Chapter 19: Noble Attack
Lirian walked in circles inside her chambers, biting her lip as she mulled over her options.
Gabriel had made it clear she wasn't allowed to attend the banquet, but his overprotectiveness only made her more stubborn.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered. "I'm not some fragile doll."
Her eyes flew to the invitation on the table, its elegant script was so much taunting her.
She couldn't just sit here while everyone else enjoyed the evening.
The thought of the feast alone made her stomach growl.
A knock at the door made her freeze. "Lirian, are you still resting?" Gabriel's voice came from the other side.
"Yes!" she called back quickly. "I'm not feeling well. I think I'll sleep early."
There was silence, then a faint sigh. "Fine. Don't leave your chambers."
She waited until she heard his footsteps fade down the hall before springing into action.
She grabbed a dress she had seen one of the maids admiring—a simple yet elegant gown that wouldn't draw too much attention—and quickly changed.
After tying her hair into a loose braid, she slipped out of her room.
She avoided the main hallways, sticking to servant corridors she had memorized over the days.
Once outside, the cool evening air greeted her, sending a shiver down her spine.
An empty carriage was waiting near the gates, its driver was yawning as he waited for the nobles.
She climbed in quietly, keeping her head down, and offered the driver a gold coin she had found in Gabriel's study.
"To the royal palace, please."
The driver nodded without question, and soon, they were off.
"Heheheheh! He will not even notice!"
The palace glowed in the evening light, its grand towers and archways shined against the night sky.
Lirian's heart pounded as she stepped into the banquet hall.
She wanted to experience the dance again with the crown prince, delicious food, and hopefully…hopefully…no enemies around her.
The banquet was with well-dressed nobles.
As she walked further in, she felt hard and stared eyes.
"Who is she?"
"Isn't that Duke Sylcrest's… wife?"
"She looks out of place."
Lirian's cheeks burned, but she lifted her chin, motivated to enjoy herself despite the judging stares.
"Duchess Sylcrest!" a warm voice called.
She turned to see Raphael, the Crown Prince, approaching her with a wide smile.
"Your Highness," she said, curtsying awkwardly.
He chuckled. "There's no need for formalities. You look stunning tonight."
Lirian blinked, feeling her face grow hot. "Oh, um, thank you, Your Highness. That's kind of you to say."
"It's just the truth." He offered his hand. "May I have the honor of showing you around?"
She hesitated but nodded, placing her hand in his. "Of course."
He led her through the hall, introducing her to some of the nobles.
Most greeted her politely, though she caught the sneers and quiet snickers from a few.
She forced herself to smile, focusing on Raphael's kind words instead.
"You're different from the others," he said as they stopped near a table of desserts. "You don't try to impress anyone, and that's refreshing."
"I'm not used to places like this," she admitted. "But thank you."
"I hope you'll enjoy yourself tonight."
Before she could respond, a soft voice interrupted. "Duchess Lirian?"
Lirian turned to see Princess Aurora standing a few feet away.
The princess was petite, with gentle features and an air of shyness that reminded Lirian of herself when she was her age.
"Your Highness," Lirian said, bowing slightly.
Princess Aurora smiled faintly. "Would you… walk with me?"
Lirian glanced at Raphael, who nodded encouragingly.
"Go ahead. Aurora doesn't usually approach people."
Curious, Lirian followed Aurora to a quieter corner of the hall.
As they walked, she felt the stares and heard the whispers grow louder.
"Why is the princess talking to her?"
"Doesn't she know who that is?"
"She's just a nobody from the Duke's household."
Lirian's jaw tightened, but she ignored them.
Aurora finally stopped near a small table by the window.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "People here can be cruel."
"It's fine," Lirian smiled, though her hands clenched at her sides.
Aurora hesitated. "I wanted to thank you for coming. I know it must be difficult."
Lirian tilted her head. "Why?"
Aurora smiled sadly. "Because I know what it's like to be an outsider."
Before Lirian could respond, a loud laugh from the other side of the room caught her attention.
A group of noblewomen was gathered near the main table.
"Look at her," one said loudly. "Thinking she belongs here."
Lirian stiffened. Aurora looked down, avoiding her gaze.
"Ignore them," Aurora said softly.
"I won't let them ruin this night for me."
She walked back to the main hall, her heart was ready to jump out from her chest.
The table of food called to her, and she decided to focus on enjoying the banquet, no matter what anyone said.
She piled her plate high with delicacies, ignoring the pointed looks and whispered insults.
But just as she took a bite of a delicious pastry, the grand doors shut with a loud bang.
The room fell silent…
Lirian turned to see the group of noblewomen smirking.
"What's going on?" she asked, but no one answered.
One of the women stepped forward, holding a glass of wine. "You think you can waltz in here and act like one of us?"
Lirian frowned. "I don't understand what you mean."
"You don't belong here," another woman said, picking up a piece of bread.
Before Lirian could react, the bread flew through the air, hitting her shoulder.
She stared in shock as the others followed suit, throwing food at her with laughter echoing around the hall.
"Stop!" Aurora's voice rang out, but it was drowned by the mess.
Lirian stopped moving, the food stained her dress and hair.
Her hands trembled, but she clenched them into fists, refusing to cry.
This would've been cruel, if only the original Lirian wasn't doing the same.
She was known for such pranks and tricks, but now, she was here alone…fighting against them.
"I said, stop!" Aurora yelled again, this time stepping in front of Lirian.
The women hesitated, their voices faded as they saw the princess's furious expression.
"This is unacceptable!" Aurora said. "You're acting like children!"
Raphael appeared then, "What is going on here?"
The women shrank back, muttering excuses, but Raphael silenced them with a glare.
He turned to Lirian, "Are you all right?"
Lirian nodded, though her voice was shaky. "I'm fine."
"You're not," Aurora said gently. "Come with me. Let's get you cleaned up."
As Lirian followed the princess out of the hall, she glanced back at the nobles.
But one thing was making Lirian wonder…how come the nobles dared to refuse Princess Aurora's order?