After a gentle bath, Rhynera sat quietly, brushing her hair, surrounded by the soothing scent of Drakonis.
The doors swung open, and a loud voice boomed through the halls, "His Highness, Crown Prince Adam!" The room fell silent, and the maids dropped to their knees in respect.
Rhynera bowed her head slightly, her eyes cast downward. She used to feel a thrill at the mention of his name, but now, worry filled her chest. She never knew what to expect from him.
"Get out!" Adam commanded coldly, dismissing the maids.
The words sent everyone scrambling. The maids ran out without question, leaving only Rhynera behind. She swallowed hard, knowing he was in a bad mood.
He stepped inside, his eyes scanning her from head to toe before speaking.
"Why aren’t you covering your face?" he demanded.
"My Lord... I..." she stammered. Then he raised a hand, silencing her.
"This room should be the only place where your face is seen. No one else... not even your sister should lay eyes on you from now on. Do you understand?"
Rhynera nodded quickly, trying to hide her fear. "Yes, my lord."
"The nuptial ceremony is only a few days away," Adam continued, stepping closer. She didn’t dare meet his gaze. "You will begin your training today... with your sister."
She tensed and her heart pounded in her chest.
"If you want my affection," Adam said coldly, "if you want me to treat you well, then you better make sure you beat her. Learn faster, better, and outshine her in every way."
Rhynera forced herself to nod. "I will, my lord. I won’t let anything stain the name and honor you have built."
"Good," he said with a satisfied nod, then snapped his fingers.
The maids entered at once, and he ordered them to cover her face. They did with a soft veil, then gently guided her out toward the Queen’s chamber where the royal training would begin.
As Rhynera stepped in, she was greeted with warm smiles. Aurelia stood up immediately, walking over to take her wrist.
"Welcome, Lady Rhynera," she said kindly. "We have been waiting."
Several other noble ladies were present, all daughters of important officials. They rose from their seats, nodding politely.
"It’s nice to finally have a Crown Princess," one of the girls said sweetly, and others murmured in agreement. Rhynera’s mood lifted seeing how they welcomed her excitedly.
Aurelia smiled, pleased until her eyes caught an empty chair.
"Who is missing?" she asked sharply.
"Is there someone here who dares ignore royal customs?" another lady asked, staring at one another to check who was missing.
Before anyone could answer, Rhynera smiled, realizing Lumina wasn’t there yet.
"Oh, that must be my sister," she said with a forced smile. "She tends to wake up late. I will send someone..."
"No need to do that," Aurelia cut her off. "Not only is she blind, she is careless and rude just like the man she’s about to marry."
The room fell silent and one dared speak after that, "I will take care of her when she gets here." Aurelia let out.
Just then, the doors opened with a gentle creak. The governess entered with several maids behind her, followed by Lumina.
She moved gracefully, Stella at her side. Even without her sight, she walked as if she owned the ground beneath her.
Her white robes shimmered, and the silver embroidery on her veil sparkled softly. Everyone stared, stunned by her presence.
Some couldn’t help but think, if this girl had her vision, she would be the most beautiful of them all.
Still, none dared say a word. They knew better than to provoke Aurelia.
Trying to take control of the room again, Rhynera stood and walked toward Lumina with a sweet smile.
"Sister... welcome. You came a little late. Please, take my seat so you can be comfortable."
Lumina stopped and tilted her head slightly, wondering why the Rhynera she knew was this nice.
"Lady Rhynera... you are the Crown Princess. No one should be sitting in your seat," one of the noble ladies spoke up.
Lumina let out a soft laugh. "Is this a class in etiquette? I wasn’t aware that seats were assigned."
Aurelia sighed and stood up. "You may be clever, but you are not making the Crown Princess feel very welcome."
"Princess Aurelia," Lumina said calmly, turning her head toward her. Everyone froze wondering how she knew it was Aurelia.
"I recognize voices, not faces," Lumina said smoothly. "And this Crown Princess you are talking about? She’s my little sister. If she wants to offer me her seat, I don’t see the problem."
Freya gasped, and the others exchanged shocked glances. Lumina ignored them and leaned in close to Rhynera.
"Little sister," she whispered with a faint smirk, "Do you feel uncomfortable giving me your seat?"
Rhynera’s hands clenched around her dress, her nails biting into her palms. She wanted to scream but she had promised herself to behave in the right manner. If she wants this crown then she would keep acting nice and taking her sister’s schemes.
"Of course not," she said through clenched teeth. "You may sit, sister. I will use yours instead."
Lumina nodded and leaned even closer, her voice low.
"You are playing the wrong game... at the wrong time." Rhynera’s jaw tightened and her hands twitched in anger.
Lumina gently grabbed her hands like she was helping her to relax so as not to cause suspicion.
"You shouldn’t embarrass yourself, you need to act like a true Crown Princess," she said softly. "And next time, don’t try to use fake kindness on me. I am already the queen in this game."