Everything for the throne

Princess Alice

The sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the beautiful face of the girl as she slowly opened her eyes, attempting to sit up. She rubbed her forehead before whispering,

Alice: The same dream...

The maid, who was fixing the curtains, looked at the lady.

May: Is something wrong, Princess?

Alice did not respond. Instead, she walked towards the mirror and asked,

Alice: What schedule do I have today?

The maid understood that her lady was not in a good mood. She replied immediately,
May: After greeting His Majesty and the Queen, you have a tea party to attend.

Alice: Tea party?

May: Yes, my lady. The tea party arranged by the noble Lady Emma.

Alice's tone turned cold, yet naughty, as she spoke,
Alice: The daughter of Minister Gabriel and the close friend of my sister, Princess Catherina.

The maid knew that tone well. She answered nervously, trying to guess what her lady was thinking.

After getting herself ready, Alice walked towards the dining hall where the imperial family was seated.

She entered and looked at every face. Alice knew what everyone was thinking. She looked at the royally dressed Emperor, her father, lifted her skirt a bit, and bowed with respect and elegance.

Alice: Greeting, Your Majesty

Emperor Justus: You're late.

It was not out of concern or warning, just a plain sentence without any emotion, as if it was his duty as her father to ask.

Alice: I apologize for my indiscipline.

She said lifting her head up and walking towards the empty chair. She looked at others who didn't give any importance to her existence. The whole session was silent, with only the sounds of spoons and eating audible.

As people left after having their breakfast,  As Alice took her last bite, she glanced at the lady who sat in front of her with an annoyed yet calm face.

Alice: What made my sister wait for me?

She asked, as if she already knew the answer.

Princess Catherina: You had better not be late for the tea party and cause me embarrassment in front of the nobles who will be present.

Alice: Is that a warning?

Folding her arms and crossing her legs, staring at her sister who was annoyed to the core she asked

Catherina: Don't get too full of yourself. Remember your social standing and act accordingly. I hope you conduct yourself appropriately. You should be mindful of your position.

Alice: My position? The princess of the kingdom, the royal princess, the only girl child of the King and the Queen. My noble position shall never be forgotten.

Her words were more like teasing, and the smirk on her face made Catherina even more annoyed.

Catherina: Although you hold the title of princess, you should remember that it is only in name, not by birthright. You are simply a young girl whom father took in out of compassion, despite your lack of noble lineage.

Alice smiled at her sister's comment and replied with the same attitude and pride,

Alice: I wasn't aware that the Emperor adopts people out of pity. It makes sense now why your mother was taken in as a concubine. It seems he even felt sorry for Lady Zora. How generous of him.

Catherina pointed at Alice, who just gave a smirk. Being helpless, she stomped out of the hall, leaving Alice alone, who watched her walk out.

May: Princess Alice, it's time to visit the Queen.

Alice stood up and walked out of the room with elegance and pride, but with no emotions shown on her face