Chapter 1 1

"Princess! Aren't you going to greet the king and your siblings?" My consciousness returned when my maid said something. "It's been a week."

I paused and looked at my maid, Ellie.

"They won't acknowledge or greet me in return," I said coldly while sipping my tea, as a warm breeze ruffled my hair. "Why bother?"

I'm Princess Eclipse Caelum, the fourth child of the Caelum family. There's nothing interesting to say about myself. I have white hair instead of the light blonde hair my family has. They are all hybrids, half-human and half-lion.

Hybrids are people with animal features, like animal ears, tails, horns, wings, and more, depending on the type of animal they are. Higher status is often associated with more imposing animals.

As for me, I don't have any hybrid features. They usually manifest around the age of ten. That's why I'm the unwanted child, as I'm not half-lion like my siblings. I have white hair and am just a normal human with no animal traits.

Normal humans do exist, but they are considered at the bottom of the social hierarchy. So, my entire life as a princess has been marked by discrimination from other families. Even my own family didn't defend me; instead, they sometimes joined in the hurtful remarks of others.

I'm currently on the terrace of my room, where I've stayed for a week because of a certain "nightmare."

"I'm so sorry for asking, Princess. You used to greet them every day since you were a child," Ellie said timidly.

I just shrugged and continued sipping my tea. I used to greet my family every day since I was a child, but all I received were hurtful words in return. I have no plans to do that again; maybe it's because I've come to terms with the fact that they truly don't want me. Everyone has their limits, right?

I don't know why, but I no longer crave my family's attention. I don't care about what they do; it's none of my concern anymore. I just remembered this after waking up from a certain dream, and I suddenly changed.

"Hey, hag! The king is calling you." We were both surprised when someone entered my room. Seriously, couldn't they have knocked? We were taught manners, weren't we?

I stood up and bowed. "Greetings to the 2nd Prince of the Cygnus Empire."

This is Leo Caelum, the second child of the Caelum family. Golden hair and orange eyes, if I were to describe his personality.

Arrogant, harsh, a bully, and cheeky. But during events, he's on his best behavior because he's afraid of our older brother, the first prince.

"You're awfully respectful today. You probably did something wrong again that angered Father enough to summon you." I sighed silently. I hadn't left my room all week, and now Father was angry with me? I hadn't even seen him the whole week. Why did he summon me?

"Then I'll leave right away, Prince Leo," I replied and bowed again. I didn't want to comment on what he said. I was about to leave with my maid, Ellie, but Leo suddenly grabbed my shoulder.

Which was surprising. He usually recoiled when I touched him. "Wh-why are you... never mind. You're such an eyesore."

I just shrugged. I was used to hurtful words. So, no matter what they said, I no longer felt hurt.

"Ugh, here he is again."

"Yeah, I thought he'd stopped."

"I hope he stops for good. The king is always angry when he's here."

Even though I'm a princess, I'm still treated like this. Why do they have to raise their voices so loudly? They could keep it to themselves.

All the servants here are rabbits; I don't know why. According to research, rabbit hybrids are the best at cleaning and working.

I quickly reached Father's room. When my personal maid opened the door, Father and my older brother were inside.

Wait, why is the first prince here? I thought he was busy? "G-greetings to the King and the 1st Prince of the Cygnus Empire."

I don't know, but their presence together is intimidating. "You called for me, King Rignus?"

King Rignus Caelum, my father and the king of the Cygnus Empire. He always wanted me to address him as "King," while my siblings called him "Father." I used to call him "Father" too. Now that I've changed, maybe I'll start calling him "King" to avoid his constant anger.

"You're finally being respectful now. Good for you," the king remarked, and I just nodded.

"The reason you're here is that you didn't attend the tea party our sister Calliope hosted," my oldest brother, Prince Cavin Caelum, interjected.

"I didn't receive any letters, Prince Cavin," I replied. I really didn't, and I had been confined to my room for a week, so I had no idea what was happening outside.

"Stop lying. I know you dislike Calliope, but at least attend her parties more often. It's embarrassing for our family, you know?" he scolded me.

I thought Father was going to talk to me. Why is Cavin giving me a lecture? Did they call me here just to scold me again?

"Do I look like I'm lying?" I asked angrily, realizing it was the first time I had ever answered him back. I saw surprise in their eyes, including Father's.

I calmed myself and spoke again. It was now or never. I no longer craved their attention, which meant I didn't care about their opinions of me anymore.

"If you want, you can ask my maid if I received any letters from the princess," I added.