A Tearful Reunion (II)

King Tobias wished his good for nothing daughter would stop making things more complicated.

Entertaining a crazy King whose hands itched to shed blood was already a hassle and with Genevieve trying to linger around, he only hoped things wouldn't turn negative.

Of course, a change in the King of Darkshire's heart meant the annulment of their alliance, and therefore he would not let her misbehave.

He motioned his fingers at the poor dejected princess, "You may leave, Genevieve!!" he sternly uttered.

His heart raged merely by looking at her and worse, she reminded of the one woman who caused a great turmoil in his life.

To him, Melissa was nothing but a witch sent into his life who caused him to commit infidelity, and she ended up leaving behind a semblance of her with him. It was a good thing Genevieve would finally be out of the castle after so many years of looking for a way to get rid of her.

Genevieve, fully accepting her fate, tenderly stood up from the ground, wiping off the dirt from her dress.

It was evident that her father would never love her in this life. Not now…..not ever. To everyone, she would never measure up to who her stepsisters were.

Glancing at her father, his demeanor remained cold, and his eyes tore away from her to look at the parchment on the table.

She sighed in acceptance, and started walking towards the door of the study. However, two steps away, the door flung open and in the next moment, the queen and her two daughters stepped into the room.

The princesses were identical twins, who had similar unwelcoming gazes and a grumpy attitude. While Isabelle possessed her mother's brown hair, Annabelle inherited King Tobias' blondness.

Genevieve, upon seeing them, froze on her spot. Quickly, she wiped the visible tears from her eyes hoping they wouldn't notice she cried. However, her appearance gave it all out.

"Well, well, look who we have here. The ever-repulsing princess Genevieve," Queen Sharon Campbell uttered, "Did you perhaps come here to buy pity from the King like you do to everyone?"

The queen wore her cold look which was ever constant on her face.

Genevieve hands gripped her sides nervously, "G-good day, Your Highness."

The Queen's tongue clicked, "There is nothing good about the day, Genevieve…. Oh, of course, you're finally going to leave."

"Pity, Genevieve. Looks like father didn't fall for your witchy schemes." As Genevieve expected, Princess Isabelle sneered. A smirk lit her face, seeing Genevieve's teary eyes.

Queen Sharon folded her arms, her eyes gazed at the ridiculous girl.

"If I were you, Genevieve. I would save my precious tears as it won't be of any use."

Genevieve slowly nodded. She always accepted that, the Queen didn't have to tell her anymore.

"I know, Your Highness."

The Queen huffed, "Good that you finally know your place."

Queen Sharon had the feeling that if it was any illegitimate Princess standing before her, she might not have distasted the person the way she did to Genevieve. She hated the girl for who she was more than her status.

Of course, she couldn't forget how her husband betrayed her by descending so low to be with a lowly maid. But of course, Melissa was a tempting witch and she had long forgiven the king.

"Mother, do you think father will let her stay?" Isabelle asked with a frown.

The Queen shook her head, "Of course not, dear. Your dear stepsister is your father's key to breakthrough, he can't possibly bend to her wishes and forfeit his ambitions."

Genevieve watched the Queen call her ridiculous names, yet she tried to remain unhurt.

Knowing their presence was to cause nothing but more hassle to her life, she spoke to the Queen in the most polite way she could.

"I will be taking my leave, Your Highness." She gently bowed at the Queen.

Without uttering another, Genevieve started to walk towards the door, but Princess Annabelle quickly held her arm the next moment.

"Who said you could leave?" Her ever-animus green eyes glared at Genevieve.

Though the three princesses were of the same age, yet they both looked more superior and intimidating to Genevieve.

"Have you forgotten your manners, Genevieve? Who said you could leave without my permission?" The Queen smiled coldly that somewhat frightened her.

"I-I have n-nothing else to say, Your H-highness."

Genevieve let out a painful gasp, feeling the princess' hand tighten on her arms, her fingers were digging into her skin.

"I'm sure we have a lot to talk about."

"Dear Eve," Isabelle called Genevieve's nickname, which sounded more like a torment. "I heard the King of Darkshire hates ugly people. If I were you, I would run from to the ends of the earth to hide my face from him."

Isabelle implied Genevieve was ugly. But of course, Genevieve always thought herself to be that way.

The King of Darkshire hadn't yet seen her face. During the wedding, she had been wearing a veil which he didn't even care to take off. Maybe he would certainly hate her if he saw her looks.

'I will manage' she responded in her heart.

Whilst still holding Genevieve's left arm, Anabelle couldn't conceal her sheer irritation. She sneered at Genevieve.

"You know, you have always been a pain in our lives, Genevieve. I couldn't be more happy for your departure. I hope you have a nice time living with a ruthless monster."

Genevieve let out a yelp, feeling Annabelle's finger pierce harder through her skin, but she remained helpless.

In time past when she tried to retaliate when the twins bullied her, she was always punished unfairly; therefore she learned to keep her hurt to herself.

She pleaded, "Please, let go of my hand, Princess Annabelle."

"Why should I? What right do you have to order me?"

"Seems like you've forgotten your place, Genevieve.* Reminded Queen Sharon with a 'tsk'. "Did you forget who you are? You're nothing but the daughter of a lowly wh*re."

The Queen's heartbreaking words echoed, reminding her once more of her dear mother. Even though, Melissa wasn't alive, Sarah had constantly told her of how good and kind Melissa was, yet the royal family did nothing but insult her.

The tears she tried to conceal, slipped out immediately and for a moment, Genevieve lost her calmness.

"It is all because of you…I-it was your all fault that my mother died. I could have been living a peaceful life. I c-could have—"

PAK!!

Genevieve didn't get to complete her words, when the Queen's hand landed on her right cheek.

"How dare you speak to me in such manner?!! Did you forget I'm your Queen?" The Queen's icy look turned into a furious glare.

Hot tears flowed down Genevieve's cheek, feeling the burn on her cheek and the poor Princess became timid once more.

"Don't think you've suddenly become useful because you married the king of Darkshire. Don't think you have any worth because of him. You'll always remain as lowly and useless as your mother was." she hissed disdainfully.

The Queen was like a tigress that couldn't be tamed.

Luckily, before things could escalate, a guard suddenly appeared at the door's entrance.

"Milady, the King of Darkshire is soon to leave, and your presence is required in the carriage." The guard bowed, informing Genevieve.

She nodded in relief, seizing the opportunity to break free from Annabelle's grip.

Giving her father who didn't bother to involve himself and the rest of the royal family one last look, she stepped away with the guard.