Morning light shimmered across the palace grounds, casting a golden glow that danced on marble and dew. Servants bustled like bees, weaving through the garden as they prepared one of the palace gazebos for the royal brunch scheduled later that morning.
Queen Esmerelda strolled through the garden, her eyes narrowing as she watched the flurry of activity.
She turned to the maidservant trailing behind her.
"What is the occasion today that I was neither informed of nor...how quaint..invited to?"
The maidservant bowed her head slightly.
"The Queen dowager is having some guests over for a Royal brunch at the palace today, Your Majesty."
Esmerelda arched a brow.
"A royal brunch, you say. And who, pray tell, are these guests so exquisitely important that the Queen Dowager saw fit to exclude me, the reigning Lady and Queen of the House?"
The maidservant hesitated.
"Forgive me, my Queen. I do not know who the guests are. But I do know this…"
She leaned in, lowering her voice.
"The Crown Prince has been invited."
Esmerelda gasped softly.
"Oh really. Now that's interesting."
'What is the old hag up to?' she thought, her steps quickening toward the palace.
'If these guests are important enough to warrant the Crown Prince's presence, then I must be acquainted with them. Personally.'
......
Meanwhile…
Bang! Bang!
Gunshots cracked through the morning air as Eric fired across the training field, each shot clean and precise. He moved like a predator—focused, relentless, determined not to let his prey escape.
Bang!
With a final shot, one of the targets exploded into splinters, scattering across the field like shattered bone.
Eric lowered his weapon and stood at attention, admiring the destruction. A servant approached with a towel. Eric handed over the gun, took the towel, and wiped the sweat from his brow and hands.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The sound of slow, deliberate applause echoed behind him.
He turned—and saw his mother approaching.
"Nicely done, my son. Nicely done," Esmerelda said, stopping in front of him with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Eric nodded, handing the towel back to the servant and dismissing him with a wave.
"Thank you, Mother."
"You make me proud every day," she said.
"Your precision is improving. Your agility, your focus—it's commendable. It shows you're capable of defending yourself… and the kingdom. Which, of course, is what matters most."
She stepped closer, her voice lowering.
"But today, you'll be aiming at a different target. And I expect you to hit the bullseye—clean, direct. Crack it now, so it's easier to break next time you take the shot."
Eric raised a brow.
"What do you mean, mother? What target?"
Esmerelda's smile thinned.
"The Queen Dowager is hosting a royal brunch today with some important guests. She didn't even bother to inform me, or the King, but she did invite that beastly grandson of hers. Which means she's trying to align these guests with him. That...cannot happen. And we're going to make sure of it."
Eric sighed.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Attend the brunch. Beat Daniel to it. Get to the guests first. Charm them. Make them question his absence. Let them think he's indifferent to the importance of the event. Sow doubt."
Eric hesitated.
"And if he shows up? You know how cunning he is. He could flip the whole thing on me. You know he is not easy to go against."
Esmerelda waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't worry about it. With that beastly arrogant attitude of his. I am positive he won't show up. He has been neglecting his duties long enough that even the Queen Dowager herself has failed to make him attend court, what more a measly brunch. All you have to do is show those guests that he is unreliable and gain their favor. That way even if he tries to turn the tables we would already have sown the seeds of doubt inside them."
Eric exhaled.
"Alright, Mother. I'll do as you say. But I hope this works."
Esmerelda smiled, brushing a speck of dust from his training jacket.
"It will. Now go get dressed. The guests are expected late morning. Be ready."
Eric nodded and turned, heading back toward the palace.
Esmerelda watched him go, her smile sharpening.
'Just wait old hag. I am going to make sure that I steal your spotlight light today. Both you and your beastly grandson. No one outshines Esmerelda. No one.'
She cast one last glance at the obliterated target, then turned and walked gracefully back toward the palace.
...
Late morning. Around 10 a.m.
A sleek black car with tinted windows rolled up the palace driveway, its presence commanding quiet attention.
Prince Eric stood poised near the entrance, dressed in an impeccable navy-blue suit that caught the light just enough to whisper authority.
The car came to a halt. The driver stepped out and opened the back door.
A woman in a flowing yellow dress, her black wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, stepped out gracefully. A man followed—sharp in a tailored grey suit, his posture dignified.
Eric smiled and stepped forward.
"Good morning. Welcome. We've been expecting you."
The woman gasped softly, then offered a graceful curtsey.
"Greetings, Prince Eric. It is such an honor to be received like this. We are truly humbled."
The man bowed low.
"Indeed, Sire. We never anticipated such warmth. It is an honor."
Eric returned the gesture with a slight bow.
"The pleasure is mine. It's a privilege to welcome such distinguished guests to the palace. Please, follow me."
He led them into the receiving room, where sunlight filtered through tall windows and servants stood ready.
Once the guests were seated, Eric gestured to the staff to prepare some refreshments.
"Please enjoy some refreshments while we await the Queen Dowager. We'll proceed to the brunch shortly."
