Her eyes cracked open and she blinked while it took in the unfamiliar ceiling. She didn't do anything as she started to accept everything that had ever happened in her life from last night.
Starting from today, she was going to be Reginald Hayes's bride. She grinded her teeth angrily as she remembered that she was only his wife by name. The one whom he honored was only a vixen who was bent on making her day worse.
Olivia managed to hoist herself into a sitting position, while a serious expression was seen on her face. The rays of the sun that fell into the room through the window kissed her figure.
She looked more unreal on the bed, especially with her dark curls falling down her chest. They were looking full and curly, making her look more alluring.
The door to her room opened and a maid walked in. She had her head bowed as she walked in.
"Good morning, Your highness. Trust you had a good night." She greeted.
Olivia didn't move an inch. She casted her eyes on the maid. There was nothing but blankness seen in them while an unfeeling smile appeared on her face.
"I wish I did." Her statement got the maid to raise her head in bewilderment. When she casted her eyes on the Princess, her jaw dropped.
She could only blink twice. She had heard the Princess was a very beautiful woman with a set of eyes that were hypnotizing. She thought it was only hearsays, but seeing Olivia before her, she thought she stood before a goddess.
She also couldn't ignore the overwhelming aura the Princess had. It wasn't like it was threatening her existence. It felt as if she stood before a divine being. A bit different from when she stood before Master Reginald.
Olivia noticed the maid was quiet. She threw her eyes to her direction. It met with the maid's eyes, and she was stunned. Were the servants hired here all good-looking? She had pretty amber eyes and she looked so much like the one who brought her here yesterday.
She knew that the one before her was different, because the girl didn't give the same vibe like the one with electric eyes.
"Is there anything wrong?" Olivia arched an elegant brow. The girl stared at her as though she was seeing something she'd never see twice.
"Apologies, Princess." The maid apologized and cleared her throat. Her cheek started to become a tint red at her embarrassment.
Olivia took note of this, and her frown grew deeper. Was the girl okay? Maybe she was running a fever.
"No need. You can leave. I'll get ready myself." Olivia waved at her before casting a look to her side.
The girl raised her head again, this time more astonished. She had never heard of Princesses helping themselves to get ready. Why was Princess Olivia dismissing her? She might be punished if she let the headmaid know the Princess got ready herself.
What was more, she was scared that her sister might get punished for her sake. She did not want that to happen, because her sister had done literally everything to protect her. This was like a protection for her sister.
"I'm sorry, Princess. But I was given a strict instruction not to return until you're fully ready." She sounded determined to help Olivia.
The Princess never reacted to her words. She only rose from her bed and sent a side look to the servant before her.
"What's your name?" Her attitude seemed like she never cared. But it spoke another thing to the timid maid.
She thought the Princess was about to punish her. The maid was one of the ones who got affected with the rumors about the Princess that spread. And seeing her acting like this, she could only imagine what was coming next.
"An-Antonia, Your highness." She stuttered. Her eyes started to pool with tears as she watched Olivia moved away from the bed. The Princess treaded down the dark carpet with confidence that was birthed that morning.
"Are you afraid of me??" Olivia never sounded harsh, or sad. Instead, she was neutral. The corners of her lips curled up as though she had seen a reason to push the maid out of the room.
Olivia squinted because her room looked brighter. She could spot some of her belongings meters away from her. Then she narrowed her eyes. She never noticed any of this last night. How did...
She pushed that to the back of her mind and focused on the servant, waiting for her answers.
"Y-yes..." Antonia bowed her head looking like a scared kitten.
"That gives you more reason to leave, doesn't it?" A subtle smile appeared on Olivia's face as she sent a look to Antonia.
Antonia almost choked on her breath. She raised her head only to make eye contact with Olivia. The Princess's gray eyes gleamed with playfulness as she cocked her head toward the door slightly.
"N-no, Princess." Antonia shook her head stubbornly before maintaining her gaze with the floor. Her obstinacy only made Olivia sighed before she zeroed her gaze on Antonia.
The maid was quite determined not to leave despite being scared of her. Was there something wrong?
She could only deduce that because she had noticed some bruises on Antonia's arms. The girl never knew her sleeve had moved when she bowed.
Though it was not supposed to be her business, she was once like Antonia. Olivia was never mistreated, but words only made her vulnerable.
She was too quiet and everyone took advantage of it. She was painted cruel because she was always silent. Now, she was not taking it again.
She would have liked to help Antonia but she was in no place to say that. She was only Reginald's wife by title, so there was no need for that.
"Fine." She sighed and walked toward the bathroom.
Antonia on her part exhaled in relief before she moved from where she stood. She felt fulfiled that she had managed to save her sister from receiving enough beatings from that cruel headmaid. She was grateful that Olivia agreed to let her help.
It could only elevate her thoughts about the Princess.
___
"If you keep basking on yesterday's victory, you won't be able to make today as victorious as yesterday!" Madeline broke out arrogantly as she rose from her seat.
They were in the Consort's drawing room. Exquisite arts were hung on the wall, while some porcelain vases were sitting on a stool closer to the wall.
There was a cup of tea in front of both of them. Adele had picked the cup and raised it to her lips to take a sip. She rolled her eyes at Madeline's words.
"You should learn to take things easy and with patience, Little Cousin." Her words were calm, while her brown eyes had sparkles in them. A smile was seen on her face, making her look soft.
"At least, you managed to create an impression to the Princess. It takes time to get what you want. Remember, Rome wasn't built a day."
Her words left her cousin fuming because of the Consort's suggestion. Madeline would never agree with that kind of thing. If there was one thing that was an eyesore for her, it was seeing the Princess and Reginald getting along.
...
What'd you think is going on here?😳