The illegitimate princess

Chapter 2: The royal breakfast

Ophelia's pov

I arrived at the entrance of royal dining room. The two guards at the entrance quickly bowed their heads in greeting,“Good morning, your highness” I blushed, at the word 'highness', I could never get use to that word. I took breathe in and out before proceeding into the room. The room was filled with servants at every corner of the room, at the center sat the royal family.

I could feel their eyes on me, especially Maya's, her eyes held resentment and...hatred. I immediately straighten my composure and inhale deeply to calm my nerves. I slowly walked towards them, silently wishing this breakfast doesn't cause havoc.

As I walked towards them, father immediately got up from his seat and held out his hands to me. I was shocked and so was everyone else. I could see the shock on Maya's face too.

“My darling girl, how are you here... come sit at the table”

I was too stunned to even respond, it was against the rules to get up from your seat while eating without permission. The king himself made that rule. And now, he broke it. I quickly recollect myself and answered,“I...I am fine, your majesty, thank you” I bowed slightly, but he caught me on my arm.“ No need to bow, my dear, I am your father.” he smiled.

At the corner of my eyes, Maya gritted her teeth, the fork in her hand was gripped tightly.

“Here. Let's have breakfast together like a perfect family,” he announced, I gave a forced smile, not that I wasn't happy but I don't want to provoke the queen's wrath. She was giving me that threatening look that made chill run down my spine. I tried to avoid her stare but it felt like, she was staring knife into my soul. I was about sitting when the Queen spoke up,“Your majesty, why would allow this daughter of a s**t in here.”

I flinch at her tone, the word 's**t' it stung me deep. I fought the tears that welled up in my eyes.“stop it Bianca. She should be allowed to eat with us, she is apart of this family...

“She would never be part of this family,” Maya retorted, she turned to me and glared in disgust,“Never!”

I hung my head low, feeling stabbed in the heart. How could she say that?

“Enough!” the king shunned, slamming his fist on the table.“Not a word.”

The Queen scoffed, “I see... you're siding her, aren't you, your majesty?” the king warned frustrated,“Bianca, if you don't stop, I will banish you from this table.”

Maya scoffed alongside Bianca,“ We are already leaving so ...thank you, my king.” they both stood up and gave a very low bow in some sort of a mocking way.

They walked towards me and whispered closely,“ this is just the beginning of hell, stupid rat.” A devilish smirk danced on their lips. Before turning away and left the dining room. I swallowed the hard lump on my throat. Trying my best to avoid her eyes.

I felt bad and sad, I suddenly felt like my stomach churned at my stepmother's words. I sighed before having breakfast.

After I had breakfast, I decided to take some fresh air. I walking down the hallways when mistakenly i

bumped into Queen Bianca,

“oh! I'm sorry...I'm so sorry,” I bowed my head in apology. She just stared at me in hatred,“ what are you doing here,”

“i was just taking a walk...

“And who permits you...to just walk around here, ”