The Villaness Rebirth

Chapter 1

Adelaide's POV

I'm Adelaide Reisel von Lascena, daughter of an infamous Duke, Duke Austin Regel von Lascena. My father was a great Duke and was a close friend of the Emperor. But then, my father was arranged to be married to a princess of a neighboring kingdom. Although there was a rumor that my father had a lover before my mother, he chose to marry Princess Leighny Rousel del Vough, which is my mother.

And then I was born. My father nor mother didn't like me. The fact that I'm a girl, I might not bring honor to the family. Since there's no love between my parents, I had no siblings to expect with. .

I died at the age of 18, because I am dumb and blinded by love because if the first Prince, Alexis Scar von Ancrest. It was just this age when I tried to seduce the first prince that's why the call me "Red-eyes vixen".

I inherited the red eyes of my father and the blonde hair from my mother. Even though many people resent me, they can't just stand against me because of the power of my father.

I lay back on the bed and sighed.

I will survive! I will live happily this time and then... I will be loved by someone else. Even if it's just one, I'll be happy.

I was thrown back when the door suddenly opened and my mother appeared.

"Miss, your mother, the Duchess is here" Lina said

I immediately stood up and paid my respects by bowing.

"Greetings, Duchess" I said

"I'm glad you're okay.."

I was so surprised that I looked at my mother even though I was bending down. It was my first time hearing such things from my mom.

"Y-Yes, I must've been cared for by you while I was sick" I stammered

"Not really, by the way you should be dressed by now. I heard Prince Alexis will attend the party later."

The old me must be very excited hearing this but now... I shouldn't bother the prince. I must not force him to love me.

"What's wrong dear, aren't you happy you have a chance to see the prince?" he said in surprise

My... I suddenly remember that I was banned from coming to the palace because I was so persistent to bother the prince while he was in duty. I pity myself though, I was head over heels in Alexis back then.

"Was that important?" I said

"Excuse me?" mother asked

"Being with my mother was more valuable than seeing the prince." I said

Her face was shocked and seemed to be flustered. I can see her teary eyes from within.

"My daughter..." she said while shedding tears

I walk closer to her and hand her my handkerchief. I smiled at her and she was left dazed while wiping her tears.

"Don't cry mother, if you will cry you will become ugly." I teased

My mother was once a cheerful and kind person. But when she fell in love with father and didn't get any love returned to her, she became cold especially to me. But now, I will give the love she deserves.

I was surprised when she suddenly hugged me. I hugged her back while I was in my tears too.

"Please forgive me for treating you badly, my daughter. I promise from now on, I'll be the best mother to you."

"Mother..."

I shed some tears of joy. I feel so much better. Her embrace is warm and comfortable. I wish it could last forever, me and my mother.

The hug stopped and she held both of my hands.

"From now on, call me mom." she said

"Yes mom!" I smiled

"Go and get yourself ready, I'm sure we will withstand the beauties in the palace." she winked at me

I smiled widely as I waved my hands towards her since she's leaving my room.

"Lina..."

"Yes, Miss" answered Lina

"Prepare my best dress, I will do what my mom's says"

"Yes Miss" she said with a smile

I flipped my hair while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

Thanks to the beauty of my parents, I, too, inherited their beautiful faces. No doubt, I was one of the most beautiful women in the palace but not until my sister, Ivellina came.

She stole all that is mine including the person that I loved. But I can't let that happen again. I will be happy this time.

"Is it done?" I asked

"Yes Miss" Lina replied

I looked at the mirror and I was amazed by my own charm.

"Well done" I said happily while keeping on twisting.

"Miss is acting strange these days but she seemed to be more beautiful" Lina said

I smiled as I heard that. I was clumsy back then to bully the maids and always throwing tantrums. But I have learned from my mistakes.

"I'm sorry for what I've done before to all of you. I promise that I will change." I speak happily

I saw them in tears and others were already crying.

"M-Miss...."

"Our miss is an angel..."

Yes, a fallen angel to be exact!

