In the quiet sanctum of the king's chamber, King Xavier sat on his expansive bed, his thoughts a heavy veil upon his brow. Abruptly, Elena swept into the room, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"What a brat," she exclaimed, "I've warned her repeatedly about those horses, but she never listens. Maybe I should just lock her up. What do you think?" She paused, expecting a response from her husband, only to find him lost in somber contemplation. With a tender touch, she inquired, "What's troubling you, my love?"

Richard managed a smile. "Nothing serious, dear," he replied, then changed his mind. "Never mind that. What were you saying about Ivin?"

With a sigh, Elena recounted, "It's Ivin again. She's injured herself tending to those horses, despite my warnings after last winter."

Xavier chuckled softly. "Let her be, my love. At least she finds joy in it. And perhaps it helps her forget that she lacks the power her sister possesses. Give her some breathing room."

Reluctantly conceding, Elena sighed. "Alright, I give up. I know you cherish her deeply. But I can't fathom why she insists on such trivial risks with those horses. And why can't she be more like her sister?"

"But you know it's not her fault she lacks that power," Richard reasoned gently.

"Then whose fault is it? Mine?" Elena scoffed, hurt evident in her voice.

Richard reached out, grasping her hands tenderly. "That's not what I meant, my love. I only meant we should accept things as they are. I apologize if I upset you."

Elena softened. "It's alright. I overreacted. But you know I favor Irene. After all, she takes after me."

Aware the conversation could spiral, Richard changed the subject. "Let's not let that preference be too obvious to the girls. We wouldn't want it to cause a rift between them."

"Agreed," Elena replied cheerfully. "Are you hungry, my love?"

Richard nodded. "Indeed. What's for supper?"

"I'll go check," Elena said excitedly as she left the room.

Richard sighed deeply. "What a day."

The family gathered in the castle's dining hall, where a feast awaited them. There was a variety of food on the table, accompanied by an assortment of drinks.

Ivin couldn't contain her excitement. "That's a lot of food! Thanks for this feast!"

Irene chuckled, teasing her sister gently. "Careful, Ivin. You'll burst if you keep eating like that."

Xavier intervened with a gentle reminder. "Table manners, girls."

"Sorry, father," Ivin responded sheepishly. "I'm just really famished."

"Take it easy, dear,"Xavier reassured her lovingly.

Elena, impatient with the chatter, interjected sharply, "Enough chit-chat. Let's eat in peace and quiet, for heaven's sake."

Silence descended upon the dining hall, broken only by the sound of utensils against ceramic plates. Irene signaled a maid to pour water for her. However, in a clumsy moment, the maid spilled water on Irene's dress.

Irene erupted in anger. "You imbecile! You've ruined my dress!"

The maid, apologetic, pleaded, "I'm sorry, my lady. Let me clean it up."

Irene pushed her away, causing her to stumble. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!"

Surprised by Irene's outburst, Richard intervened firmly. "Irene, what are you doing?"

Ivin, showing compassion, walked over to the maid who was still on the ground. "Are you okay?" she asked gently.

The maid nodded, whispering, "I'm alright, my lady."

Richard sighed deeply. "Irene, go to your room."

Elena, incensed by the maid's mistake, protested, "And why should she? The maid ruined her dress!"

Richard's gaze hardened as he pointed at Irene. "Go to your room, now."

Irene stormed off angrily, followed by Ivin, who quietly left the hall and joined her sister in Irene's room.

---

In Irene's room, both sisters sat on the bed. Ivin broke the silence tentatively. "You know, what you did back there wasn't right."

Irene scoffed. "I can't believe we're even related. Always trying to play the good one, making me out to be the villain."

Confused, Ivin tried to reason with her. "I don't understand. All I'm saying is you shouldn't treat the maids so harshly."

"Well, I can treat them however I please," Irene retorted defiantly.

Cutting off any further argument, Irene spoke firmly. "No 'buts', little sister. Just leave me alone, okay?"

Ivin relented with a sigh. "Alright, alright," she said, giving a playful bow. "My lady."

Irene's demeanor softened momentarily. "You never cease to amaze me. You're the best gift I could ever ask for."

Changing the subject, Ivin suggested cheerfully, "Come on, let's go see the horses!"

Irene declined, reclining on the bed. "I don't want to. Besides, Mother warned us not to go near them, especially since they've caused you harm."

Trying to convince her, Ivin persisted, "Mother wouldn't know unless you tell her. And I know how much you secretly enjoy them..."

Interrupting her sister, Irene replied sharply, "Alright, Miss Smarty Pants. You go ahead and visit your 'beauties'. Count me out."

"Understood," Ivin responded, before remembering something. "Oh, and thanks for not telling anyone about..."

"Always welcome," Irene interrupted dismissively.

With that, Ivin left the room, eager to visit the animal farm, while Irene remained behind, reflecting on the persistent differences between herself and her sister.