"Lady Rozen?"
I glance up, looking to find a man who seems nervous, approaching me with an unknown motive.
I glare at him as I try to read him.
"Would you mind having a dance with me?" He extends his hand.
I arch a brow.
Every since Grandfather announced his missing eldest granddaughter had returned, the look on everyone's face was shocking. Francis had mentioned to me that there were rumors.
Rumors about this body.
Some say I broke up with the Crown Prince and eloped with a commoner. Others say because the Crown Prince and my sister are in love, I ran away in sadness.
People sure love the gossip and never want the truth.
No one wants a boring truth, but if everyone here knew what my sister did to me, what would they say about her?
The look on Rebecca's face was indeed priceless.
As I stepped next to Grandfather, the first thing I did was look for her. I found her immediately and could read her facial expression. She was pale and troubled that I was still alive. Daniel, on the other hand, I couldn't get quite understand. Once I read his expression, he seemed glad that I was busy.
Pft
As if!
I beautified myself to capture all the attention with the help of the triplets. I was one sexy-ass lady.
Every man looked at me with such lusting intent while the women became my admirer.
I didn't mind the attention and flirted a little it only pissed Rebecca off.
"Lady Rozen?"
I blinked my eyes at the gentlemen before me and smiled. "Sorry, who might you be?"
"Ah, my apologies, my lady; I'm Nestor Bragins, only son of Count Thomas Bragins." Nestor gestured a bow and presented himself.
Grandfather had me learn about everyone wealthy family who was invited to the party tonight. It was a headache, and I didn't want to study them all, but to be a part of society, I had no choice.
Count Bragins, I look over to the tubby man who is laughing like a hyena with other nobles. The long-nose woman next to him is his wife—a materialistic woman who loves shopping and spending her husband's money. She wore everything expensive things just to be flashy toward other women.
Grandfather told me they would be close to debt if it weren't for him, and now they are indebted to my grandfather.
Count Bragins' son is asking me for a dance when I just wanted to be alone and keep an eye on Rebecca and Daniel.
So far, she hasn't done anything. She is shooting her eyes at me like sharp knives as if I will be intimidated.
Is she going to stand there and glare at me all night?
When I made eye contact with her, she immediately clung to Daniel.
I chuckle at her for being childish, as if I want Daniel back.
Fuck that bastard.
I don't need him.
Even if he looked at me with gentle eyes, I would never succumb to him. The old Alice is dead, and the new one wants revenge.
"Zayn?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Where are you?"
"Hiding."
I chuckled. "What?"
I had to hide from the ladies who had been asking for me to dance with them.
No one. I don't see him around. Zayn left me to hide from intimidating young ladies asking him to dance. After escorting me, I saw how the ladies looked at him. Zayn is a beautiful creature compared to Daniel, and I am sure all the ladies would admire him.
Another knot in my chest tighten.
What is this feeling?
"I'm too scared to go out."
"Well, you aren't the only one."
"Are you okay, my lady? I'm sorry I left you."
"I'm fine. The men here are annoying. But Zayn, it's time to talk with my sister; you know the plan, right?"
"Yes, of course. I will meet you in the hall."
After our mind link talk, Zayn went to the hall. I had him hidden and used one of my crystal phones to record Rebecca and my conversation. Very convenient and one of my inventions I called the A-Phone.
It sounds corny, but I had it similar to an iPhone. Since cellphones don't exist, why not make something to use magic with?
I design the magical crystals to the shape of an iPhone. You can use it for anything, store currencies, record events, make facetime calls, send a message, anything an actual mobile phone can do. The good thing is that you don't need to pay every month or exceed the limit, it gives you direction when asked, and the internet is accessible wherever you go.
I wanted this to be out of the world, but since I made a prototype and will be used during my talk with Rebecca, I hope Grandfather can help me advertise it.
I still have other features that need to be included in the device, but this one will be a test for now.
I would have hidden the A-Phone, making it easier for me, but this dress has no pockets.