"Don't you worry Miss, we will always be at your side!" Monica said

I smiled bitterly knowing that these maids including Lina will be the maids of Ivellina in the future. For now, I must steal their loyalty to me so that in the future, they will stay by my side.

"You're so beautiful darling!" Mama exclaimed as her eyes twinkled

"Thank you, mom!" I said happily and smiled at him

Mom smiled back and I was amazed at her beauty. I didn't know that my mom could be this beautiful when she was happy. The mom from the past was always cold and angry. I must protect that smile from now on, I will not let others take away those smiles from her again. They will pay.

"What's wrong, darling?" Mom pinched my cheeks and I was brought back to reality

Did she see me making a face?

"No, mom. It's just.. Your smile is beautiful." I replied

Her face became red as if she was flustered.

"I-I see... Thanks darling" he answered excitedly

Ha! I never thought mom would be this cute.

"Since when did you two seem to get along well?"

Suddenly, a cold aura surrounds us and it makes me shiver. I looked behind and saw my father wearing an elegant suit and seemed to attend the party too.

"D-Duke..." Mom said in shivers

It seemed like mom was afraid of father.

"Yes Papa, would you like to join us?" I promised smiling

I have to cut the awkward scene and my momentum might be broken.

Father was shocked at the name I called him. It was the name only Ivellina allowed to call him, I really wanted to call him Papa ever since.

As expected, he stared at me with madness in his eyes.

"What did you call me?" he asked in anger

I bowed and said,"It was a mistake, father. Forgive me."

"Watch your words. Even though you are a Lascena, I will never acknowledge you as my daughter." father said

Mom looked at me with sad eyes. Don't worry mom, I was used to it already. Dad never loved me. He loved Ivellina.

"I understood.." I replied

"I will have a separate carriage. Leighny, you will join your daughter. I will take my leave now."

After he said that, he turned his back and walked away with his guards.

That jerk! How dare he speak that against my mom, hmph!

"Adele, darling, are you okay?"

Mom rushed to me and hugged me. I saw her tears falling out of her eyes and I wiped them with my small hands.

"I'm okay mom, you shouldn't feel sad about what that jerk said." I said

Oops, my mouth is really tight.

"Pfft.." mom giggled

I was surprised when mom suddenly laughed loudly and patted my head gently.

"You meanie, shouldn't say any bad things to your father. But I can't help but to laugh 'cause it's so cute!" mom exclaimed

Luh, I'm cute?

"Mom is the cutest!" I protested

"Silly, there's no one else in the world who can contest the cuteness of my daughter."

I smiled because of what mom said.

"It's just yours" I said with a smile

He smiled at me and held my right hand.

"Let's hurry to the carriage, the party will start soon"

"Okay!"

While we're in the carriage, my mom told me what was her life when she was young. She said that she was a former general of an army and already had experience leading a troop in the battlefield. She doesn't have an interest in marriage because the battlefield is her life. But when she saw her sisters happily married and already has a sweet family, she decided to have a normal life with a happy family.

But it never happened. His father, the king, sold her to marry Duke Austin of this kingdom, Laczero. The kingdom where my mother lived had a debt with Laczero and the payment was my mother whom they knew was a great general.

Mom doesn't want that kind of marriage but she agreed when she fell in love at first sight with my father. She thought there was a chance that her love would return to her but she died holding a hope that would never happen. I was 17 at that time when my mother died because of illness. She became insane and had a mental illness because she loved her father so much. After my mom died, father married his concubine and introduced me to his daughter, Ivellina.

I will not let the same thing happen. I will protect you mom! No matter what happen. I will be strong.

"We're here" I came back to reality when mom suddenly spoke

I peeked through the window of the carriage and was amazed at the beauty of the palace. Just like before. Do you know that I almost live here because of my daily nagging of Alexis?

Hey, remembering that cringe childhood stupidity is making me sick.

Soon we got off the carriage while our family guards escorted us. By the way, today is the Emperor's birthday. I already prepared a stitched handkerchief as my present to him. I knew that His Majesty likes Lotus a lot because it reminds him of the hair color of the late Empress, Empress Prescilla, the first prince's mother who died in assassination. He loves the Empress very much.

