After my mother's death, my father sealed her garden by installing large walls around with a glass ceiling; creating a greenhouse. So it was the perfect place to escape from everybody. Yet somehow my maids found me but rather than pulling me to leave, they'd lay a blanket for me to sit and serve me tea.
My father noticed my outings to the garden and ordered a tea table for me. Usually, I would be alone with a maid. But lately, the crown prince has taken notice and been coming every day, every time I was there and having a fair share of tea too.
It's not like a can refuse to a royal...
The King favors his only son and our family, my father mainly, for teaching his son swordsmanship. This was followed in the original, however, the crown prince mainly stayed away from Rosalinda because he saw how spoiled she was. So it's a little out of the ordinary for him to show up every day.
Hence where my lessons have started as well. Ive been taking them seriously. And he's given the finest education there is in the kingdom and willingly taught them to me.I
them to me.
Maybe I can change the original story.. but it just seems too good to be true. I have to keep my guard up.
*****
I am wary of the crown prince, I can't help it when I know Rosalinda's future. Rosalinda may had it coming, but to dispose of someone, your fiance at that? It seems inhumane and ethically wrong to me.
Maybe a good smack on the face and prison would suffice...
He visits me every day after training for lessons. My brother has taken notice as I've noticed his presence in hidden spots outside the window during my sessions. Only to find the crown prince providing me with lessons on etiquette and socializing skills. And recently he would sometimes join us whenever he finished his sword lessons with his teacher.
"Why are you taking lessons from Al?", he asked while puffing out air like he's been running. He randomly popped up again. "Did you escape from your sword lessons again?" I ask with a look of suspicion.
"No! Simply, lessons ended early.." he said shyly. "Mhm"
"I answered your question, now answer mine", a sparkle shinning in his eyes curious why I'm with the crown prince these past few days.
"I needed somebody who knew the social circle and educate me about it, and who better to ask than the crown prince! I've heard from the maids he's quite popular.. and I need friends so..." I say meekly
"Rose, you don't need friends. You have me!" He laughs loudly it echoes throughout the greenhouse. On the other hand, the crown prince kept quiet while listening to our conversation and looked the other way trying to hide his laughter with fake coughs.
I clear my throat breaking the pause. "Brother, respectfully, I need friends my age, someone who I can relate with in- some topics.."
I say shyly. In my past life, I had two close friends. I saw them as family. More than a family than my blood. My uncle cared about me, but I wasn't his child. So, I was neglected a lot. And a boyfriend... I never got to say that I love- I choke.
He grabs my arms towards his body and yells, "Are you okay?!", he says worriedly.
"Uh- I am alright, crown prince."
"I keep telling you, call me Al, Rose." He smiles.
His smiles are confusing... I frown...
"You are the crown prince. I can't be disregarding' your status or I might as well chop off my toes."
"Rose! You can't be saying such things!" my brother yells. "He may be the crown prince, but you are Dukes daughter, and once you're of age; the duchess."
Al chimes in, "It's okay, Ladida, I can wait." and turns to look into my eyes with a smirk on his face.
I am not liking those mischievous eyes...
"Only your family members are allowed to call you by your name, crown prince," I say.
"But you are my family..."
"Not by blood, your highness." I look down. He didn't say anything so I glanced at his face and felt a sting in my chest. He looks hurt... Did I say the wrong thing?
****
I sent out all the invitations, prepared all the decorations and food/drinks. I researched all the guests for any allergies. And any taste they have to like and dislike to make modifications.
I need to earn their trust, especially Angela...
She is a little weird for liking her older brother, but she is the closest I can get to reach the temple. The Cristallini have a close conflicting connection with the temple. It's rumored they're their biggest sponsor yet the temple aren't very fond of them. It's rumored the reason may be a possible infidelity.
Angela and her older brother have different features so that may be the root of such rumor...
But let's keep such thoughts locked for now and wait for a reply back... This is nerve-wracking... compared to modern technology, a reply could take up to a week.
The tea party is within a week. I can't wait to meet everyone I giggle
****
Author: Ive had this draft for a second (for months my bad g) and finally finished it! I'm sorry I haven't been consistent with this story. These past 4 years (literally since Covid hit) has been a rollercoaster. I'm going to try to write chapter 8 but no promises loves <3
Bad news: definitely won't be able to do a chapter for a while again after as fall classes are about to begin. Good news: after that I'm FREE (might pursue a masters degree after tho lol)! Because I am graduating uni! it'll be my goal to continue, or re-do? If I re-do, chapters will be longer and more thought out but will take longer to upload as well. But if I continue, chapters will be somewhat shorter and faster to upload, but not as in depth and cut to the chase rather. Let me know your thoughts! Hope you liked this chapter<3
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Reincarnated as the rival in an Otome Game
FantasyI had a good life. I had a stable job at a famous cafe, and, met someone who I wanted to live the rest of my life with... But I was run over by a car, i helped a little boy. It was just too early for him but... I died too early I died WAY TOO EARL...
