Anezka's Pov
Rhea adorned me in a stunning royal outfit that shimmered elegantly under the light. The A-line dress, crafted from delicate chiffon, boasted ruffle sleeves and was intricately embellished with sequins that sparkled like stars.
It perfectly complemented my bold black cat-eye glasses, enhancing my sophisticated look. My wavy hair, styled with enchanting waterfall braids, cascaded down my shoulders, adding an extra touch of glamour.
As the clock inched closer to lunchtime, we hurried to finish our preparations. Rhea skillfully guided me through the opulent halls towards the dining area. The dress, though breathtaking, felt a bit heavy against my frame, and I found myself struggling slightly to maintain my poise. Despite the challenge, I persevered and managed to navigate towards the magnificent dining hall, which awaited us with its elegance.
There were two imposing guards stood watch in front of the grand entrance to the dining hall. As we approached, they swung the heavy door open, revealing the elegant interior.
Rhea gently guided me inside, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the stunning chandelier that illuminated the room with a warm glow, its crystals sparkling like diamonds. The hall featured an expansive dining table, meticulously arranged with twenty elegantly designed chairs, each crafted with intricate details.
The table itself was adorned with sets of exquisite crockery, each piece a work of art, reflecting the ambiance of sophistication and luxury that filled the space. The overall atmosphere was one of opulence, inviting me to indulge in a truly memorable dining experience.
In the heart of the room, the center chair commanded attention with its grand size and exquisite design, far surpassing the other chairs surrounding it. Serena sat confidently in that magnificent seat, her demeanor radiating authority and poise. To her right, the man I had encountered just yesterday occupied his own chair, his presence adding an intriguing dynamic to the scene as he observed Serena with a blend of admiration and respect. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of importance.
Serena's gentle yet graceful voice enveloped the room, instantly capturing my attention.
"Good morning, my child. Oh, my sweetness, you look absolutely lovely today!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with warmth. She turned to the man beside her, a tender smile gracing her lips. "Honey, just look at her; she's radiant," she said with genuine admiration. The man's expression softened as his eyes glistened with emotion, and he responded, "It's true, she truly is beautiful."
As I approached them, I smiled and greeted them warmly, saying, "Good morning, and thank you for the compliment." Honestly, I wondered if it was strange to express my gratitude; I've always struggled with accepting compliments and often feel unsure about how to respond.
Noticing my discomfort, Serena attempted to lift the mood. She gave a little giggle, her eyes sparkling with warmth, and encouraged me, saying, "You can sit here, sweetheart. Make yourself comfortable."
As we all settled comfortably into our respective chairs, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Serena, with an air of authority, turned to Rhea and gracefully instructed, "You can go for now. Please arrange a selection of comfortable yet elegant outfits for Anezka." Her voice was calm, yet firm.
Serena shifted her attention to preparing a plate of lunch for the man, meticulously selecting each item with care. The aroma of the food began to fill the room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, Rhea chose to exit quietly, moving with soft footsteps that barely made a sound, leaving the space to Serena's focused efforts.
Serena carefully arranged three plates of lunch on the table, one for each of us.
The aroma of the meal wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I expressed my gratitude for the plate she had prepared for me, and she responded with a warm, gentle pat on my head, her eyes shimmering with kindness.
As we started to eat, an eerie silence enveloped us, broken only by the soft clatter of spoons against plates. The atmosphere felt heavy, yet strangely intimate, as we focused on our food.
Once we had finished our lunch, Serena poured a glass of a stunning, shiny teal liquid that shimmered under the light. Intrigued, I couldn't help but ask, "What's with the color of this liquid? What is it?"
A hint of a smile crossed Serena's lips as she replied, "This is our traditional drink. Whenever visitors come to our palace or kingdom, we offer them this special beverage. It's quite delicious; you really should try it," she encouraged, her voice warm and inviting.
Despite her enthusiasm, a wave of suspicion washed over me. I still felt like an outsider in this unfamiliar place, unsure of the intentions of its inhabitants. Clutching the glass in my hands, I hesitated, mesmerized by its vibrant color, yet I found that I couldn't bring myself to sip even a single drop.
Serena shattered the tense atmosphere that hung in the air with her weighty declaration, "Now let's come to the most important topic."
As her words carried through the room, it felt as though the very air shifted, becoming thick with seriousness and gravity. The man sitting across from me straightened his posture, his demeanor suddenly alert, as if he too was bracing himself for something monumental.
I remained silent, my gaze firmly fixed on Serena. The intensity of my anticipation enveloped me, and I could sense that she understood the depth of my urgency, as I had been waiting for this moment since yesterday. The heaviness of the situation wrapped around us like a thick fog, signaling that what lay ahead was of great significance.
Serena turned her gaze toward me, her eyes deep and searching, creating a connection that felt both intimate and overwhelming.
She held my hands tightly, her grip warm yet shaky, as if she were trying to convey a weighty secret. The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words, and I could feel the tension radiating from her. It was clear that she was grappling with something profound, a storm of emotions swirling just beneath the surface.
After a long, agonizing pause that felt like an eternity, she finally broke the silence, her voice steady but heavy with gravity. "First of all…" she began, but the words hung in the air, suspended by her uncertainty. Then, with an unexpected intensity, she revealed the truth that would change everything: "You're Anezka Orien, child of Serena and Mikael Orien." The revelation hit me like a thunderclap, reverberating through my mind as the implications settled into place.
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"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
- By Anais Nin