The Royal Twin Alphas and The Witch

Alice, My Step Sister

Kimberly POV

I could say that I was having a great time with the dinner after the coronation, until I had to face Alice, with her eyes throwing daggers at me. I had to go back to my room to freshen up and I was to return to the ballroom, when I met Alice along the hallway.

“Good evening, Alice.”

“What’s good with the evening?” She asked as she rolled her eyes at me. “Isn’t it enough that you and your mother took my father away from me? Now, you also like to take my position in the kingdom away from me?”

“That’s not true, Alice.”

“Maybe you have been planning this with your mother over the years. You have great ambitions, Kimberly. You may have won everybody, but not me.”

I really don’t know why she is like this to me. Ever since we’ve met, she had been cold towards me. To my Mom, she was civil. At times, she would even be polite and helpful.

Alice would have been very beautiful, but when I see her she’s always either frowning or in her poker face. She’s like a white blonde doll with blue eyes, and it looks like that she’s just an inch shorter than me. I stand at five foot and seven inches.  

Hmm… probably why the staff here in the palace avoids her. Because it feels like she sucks the happiness around.

“Anyway, your party is so boring. I’m already sleepy. So, get out of my way.”

The hallway is huge. I don’t know what she meant by getting out of her way. I’m not in her way. But I stepped aside and stood close by the wall. That was only when she moved forward.

“Do know your place here.” That was all she said before leaving.

I was so shocked at her behavior. I have never met anyone so cruel to me. We have lived in a small village, where people may have not received the best education and have not been brought up with the best of manners. But the people there are very pleasant and fun to be with.

If I was a bad person, I would have used a little of my magic to play with her. But being bad is not in character.

I took a deep breath before moving back to the ballroom.

“Sweetheart, is everything okay? You seem to be in deep thought.” Mom approached me as soon as I entered the ballroom.

“I just had a run in with Alice, Mom.” Then I told her what happened at the hallway. I don’t hide things from her. It’s also not in my nature to lie. Growing up, Mom would always know when I say a lie. She has this sixth sense or something. Or probably my nose or ears turns to red, letting her know that I was lying.

“I’m sorry that you have to experience that. She may be like that now, but I’m sure you will win her over eventually. It may not be tomorrow or next week. It could take a lot of time and effort. But never stop being kind to her.” She smile at me before kissing my temple. “Come on. Our village friends were looking for you. Looks like you will be dancing all night long. Get your feet ready.”

Mom mentioning our village friends and dancing made me feel a lot better. There’s no other cure for depression, but dancing.

The following morning, my feet are still sore from dancing, but I could not stop smiling remembering last night’s party. I was with my village friends all night long, mingling with other people in between.

“Looks like you enjoyed the party too much, Kimberly.” Kind Edward said to me over breakfast.

“Yes, I did. Thank you, King Edward.” I replied politely.

I heard him sigh.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Kimberly? You can call me Dad, just like Alice. Or papa or father. Anything. King Edward is just too formal. And it will be too weird because the adoption papers already says that I’m your father right now.” King Edward looked at me while he took a sip of his coffee.

I took a glance at Alice and I see her hand curl in a fist, her lips in a tight purse, her eyes glaring at me. I want to please her, but not everything is about her.

“Okay… Dad.” It’s awkward at first, but I know I will get the hang of it.

“That’s more like it.” He said smiling.

Just then, a servant approached Dad and handed him a glossy white envelope with what seems like a crest on the lid. He took the envelope and tore it open. He read the contents before looking at Mom and handing it over to her.

“Kimberly, since you are now a princess, it is only proper to give you the best education there is. Your Mom and I thought it would be best to have you transfer schools. You will be going to the Royal Senior High Academy this fall with Alice. It will be her first year there too. She got her acceptance letter last week.”

“What?!” Alice shouted.

“Is there anything wrong, Alice?” King Edward raised his eyebrows at Alice.

“Really? She’s going to Royal High with me? She’s not even a real royal.” I’m sure that her blood is boiling in anger right now.

“Yes, she will be going to Royal High. And I believe that Kimberly’s coronation yesterday was not a dream. So, that makes it her a real royal. And it will be a good opportunity for you to get closer with Kimberly. Don’t you think so, Alice? It will also be easier to adjust to a new school when you know someone attending with you.”

“But I already know some students who will be going there.”

“That’s good for you, darling. But Kimberly only knows you. Be a good sister and introduce her to your friends. Okay?” He gave Alice a loving smile and pat on her hand.

