Descending the stairs leading to the royal hall, she was welcomed with the site of different breathtaking men. They were all arranged horizontally in both sides of the dinning table. From the king to last end, only the seat made for her vacant, but the rest were filled in. As if they were waiting for her arrival, all eyes were set on her as she walked in a princess style, slowly with her gown moving sideways. Halting before them, she did a slight bow and then walked up to her seat.
"Your daughter is stunning" king Charles of Zolum commended and Luciana chuckled.
"We are all blessed with beauty" Luciana who didn't get enough good home training spoke before her father could say anything. Being the father of the spoiled brat, he smiled at her word.
"Not all" The young King of Hermit said in a croaky voice as his gaze met with Luciana's. Knowing what he was trying to say, Lucinda pinched her skin as she prevented saying anything. After all, what could she say, she was just a princess with the crown on her head, but she was more like a maid in this palace?
"What do you mean, Prince Nicklaus?" Luciana smiled, revealing her white teeth as her eyes twinkled before him. The man chuckled slightly as he chewed the steak in his mouth.
"I meant that, Princess Lucinda is an exception when it comes to beauty" He said and Lucinda head was shot with a bullet. Did her just insult her? Oh jeez, that wasn't new! Turning her gaze to Luciana, she was pleased with what he said. She chuckled as she chewed her meat, diluting it with an orange juice.
"That's why she's a shame to be my twin" Luciana said after drinking her juice. Rubbing her hands together, she glared at Lucinda, poking her tongue out, mocking her.
"Exactly! Beauty is an understatement to describe her. She's the epitome of beauty….only if I could find the right word" He tilted his head." It's such a shame she has a sister like you" Prince Nicklaus finished his statement and immediately Lucinda choked. She coughed out, gripping her gown. She wanted to laugh out, but she held it within. Furthermore, she liked this man! He gave her sister what she wanted! To return the mocking gaze shut at her, she was surprised herself. Luciana's face was burning with animosity and killing eyes.
Lucinda couldn't deny the fact that she was enjoying this. Although, she can't fight for herself, but she liked this man for doing this for her.
"Enough Prince Nicklaus! You can't insult my daughter" King Herald Von Viest said deeply as all heads were turned to him. King Nicklaus didn't just keep shut, he returned words.
"I regret coming here, King Herald. You didn't say a word when Princess Luciana said bad words about her twin, but here you are saying what? You are biased, and I can't make deals with you" He cleaned his mouth with a towel as he left.
King Herald was stunned with his action. He couldn't call him back. Temporarily, his voice was skyrocketed to the pit of hell because that's where it belonged.
"I'm sorry about that, but....." Trying to look nicer and not at fault, King Charles cut him off.
"I left my Kingdom thinking this meeting would be reasonable, but it's just for something useless. I'll be on my way" The man said as he walked away.
Lucinda was stunned. Did all this just happened because of her, or was somebody controlling this meeting invisibly. She looked towards her father, and the man's face was filled with embarrassment and regrets. Luciana, on the other hand, was just as confused as her. The sounds of spoons jolted them as the 15 kings present took their stand and left the hall without uttering a word. Oh! no!! This was wrong and complicated.
"Lucinda caused this, Dad!!!! So needs to be punished!!" After the departure of the Kings, Luciana raised her voice as she yelled. The King turned to her after hearing her complaint, he sent scornful looks to Lucinda. The girl went face down as she clenched her fist tight.
"And how did she cause this?" Lucinda heard her brother's voice as he defended her.
"You don't speak when I talk, Raymond!!! If not for her, who then?" That was a rhetorical question that didn't need an answer, but her brother answered her.
"You did!" He said, and a slap was sent across his face.
"How dare you?" Luciana scowled angrily, causing Lucinda to stand on her feet and return the slap.
"And you are not entitled to slap him!!" Lucinda yelled at her back in the same tone that was used on the boy.
"You slapped me?" Luciana, who was shocked by her sister's action, couldn't help but blink in astonishment.
"And if you dare lay a hand on him again, I will give you more" She threatened and her father finally butted in.
"You've made a massive mistake, Lucinda. You shall be punished for laying your hand on my daughter" Her father said like he has been planning her punishment for so long. Thinking she would beg, her next word shocked him.
"See if I care!!" Lucinda spatted as she held her brother's hand, dragging him to her room.
Leaving the two of them dumbfounded, she took her brother to her room.
"You see, Dad, You need to throw her out." Luciana cried due to the slap that was struck at her.
"I need her for something. A war is coming soon, and I require a powerful kingdom. I only have one choice but to gain ally with the kingdom in the forbidden land of this continent. That's the only option left for me. Just don't worry, she will soon be killed" Her father said with an evil smirk on his lip and processing the idea, Luciana smiled evilly.
Her sister's death would be her greatest achievement. She couldn't just wait until her death and enjoy herself to the fullest at her funeral.