As we walked in the entrance, we were overwhelmed by the attention of the other nobles. I can hear their whispers from here.

"Why did they have a separate carriage from the Duke?"

"Is it true that Duchess Leighny wasn't favored?"

"Look at that golden hair"

"Red-eyes vixen"

Where is my rod? There are many bees here.

Honestly, I'm used to the prejudice eyes and blasphemous mouth of the people around me since I was perceived as a villain. But my mom can't handle it. I can see her grit her teeth for controlling her emotions.

I hold her stand, as I expected she was so stiff.

"It's okay mom..." I whispered

She took a deep breath and began to smile and she nodded.

I glanced at the nobles who bad mouthed me and my mom. They shivered in fear as soon as our eyes met.

I was a daughter of the Duke! No one can belittle us as long as we have the Lascena name.

We soon reached the throne and we both bowed down to honor the Emperor.

"May Valeria bless the emperor of the Laczero empire." Mom and I spoke at the same time

"I haven't seen your daughter in the palace for two weeks, what happened?" the emperor chuckled

W-What?! Why am I the topic?

"I-I was banned from coming to the palace, Your Majesty.." I answered shyly

"Hahaha! My son was too harsh to you, wasn't he?" laughed the Emperor

What the heck? Why am I being humiliated like this?

Suddenly my eyes caught my father who was looking at me badly. Hey, I guess he'll never forgive me for all the shame I've done.

To interrupt the emperor from teasing me, I need to change the topic.

"Your Majesty, I have stitched something for you as my present." I said

There was a knight who handed an embroidered handkerchief to the emperor. When he saw the lotus he immediately became quiet.

Did... something wrong with the handkerchief?

"This is..."

Everyone was surprised when the emperor suddenly burst into tears.

"Thank you for your wonderful gift, Miss Adelaide.. " The emperor said as he wiped his tears

"It's my pleasure, Your Majesty" I responded

"Don't worry child, I will help you earn favor to Alexis" he winked at me

"Thank you, Your Majesty"

Wait, what?!!

"Let's have a dinner together later, thank you for your presence. Enjoy the party." Emperor said

I couldn't bend properly because of the shock. Didn't I say I won't bother Alexis anymore? Why do we seem to be getting closer now?

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

Has the Emperor been corrupted? Why did he think to invite me to dinner, it's unusual.

In my annoyance, I sped up my pace and didn't realize that I was separated from my mother.

If you are looking at it oh!

I just kept walking even though I knew that I was being pierced by the sharp eyes of every aristocrat around me. It doesn't matter, I'm used to it again.

While walking, my attention was drawn to the garden full of different types of flowers. I watched a little more to see their beauty. In my meditation, I didn't realize that I had bumped into something, causing me to fall.

"I'm sorry. I did not mean it." I promise

He extended his hand, I looked up and was stunned to see the first prince in front of me.

It gives me chills when I suddenly remember this scene; when Alexis was looking down at me. The only difference was he didn't have his sword to kill me.

"Are you alright, miss?"

I came back to reality when his attendant spoke.

I shouldn't bump into him in the future or else I'll be done for. I stood up for myself while my head kept staring at the ground.

"Yeah, I should keep going. Again, forgive me for my impudence." I bowed my head in response as I quickly walked away

But I was forced when suddenly someone grabbed my arm. When I turned around, I saw Alexis and her face looked sad.

"Why didn't you come back to the palace?"

My eyes were enlarged in shock at what I heard.

What does it mean? Alexis didn't care for me at all in fact, he didn't want to be with me in the first place.

I became paralyzed in a moment. Once again, I was able to reminisce all the sufferings I've been through because I fell in love with him.

It's all your fault! I was blind back then and naive. You took advantage of me while you were in love with my sister. I regret all of it, I wish I didn't meet you!

"Adel, what's wrong? Are you okay, you look pale." Alexis said with worried eyes

They noticed that something was wrong with me but before everything I calmed myself down. I did promise to live my life to the fullest with my love once, I can't ruin it this time I had my second life.