If only I wore jeans and had my phone would be handy.
"My apologies, Mr. Bragins," I smile. "I'm a bit tired and need to rest."
"Huh? But you didn't-"
"Would you excuse me," I cut him off and left him speechless.
I feel sorry I did that. He was an average man who had his mother's nose. He seemed nice, but I had to leave.
Big extravagant parties are not my idea of hanging out; dressing up in fancy clothes and saying hi to everyone is exhausting. The worst of it all is wearing these murder heels that have been killing my feet every second I walk.
I'm not too fond of heels.
If only I could wear boots, everyone would be better.
Nestor wasn't the only man who asked me to dance with them. Nestor makes number thirty, and all of them were rejected.
Bow and leave. I eyed Rebecca and smirked, making her feel flutter in anger. It was my way to the hall, having my sister follow me. Zayn is hidden somewhere as planned.
"Hey!"
I froze and smiled.
She took the bait.
Every time she looked at me, I would pull on a smile, making her feel uncomfortable that I was well and alive.
She got agitated and was eager to talk to me.
Well, I will give her the talk, and this time I will show her how terrifying I can be after coming back from the dead.
"Becky," using her nickname affectionately as I smile. I sense Zayn close by recording. "Y-You...You..." she's trembling not of fear but anger. I can catch on with her emotions, and it's overwhelming. I wanted to laugh. "Are you happy that I'm alive?" I asked her.I watched her fist unhooked as she inhaled deeply before showing off that fake innocent look. "I'm sorry, sister. I was just shocked to see you alive and well."Then Rebecca threw her arms around me. "I'm so happy," her body trembles again as she pulls away to watch fake tears forming in her eyes—such an award-winning actress. "I'm so happy you are alive. I've heard you were poisoned and taken away by the assassins. I tried to look for you, but I couldn't find you. I even asked Crown Prince Daniel to help with the search."My body flinched as my eyes twitched. Does she think I would be affected by the mention of Crown Prince Daniel like she expects me to be jealous and show off her love for the man this Alice was supposed
Distant away from Rebecca, I made a left and hid. Peeking at my sister, who seemed frustrated and panicked, I left the hall. I place my hand over my beating heart. "My Lady," Zayn appeared from the shadows. "Did you get it?""Captured the whole thing," he states, then hands me the A-Phone. "But she didn't reveal anything that you anticipated."I look down at the crystalized object in my hand. Touching the screen to unravel the video, I smirk once my sister's stupid face is on. I paused the video. "No, but it riled her up." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Nagini."I called my familiar as he slithered around my neck. I reach over to rub his tiny head. "Nagini, follow my innocent sister. Be my eyes and ears." The black snake slithered down from my neck to the ground and made his way in the direction where Rebecca had left. "Once Nagini implant himself on Rebecca, we can use this to hear the conversation on whoever she will be with.""You're brilliant, Lady Alice," Zayn gleamed as
I avoided my father until I entered the garden. It was the garden Francis showed me as a tribute to my grandmother, Sera. Francis said Grandfather built this garden because it was the day he fell in love with her. Her presence here is what made his heart skip a beat. He also says these are her favorite flowers.While I waited for Zayn to grab my coat, I insisted on using magic, but he warned me that I would be found out by anyone, maybe my father, Rebecca or Daniel. And it won't look pretty if the people from the Magic Tower find out. I don't want to deal with them and become the savior. I want a peaceful life in my castle and with the people around me.Speaking of Daniel, I noticed his presence when I stopped to sit at the fountain. I pretend not to know, dip my fingers in the water, and use magic to turn ice cold. "Alice."I looked at his reflection in the water and ignored him. Hopefully, my cold attitude would make him leave but appearing on his face tells me he had somethi
