Alina's POV
It seemed almost stupid to escape from something we weren't even sure of.
"Why should we leave? They're just pictures."
Aurelius and Charmaine turned to look at me, their brows raised in disbelief.
"Are you stupid? Whoever took these pictures is already in this mansion. I promised your father I'd protect you, so do as you're told," Charmaine snapped.
My stomach twisted in discomfort and fear as Charmaine approached me. She yanked me up from my seat and glanced at Aurelius.
Aurelius didn't waste time. He gathered the photos and handed them to one of the bodyguards. Charmaine's grip on my hand was tight, but the warmth of her palm kept me from feeling completely terrified.
Before we could even take a step toward the exit, the lights flickered again. This time, they stayed off for at least ten seconds before turning on once more.
Charmaine yanked me toward the door, barking orders at the bodyguards surrounding Aurelius.
"Get a car ready for us and make sure all exits are sealed until we get Alina out."
Aurelius's hands clenched into fists as he turned to Charmaine.
"You think she's already inside the villa?"
Charmaine snapped her head in his direction, her eyes icy cold.
"I don't think. I know she is."
I felt my throat go dry. Was this really about a birthday party, or was there something much bigger going on?
"Is she really here because I left her invitation hanging?"
Silence. I got no response. Charmaine and Aurelius were too focused on securing our escape.
That was the part that actually made me want to cry. All my life, I had been left out of important things, and it was still happening.
"You guys…" My words trailed off as the lights suddenly went out. The windows around us let in a faint glow, but I still couldn't see well enough.
"Stay behind me, Alina." Charmaine pulled at my hand, tugging me behind her.
I didn't want to die. Why would Princess Phina go through all this trouble just for little old me?
"Alina Monroe."
A loud, mocking cackle echoed from the lounge area. My eyes darted to the figure leaning casually against one of the couches.
"Long time, no see."
Princess Phina. The cold but slightly playful tone in her voice made me flinch. Charmaine's grip on my hand tightened.
"What is the meaning of this, Phina?"
The few bodyguards with us cocked their guns and aimed them at Princess Phina. Even Aurelius had a weapon drawn, which made my heart thud painfully against my ribs.
"Tch. Is that all you've got?" Princess Phina took a slow step forward, the dim light from the nearby window illuminating her face. "You truly underestimated me."
My eyes widened when I saw a red laser dot appear on my chest. I turned to trace its source and spotted a sniper on the roof of the security personnel quarters.
"I have snipers posted everywhere," she continued, her tone casual. "And bombs planted all around this mansion. So choose your poison."
She was far too calm for someone threatening to blow the place up.
The lights flickered back on, and I finally saw her clearly. Princess Phina was smirking, her gaze locked directly on mine.
"Drop your weapons," Charmaine said suddenly, her tone sharp and commanding.
The bodyguards hesitated, glancing at her in disbelief, but one cold glare from Charmaine was enough. The guns hit the floor with a dull thud.
"Good. Now we can talk." Phina's smile widened as her eyes landed on me.
"Talk? Talk about what exactly? Please state what you want, Phina," Charmaine asked. Her tone was even but clipped, and notably, she didn't call her Princess.
"I actually want to have a chat," Princess Phina replied with a shrug. Her eyes softened slightly. "But with her."
She pointed at me.
My heart skipped a beat.
"I won't hurt anyone if you all comply," she said lightly.
Charmaine turned to me, and I slowly nodded. My hand slipped free from her grip.
"Okay. Let's talk."
I couldn't allow anyone to get hurt because of me. And strangely enough, something about the look in Phina's eyes made me feel oddly… calm.
I walked toward the couch across from her and sat down. Once I raised my head to meet her eyes, she smiled.
"Brave," she said softly. "That's the exact reason I like you."
Her last words sounded almost like a purr, but I ignored it, even though it sent an odd shiver down my spine.
"Princess Phina, you asked for us to talk?" I reminded her politely.
"Yes." She leaned back in her seat, still smiling. "Alina, did you know your mother's death wasn't just the result of some accident or a silly bet?"
My polite smile faltered.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my chest tightening. No one had ever wanted to investigate the real cause of Mom's death. Even I had always doubted Father's explanation.
"Let's just say," Phina said, her voice turning cold. "Your father killed her"
Princess Phina smiled at me and I felt my heart stopped beating for a split second.
"That's a bloody lie!" I jumped up from my seat and yelled at her. She tilted her head staring at me and I saw a slight look of disappointment in her eyes.
"Oh, really?" She laughed, pulling out an envelope as she slid it on the table and in my direction. "Your mother divorced my father or rather grand-father"
"That sounds stupid and absurd" Opening the envelope, I was greeted with father plunging a dagger deep into Mom's chest. "This looks photoshopped"
I chose not to believe it, father couldn't kill mom. They were in love amd happy, why would he suddenly kill her?
"You know they aren't, darling. Your mother was from X City and she was royalty. After being forced to marry my grandfather, she stayed for a while before running off to this city and marrying a man who killed her" She paused, racing her head to meet my gaze.
"You aren't even his child"