I swayed my arms and that made him lose his grip. I looked at him with my serious eyes and it made him surprised.

"I suppose that it is inappropriate for a lady to go to the palace because of a prince who doesn't even care for her." I said

I saw his confused eyes while he was looking at me. Like he couldn't believe what was happening.

We may be close in our childhood times, but all is destined to be changed.

"This lady will not bother you again, your highness" I said with a big smile on my face

My words made him speechless and I continued to walk away. It's better to stay away from him. From this life, I will not love Alexis anymore.

I'm still walking but my eyes won't stop crying so I can't clearly see my path. My heart started to hurt.

I want to shout! I want to scream! But I can't... Somebody, help me..

"Adele! Adele..."

I need someone...

"My daughter!"

My mom hugs me from afar and that made me cry loudly in her embrace. Mom pats me on my head and comforts me.

"Don't worry, Adel. I'm here, you're safe" she said in a soft voice

When I'm with mom, it's just all my sorrows and pain will instantly go away like magic. It's the first time I felt something like this with my mom.

"What are you doing here?"

My hair all over the body straightened when I heard that man's voice. I looked and it was indeed my father. He saw my eyes and probably knew that I cried.

"Tsk, is that really worth of crying when the prince didn't notice you? Well, how could someone willing to talk with a spoiled brat like you?" Father said

His words sink in to my chest and it hurts. My father didn't change at all. He still didn't care about me.

"Duke, you shouldn't be like that to our daughter." said mom

Mom did stand up for me.

He turned his back coldly.

"I didn't have a daughter like her." After he said that, he walked away

Mom looked at me with worried eyes but I didn't see it clearly because I was drowned in my thoughts again. Was I still able to change my life? In 6 years, Ivellina will become my sister because mom died.

"Adele, are you okay?" she said in a worried tone

"Yes mom" I said with a smile

"Thank goodness! Adel, whatever your father may say to you, you will always be my daughter" she said in tears

I cupped her face and wiped her tears.

Mom shouldn't cry anymore. Mom should be happy. Don't worry mom, from now on I'll make you happy.

"Don't worry mom, even if father doesn't acknowledge me, as long as I have my mom. I can be happy." I said and gave her a big and warm hug.

I promise to protect you in this life, I won't let you die!

It was already evening and everyone was preparing for the extravagant dinner for the Royals. And because Lascena family was invited especially me, I have no reason to skip the invitation.

I looked at myself in the mirror while Lina was busy taking care of my hair. I was staring at my reflection in the mirror.

I must end everything here before anything else happens. I must not get myself involved in the royal family or else I will suffer in a very miserable life.

"Miss, everything's ready" Lina said

I stood up and looked at her. Her eyes were sparkling as soon as she saw me. I was confused, am I really that beautiful?

"Miss is really beautiful!" the Lina happily uttered

I smiled at her and began to bow. She seemed to be shocked at my actions but I don't care, I should thank her for her loyalty to me.

"Thank you for everything, Lina." I said

Back then when I was angry, I usually hit Lina to calm myself. But I never heard her to complain about what I'm doing, instead she clearly understands me above all else in the mansion.

She always supports me when I'm down because Alexis always rejects me and she always defends me in other maids who mock me. When mom's not around, she's always there for me.

I looked at her face and saw her eyes filled with tears.

Did I say something wrong?

"W-Wait--did I say something wrong?" I'm nervous language

But instead of replying, she hugged me tightly. I can feel her gentle and warm embrace.

"I'll always be there for you miss, even though the world forsaken you I'll never leave you." She said

I hugged her back and my eyes won't stop crying too.

When my mother died, my life began to turn upside down. I became the black sheep to the family. It's always the sister and the sister who is good and I'm the bad. Then, they cast me out, father didn't care for me and never even showed himself to me.

My life began to suffer to the point that the maid's treatment is better than me. The maids started to bully me and there is Lina who always takes care of me. The news spread that she died due to illness but the truth is, she died of being too much tortured just because she refused to poison me.

