The Another Chance To Live

Chapter Twelve

Our 'The Another Chance To Live' family has reached 1k reads now!! Thank you so much for reading this novel and sticking together with me. I feel more than happy to know that so many people are reading my story and appreciating it. Aha! I feel like getting a nosebleed, wait I'm not having a nosebleed, why am I not having a nosebleed, I SHOULD have a nosebleed. Don't worry, this chapter has more than 4k words excluding my rants so enjoy your pleasant time reading. Do hit the star if you liked the chapter and comment down!! We can have a nice chat if anyone wishes. Tbh gimme some plot twister ideas.

P.S. I've gone mad!!!

"This tea is absolutely delicious!"

I tried not slurping over the chamomile tea as the sweet fluid surfed down my throat amidst a little moan escaped my mouth from the overwhelming warness.

My hands squeezed my cheeks in appreciation as my senses kicked back only to find the empress smiling at me and a now confused Francis.

Shit, I totally forgot they were here. Curse that damn tasty tea.

"Lady Edith must love chamomile tea a lot." The empress sharply pointed that even with a polite tone consumed in generosity but it did worse to me.

My cheeks heated up from the rush of blood inside them as I flushed bright red like a fresh tomato ready to be harvested. I forgot that showing such gestures while tea gatherings were totally unladylike as the aristocrats say.

"That is the case-" I was cut off by this insolent brat again.

"The last time I checked, you're very fond of bitter flavoured tea. May I ask what caused you such a drastic change in preferences?" Francis asked with a smug grin, clearly trying to get under my skin.

Fuck the protagonist and story. I'll murder this brat myself.

I gritted my teeth internally. For the seventh time. In one hour. I'm about to lose it! I mean, I get it, nobles can be dramatic, but Francis was taking it to a whole new level. His attempts to undermine me were more annoying than humiliating, like a mosquito buzzing around my ear that I desperately wanted to swat away.

I took a deep breath before a gentle smile rose on my face.

"Your Highness, it's essential to explore all aspects of life to broaden one's experience. Change is an inevitable part of growth, and embracing it is crucial. It's not always good to stick to favourites, I don't prefer having them. I've simply taken an interest in learning about various teas and their health benefits. It's quite a fascinating subject." I responded evenly while looking down at his tea cup, noting with some satisfaction the subtle flush in his ears.

Bingo, embarrassed right? I got you kiddo.

Francis wasn't a brat honestly, he was like the sweetest person anyone can encounter in their life and was kind to everyone except Edith. He wasn't always this hostile towards her but she just made him like this.

Being royal made it difficult for him to make friends, as he was only allowed to befriend children of higher status, but they weren't the nicest, so he didn't bother with them. Then, when he was eight years old, Edith was introduced to be his playmate. Initially, Francis felt pity for her obviously knowing her situation and complied with her every demand, such as holding hands, going on picnics, and whispering sweet best friend things. Edith, being herself, mistook this behavior as love, and soon that childhood affection turned into obsession. She would snap at anyone who tried to get too close to Francis. On one occasion, she even poured hot tea on the dress of a viscount's daughter simply because the girl complimented Francis at her own birthday celebration. Francis had enough of her and began giving her the cold shoulder, which only worsened as they grew older.