The man nodded.
"Thank you, Your Highness. We've been looking forward to this gathering. There's much to discuss."
Eric smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. I trust the Queen Dowager and I have prepared well enough to meet your expectations. We want our guests to feel at ease."
"Indeed, we do."
A voice chimed from across the room.
Queen Esmerelda entered, her presence commanding and radiant.
The guests rose immediately, offering deep bows and curtsies.
"Greetings to the Moon and Pillar of the Kingdom—Her Majesty the Queen. May you rule and live for eternity."
Esmerelda smiled graciously.
"Thank you. Please, be seated. I'm honored to have you in my presence."
The guests nodded and returned to their seats. Servants moved swiftly, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.
"My apologies that the Queen Dowager and the Crown Prince have not yet arrived to welcome you," Esmerelda said with a gracious smile.
"But please, enjoy the refreshments while you wait."
The woman hesitated, then spoke gently.
"Pardon me, my Queen, but… the Crown Prince will be joining us as well?"
Esmerelda's smile thinned.
"Yes, he will. Though I must say, his lack of mannerism is rather uncouth. To not receive such esteemed guests personally… Tsk. One wonders what value he places on your presence. It's quite sad, really."
The man offered a polite nod.
"It's alright, Your Majesty. We understand if the Prince is occupied. We don't mind waiting."
"Nonsense," Esmerelda replied, her tone silk over steel.
"Guests should be treated with respect—always. That is the mark of a ruler who values equality and selflessness. Wouldn't you agree, Prince Eric?"
Eric smiled and nodded.
"Indeed. A king who takes time to engage with his subjects earns their trust and admiration. It shows accountability and care. So, for the Crown Prince's absence, I offer my deepest apologies."
"Truly, Your Highness, there's no need," the woman said.
"We're simply grateful for the honor of being here."
Just then, a servant hurried past the room.
"You there. Come here," Esmerelda called.
The servant entered and bowed.
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Where are you going off to in such a hurry?"
"I'm on my way to inform the Queen Dowager that the brunch preparations are complete."
Esmerelda's smile turned mischievous.
"Is that so? It's okay. Don't trouble yourself—I'll inform her personally. You focus on ensuring everything is perfect for our guests. Mmm?"
The servant hesitated, clearly wanting to protest. But one look at Esmerelda's expression silenced him.
"Of course, Your Majesty." He bowed and exited.
Esmerelda turned back to the guests with a smile.
"It seems everything is ready. Prince Eric, would you kindly escort our guests to the brunch? I'll inform the Queen Dowager of their arrival."
Eric eyed his mother, suspicion flickering in his gaze. 'What are you trying to do?'
"Prince Eric," Esmerelda said sweetly,
"I don't think it's polite to keep our guests waiting."
Eric cleared his throat.
"Of course. Please, follow me."
He rose and ushered the guests toward the gazebo, where the brunch awaited.
Esmerelda watched them go, her smile lingering like perfume—sweet, but laced with mischief.
....
The gazebo was a vision of elegance—draped in fresh blooms of every hue, with a wide array of pastries and delicacies spread across the table like jewels on velvet.
Prince Eric ushered the guests to their seats with practiced grace.
"Wow… this is amazing," the woman said, settling into her chair.
"I never expected such warm hospitality. And the decorations are simply marvelous."
"Indeed," the man added.
"Thank you, Your Highnesses. We truly appreciate the effort you've made on our behalf."
Eric offered a courteous smile.
"It's our pleasure to treat our guests with the honor they deserve. Please, make yourselves comfortable while we await the Queen Dowager."
Just then, Queen Esmerelda appeared—gliding toward them in measured, regal steps. She arrived at the head of the table, her presence commanding.
"My apologies for the delay," she said smoothly.
Eric's eyes flicked to her, sharp with silent warning.
'What are you doing?' his gaze asked.
Esmerelda smiled, unbothered.
"Her Majesty the Queen Dowager is on her way. She was… momentarily delayed by some matters. In the meantime, I'll be happy to oversee the event until she arrives."
Eric sighed inwardly. The guests nodded politely, uncertain but gracious.
Esmerelda stepped forward and reached for the chair at the head of the table.
She smiled.
She began to lower herself into the seat—
"If you wish for your dethronement to be initiated early,"
a voice rang out, sharp as steel,
"then I dare you to sit in that chair. And I will gladly do so."
Esmerelda froze.
All heads turned.
The Queen Dowager glided toward the gazebo in slow, deliberate steps—her presence regal, her gaze sharp as a blade.
Everyone scrambled to their feet, bowing in reverence.
Esmerelda swallowed hard, as if a bucket of ice had been poured over her spine.
'Why the hell did the old hag arrive early? And who told her everything was ready? I made sure that the message would be delayed. Huh...how frustrating. '
She stepped away from the chair, bowed slightly, and spoke with forced grace.
"Forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty. You were taking so long to greet our guests, I felt compelled to act—so they wouldn't feel neglected. Please don't be offended."