Alice took a deep breath before lowering her head.

“Congratulations, sweetheart.” Mom reached for my hand and squeezed it. “I’ve heard that it is not easy to get accepted at that school.”

“Well, I’ve seen her grades and they were all remarkable. Straight A’s. There’s no doubt that she would make it there.” Dad looked proudly at me. “I’m sure she will make wonders in that school. No pressure, Kimberly.”

I could not only give both of them a smile, because anything I could say make Alice burst out her anger. I proceeded to eat my breakfast as quietly as I could, not wanting to get anyone’s attention.

Mom had informed me about transferring to Royal Senior High Academy, a boarding school about three kingdoms away. However, I did not think about actually going there as I knew also that it is difficult to get accepted in that school.

On top of being a royal, a student should have exceptional academic records and unremarkable talent. I’m sure Alice was accepted because of her incredible talent in playing musical instruments. She plays the piano and violin very well. She performed during our parents’ wedding and she was truly amazing. I don’t think knowing how to play the ukulele will make the cut. That’s the only instrument I know how to play.

I don’t know what information Mom had provided the school. Most probably Dad had pulled a few strings for me to get accepted.

After breakfast, I went back to my room. I looked around the big space, which is around four times our previous home. We have started living in the palace a month ago and I was given this princess suite.

My bedroom has a king-size bed that I haven’t got accustomed to yet. It’s too soft that I thought I will drown on my first night. I have my own study area, too. But I don’t think I will be using that much, since I will be studying in a boarding school. The room has a separate sitting area, where I could entertain my friends. It’s like having a living room in my bedroom. I hope I could bring my village friends here. I’m sure they will be thrilled to see my new dwelling place. I also have a massive walk-in closet. When I came in, it was already half-filled with dresses and shoes fit for a princess, all custom-made. The remaining closet space is still huge. I’m not sure if they were thinking that I have that huge collection of clothes. I barely filled one fourth of it. But the bathroom was like a dream come true for me. The shower has a water heater! And more than that, it has a hot tub! It also has several scented bath products that I can choose from.  I also have my own balcony, which faces the village where we came from. Though a bit far from the palace, it makes me happy that I can still visit the place where I grew up.

“Kimberly?”

I must have been deep in my thoughts that I did not hear Mom coming in.

“Yes, Mom?”

She sat down beside me on my bed then hugged me.

“You okay, Mom?” I asked her.

“Yes, I am. Are you? You were silent after we said that you will be going to the boarding school.” She looked intently at me.

“I didn’t say anything because I don’t want to give Alice any more reason to get angry at me.”

“You two will get past this issue. But thank you for taking all of this calmly. So, what do you think of attending a boarding school?” I pulled back to lie down on the bed.

“I thought I wouldn’t be accepted. What did you tell them my talent is?”

“Please don’t get mad. But I gave them a video of you doing magic.”

“What?! Why?!”

“I’m sorry that I did not tell you soon. But as you may know, the Royal Senior High Academy accepts humans and non-humans alike. Me and Edward believe that you do need to enhance your magical powers. It was his idea actually. We don’t know when you will face danger and you would have to be ready when the time comes. I’m okay for you to do magic WHEN you’re in school. I know you will be safe there. Let’s see what happens. You have to update me.” Mom was looking at me nervously.

I got excited with what I heard that I had forgotten to be disappointed that Mom hid another secret from me. I’m already allowed to make magic!

“Oh my gosh, Mom!”

“Wait until the school starts please. And be a responsible witch, Kimberly. Only use your powers for the good. Promise me, sweetheart.”

“Oh, okay, Mom. I promise. But I can’t wait until I start school!” I jumped up and down around the room.

“I know. You look like it.”

“Does Alice know already what I am?” I stopped myself from jumping. “What will the people say when they found out that the new princess is a witch?”

“No. Not yet. Do you want us to tell her now? I thought you’ll just have to surprise her at school. Show her that you can hold on your own. I know she’s a little bit conceited. You can put her in her own place, but remember, you still have to be kind to her. You have to understand that she is living a lonely life, that’s probably why she’s like that. She’s wanting attention. As for the people, don’t worry about them now. Edward is sure that the people will still accept you.”

“Mom, you are too kind. A little bit conceited? You know she’s too full of herself. But, yeah, I understand. And I’m lucky to have you. Even if we are not rich in possession, we are abundant in love and affection. I love you, Mom.” I went to Mom and hugged her.

“I love you, too, sweetheart.”