Chapter 2

  Endure it.

  You have to.

  When that damn bastard Ulyseus finally pulls away, I know I have to pull my strings right to not get a beating again. I have to be better, be more innocent, harmless, and cheerful. I know that this family is messed up, one wrong move and you're gone for good. A disgrace is what they say often.

  Anyhow, Ulyseus Is a bit different. Unlike my father, he never hesitates to make me feel like shit and to make it at least a secret that I, Claudette. Is nothing but his small pawn to this world full of snakes that are always trying to bite each other's neck.

  He smiles at me, warmly. God, I feel sick to my stomach...

  "I'll miss you, brother.." I say acting vulnerable, purring my cheek against his palm.

  "Ah, Florence... don't worry, I'll find a way to get you back."

  "Really, Brother?" God, I hope not. I don't wanna go back here, but considering it's Ulyseus, he'll always have something to his sleeves.

  I hate it so much. that look he gives me.

  Is this bastard willingly trying to show his love to his dear sister right here?

  "Of course, Florence... You'll be back."

  I feel a shiver go down my spine and I force a smile on my face, looking angelic as ever.

  I came to a realization that, even if I were to avoid poisoning Ozias' sister, I will still have to face the wrath of the rumors surrounding me. In the past when I became Claudette, I was barely an adult. being 16 at that time. I thought I was getting a chance to be a better person, but I was wrong. Claudette's biological mother---my mother. got kicked out by my father because she was caught fooling around with some knights, getting caught midway of their activity in her chambers.

  My father hated her. Though they had me, Claudette. I thought that this life was finally gonna be my goal of being saved from my previous hell of a life. I followed everything they wanted me to do. Marrying me off to some boys, I was barely of age. To be the kingdoms savior of corrupt, they say. Out of all the guys I was married off to, only one of them is someone I actually liked. A son of the count.

  He was a great man, he protected me against others and respected my boundaries. for the first time, I saw home.

  But someone had to ruin it. while in a small ball hosted by my father, he was a bit tipsy. Ulyseus with his one of a hell mind, had a plan to humiliate him. When he was tipsy enough, some of his friends got him up on a small stage my father made for the musicians to play music. Everything was fine, until his pants got pulled down by some kind of string that was somehow connected to his pants.

  That was enough reason for my father to make me divorce him. the mind behind it was always my brother.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  always making a way for me to come back to them---to him.

  "You'll be back after a few months. I promise."

  "I'm looking forward to it, brother."

  Of course, I wasn't. I wanna be far away from this shitty place. And never come back.

  ***

  "My dear claudette." my father says as he smiles at me, warmly. pulling me towards him and hugging me.

  Tears flow down my cheeks, thank god. this was a way for me to deceive them once more. I'm silently thanking my previous self for knowing how to cry like those famous actors. Even if i didn't know how to, I have to force myself. I have to.

  "your highness, claudette.." I hear my personal maid's voice. I hug her tightly.

  Out of everyone in this place, she's the only one that helped me. hiding me whenever my father gets mad and goes looking for me, cooking food for me, and actually making me feel like a person. I never once felt the need to put up a front whenever i'm with her.

  I was enjoying the moment until Ulyseus has to ruin everything again.

  "Florence.." He says as he gets small locks of my long silky hair and he gently kisses it, not breaking eye contact with me.

  "Come visit me okay? brother?"

  "Yes, of course, my dear sister."

  "You promise?"

  "I promise"

  I gently smile at him, my eyes innocent and gentle. I can hear the horses coming and I already can't wait to get the hell out of this place.

  As the fancy carriage makes its appearance, I feel my shoulders slightly relaxing. As I look at the knights that came to escort me, I notice a blond haired boy that stands out.

  my eyes slightly widen as i stare at him. It was Ozias' best friend, Luketon Salazar. Commonly known as "Luke".

  ***

  Luke and Ozias weren't that close when they first met each other. Luke, being the son of Ozias' father's loyal knight. immediately made Luke want to get closer to Ozias. they were only 1 year apart.

  Luke had this wonderful skill at being a knight. His blond hair, lean figure, green eyes, slightly tanned skin, and that damn observant personality made him popular amongst the northern kingdom. For I, had only heard tales about him and his journey with Ozias.

  Through the following years they spent together, Ozias slowly softens up with Luke. although still cold, there's been improvements. Luke, Ozias, Lilian, and Kirim. were popular and is called the "Face card quadros" because of the fact that none of them has a single flaw on their face.

  ***

  "Your highness, claudette. It's nice to meet you" Luke says as he makes his approach with that famous charming smile.

  I can feel my breath slightly hitch. Luke's blond hair looked like gold shining against the sunlight.

  Truly, the rumors of him does him justice.