Graden-Hall Art Gallery (2)

"You should know the answer! This place is called Graden-Hall. Who is that? Is that your mysterious painter?" Princess Katherine retorted, deriving snickers of laughter from the crowd.

Melissa was silent for a moment. Graden-Hall were a combination of both her Master's and her original name. How can she explain this?

"Look, she has nothing to say. What I said is true then, you didn't paint these. You're a fake!" Princess Katherine exclaimed while covering her mouth in shock, clearly acting out her part for others to see.

"Your Highness, I was there when Melissa painted all these. I can vouch for her!" Lord Melvin spoke up for his sister, his face was red from anger. Even Duke Malcom had an unpleasant look on his usual calm face. 

"Lord Melvin, you're her brother. How can we blindly trust what you said?" Lady Anastasia said with a smile.

"Exactly, if there's someone else who painted these, doesn't that mean she's deceiving everyone here? That's a crime, isn't it?" A young lady who looked like she had eaten sour grapes that morning proudly said, earning more murmurs from the crowd.

"My mother can prove it!" Suddenly a small voice could be heard saying. Everyone turned to look at Lord William, who was now holding Lady Melissa's hand. He returned their stares with an angry look.

Princess Katherine's mind raced when she heard this. It's obvious that these paintings belonged to someone else. The bitch was stumped when I asked her about the name of the gallery. She couldn't possibly paint!

"Yes, William is right! If you're so great, why don't you prove it to us?" Princess Katherine suddenly challenged Melissa.

"Katherine, behave yourself!" Queen Serina reprimanded her daughter.

"I will do it." Lady Melissa who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. 

Princess Katherine and the rest of her cannon fodders laughed when they heard this. They thought that Lady Melissa was so foolish that she's willing to embarrass herself in front of everyone.

Melissa ignored their mocking laughter and turned to look at Queen Serina. 

"Your Majesty, if it's not too much trouble, would you like me to paint your portrait?" She asked with a smile. 

Queen Serina was slightly taken aback at this request but quickly returned the girl's smile. She nodded her head as a sign of agreement. After all, it was her daughter who had put Melissa in this difficult situation today. It's only right for her to cooperate. Furthermore, she had wanted to have her portrait redrawn for quite some time already. Today her wish would be fulfilled, albeit in front of others. 

Melissa quickly instructed Sir Andrew to set up a place for her to paint. She even brought the Queen a comfortable chair for her to sit on. The crowd gathered around her to witness her ability to paint or the lack of it. Once everything was set up, Melissa began to draw. 

She stood before a blank canvas, ready to capture the essence of the Queen. Melissa started with delicate, confident strokes, using a rich palette of colours to bring the portrait to life.

The woman in the portrait was portrayed with an ethereal grace. Her eyes are painted with a captivating depth, reflecting a quiet intelligence and a hint of mystery. They seem to follow the viewer, drawing them into a world of introspection. Her skin was rendered with a luminous quality, as though it glowed from within, enhancing the realism and warmth of her presence.

Her hair was a cascade of flowing texture, each strand meticulously painted to show movement and vitality. Melissa skilfully blended shades to convey its natural sheen and softness. The background was subtly abstracted in gentle, muted tones that enhance her figure rather than distract from it, complementing the regal lady without overwhelming her.

The woman's clothing was portrayed with intricate detail, a luxurious fabric with delicate patterns that hint at her personality and status. Her pose was both relaxed and poised, conveying a sense of calm strength and elegance.

Overall, the portrait was not just a depiction of a woman but a celebration of her spirit and character. Melissa's masterful use of light and shadow, colour, and texture transformed the painting into a timeless representation of beauty and grace, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who viewed it.

When the portrait was done, Melissa stepped slightly away from it and nodded to the Queen, indicating that it was completed. The crowd all gasped in amazement at the completed portrait and everyone was quiet, not daring to say anything after the embarrassing scene just now. They turned to look at Princess Katherine, who had an indescribable look on her face. She looked like she wanted to strangle someone.

Lady Anastasia felt like screaming in her heart. How did she do it?? Bitch! She actually can paint! 

Suddenly loud claps could be heard from the back. All eyes turned to see who it was, only to find Lord Benjamin Blackwell walking slowly to the front. Upon seeing him, Lord Melvin and Duke Kensington subconsciously stood next to Melissa, drawing a puzzled look from Prince Xavier who was beside the Queen. 

"Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, pardon my tardiness. The portrait was excellent! Lady Melissa, you've done great justice to Her Majesty. Don't you think so, Your Majesty?" Lord Benjamin said politely while praising Melissa. 

Melissa smile at him with ease, drawing a frown from both Lord Melvin and Duke Kensington. Again, Prince Xavier caught it and wondered what's going on with these two? He glanced at Lord Benjamin Blackwell and had a guess. 

"Yes, it was so beautifully painted. You made me looked so much better in the painting, my dear. I'm truly happy." Queen Serina stood in front of her portrait and smiled happily. Finally, she was indeed satisfied. 

"You flatter me, Your Majesty. I merely captured what was in front of me. This is all you, Your Majesty." Melissa humbly replied. 

"I told you my Mother can paint!" Lord William's boyish voice resounded with confidence. 

 At the sound of this, everyone remembered the accusations thrown at Lady Melissa moments ago and everyone turned to look at Princess Katherine. 

"Katherine, apologize to Lady Melissa right now." Prince Xavier said coldly to his sister. 

Princess Katherine was indignant. She's not willing to apologize to this wretch woman! However, she still needed to show respect to her brother, the Crown Prince. 

She looked at Lady Melissa and said tensely, "I apologize." She was clearly insincere. 

Melissa merely nodded and smiled graciously, as if she wasn't the one that was slandered before. 

"Melissa, I will bring the portrait back with me! I'm going to hang it immediately. We shall leave now." The Queen looked at Prince Xavier and the latter nodded his head. 

Prince Xavier smiled at Melissa and held his mother's arm, leading her out of the gallery.

Suddenly, the Queen halted her steps midway and turned slightly to Princess Katherine, who was pouting.

"Come back to the palace with me!" Queen Serina told her daughter in a stern voice. Princess Katherine obediently followed. 

After the royals' departure, the crowd once again began to relax and now that everyone was convinced of Melissa's talent, they started to praise her again while enjoying the array of beautiful paintings in the gallery. Many also expressed their intention to purchase Melissa's painting, to which she directed them to Sir Andrew, who had been assigned to handle the sales. 

Melissa breathed a sigh of relief. What a day! She never once thought she needed to showcase her talent in public like this.