The Cursed Princess

Chapter 7 Discontented

"Isabella, don't forget—Jenny Manor was built for me by my father. I am the true master here, and you have no right to order me to leave."

My voice was calm and steady as I stated this, meeting Isabella's gaze without flinching.

"And all of you," I said, looking around at the gathered servants and relatives, "You are here because of me. If I hadn't been exiled to this desolate place, none of you would have even set foot in this manor. I am the rightful mistress of Jenny Manor."

Isabella's hands clenched tightly at her sides, her lips pressed into a thin, angry line.

"I am your elder! Where are your manners?" She sneered as she stepped forward, stopping only a half-step away, studying me as if I were some unpleasant creatures.

"Have you lost your mind, speaking to the person who raised you? I am ashamed of you. We wouldn't even be in this wretched place if not for you, and yet you show not an ounce of gratitude. You're just a cold-blooded monster. No wonder you're cursed!"

"Ladies, are you gathered here to welcome me?"

Exeter entered with Alyssa on his arm, followed closely by the impassive Thomas.

Isabella rushed to greet him, giving a formal curtsy.

"Your Grace, this is the servants' dining area. Please allow Alyssa to guide you to more suitable parts of the estate."

Alyssa gave Isabella a quick, knowing look and whispered something into her ear.

Isabella's eyes flashed with irritation as she glanced back at me but quickly forced a pleasant smile. "Your Grace, I apologize for the rudeness of our servants; it was a failing on our part to let you witness such disorder."

Exeter ignored her entirely, walking up to me with a formal bow, his hand extended. "Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you. I am Duke Exeter of Swording."

I placed my hand lightly in his, aware of Alyssa's murderous glare as Exeter bent down to kiss the back of my hand.

"Your Grace," Alyssa interjected, forcefully gripping my hand as Exeter lowered his head. "My cousin is terribly shy and withdrawn; please forgive her if she doesn't appreciate such gestures."

Ignoring Isabella's intervention, Alyssa forcefully grabbed my hand before Exeter could kiss it.

I winced, her grip almost crushing my fingers. "Alyssa, are you trying to break my hand?"

I pulled my hand back, giving her a cold look. "Even if you're trying to punish me on Josephine's behalf, don't forget I am a Princess by the King's decree. Are you implying dissatisfaction with His Majesty?"

Josephine rolled her eyes. "You? A princess? The King should have stripped you of that title the day you killed Queen Mary. A low-born wretch like you should hide away, not spread your misfortune to others."

My expression remained impassive. "So you believe that I, an infant in a cradle, somehow killed my grandmother, and our king is ignorant enough to have awarded me a title?"

"Alyssa should have been the Princess," Josephine spat. "If not for your curse killing the Queen, she and I would be princesses. Everything is your fault!"

"So you've all harbored resentment toward the king for years, convinced of His Majesty's folly and incompetence, is that right?" I asked.

Exeter raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Her Highness has a point, Madam Trisler. Has your family's lack of a title fostered resentment toward His Majesty?"

I looked at him in surprise. Thomas was not just anybody. He actually managed to persuade Exeter to cooperate with me.

Alyssa's expression turned mournful, silently begging Exeter to support her, not me.

I returned her stare with a faint, mocking smile.

Owen was merely a viscount; she would never get a chance to marry a duke. It was nothing but a hopeless dream.

"Exeter," I said, my smile sweet yet laced with venom, "I have been away from court for ten years, stuck in this desolate Northtown. How fares the kingdom these days?"

Exeter's gaze was still sharp with interest. "Lanchester commands unmatched respect on the continent, and His Majesty is a wise and formidable ruler."

I nodded, then looked directly at Isabella and her daughters. "Did you hear that? My grandfather is far too wise to believe in superstitious curses. Clearly, you three have been spreading rumors, intending to sully His Majesty's reputation."

Thomas's words echoed in my mind: there are no curses, only the dark ambitions and malice of those who spread them.

These people, greedy and spiteful, were the true curse.

Before Isabella could recover, I continued, "I've overheard the servants mention my uncle Owen's dissatisfaction with His Majesty, saying that Northtown is barren and that Dante Island is much more prosperous. And it seems my dear cousins share his sentiments."

"I'm extremely grateful to His Majesty. If it weren't for his mercy, we would still be stuck in the Southern Isles and let those mosquitos feed on us. Northtown is indeed freezing, but at least there are no bugs around. Don't you agree, Anne?"

At that moment, Owen waddled into the room, his hefty belly leading the way. With an ingratiating smile, he joined in, his voice dripping with false affection.

"Daddy!" Josephine wailed, pointing at her reddened cheek.

"She hit me. Please, make this horrid girl leave the estate."

Owen sighed, shaking his head with exaggerated dismay. "Oh, Anne, even after all these years, you remain just as defiant. No wonder your family felt you needed discipline. Truly, you have much to learn."

Isabella, ever the actress, let out a deep, put-upon sigh, her eyes glinting with cruel intent.

"The King's mercy has led you to such disrespect for your elders. Perhaps it would serve you better to spend time in a convent."