That made me angry so I confronted Ivellina and her goody-two-shoes mother and made havoc. And then, I was sentenced to death.

"Miss..."

In this life, I will cherish you.

"...Miss, are you alright?"

With me protecting you, no one will dare to touch you.

I quickly smiled and wiped my tears. I shouldn't remind myself of the most horrible moment that happened in my life. That's right, I must focus on the present!

"We should hurry to get in the ball or else you won't be able to see the prince." Lina said

I smirked and flipped my hair.

"Ha! Who wants that stupid prince. Geez, I'm tired of him already." I said with a disgusted expression

"Miss..." she muttered in shock

Ha! As expected to Lina, she must be shocked about my sudden attitude towards Alexis.

"Anyways, let's go to the ball. I want to see my mom now" I said

She nodded and directed the way to the ball. As expected of the royal family, they must spend a lot of money just to boast their status to many nobles and aristocrats.

We successfully entered the ball and it is more lively than I expected. Well, it's because I'm only permitted to enter a child's ball. Childe's ball is a ball exclusive for children like me who's not yet come of age. Coming of age is important to every person's life because the moment you come of age, you will be introduced as an adult in society and it means, you have the freedom.

As expected to a child's ball, it's quite noisy but I'm getting out of place since my mind is already an adult, I have no business with these kids.

I saw an empty space with chairs in a corner and I signaled Lina to follow me to head over there. She nodded and quietly followed me, she sure understood what I'm feeling right now. I'm mad, I can't see my mom!

While walking there's a group of boys, probably a little older than me pointing at me and they seem to be talking bad about me.

"Hey isn't that the evil daughter of the Duke?"

"Don't look at her eyes, you will bewitch!"

Then they all laugh really loud in front of my face making an attention. Why do they always want me to get attention?

Damn these boys! Do they think I don't hit the child? I looked closely at one of the people who was laughing and it looked like he was the anal of the General who was under father's management.

Judging from his clothes, he seemed to be spoiled by his parents. And the rest of the boys probably the sons of the Imperial knights under the general. They are all good looking but they are just stupid morons. How dare they mock me?

I was just walking but suddenly, this general's son bastard blocked my path. Lina started her move but I stopped her.

I can handle this.

I glared at this bastard but he kept on grinning.

"Out of my way" I said

"Oh, should I be scared?" mocked by the boy beside him

And everyone laughed so loudly again.

Ugh, I shouldn't waste my time dealing with these airheads.

I just continued to walk and ignore them but the general's son grabbed me in my arms.

"How dare you ignore me? I'm not done yet." he said

"Go Maximilian!"

"Get that ugly lady!"

Abugh, and they're still cheering for this snort to do something bad? Extraordinary..

I looked at him evilly while leaving. I saw Lina approaching us but I signaled that I was okay.

I can do it Lina. Just be there first.

"What do you want?" I asked angrily

He looked into my eyes and brought his face closer to mine.

"You should be pleading Prince Alexis to save you right, why won't you do it?" it said

"Why would I do it?"

"Be-Because you're in love with that good-for-nothing prince" he stammered

"Pfft.."

Because if what he had said, I burst into laughter. They seemed to be confused why I laughed. I sway my hands and that made him lose his grip and then look at his eyes seriously.

"Look, I don't know what b*llshit is what you're talking about and I don't even know you. You seemed to be interested in my relationship with the prince don't tell me you're jealous because of me? I didn't know that general's son is interested in men." I teased

Everyone who heard it refrained from laughing and the ball filled with small laughs. The general's son probably named Maximillien was being humiliated by my words.

His face was all red and is stopping himself from crying. His friends seem to worry and are glaring towards my direction.

"Max..."

"You evil lady!"

"Apologize to Max!"

Poor boys, probably didn't learn any good morals from their parents and teachers. I just rolled my eyes at them and proceeded to walk since Maximillien was about to cry.

"You are really a witch! Why would there be someone like you ever born? Everyone hates you because you are evil! Witch!" he yelled

Urgh, this boy doesn't know how to give up! If he really wants me to be a witch, then I'll gladly grant his request.

