The Revolution (WMMAP reader insert/OC)

Part 8

Anastasia's Perspective

"Thank you for inviting Athy and Ana to tea." We curtsied as we thanked the emperor—also known as our father, Claude—in unison.

Athy wore a beautiful white dress with frills and a large bow adorned with blue flowers just below the chest. Her hair was styled into a braided ponytail, topped with a simple white bow accented with the same floral beads as her dress. She wore knee-high socks and brown flats.

I wore a similar outfit, also in white, but mine had an aquamarine brooch pinned on the bow. My hair was neatly tied into a low braided ponytail, accessorized with a white bow.

We looked at Claude, who remained silent and expressionless as always. Behind him, a few maids and Felix stood, clearly flustered by the overwhelming cuteness on display.

How's that?

Aren't we cute? Athanasia slightly boasted, in a good-natured way, as she looked at Claude. I even practiced how to look cuter!

Claude stared at us but still didn't respond. Instead, he called for Felix. Soon, the red-haired knight assisted us into our chairs. Athanasia muttered under her breath, disappointed that we didn't get a reaction, not that she was expecting one.

"Good morning, papa!" we greeted him once more, smiling sweetly.

Geez, my cheeks are starting to hurt from smiling and acting cute.

It was currently 10 AM.

About a month ago, Claude changed the tea time to the early morning. Before that, he used to call us in the afternoon.

It had also been a month since my "trespassing" incident in the music room.

Naturally, both of us had to greet him in the mornings now. As usual, he gave no reply. I often heard Athy grumble in frustration over having to see damn Claude's face first thing in the morning. I, on the other hand, didn't really mind... oh, hush.

Now, Claude was silently staring at us until Athy finally broke the silence.

"Papa was in my dream yesterday!" she began excitedly, like the giddy child she was.

I giggled. "Oh silly Athy!"

"Hush now Ana, remember, plan C."

"Hai hai~"

"A dream...?"

She went on, "Athy was with papa and Lily and Felix, and we went to pick the stars and the moon and had fun!"

"That's a weird dream," Claude remarked bluntly.

"Haha, you watch your mouth", she thought sarcastically. I snickered.

"Pfft—Hahaha! By the way, is that even true or you just made it up for your act?"I asked her through our Twinpathy—yeah, we kind of renamed our mind link that. What? It has a nice ring to it.

Athy just shrugged.

She continued speaking, saying how happy she was to play with him and with me, our father actually listening, with a faint smirk appearing on his face.

Despite all her efforts, Athy began to drop the act. "I can't do this anymore! I'll just focus on the cake."

"You do you, sis..."

Just then, a maid placed two small cakes in front of us. Athy got a strawberry-chocolate cake, while mine was a small blueberry cheesecake.

She noticed the three maids watching us in stunned silence. It wasn't every day they saw the three of us interact like this. We were always so distant.