Chapter 27: You’re Not Too Important

Daphne flinched instinctively, expecting a blow to the face, but nothing happened.

"I don't think you succee―" Daphne's voice trailed off as a strange feeling began to creep up on her. It was as though she was getting soaked in seawater, and every part of her, from her heels to her stockings to her undergarments were wet.

"Do you really think I would aim straight at you, in full view of everyone? Princess Daphne, perhaps that might be your style, but don't lump me in with the likes of you," Cordelia murmured as she grabbed her hand, a mockery of a handhold between close friends.

Daphne felt the chill spread through her body.

"I hope you enjoy drowning on dry land," Cordelia whispered, her eyes manic with glee. "I've been told it's an experience."

Daphne was about to let loose the string of expletives that had already made their way to her lips, but they were stamped down by a gentle warmth that suddenly seeped through her clothing. As soon as they had gotten drenched, they were dry once more.

She instantly turned to look at her husband, who hadn't met her eye. However, the subtle orange glow of the sunstone in his pocket told her that it had to be his handiwork.

"Princess Cordelia," he gently called out, though his expression was everything but gentle, "do remember that while you are a guest here tonight, we are also celebrating the coronation of my queen. She isn't just the princess of Reaweth any longer but the rightful queen of Vramid."

Cordelia's face looked as though she had just chewed on a lemon peel, but her words were ever courteous. "Of course, King Atticus."

Sensing tensions rising, Lord Castillo immediately stepped in. "King Atticus, may we occupy a moment of your time?" He cast a not-very-subtle glance in Daphne's direction. "It's regarding the issue that's currently in discussions between Vramid and Nedour."

Whatever it was, Atticus didn't divulge. Instead, he pursed his lips, turning to Daphne.

"I'll get Jonah to escort you back," he said. "Don't go running out on your own."

"I am not a child." Daphne scowled, her voice low, careful not to let the Nedour princess overhear.

"Be good." Atticus's hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently running over her skin. His hand was warm but his next words sent a chill up Daphne's spine. "Even if you run, no matter where you go, I'll find you."

Before Daphne could retort, he strode off, with Lord Castillo and Princess Cordelia trailing after him like puppies after their master.

Princess Cordelia had the nerve to turn back to give Daphne one last smirk of victory. The action was slight but Daphne definitely caught it. Her eyelid twitched in irritation, just itching to go over and hand her a piece of her mind.

Sure, Daphne wasn't at all familiar with magic, but she was pretty nifty with a sword if it meant she could cut up people like Cordelia into pieces. If she couldn't get her hands on a sword, she didn't mind using her fists either.

She would love to see Cordelia use her magic when she pulled out all her hair. Just the very thought made her smile, and Daphne busied herself by imagining how she would pay Cordelia back for her insults as she waited for Jonah to come get her.

However, minutes went by and there wasn't a sign of the king's closest aide. Daphne was just about to give up waiting when someone spoke up, catching her attention.

"Princess Daphne, what a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance."

Daphne turned only to see two young noblewomen in front of her. One had dark hair and a certain wildness in her blue eyes, while the other had red hair and a freckled face.

Their jewels and dresses were fine enough to Daphne's trained eyes, but they thankfully did not signify the presence of royalty. One Princess Cordelia was more than enough for her to deal with.

"A pleasure. May I have your names?" Daphne asked politely.

"I'm Veronica Yarrowood." The dark haired woman curtseyed.

"And I'm Penelope Huntington." The red haired woman curtseyed.

Daphne merely nodded. She didn't know enough about Vramid nobility to place their ranks, and Atticus, her beloved moronic husband, hadn't bothered to teach her.

"...Do you know who we are?" Veronica asked cautiously, as though not believingly her ears.

"My apologies. I have no idea. I am unfamiliar with Vramid nobility," Daphne honestly replied. Veronica suddenly looked like she sucked on a lemon.

"It's alright," Penelope said, clutching at her friend's arm, giving her a warning stare. "This must be very new to you. I'm sure you must have had a hard time learning."

"In more ways than one," Veronica added waspishly, now giving Daphne a disparaging look. "How can you not know anything about the kingdom you're marrying into? What do you do all day?"

"Nonnie!" Penelope scolded, aghast. "You can't say that!"

Meanwhile Daphne hastily stifled a snort. They were troublemakers, but at least they were blunt about it. She'd take outright confrontation over Cordelia's fake sympathy any day. And she was still feeling pretty rankled over Cordelia's insults…

"You thought so too, Penny!" Veronica retorted, and then she glared at Daphne. "So, not only do you know no magic, you also have no knowledge of our kingdom, and you're not even pretty enough to make up for these flaws… How did someone like you become his bride? Did your father beg for him to take you?"

"Believe me, I ask myself that every day," Daphne replied dryly, before adding. "And my husband does tell me about people important to him. I guess both of you are simply not important enough to be mentioned by my husband's own mouth."

Penelope's jaw dropped a little but she recovered quickly, albeit still stunned speechless.

Daphne continued, "And if you care so much for my husband, you're welcome to have him. Remember to feed him three times a day and take him out for walks. "

Veronica got even angrier at her words. Her face was practically steaming. Next to her, her friend looked appalled at the words from Daphne's lips.

"That's disrespectful of you," Penelope said, her eyes glinting with anger. "King Atticus is the best man Vramid has to offer, and he has offered you his love and protection. If he wasn't there, you would have died at the hands of Princess Cordelia. How could you say this? Treat him like a burden?"

Next to her, Veronica looked fit to burst. She declared hotly, attracting the attention of the ballroom, "If you have no skill in magic, then you should at least study to make up for it! He honored you with multiple dances, and you repaid that honor by stomping on his feet. So you have no grace, no magic, no brains… his regard is wasted on you!"