After The Heroine Vanished

20: REVENGE SERVED COLD

[THIS IS my family now, huh?]

Sonata was currently having a tea party with the Royal Family and the Hexfords.

[Oh, I'm also a Hexford now.]

It was just funny how Sonata and her husband Diether both wore black after changing into comfortable clothes for the tea party.

[We look like we're attending a funeral service.]

"Lady Sonata, my dear niece, welcome to the family," King Seymour said cheerfully. "Thank you for coming into our lives."

[You're the only one who looks happy and grateful, Your Majesty.]

Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Hexford, her parents-in-law, looked indifferent.

Princess Mikaela, still in her white dress, didn't bother to hide her irritation.

Prince Jericho, the Crown Prince, had a polite smile on his face but he clearly wanted to be anywhere but there.

[The Crown Prince is probably worried about the queen who suddenly fell sick.]

Hence, the queen issued an apology to Sonata and Diether before leaving.

Sonata thought the king and his children would leave with the queen, so she was surprised when the three stayed for the private tea party.

[At least, Diether looks comfortable.]

"Lady Sonata, how are you feeling?" King Seymour asked cheerfully. "How does it feel to be a part of House Hexford now?"

[His Majesty would probably die if he kept his mouth shut, right?]

Grand Duke Daniel Hexford was the patriarch of House Hexford, so he should be the one seated in the center seat and taking the lead in the conversation.

However, the king had the highest position there.

Hence, His Majesty was acting like the host of the tea party.

[But it seems like the Grand Duke doesn't mind.]

"I feel blessed, Your Majesty," Sonata said, starting her speech with a smile. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here for throwing me a wonderful wedding." She turned to her parents-in-law. "Father, thank you for not sparing resources to give us a grand ceremony. Mother, thank you for taking care of everything in my place."

The Grand Duke just nodded politely before sipping his tea quietly.

"We just fulfilled our duties as your in-laws," Grand Duchess Eleanor said calmly. "And we can't have people looking down on House Hexford."

[So cold and business-like.]

Sonata just smiled at her in-laws before turning to the Royal Family. "I'm also grateful to Your Majesty and Your Highnesses, especially to Princess Mikaela." Her smile widened when she met the royal princess' glare. "Princess Mikaela, please extend my gratitude to your lovely friends. Thank you for helping my stunning gold wedding gown stand out by wearing a plain white dress."

The tearoom suddenly turned cold.

But the ones who looked nervous the most were the servants waiting on them.

[I feel bad for them, but Princess Mikaela needs to take down a peg or two.]

"You impudent lowly knight with unknown origins," Princess Mikaela, known for her nasty temperament, growled lowly at Sonata. "Do you think you've become something just because you married Diether?"