I turn my back and face Maximillien and then I point out my finger to him.

"Very well, because you really wanted this I'll give you a curse. Maximillien, you will become impotent and never get married in the rest of your life. You will live your life in solitude, this is a curse from the witch. Hahaha !" I said loudly

While I was laughing, I caught sight of Alexis approaching us. I didn't even think about running away or avoiding them because they were so close.

"What's going on here?" Alexis asked

"P-Prince..." Maximilien exclaimed

Maximilien and his bad guys immediately ran away when they saw Alexis.

Hey, maybe they don't like Alexis that's why they targeted me. What will they gain from me?

"Are you okay?" Alexis asked

I shook my head and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I promise

"I'm here to escort you to the royal dinner. You can't refuse." he says

Alexis really thought that I'm going to refuse him.

"Sure" I answered with no appetite

To Be Continued....

Chapter 3

I really don't know what's going on with Alexis' mind. In my past life, he notices me if he's just bored and then ignores me afterwards. Not until Ivellina came, I began to be more desperate for his attention but I always lose if my opponent is Ivellina.

My thoughts are running in my mind while we are walking silently towards the Royal hall where the royal family and the royal duchy will dine. I can sense that he's secretly glancing at me so I walk faster. But this guy doesn't have a common sense and still follows my pace.

My heart is throbbing in every step. It's suffocating me thinking that we're getting closer to the Royal hall. Not long ago, a knight opens a big door and it's the entrance to the hall.

"Prince Alexis and Lady Adelaide have arrived!" announced the knight

All eyes were focused on our direction. Some express congratulations and some were despising me. I can see many of my relatives hate me.

The brother and sister of my father and my cousins ​​were also invited in the dinner. And so the relatives of the royal family.

I saw my mom waving her hands and smiling so I smiled back at her. I was about to sit beside her but Alexis attendant showed me my seat.

Wahhh, I just want to be with my mom! (T^T)

Alexis offered me a seat and because I had no choice, I sat there beside my father.

Why my father!! Gosh, Alexis I will kill you!

When I sat down on my chair, the one in front of me is actually Alexis and the two on his side are my cousins ​​Neron and Arthur, they are training with Alexis in swordsmanship. I frequently see them because I'm always tailing Alexis back then.

The two were glaring at me, it's really suffocating. The one that we ought to trust are the one who will drown us. There's no such thing as 'family' for me.

"That brat won't come?" I heard the Emperor said to the butler

'That brat'? Is he belonging to the second prince Achlys (Aklis)? The rumored unfavored son of the emperor? Many said that when he was born, he was the emperor's most favored because of his intelligence and skills. But her mother was sentenced to death because she poisoned the first prince's mother that the emperor loves so much. And then, he became unfavored, rumors spread in the entire empire that the prince is a bad omen because of the color of his hair.

Her mother was a princess from a far away kingdom that is believed to be a miserable kingdom filled with killers and thieves. In this world, your race will be identified by the color of your hair, the darker your hair, many people will curse you. That's why the second prince named 'Achlys' means darkness. And I accidentally heard from the maids gossips while I was in the palace that he never went outside his room after his mother died.

He must've been hurt just like me, losing everything that he had. In my past life, Achlys stood up in many ways and he spread his name across the nations and had an alias of "The Dark Ripper". He was killed in the battle because the Emperor brought him to a hopeless war and three months after that, I was executed.

"All of the members of the families are complete, we shall proceed" said the Emperor

Ancrest and Lascena family were complete now so all of us stood up and offered the Emperor a bow.

"May Valeria bless the emperor of Laczero empire!" we responded at the same time

"You're all permitted to seat and I request to quit the formalities between us. After all, me and Duke Austin were good friends since childhood and our families" support each other in many generations." said the Emperor smiling

"It's been a while since we last dined together for a decade." replied father

Shocks! Every time he actually spoke if I wasn't startled, my hair would rise.