'That's right, old hag,' she thought, a sly smirk tugging at her lips.
'Even if you've shown up now, I won't let you ruin my image. I'll taint yours instead—for being slow, haggard, and irrelevant. The guests will be impressed by me, not you.'
The Queen Dowager snorted.
"I see. So you've decided to poach my festivities and entertain your own guests—without regard for mine. How unruly. How provocative, Queen Esmerelda."
Esmerelda blinked, feigning confusion.
"Your Majesty… what exactly do you mean?"
Alicia's smirk deepened.
"I prepared everything for my special guests. And you—"
She turned to the seated pair.
"You let unworthy, dirty scum sit in their chairs! How dare you! Do you wish for death?"
The two guests dropped to their knees, trembling.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty! Please have mercy! We meant no disrespect!"
Esmerelda's eyes widened. She turned to Eric, stunned.
"Your Majesty, I don't understand. These are your guests. Are you truly going to punish them—just because I welcomed them? Please… show compassion."
Alicia snorted again.
"What? My guests? Who said these two were my guests?"
She turned and pointed to the path behind her.
"Those are my guests."
From the garden, a woman in a yellow formal suit and a man in a cream-colored ensemble approached with quiet dignity. Behind them walked Crown Prince Daniel—loose, confident, dressed in a crimson shirt and black slacks. His royal brooch caught the morning light, glinting like a warning.
Esmerelda gasped.
She dropped to her knees.
Eric followed.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Esmerelda pleaded, her voice strained.
"It was my own ignorance that led to this error. I didn't know who your guests were—these two deceived me and my son by pretending to be them. Please… have mercy."
Queen Dowager Alicia chuckled, the sound sharp and sarcastic.
"Forgive you? You were already playing Queen Dowager, weren't you? Trying to steal my spotlight and bask in it yourself. How stupid. And sadly, not surprising."
Esmerelda clenched her fists, her pride writhing beneath the weight of humiliation.
"Tsk, tsk… how foolish. How predictable." Alicia's voice was ice.
"But what more can I expect from you? Since these two truly are deceivers—snakes in golden silk—I'll let it slide."
She turned to the kneeling guests.
"Duke Aaron Dinkley. Duchess Leticia Sinclair. How utterly unsurprising to see you here."
Leticia bowed her head, trembling.
"Your Majesty, please… we didn't mean to offend. We only came seeking an audience. Please show mercy."
Esmerelda gasped, her voice caught in her throat.
"You… you… huh…" The words refused to form.
Alicia's gaze sharpened.
"Then you should have made an appointment in advance instead of showing up unannounced. Look at what you have done to the Queen and the second Prince of this kingdom. Their faces are about to explode in anger due to the humiliation and disgrace that you put them through. Still, since its also their fault for trying to steal what wasn't theirs, I'll let it slide."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your grace is beyond measure," Aaron and Leticia said in unison, relief flooding their faces—until…
"However…" Alicia's voice dropped.
"Just because I have forgiven you doesn't mean the Queen has. You deceived her. So I leave your punishment to her."
She turned to Esmerelda.
"Unlike me, she lacks compassion. Even less grace. Beware—her temper is that of a wolf. Let's hope she's feeling merciful."
Esmerelda's blood boiled. Her glare could have scorched the Queen Dowager's crown.
'One day, she seethed. One day, I'll make you regret this, old hag.'
She rose slowly, her voice smooth but laced with venom.
"Your compassion truly is beyond measure, Mother. And since we are all at fault, I shall follow your example."
She turned to Aaron and Leticia.
"As rulers of a prosperous and loyal fief, I will forgive you. Let this be a lesson in protocol."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they said, bowing low.
"Next time, make an appointment. Let's avoid such confusion."
"We will. Thank you, Your Majesty."
Esmerelda turned to Eric, motioning him to follow. She bowed slightly to Alicia, then swept away with regal grace.
As she passed the other guests, she stopped as they bowed and curtesied in greeting. She acknowledged them with a nod before her razor sharp gaze fell on Daniel, who did not even bother to acknowledge her presence.
He didn't even look at her.
She grumbled and walked on.
Eric lingered, his eyes fixed on the woman in yellow.
'She looks familiar. Feels familiar. Where have I seen her before…'
"Eric!"
His mother's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He glanced at Daniel, who wore a faint look of pity.
Eric clenched his fists, bowed slightly, and followed Esmerelda.
Meanwhile, Aaron and Leticia were escorted away by the servants to the other exit.
The woman in yellow smiled as she watched them go. Leticia turned—and froze.
It was her. That bitch. The one who looked like her dead archenemy.
The woman lifted her hand in a slow wave, her smile serene.
Leticia growled, rage bubbling beneath her skin.
'Don't worry, bitch. This isn't over. I'll get you one day.'
Then the woman flinched.
Then the figure who was trailing behind them approached—handsome, menacing, his aura suffocating.
She didn't need anyone to tell her who he was.
It was him.
Now the real nightmare began.
'Will he recognize her?'