章節 6: Kill me, please?
After Kaius had left, Anabel sought to find Sarah, only she would know where to find the royal seamstress.
Walking down the corridor, it didn't take long for others to notice the necklace around Anabel's neck. Regardless of their questioning looks and murmurs, Anabel walked with her shoulders held high.
As she walked past the kitchen, she was yanked into the kitchen. "Where did you get that?" Sarah asked, pointing at Anabel's neck. "Where did you pick it from? Have you stolen from Princess Katy? Where did you steal it?"
Anabel narrowed her eyes and gave Sarah a dry look. "I didn't steal anything. Is it suddenly abnormal for a maid to wear a fancy necklace?"
Sarah stared at her, her brows creasing in worry "Anabel, what has gotten into you? You've been behaving differently"
"Differently?" The words sank into Anabel. She hadn't thought about how she would be behaving a lot differently from the past Anabel. Anabel shook her head "I'm not different, it's still me, Anabel"
Sarah was still skeptical "Then tell me truthfully, where did you steal this necklace from?"
By the sound of it, it seemed Anabel used to be an honest, lovable, and gullible girl. Too bad she's not here. "I didn't steal; the Princess gave me this necklace," Anabel lied through her teeth.
"What?"
"She says she forgives me for what I've done and then she gave me this necklace. If you have your doubts, feel free to question the princess yourself," said Anabel, knowing fully well it'd be considered disrespectful to question the princess.
•••
"Katy," Kaius greeted with a wide smile as she walked up to him. Katy giggled at the well-prepared table and chairs. "You have always been the fancy one," she remarked.
Kaius's gaze fell on the pendant around her neck, it dangled while she adjusted to the chair. "I see you've taken a liking to the pendant I gifted you"
Katy caressed it, smiling "I really love it"
'Anabel was right' he thought. "I'm glad you like it Katy, I had it specially made for you"
"I beg to differ" Ceaser's sudden appearance caused them both to stand, impulsively acknowledging his presence.
"Ceaser!" Katy exclaimed happily. In contrast, a deep frown spread across Kaius's face. His gaze narrowed on Ceaser, and he asked, "Pardon?"
A playful smirk danced on Ceaser's face, his tone sly; he asked Kaius, "Didn't you gift a similar necklace to a mere maid?"
Kaius's gaze hardened. Ceaser must have seen him giving a necklace to Anabel earlier. Katy looked at Kaius "Is this true?" She asked.
Kaius clenched his fist, he shouldn't have given Anabel anything. Now, his love rival is using it to make him lose face in front of the princess.
Kaius sighed in defeat. "It is true that I gifted a necklace to a maid, but it cannot be compared to the rare stone that I have given you, Katy. I know for a fact that blue is your favorite color; that is why I had this specially made for you," he explained.
Katy smiled, a small, wry smile. She lifted her hand to caress Kaius's cheeks. Kaius would have mistaken her action for developing feelings if it wasn't for the pitied look in her eyes. "You're honest, Kaius, that is why I can never be angry with you."
Kaius glared at Ceaser who stood behind with a satisfied smile. Katy turned to him as well, her face lit up "Now that you're here Ceaser, why don't you join us"
Ceaser happily accepted the invite and sat with them. He and Katy chatted away, leaving Kaius to feel as if he were a third wheel.
Regardless of what had occurred that day, Kaius didn't give up. He was determined to turn his and Katy's platonic relationship into a romantic one.
Anabel, on the other hand, worked hard, constantly bringing up Kaius whenever she had the chance.
On the day before the ball, while Anabel helped Katy wash up, Anabel sought to make sure Katy walked hand in hand with Kaius to the ball.
"The edges, Anabel, wash the edges" Katy reminded. Anabel was doing quite a terrible job as a maid. After all, in her past life, she had people to serve her just as she is serving the princess now.
