Manhwa Angst

Wilted Rose

Athanasia de Alger Obelia wondered for a long time. Wondered if the love she had so freely given to her father was worth it. Since meeting him on that fateful day when she was nine, she had done everything she could to gain his favor, his attention, his love. She excelled in her studies, the tutors they barely could afford in the Ruby Palace sung praise of her. But of course, her father didn't care.

The first time they could talk to one another, she was not allowed to address him as "Father" merely "Your Majesty" and nothing else. He had simply told her to live as if she were a dead person. That's right... Claude de Alger Obelia would never acknowledge her as his daughter.

A lump formed in Athanasia's throat, the familiar sting of unshed tears pricking her eyes. Yet, a new resolve flickered within her. Claude's coldness had always been a harsh reality, but lately, it felt sharper, more deliberate. She chuckled bitterly as she took on her appearance, who would want a frail and sickly child? Certainly not her father. She clenched her fists, her knuckles white against the worn fabric of her dress. No. She wouldn't crumble. She would still try to be the daughter he would be proud of.'

Age of fourteen, her world crumbled as she watched Duke Alpheus introduce his ward as her father's daughter from his late fiancée, Jennette Margarita, her half-sister. The air hung heavy with a suffocating silence as Athanasia watched the elegant young woman curtsy before the Emperor. Jennette, with her flowing brown hair and jewel eyes, radiated an aura of grace that Athanasia, despite years of etiquette lessons, had achieved through hardships. Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs, a stark contrast to the composed picture Jennette presented.

Athanasia's mind reeled. Her efforts were for naught, he had readily accepted the young woman as his daughter but never her. A wave of nausea washed over Athanasia, the bitterness of betrayal clinging to her tongue. All those years, the constant striving, it had meant nothing. She observed for a month to see how he would treat Jennette.

A shroud of silence descended upon Athanasia. The vibrant spark of defiance that had ignited moments ago flickered and died, replaced by a cold, weary acceptance. She had witnessed enough. The way Claude's gaze softened when Jennette spoke, the gentle amusement that danced in his eyes at her witticisms – it was a stark contrast to the icy indifference she had always known.

A bitter smile twisted her lips. It seemed Claude was capable of warmth after all, it just wasn't meant for her. The dream of a loving father, a dream she had clung to for so long, finally shattered into a million glittering shards.

Retreat. That was the only logical course of action. The Ruby Palace, once a symbol of her isolation, would become her sanctuary once more. There, she wouldn't have to witness the charade unfolding before her, the charade of a happy family she would never be a part of.

With a heavy heart, Athanasia removed herself from the scene without anyone being the wiser. Each step towards the Ruby Palace felt like a retreat from life itself. Yet, amidst the desolation, a flicker of determination remained. She wouldn't let this break her. She would rebuild herself, stronger and more independent than ever before. The once neglected princess would become a force to be reckoned with, not by seeking her father's approval, but by forging her own destiny. The path ahead might be uncertain, but one thing was clear: Athanasia de Alger Obelia would disappear without them knowing.

But instead of giving in to the cracks, Athanasia steeled herself. The familiar sting of isolation was a dull ache compared to the fresh wound of betrayal. Disappearing wouldn't solve anything. It would simply be another loss, another reminder of her insignificance in her father's eyes.

But it was a loss she would be willing to take closer to her heart. She admits defeat. She wouldn't want her father's love anymore. She's tired. Even when her nanny; Lily, comforts her, she doesn't feel a thing. She doesn't want to keep trying anymore. She simply said that if, by some miracle, she has some visitors, turn them away. She will be isolating herself in the Ruby Palace.