A Fight.

~Katrina~

By the time I reached the main quarters, I was already late. Most of the royal family had likely settled at the table, but I had yet to find the dining room.

Marissa approached the guard at the door. "The queen mother invited her," she informed him.

At those words, he stepped aside, allowing us to pass.

We hurried inside, moving quickly until we reached a large door. Marissa stopped, instructing the maids to wait outside before we both stepped in.

The room was grand. A long table stretched through the center, elegant chairs placed neatly around it. The plates were arranged so perfectly that I found myself wondering how long it had taken the servants to prepare everything.

Almost every seat was filled. I scanned the room for the king, but he wasn't here yet.

Disappointment tugged at me. I wanted to see him—even just for a moment. But it seemed today would be difficult. Maybe I wouldn't see him at all.

As I stepped further inside, the lively chatter in the room faded. Silence fell.

All eyes turned to me.

Shock. Confusion. Disapproval. I saw it all in their faces. Whispers began to spread like wildfire.

Then, Queen Fortuna stood.

Her eyes burned with rage, her voice sharp as a blade. "How dare you come here?"

No one spoke. No one stopped her.

They were waiting—watching—enjoying the spectacle.

"Who told you to come here?" she demanded.

I parted my lips to answer, but she didn't give me the chance.

"Go."

She lifted a hand, pointing at the door. She wanted me humiliated.

I swallowed hard, my hands clenching at my sides. The queen mother wasn't here yet. I had come, expecting to find her.

But now, I stood alone—and Fortuna was determined to make me regret it.

Courage surged through me as I took in the faces around me, whispering among themselves. No one defended me. If I wanted to stay, I had to stand up for myself.

Just as I was about to tell Queen Fortuna that the king's mother had invited me, Prince Elvin stood. His voice was firm, his expression unreadable, but there was a hint of frustration in his eyes.

"She is already here. Why send her away?"

This morning, he wore a blue outfit that complemented his golden hair and fair skin. He looked even more handsome than the last time I had seen him.

"Let the princess sit at the table," he added.

"This breakfast is for family—the royals," Queen Fortuna snapped. Her face had lost its color, her disgust for me clearer than ever. She had never spent a day without visiting me—insulting me, warning me—but today, she couldn't even stand my presence for a second.

Prince Elvin didn't back down. "Katrina is royal. She's a princess from Everia. We all have royal blood—except for a few who married into this family."

Laughter rippled through the room. Except for Rosalind. She sat reading a book, as if nothing happening around her was worth her attention.

Prince Elvin's words sliced through Fortuna like a blade. I saw the fury rise in her eyes.

"I won't allow her to sit at this table," she spat. "Go back to the quarters before I let—"

I didn't let her finish.

Summoning every ounce of courage, I walked to an empty chair beside Prince Elvin and sat down.

"Well, I guess you'll have to deal with me, Queen Fortuna," I said, my voice steady. "It's not my fault you despise me. I didn't come here uninvited."

Soft murmurs filled the air. Some laughed, others smiled. They loved drama. Chaos entertained them.

I sat quietly, observing. There were fifteen chairs at the table, but five remained empty—the king's, the queen mother's, and, I assumed, Elvin's parents'.

Most of the family looked alike, except for Rosalind. She and the king shared a distinct look, different from the rest. It was easy to tell they were siblings, yet their features didn't match those around them. I wondered why.

There were only a few women at the table. Fortuna burned with anger every time I met her gaze. The food remained untouched—waiting for the king.

Suddenly, Queen Fortuna stood, ready to leave. But then, she froze.

The king and queen mother entered.

Behind them, a young girl followed, sharing Rosalind's sharp features. Rania. Her twin.

Everyone at the table rose to greet the king. I followed their lead. Once he sat, we all did—except for Fortuna. She was determined to have me removed.

"Mother, there's a stranger at the table," she said, her voice laced with disdain.

I sighed. Would she ever give up?

The king barely acknowledged her. He was still angry with her. He kept speaking to Rania, ignoring the tension.

But then, his eyes met mine.

Shock flickered across his face. He had not expected to see me here. Only now did he begin to listen to what his wife was saying.

"Is it Katrina?" The queen mother's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

She smiled at me.

"I invited her to the table."

Fortuna's face turned red. She looked like she might explode.

"Mother, she is not part of this family. She shouldn't be here," she insisted.

"I said I invited her."

"But she is—"

"What are you saying, Fortuna?"

Rania's voice rang through the room, sharp and unwavering. It was the female version of the king's—strong, commanding.

She sat beside him, as though she were the queen.

"My mother invited the princess. Who are you to question her? Have you forgotten who you're speaking to?"

The table fell into silence.

The king no longer looked at me. His focus was on the maids serving him, watching them carefully, ensuring they did their job right. It was clear he had left this matter to Rania—and she handled it well.

"The woman standing before you is my mother," Rania continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "She was queen before you."

The room held its breath. Her authority was undeniable. Like her brother, she was feared.

"You will not expect her to seek your permission before making a decision. Her word is final. Do not question her again."

Queen Fortuna's face darkened. Humiliation clung to her like a shadow. No one came to her defense.

Realizing she stood alone, she swallowed her pride. She apologized.

"I am not angry," the queen mother said, her voice calm. "I only wanted the chance to explain, but it seems your anger blinds you."

Queen Fortuna lowered her head. "Forgive me, Mother. I was confused."

I knew I would pay for this later.

"You may sit," the queen mother said with a kind smile. She was gentle, easygoing. No wonder Fortuna took her for granted.

I wondered where her children got their strength from.

"You may eat," the king declared.

The maids entered in a straight line, carrying trays of steaming food. The aroma hit me, a reminder that my stomach was weak and empty.

I glanced around. The seat next to Prince Elvin was still empty—his parents hadn't arrived. The king stole glances at me. He didn't like that I was sitting beside his cousin.

But who cared?

Just as I picked up my cutlery, Prince Elvin's mother walked in.

She greeted the king before turning to her son. "Elvin, you will not eat at this table."

The room tensed.

"Why?" the queen mother asked, surprised.

"We will not sit among those who humiliated us just yesterday," she replied coldly. "My son still carries the shame of his canceled wedding."

Prince Elvin hesitated. I could see he didn't want to leave my side. But he had no choice. He stood.

Then, the king stopped eating.

His grip tightened around his fork before he threw it at the wall.

Silence.

He pushed back his chair and stood.

Anger radiated from him.

I swallowed hard. Maybe coming to this breakfast was a mistake.

This family was full of drama.

And I had no idea what would happen next.