Royal Deception (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 19

Princess Faith

The Vitalis Royals pulled every single person's attention in the Grand Hall and no one could look away.

I heard about the Dark Royal so many times like a scary story. She was used as an example for children to be grateful for our Kingdom and the peace we have.

She lived up to the fearsome image as she walked in. The scar that marked half her face made her look ruthless but the long lashes and teasing smile balanced it out.

My eyes turned to the gorgeous woman holding her arm. Her red hair flowed behind her beautifully matching the red dress she was wearing. Her dress was shorter than anyone I've seen in Gona and I knew if Lady Antoinette was here, her eyebrows would reach her hairline.

But her green eyes were the ones that pulled my attention as she studied the room with caution and alertness. Like she knew how much risk they were taking by coming here.

While the Dark Royal looked like she was enjoying the attention, the red-haired woman seemed to be the one who was guarded.

Both of them were wearing red despite the flag of Vitalis being black and blue. The small black and blue pin they were wearing seemed kind of useless when the whole continent knew what kingdom the Dark Royal represented.

I tightened my hold on Hartley's arm as the couple walked in. I glanced at the stage to see my father trying to control his emotions. I knew he was thrilled that one of the top kingdoms finally decided to come. Kingdom Credia, Trolux, Vitalis, and Fyn always ignored our invitations. Either they felt like visiting a militarily defenseless kingdom was not even worth an ally or our ideals made them think we're a waste of their time.

Whatever it was, none of the four most powerful kingdoms in the continent ever came... until now.

I looked up at Hartley to see her eyes following the Dark Royal.

"You don't look related. Aren't you also from Vitalis?" Betsy asked as her eyes followed the Vitalis Royals who went straight to my mother, as my father walked down the stage to greet them.

I understood why she asked. This was a Royal gathering after all. Royals are usually related in one kingdom and Hartley and the Dark Royal had no similarities but height.

Hartley cleared her throat trying to buy some time to come up with a lie, "Um. I'm her... third cousin," she finally said.

Betty nodded distractedly as she stared at the newcomers from Vitalis, "Oh, I guess that explains why you don't look anything alike," she said.

I faced Hartley, "Do you want anything to eat?" I asked trying to move the conversation away from the topic of Vitalis.

Hartley nodded, "I'll get it. What do you want?" She asked me. It felt so weird that she was addressing me as an equal and without my title, but it somehow felt right.

I shrugged, "Anything's fine, just no seafood please," I said as I was not in the mood for it.

She nodded and faced the twins, "Do you ladies want anything?" she asked politely.

Both of them shook their heads in sync and a polite "No, thank you." At least they were still polite.

Hartley nodded, "I'll be back shortly," she announced and walked towards the long table full of food with her back turned towards me.

My eyes followed her movements as she tried to stay far away from any Gonians. I'm confident that no one would recognize her except a handful of servants, the three ladies, and my siblings. Those are the only few people who ever really saw her, besides me.