His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 15: Step Mother

Chapter 15

The ceremony preparation was handled by my father. It’s been almost two weeks of preparation since he wanted everything to work well for me. I tried to ask him what preparations I would participate in but he immediately disregarded the thought, he said that I shouldn’t worry about anything but my lessons with Madam Avalon.

Ever since that day when he read Mother’s letters he changed a little. He became more concerned about me and often asks me for breakfast together. He seems happy doing it so I just let him. Part of me knows that he is doing this for my Mother as well. He just wants to take care of me as much as she does. I am grateful to have caring parents despite us being challenged in tragic situations throughout the year. For now I decided to focus on what’s important and that is the present situation most especially the ceremony.

Right now I’m having a stroll in the garden with Maia to get some fresh air. I was bored inside my room and I feel like I need to have a breather. It’s also good to be alone for a while.

“Maia, how is the preparation going?” I asked, since father will only have breakfast with me and then get busy for the rest of the day. I don’t have the chance to ask about this much.

“Everyone is busy, my lady. I heard that Viscount is really putting effort towards this party. I guess that’s why the preparations are long. Some of the maids said that it’s their first time seeing the Viscount get so into something.” She said and smiled.

“I see. That’s good to hear.” I said and smiled back.

“Are you nervous?” she asked.

“To be honest I am a little bit nervous since it’s my first time meeting too many people at once. Everything is progressing pretty quickly so I need to adjust. I think I’m afraid not to meet people’s expectations of me, that's why I’m nervous.” I said and she shook her head.

“I’m sure people will love you, my lady. Seeing how beautiful and kind a person you are, there is no room for people to dislike you.” She said and I smiled.

“Thank you for saying that, Maia.” I said.

We took our time and walked around the garden. I was surprised to see how big it actually is. I was just able to walk a little around a small portion of it but now I realize it was huge.  There are many different flowers in here that add beauty to the garden. The grass is also lively and full of green. It seems that they are well taken care of. My attention was caught by the yellow tulips on the other side so I asked Maia to go near it.

As we walked towards the flower I saw someone passing by. It’s not someone I would like to meet during my leisure time. It’s my step mother.

“Ah, look who it was. It seems like the lady has too much time on her hands that she was busy walking around carelessly.” Raquel said. She was accompanied by three servants and it looks like she was about to go to a party. She was dressed beautifully with pearls and jewelries.

“I was just passing by, Madam.” I said and she chuckled.

“Oh I was sure you are just neglecting your studies since you are not used to this life yet. Go on.” She said and I sighed. It’s too early to have this kind of argument with her. Can there be a situation where we won’t fight over something?

“That’s not true. I just want to look outside and appreciate this peaceful day and mind my own business. Maybe that could make your day if you do what I do, Madam.” I said and her face turned serious.

“Just because the Viscount adores you now, he will adore you forever. Enjoy the little attention you are getting right now. Indulge every ounce of if while you still can. I also suggest that you don’t get over yourself for being called the next head of the family because I’m still here for a reason.” She said and grinned at me. Is this her way of threatening me? How absurd. She really has guts.

I sighed, “You’re right. Because the Viscount adores me right now I must take advantage of it right? At least I still have time to prove myself unlike someone who lost favor a long time ago.” I said and she looked angry. She stomped towards me as she quickly slapped me in the face.

I was shocked. She slapped me.

“My lady!” Maia panicked and came to my side.

“How dare you, you low born imprudent brat!” she snarled. I wasn’t able to hold myself and slapped her back.

“Never insult me with something I am not ashamed of. You have no rights to neither hurt me nor raise a voice to me. Act like a noble you are, Madam.” I said and glared at her. I called Maia and I turned away.

I can still see her shocked face when I slapped her. Somehow it made me feel good since she’s been treating me like trash since day one. I hope we don’t encounter each other this much. I don’t want my father to look at me like a difficult child. This must be the first and the last time. I will try not to meet Raquel.

“My lady, are you alright? Does your cheer hurt? Please let’s go back inside so I can treat you.” Maia said and I shook my head. It sting but it’s bearable. I want to stay outside a little longer.

“No, it's fine. Let’s walk around a little more.” I said and Maia agreed.

After calming my mind outside I can’t believe I was having a headache already. It turns out that Raquel ran to my father’s arms to tell him how awful I am for slapping her. As I entered, Sir Mon called me to my father’s office. He gave me an idea of what was happening and I already knew it would be stressful.

“Madam Raquel wants you to apologize for your behavior. She said you hurt her intentionally but the Viscount wants to personally hear it from you.” He said and I nodded. “My lady, I do not believe this. I can see that your cheeks are swelling. If you intend to cover the Madam please do not do it. Tell everything in detail and I am sure the Master will hear it.” Sir Mon said and I nodded.

“Thank you for your concern, Sir Mon. I will.” I said and he nodded.

We reached father’s office and as soon as the door opened I saw father sitting across Raquel. Far from them I can hear her sobbing. When father met my gaze he immediately stood up.

Raquel must have fabricated many things to push me to the edge. I don’t care. I will say what really happened and if Father believes it or not, it’s fine.

“I came-“ I was cut by my father’s tender gesture.

“What happened to your cheek?” He stood up and caressed my cheek. I guess I still haven’t got it treated since I refused when Maia asked me earlier. It’s still swollen. Raquel slapped me with hatred of course it will hurt this much. Father cares for me.

“What?!” Raquel stood up. “You care for that brat more than you care for me? I came here because she hurt me!” she shouted.

“I want to hear what Celeste has to say about Raquel. Don’t make me repeat myself.” He said and Raquel bit her lips. She wants to blame me this much? I won’t give her the right to bully me.

“I was just walking to the garden when the two of us met. She slapped me first when I said that she must not concern herself with me since I don’t and she got mad. I slapped her because she called me lowborn and imprudent when I’m literally not doing anything.” I said and she glared at me.

“How dare you lie?! You...” She shouted.

“Raquel, I don’t want this to happen again. I told you to never lay hands on my daughter but you just did the only thing I ask of you. If this happens again, I am afraid I need to punish you accordingly.” Father said with a displeased face and a serious tone.

“What?” Raquel said breathlessly. “You’re choosing that person over me? I am still your wife.” She squealed.

“Be careful of your words. The person you are referring to is my daughter.” Father said and I feel protected. He took my side without hesitation. My father is a good person. “Just like you said, you are my wife. So act like one. We discussed this matter, right?” he said and I saw Raquel trying to hold her tears.

She stomped out of the room out of embarrassment. I sighed and felt relieved. I hope I did not cause too much trouble for my father. I looked at him and smiled, “Thank you father.” I said.

“Let’s get you treated.”