As I walked through the massive hallway, I was met with two types of looks. Some people clearly hated my guts, while others were too afraid to even meet my gaze. And don't even get me started on the gazes of the females, but that was the least of my problems. I was about to be shipped off to the worst duchy on the continent after my brother's wedding. What did I do to deserve this?
"Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to meet you," said the knight escorting me, cutting through my thoughts.
"Thank you, sir..." I trailed off, unsure of his name.
"My name is Roel, Your Highness," he replied curtly. I could sense the malice in his voice, and I couldn't help but wonder what his problem was. This was annoying. I don't even know you. Maybe I should've read this novel more carefully. But it doesn't matter now.
I entered the luxurious dining hall, probably the biggest one I'd ever seen. The ornate chandeliers and gilded frames on the walls screamed wealth. As I walked in, I locked eyes with what I assumed to be my father. What was his name again? Adrian, I think. Not that I could even call him by his first name. According to my ex's ramblings, he was something of a "deity," but that didn't exactly make him seem like a father to me.
Sitting with him were his four wives. The first was a white-haired beauty who radiated serenity. But something about her made me want to stay far, far away. Then there was the blue-haired vixen with exotic-looking skin. She had allure, sure, but she also had a resting bitch face, which made it clear she wasn't interested in anything other than disdain. Next was the blonde woman, whom I'd described as an angel—not because of any celestial power, but because her kindness seemed to shine through. Maybe she could help me out of this mess. Finally, there was a black-haired woman with porcelain skin. I couldn't get a read on her, but something about her felt strangely familiar. It was vexing.
My father, Adrian, finally spoke. "Do you know why I called you?"
I gave him a confused look. His sigh was a mixture of annoyance and disappointment, and he waved off my confusion. "It doesn't matter."
He went on to explain my punishment: I was to live in one of his abandoned villa estates with the employees and the people of that district. I'd also be accompanied by the knight, Roel. My allowance would remain, but that was the extent of my "luxury." No contact with him unless he decided to reach out. He made it clear I would leave as soon as the wedding was over. Yup. I'm screwed. There's no way out of this.
I looked at the wives, hoping one might take pity on me. Maybe one of them was the mother of this body, but no such luck. Not even the blonde angel. Wait—did she just smile? Scratch that. She's not an angel. Maybe a devil. Honestly, I'm starting to think none of these people are as innocent as they seem.
"May have been in charge of wellbeing," the black-haired woman spoke suddenly. Her tone was cold, but there was something in her eyes—an unreadable emotion.
"I don't advise it, Alice," said the blue-haired vixen, her tone sharp and dismissive.
"I agree with Deraia," the white-haired beauty chimed in, her voice calm and almost ethereal.
"Why not give it a chance?" the blonde spoke up again, this time with more enthusiasm than I expected. Yeah, now she's definitely a devil.
This was my chance. If I was going to get any answers, it would have to be now. "Esteemed father, may you please grant me this mercy, extended by mother?" I bowed deeply, putting aside my pride for a moment. At this point, I needed any chance I could get.
Everyone in the room seemed surprised. Really? Was I that bad? Well, I was about to be banished to the edge of nowhere, so lowering my pride for a brief moment didn't seem so terrible.
For what felt like an eternity, my father deliberated. Then, finally, he spoke. "I will allow it. Do not trample over my lenience."
"Thank you, esteemed father," I replied, trying to mask the relief in my voice. A small victory, I guess. Looking back at his wives, I still couldn't read any of them, except for the black-haired one. Seriously, why did she feel so familiar?
"You may be dismissed. See you at the wedding," my father said with a dismissive wave, signaling the end of our meeting.
Roel stepped forward to escort me out, looking at me as though he were trying to figure something out. Yeah, we definitely had history, but I couldn't quite place it.
At least I'd made my punishment a bit more bearable, shitty as it may be. And it felt like the black-haired woman might tolerate me, so... small victories. As I left the room to prepare for my brother's wedding, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in way over my head. What a mess.