26

The air was filled with tension. No one knows when Claude's condition will improve. Oriella was sad the her grandfather suddenly collapsed like that. Jennette was nervous for an entirely different reason, however. She gripped the handle of her teacup, shaking, and spoke to the servants, "Everyone, please leave us." They bowed and complied.

Arius and Oriella had a worrying look as Jennette downed the rest of her tea in a single gulp.

"Prince Arius, where did you come from?" Jennette stared at him.

"Um... A small village somewhere near Madame Halsey's territory. I've told my story before."

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It was rude of me to suddenly asked questions like that. Please don't take it to heart." She said.

"I accept that apology. It's quite alright."

"Would you like to hear a story?"

"Sure.. I guess?"

Jennette took out a pendant. She opened it to reveal a picture of her half-sister, Princess Athanasia attached.

"You know, you look a lot like her. She was the one who helped me get use to the castle. Some people may think that I'm a villain for letting her die in vain. I myself think I am too.

As I was passing out from the poison, all I could hear were her worried pleas. 3 days later, when I woke up, I found that my sister was dead. Accused of putting poison in my tea, she was killed right away without a trial. I couldn't believe it at first, but everyone around was convincing me that she is the culprit and she is evil. I don't believe any of that.

I was mad at father for executing her just like that. I managed to save her precious maid, Lillian who was supposed to be executed the day after. But without Athanasia, Miss Lillian was lifeless. She had no reason to live anymore, so she decided to live in honour the princess. Her precious princess.

People tried to comfort me by saying it's not my fault, it was Athanasia's for trying to kill me. The said she was jealous. She was greedy.  She was not greedy at all! She is kind, humble, generous, every good things is her.

It wasn't long after her sentence that it was revealed she was innocent. I still remember the wave of grief I felt..." Jennette paused for a while. Her eyes seemed distant as if looking  nothing in particular. The younger two royals waited patiently for her to continue her story.

A certain memory resurfaced in her mind.

'I knew it I knew it!' "It is my fault! Everything is my fault! I betrayed her! I am evil! Stupid stupid Jennette!" She cried and wailed. All alone in her room, she blamed and punished herself, locking her room, starving.

"Jennette," his gentle voice called out."Ijekiel, what are you doing here?! GET OUT! I KILLED HER! I BETRAYED HER!""Shh" he cooed, soothing her. Ijekiel pulled her into a tight hug, muttering comforting words while she sobbed in his arms.

Her eyes focused back into reality as she looked straight at Arius. A single tear escaping her right eye.

"I screamed and cried. It was useless. Crying won't solve anything. But that was the only thing I could do. Perhaps it's the only thing I know to do." She chuckled at her last statement. "Indeed. I could never compare to her intelligence. Father didn't have the slightest regret at killing her, even after the news of her innocence. Which made me resent him for a bit.

But one day I saw him downing bottles and bottles of alcohol. This was within a week of said news. So I thought maybe he did regret it somehow. I peek only through a small crack of the door. I didn't dare to come closer.

She was someone who is shy and only close to certain people. The Black Tower magician was the only other person than her maids and nanny Miss Lillian that she talked to with ease. In fact, I'm pretty sure they were more than just friends. After what happened.....he disappeared. I haven't thought about it seriously until now. What if....using his magic, anything can happen. Athanasia could even have a family right now.

I don't think I even deserve to say her name. I do, even though it may sound ridiculous, have hope that she is still alive.

So, Arius. She is alive right? Your mother, the princess."

Arius remained calm. They were both in an intense staring contest while Oriella alternate looking between the two. Oriella's head started spinning as she was panicking.

But the one who is panicking the most would be Jennette. It was just a guess so she took a gamble. Her anxiety increasing every second waiting for his answer. Her calm façade won't last for long.

"If you're hoping that my mother is the first princess......" Arius said. Jennette gripped her dress as she got even more nervous.".....then you are right. I am the son of Princess Athanasia de Alger Obelia and The Black Tower Magician Lucas. Let me tell you this first. She is living a happy and peaceful life and would appreciate if nothing ever gets in the way of it." Arius glared sternly.

Jennette sunk in her chair. Tears streaming down her eyes, while a smile adorned her face.

"S-she's alive.... Thank God.. uhuk" she sobbed. "Prince Arius, I'll make sure to keep this as a secret. B-but can you please tell me more of how she's been faring?" Her pleading eyes contained mixed emotions.

Sadness, disappointment, happiness, regret.

....................................................................

Hiiiii

So this chapter is mostly about Jennette's thoughts and her point of view. She blames herself but also denies. I don't hate her. She just wanted a family. Poor kid got brainwashed a lot. I took a lot of time writing this :))

Anyway I'm back. Thanks for waiting for this chapter! Also thank you to the everyone who wished me luck for my exams. I failed btw.( I expected it, and intentionally did it)

Vote and comment :)))