"Help yourselves, eat all the foods you want to eat" said the Emperor

Some maids served us the food and I decided to just eat a small amount if food here. Although the dinner is so lavish and a like a feast, I must maintain my posture while eating because if the damn glare of my relatives in every move I make. Even though father sits next to me, the dare to look at me with those eyes.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by his Majesty's voice.

"Laczero empire really progressing well after and before we're married, Austin, Ravyn and Hildert. " Emperor said

Ravyn is my uncle who is a former General of the Imperial army and was the father Neron while Hildert is also my uncle and was a chancellor, he was the father of Arthur.

"Yeah." uncle Ravyn replied

"The wars are really the turning point of our lives, but I'm missing it" said father

Father is smiling, he must be very close to the Emperor and was very happy to accompany them. But when we were in the mansion, he didn't show himself to me that much and I never saw him smiling in front of me and mom. I'm kinda jealous.. he loves his friends more than his family.

I released a bitter smile in my lips and it seems that Alexis saw me so I quickly changed it to an emotionless expression. The emperor noticed that Alexis was looking at me so he began to speak.

"I can't wait to see the next generation to progress. Alexis will be a great ruler someday and he will need a queen by his side" after the emperor said that, he glanced in my direction

My heart started to race and I became nervous in a sudden. Father's reaction is weird too.

"What do you mean, Axel?" Father asked

"I think our little boy is matched with your little Adel so I'm thinking that we should get them engaged"

A big thump blows my mind and I suddenly feel empty.

It's happening again! They will engage me to the prince but when Ivellina comes, they broke our engagement just to engage Ivellina to Alexis.

"That's... I'm not sure if Adelaide can possibly be a great queen to Alexis. Her attitude is unladylike and was always causing trouble for the prince." father said

That's right... He doesn't want me to be engaged to him because he has something in mind...

"Adel is still a kid, she will surely become matured in no time. I mean, there's no one who can marry my son besides the daughter of Lascena family." Emperor replied

My father suddenly became quiet and I know why.

"Say, little Adel.."

The emperor looked in my direction.

"You have a crush on my prince Alexis, right? I'm sure to promise you that I will help you win my Alexis's heart so do you agree with the engagement? Alexis?"

"I agree" replied Alexis

He then glanced at me, and I can feel the pressure of my father pressing me to the ground.

"I'm afraid I cannot accept it." I answered surprising them all

"A-Adel, don't take the words of your father. He's really a meanie"

"You're acting like a child again, our dear Emperor" said father

"Shut up, Austin I wasn't talking to you!"

"Tsk"

The angry reaction by the emperor suddenly changed when he looked at me and was smiling at me. I took a deep breath and then spoke.

"Father is right, I'm not deserving to be the queen."

Once again, the dining us filled with gasps out of shock.

"Why did you say that?" Emperor asked

"Because there's no reason for me to become a queen. Alexis will grow up as a great man with many accomplishments and he deserves more than me. If we're engaged early, soon he will find a perfect match for him. A better and much deserving than me, maybe a princess or if there's a miracle, maybe..."

I can sense their happiness because I disagree so I'm giving you a surprise.

"we have another daughter in Lascena hahaha!"

As soon as I said that, my father and the Lascena's were shocked.

"Hahaha! How is that possible!" laughed the Emperor

"I was just joking" I said

It seems that the emperor doesn't know that my good father has a connection. Father remained silent after I said that.

"You seem to have a point but Adel, if it's possible and when you already come of your age and you're still both single, I suggest you to get married, okay. I doted on you Adel!" said the Emperor

I smiled and looked at him.

"Yes, your Majesty" I replied

The emperor is really kind. What happened to his son, why is he a sort of devil?

I looked at Alexis direction and he was lowering his head. Is he mad or something?

"Not your Majesty, call me uncle"

"Yes, uncle!" my happy language

I may call the emperor uncle but I can't even call my own father 'father'.

After that, they continue chatting and eating until the dinner is over and we need to head back to the mansion.

The dinner was over and because it's late, we are invited as a guest in the palace.

I'm here at the hall and I can't forget the face of my father and what he said after we left the Royal hall.

"I'll talk to you later" he said with a death glare in his eyes.

