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The night was a beautiful one. The moon was visible, and all the most prestigious carriages were making their way to one destination.
"The Royal Palace. Truly, I wish to see my beloved tonight!" Deidelia said to herself as she snapped her fingers.
Listeria immediately pulled out a table built into the carriage, took out a bejeweled tea set, and started brewing Deidelia's favorite tea. Within a few moments, the tea was ready. She handed it to her mistress elegantly.
"For you, Lady Deidelia," she said as she bowed her head. Her lady took the beverage and immediately smelled the bittersweet aroma, which raised her mood.
Listeria knew better than to say anything unrelated to the lady. Soon, they arrived at the royal palace.
Deidelia turned to Listeria. "Wish me a good time with my handsome prince," she ordered plainly.
"May the gods bless you as you grace the nobility of the Bosnian Kingdom, Princess Deidelia," Listeria spoke as the coachman opened the carriage door and held out his hand to assist the Princess of Steinbet.
Stepping down, she paid no attention to anyone around her. She entered the royal palace immediately. The moment she entered, an announcement went off.
"First Princess Deidelia Steinbet from the duchy of Steinbet has arrived!" All eyes turned to her. The hall became silent as she scanned the crowd, noticing a few unfamiliar faces, she glanced at the insolent announcer, who dared introduce her like she was of lower birth.
'Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention, please. It is with great honor and privilege that we announce the arrival of Her Royal Highness, the First Princess Deidelia Steinbet of the illustrious Duchy of Steinbet! Let us welcome her with the utmost respect and admiration.' Is what should have been announced, she would surely find a way to get back at that man, but before she could continue her angry thought she noticed something.
'That's right, tonight will include foreign delegates marking the announcement date of my betrothal,' she thought as a wave of happiness made her skin shudder.
'Where is my husband?' she thought as she continued her scan of the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention, please. It is with great honor and privilege that we announce the arrival of Her Royal Highness, the First Princess Lilia Hanon of the illustrious Duchy of Hanon! Let us welcome her with the utmost respect and admiration." Another announcement echoed throughout the banquet.
'Why does she get a proper announcement?' Deidelia was now legitimately angry with the announcer as her rival entered. Her brown hair was smooth and tied up in a beautiful braid, and her pink eyes gave a delicate impression. Her pink dress was also second to none; her image looked far gentler than the impression Deidelia exuded at all times.
Listeria sat in the carriage, finally able to relax. "I need a drink, something strong..." Serving Deidelia was incredibly difficult and terrifying, but at least when she left, she would have the most impressive track record. "I mean, I still have all my limbs attached to my body, and I made more money than any other maid alive. Even the royal headmaid wasn't paid the same sum as me." She boasted to herself.
'I can retire in a year and finally request to be removed from my family register,' she thought. She may have hated her brother, but at least there was no psychological gameplay occurring. He never hid his dislike for her. Sighing, she exited the carriage. It would be a while until Deidelia returned.
She made her way over to the prepared space for the personal servants. 'I need the lady's room first,' she thought. Although on her way, something caught her attention. "What is that shadow?" she questioned. That was strange. Why was there a shadow figure at the Royal Palace? The security should be airtight.
Looking around to see if anyone was paying attention, she quickly turned and made her way towards the empty courtyard. "Is that a maid?" The woman pulled her cloak back and entered the kitchen.
"Why is she sneaking into the Royal Chef's kitchen?" Shaking her head, she thought, 'Wait, what am I doing? This is dangerous...'
She quickly turned but bumped into a tall man. She held her nose in pain before looking up. The man had a blank expression on his face as he looked down at the maid.
"Pardon me," he said before walking into the Chef's kitchen.
Listeria was taken aback but quickly shook off the feeling. Her nose ached, but it wasn't too bad. "Wait, his clothes..." She just realized she had bumped into a nobleman. She quickly turned and bowed as the man walked away.
'I could have lost my head there...no more curious Lizzy. Let's go and relax,' she thought as she continued on her way.
Deidelia stood by herself. No man was willing to approach the infamous demon of Bosnia. A few foreign dignitaries tried to approach her, but they were promptly ignored. 'None of these scum are on the same level as my beloved. How dare they even attempt to converse with me.'
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention, please. It is with great honor that we announce the arrival of the esteemed Royal Family of Bosnia! Presenting His Royal Highness King Garth Bosnia, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Queen Excusiana, and His Royal Highness Prince Ian Bosnia. Along with Lady Melody. Let us extend our warmest welcome to the distinguished members of the royal household."
The trumpets sounded as the group appeared above everyone at the top of the giant staircase. The pairs descended as clapping ensued.
Immediately, vicious whispers erupted. Deidelia's hands clenched in frustration as her jaw tightened. 'They don't know anything...you still love me, don't you...Ian...' she thought desperately as she made eye contact with Ian, who just smiled before turning to Melody and holding her hand.
A butler passed by. Deidelia grabbed two glasses of wine before downing one. She approached the royal family before bowing.
"Greetings to the Sun and the Moon of the Kingdom. Deidelia Steinbet greets the monarch on behalf of the Steinbet duchy."
The King smiled. "Greetings, Deidelia. I am pleased to see your attendance."
The Queen just scoffed before walking past her. Melody started to bow. "Greetings, La-"
"You do not need to lower yourself for Monster Deidelia," Ian cut in before guiding Melody away.
"Come, I've prepared your favorite snacks," Ian boasted. The King watched this with amusement.
"I hope you don't take offense. My son is still young and hot-blooded," the King offered as she smiled.
"Of course, Your Majesty," she responded.
"Why don't you take a breath of fresh air? It seems my son's actions may have put you in a bad light."
She bowed. "There is no need. Every moment I get to see my beloved, I cherish," she explained as the King shrugged and chuckled.
"Do as you please," he commented before walking off. He had to talk to a few ambassadors. The crowd of nobility just watched and snickered. She turned and looked at them.
"You think I am too afraid to look you spineless cowards in the eye?" she thought to herself as she gazed at all the nobles. To some, her eyes had an ominous glow, so they averted their gaze the moment she made eye contact.
"I thought so," until her eyes landed on another pair that never yielded to her gaze. He had a piercing red gaze.
"I don't recognize him..." They stared until he broke eye contact when the King approached the man.
"His crest...that looks like the Royal crest of our neighboring empire. If I recall, his name is Logan Di Duteron."