"Yes, princess,"
"I must appear nicely, after all, my hair is my glory. As a princess, I'm obliged to be the center of attraction, with bright hair and perfect clothes," Katy explained.
Anabel rolled her eyes, "Sure"
Katy continued, "With shiny jewelry and glass heels. Since I will be walking alongside Prince Ceaser, I must look my best. I wouldn't want him to think my maids don't take proper care of me"
Anabel blinked "Wait, what? You're letting Prince Ceaser escort you?"
Katy frowned "Is something the matter?"
"What about Prince Kaius? He's been putting up efforts to please you." Anabel sounded devastated. Even after all he has done, Katy won't choose him.
Katy sighed, looking heavenward, she asserted "You probably don't know this because you're just a maid, but the man that escorts a princess is her potential husband"
Anabel's eyes widened "You want to marry Prince Ceaser?"
"Well of course!" Katy grinned. "The Eusterian kingdom is the biggest in all the land. Not only are they the most populated, but they're wealthy as well."
Staring deeply at the ceiling with a smug smile, she envisioned her future with Ceaser by her side. "Imagine me as the Queen of Eusteria adorned in rare stones and expensive jewels. I would be served by all, bathed in unimaginable riches. Just think of all the people that would adore me"
Anabel looked like she was witnessing birth by a male seahorse, a cringe expression spread across her face. "Um princess, you forgot to mention you'd be with the love of your life."
Katy stopped smiling "Love?" she arched her brow before bursting into laughter that scared Anabel. "Listen, honey, in this modern time; no one cares for trivial things such as love. Wealth is all that matters these days"
"What?" Anabel found herself laughing at this. 'This isn't right' Anabel said inwardly. The princess always ended up with Ceaser because they loved each other.
Wait, does Ceaser know that his love is not being reciprocated?
"But what about the Prince? He loves you truly" said Anabel with furrowed brows.
Katy leaned back on the tub, closing her eyes with a smile "Exactly why my future is certain. Now, carry on, if I want Ceaser to keep adoring and loving me, I have to look perfect."
Anabel resumed, her mouth still slightly parted. She couldn't believe it. This is the woman they're all trying to get? She's just a fake, putting up a nice front while being a power-hungry golddigger on the inside.
It's a good thing she wants Ceaser, Kaius deserves someone better.
The next day at sunset, Katy as well as Anabel stepped down from the golden carriage. Anabel's eyes swept past the crowd, their aura, a stench of royalty and wealth.
Her gaze landed on the castle, and a small smile spread across her face. She had never seen something as beautiful as this. In the game, this was where Katy met the third prince.
"Anabel, how's my hair?" Asked Katy
Anabel averted her eyes and answered "The most beautiful, milady"
The event was already commencing and Anabel was yet to see Kaius. Katy and Anabel reached the threshold of the Voldar castle.
At a distance, Kaius laid eyes on both of them. Katy was dressed to perfection, her blonde hair was adorned with jewels, and her smile was the most beautiful thing ever.
Anabel, on the other hand, wore a casual gown. There was nothing special or unique about it, but she was pretty. Kaius also noticed just as Katy had on the blue pendant, Anabel wore the emerald necklace.
He quickened his steps to reach them but Ceaser suddenly entered the scene. Kaius's expression turned grave as Katy accepted the offer of Ceaser's hand. In the next moment, he heard them both announced together.
His expression dropped. He thought he finally had a chance against Ceaser, but it seems he'll never win Katy's heart. With a sigh, he turned and left.
It was then that Anabel noticed him walking away. She quickly went after him but his steps were quicker than hers.
Minutes later, Anabel found herself in the heart of Voldar's Amaranth maze. She stood, looking around. Other than the white fountain in the center, and herself, there was no other.
She sighed. 'Kaius must be upset' she thought with a sad frown.
"Why have you followed me?" A deep voice spoke from behind. Anabel froze up, her eyes widening. The person from behind had his blade on her throat.
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