to carry me. He narrowed his eyes, and I instantly felt goosebumps and chills down my spine. He threatened, "Alique, there's nothing wrong with you. Drink or don't fill your stomach for the next three weeks."
Eh?! Is he trying to kill me? I am just a baby!
I read from the novel that the man in front of me was heartless. It didn't seem that way unless someone provoked and threatened him. Or if someone disobeyed his wishes.
I babbled like a baby to Lilian informing her that I want the bottle. Sadly, they misunderstood.
"Oh, Aldean. She's just a baby," said Alice who smiled at me continuously.
"Daddy, Alique is crying. She still can't handle your threats." Arte tugged his father's royal red cape.
"Stop crying. Princesses don't cry." He forced me to face him with magic spells.
I swear that one day, I will be much more powerful than you Aldean. And you will be the one I am going to—
Lilian interrupted my thoughts when she gave me the bottle. "Your Highness wasn't crying." She shook the bottle and I swallowed the icky white liquid. "Unexpectedly, she understood you, Your Majesty."
"My daughter is a genius. She will be a respectful princess one day." He tossed me back to Lilian.
Respectful my ass! I only did it to live! I can't just die as I am just starting out this new life!
The king and queen walked out of the room, yet Arte stayed and made funny faces at me.
Was he expecting me to laugh? Should I give him what he wants? Arte continued sticking out his tongue. For my dear brother and for him to like me, I must. Liking me is necessary for my survival. And I giggled.
"Ha! Yes, I made Alique laugh!" he chortled and left the room, running and screaming out his happiness.
Plan for tomorrow: I must learn how to walk and speak. Most importantly, survive.