"My Lady?"I stared blankly at Zayn until Daniel called out, almost catching me off guard that I'd been staring at Zayn."Alice, please, I need to.""You mustn't get close to my Lady," Zayn growls, standing between the prince and me. He's bold to bare his teeth at Daniel but keeps his canines hidden. "You…how dare you to block a prince's path," Daniel says in his authoritative tone. I didn't want Zayn to meet the crown prince like this. He had heard of my broken heart because of Daniel and vowed to rip his head off even though he was a prince. But right now, Zayn is trying to stand his ground and not cause me trouble."You may be my Lady's betrothed, but if my Lady doesn't want to see you, then you should respect her wishes," Zayn says."Alice, would you mind telling your slave to mind his business? This is between you and me."I glare at Daniel. Everyone knew Zayn was a servant of mine besides being my escort. Grandfather made sure not to reveal his identity as a beastman. The g
I teleport Zayn and me to the hall of the mansion. It would have been better to appear in Grandfather's office, but he wouldn't be there. "Do you think it's alright to leave the prince there?" Zayn asked. "I don't want to deal with him unless we get to the bottom of this drug." I still can't believe the drug was made again and had reached the capital. The Suburb has the most significant rate of low-class commoners and homeless people. Many people there are unhappy with their life, so half of them take the life of crime. "Let's go, Zayn."I was walking down the hall to reach Grandfather's office when the door suddenly opened as Julian, my older brother, exited. He peered at me with a look, and I returned a glare. It seems he and Grandfather had a talk in private about something. It had me curious, but I wasn't going to ask Julian.I pull on an attitude and bypass him without saying a word. "Alice."I stop in my tracks. Zayn was lowly growling as I turned around. "Oh, brother, I
Today is the last day I stay in the Rozen estate. I need to spend breakfast with my immediate family, and then I'm off. Last night I talked with Grandfather about the Happy Dust and explained the symptoms and the dangers of anyone who takes them. He was enraged that something like that happened during his birthday and at the royal family. He will report to the king about this, which will start an epidemic. If this drug is spread outside of Whithold, thousands of people will get addicted and die. I had to hold him back from meeting with the king as it shouldn't panic the civilians. I assured him I'd take the case as I had encountered it before. But Grandfather was worried about the dangers I would be involved in if it came to dark cults, bandits, or dangerous people who weren't revealed to the world. I'm happy he's concerned for my safety, but it's part of my job to make the world a better place and to give peace. "So, you are leaving today, Alice," Lavender spoke up after takin
"Alice!"Grandfather boomed, trying to break me from the magic I was illuminating.When I didn't hear him, a hand covered my eyes, and a soothing voice in my ear told me to calm down.I knew it was Zayn's voice, and instantly, I eased up and pulled back my magic. I inhaled and then exhaled sharply. "You can let go, Zayn," I say calmly. Once he let go of his hand. I opened my eyes and found the whole room in shambles. Broken glasses and tableware were on the floor, the food was scattered, and everyone was hidden to escape my outburst. My family and the servants were scared that I had to relax."What happened here?" Grandfather asked as he stood between the family and me. "I've been away for two minutes, and I come to this?""Grandfather!" Rebecca cried out to him and grabbed his arm. "It was Alice. She did this. She tried to kill mother and me.""It's true, Father," Lavender approaches innocently, adding more fuel to the accusations. "She told me herself. I was only worried about a s
The next few days were busy as I had to confirm the preparations for Zayn's party next week.The decorations, the catering, the cake, and Zayn's outfit for the party must all be perfect, and I have to ensure everything is what I had ordered. I multitasked with the party and the papers left on my desk when I set out to Whithold. More of those Happy Dust has fallen in a tiny village in the coastal area. It stated that the town had lost its people when purple smoke appeared. This caused the villagers to become hysterical and hallucinate. Then they vanished.Happy Dust doesn't give off such symptoms. Did they create an advantage to speed up the process?This is giving me a headache. "Mistress?" Bastian entered my office and brought tea. Good timing because this stress keeps increasing. "Are you alright?"He places the teacup on the desk as I lean against my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I've only been gone for a few days, and reports from my generals have all the same issue in