He must have been alert since I joked about his lovely daughter. I'm a fool, why did I even say that.

"So you're here, golden brazen"

I looked at the one who spoke and I wasn't glad that it was my cousins ​​Neron and Arthur.

"What do you want?" I don't feel like answering

"Stay away from Alexis! You're just shaming yourself to him." Nero said

The hell I care! I'm already done with that bastard.

"Okay" I replied and turned my back to walk

"You little!"

Arthur grabbed my hands and placed them on my back so I could face Neron.

These brats are really going to hurt me! Unfortunately, Lina's not here, she's probably taking care of my room to sleep. How am I supposed to get rid of these jerks? Should I scream? No, it will only cause trouble. What should I do?

"Aren't you gonna cry like you used too?" Nero teased

"And what will I gain from crying? Will someone save me if I cry?" I answered

Yes, I'm really tired of it. I don't wanna cry, if I cry again then I'm weak.

"You really have changed." Arthur lost his grip on my hands and freed me

So what if I change?

"If you don't want to be bullied, just fight back." Nero said

Wow, coming from you.

What are they saying? I don't understand them anymore.

"Is it my fault if I'm being bullied?" I said

The two of them became silent for a while.

"Why I must fight those who bullies me? Shouldn't the bullies be the one who should change themselves?" I added.

"Why don't you get it?!"

I was surprised when Neron suddenly shouted.

"We all hate you, we all don't want you here. I'm sure you already know that but why do you always ignore it and still being a nuisance in our lives?!" it shouted

"Neron, calm down!" said Arthur

So that is why... They don't hate me because of my attitude, they hate me because of my existence. It kinda hurts me. Yeah, it hurts.

As if it's they were saying that it's better if I'm not born. Is it my fault?

"You want to know why?..." I responded weakly

They both looked in my direction and I was now holding back tears. I simply clenched my fist so I could control my emotions.

"Because I want to live." I said with a bitter smile and tears flowing in my eyes

"Just how much attention should I have to catch for me to be acknowledged? You must be happy because you have everything I didn't. Glory, fame, friends and... warm home. I was jealous, I wish I had that too."

"What are you saying---"

"But I had enough. I'm tired of it all. I'll never be the girl I am in the past..." I interrupted Neron's words

"Please don't come again, please don't show your face to me anymore. From now on, we don't know each other. I won't bother you again, Neron, Arthur. I'm sorry for all I've caused you." I said and wiped my tears

They were surprised by what I said. They seem to be pretty guilty, I guess.

"here"

I was shocked when Arthur lent me a handkerchief.

"Don't cry anymore" he said but he was looking in another direction and seems blushing? I don't know.

"Your handkerchief seems to be dirty, Arthur. Take mine, Adel" said Neron while lending me his handkerchief

"What did you say? It's completely clean!" yelled Arthur to Neron

"But why did she not take it? It may be clean but the design is so lame" Neron teased

"You bastard!" shouted Arthur

Ah, these two! In front of me really rambled.

"Alright, don't fight each other or else it's my fault again." I have no appetite for language

They stopped rambling and looked at me then seriously looked at each other again.

"Let's settle this right here and right now" said Neron

"Bring it on!" replied Arthur

Hey, what nonsense are they going to do? Where can I be? I might be accused of planning it and blamed.

"Rock, Paper, Scissors!" they spoke at the same time

"Haha, I won!" Arthur exclaimed

"Hmmp! I'll surely win next time" Neron said angrily

Seriously?! I think they're three years older than me. So childish! Aren't they just their own bullies?

After a while, Arthur handed the handkerchief to me again.

Hays, when my tears are dry I just gave them away. It's more important to do than to give, it's really rare.

"My tears already dried up. I don't need it" I said

"Tsk"

He grabbed my hand and put his handkerchief to it.

"It's bad to refuse an offer" he said seriously

You are the bad one.

"Okay" I said and wiped some tears from my eyes with his handkerchief. He smiled when he saw her.

"Well.." Neron said as he held his neck

"What if we start over? You don't have any siblings right?"

To Be Continued....