The Gypsy Glory

This novel is for every girl who was rejected because of her skin color... This novel is for every girl who was shunned because of her heritage... For every girl who was told she was unworthy of love because of her personality... For every girl who suffered in her childhood because of her family and those around her... For every girl who is called cold-hearted or emotionless... They couldn't find someone else to blame, so they wanted to break you and distorted your soul.. But you are perfect just the way you are So you must fight ★_________★_________★ "Coraline, you wretched brat! Come here and clean this up at once!" Sophia's shrill voice echoed through the room as she pointed furiously at the shattered teacup on the floor. But Coraline, sitting by the window, merely flipped a page of her book and responded with serene indifference: "What did you say?" "I told you to clean this up!" Sophia's voice rose, filled with frustration at her stepsister's unbothered attitude. But Coraline, unfazed, replied with the same calm tone: "Wait until I find out what happens to the knight first... If you're in such a hurry, you might as well clean it up yourself." Sophia's pale face flushed crimson with rage, her eyes blazing with fury. Just then, the door swung open, revealing Grand Duchess Valentine, her expression stern as she glanced at Coraline-though it quickly softened when her gaze shifted to Sophia. "What's wrong, my dear? Are you hurt? I heard your cries from downstairs." Her voice was laced with concern as she inspected Sophia, scanning her face and hands as if expecting an injury. It was the moment Sophia had been waiting for. Tears welled up in her eyes as she whimpered dramatically, "I was drinking my tea when Coraline barged in and knocked the cup from my hands. And when I asked her to clean it up, she refused and started insulting me!" Now, let's agree on something first-Coraline had been sitting there for over an hour without moving an inch. The book in her hands was undeniable proof of that. Moreover, the broken teacup lay far from where she sat; there was simply no logical way she could have knocked it over. Even if she had stood up, there was no way she could have returned to her seat in such a short span of time. But who cares? Valentine would believe Sophia, as always. Even if Coraline had ten witnesses, the Grand Duchess would still claim they were mistaken. With an air of righteous fury, Valentine strode toward Coraline, her heels clicking against the floor in sharp, angry beats. Without warning, she grabbed a fistful of Coraline's thick hair, yanking it so hard that the book slipped from her hands. "Listen, you filthy brat," she hissed, her lips dangerously close to Coraline's ear. "Don't let that fool Briar's mercy get to your head. You are nothing compared to Sophia. Do you hear me? You are nothing but scum-not even worthy of the ground Sophia walks on." Coraline's expression remained as unreadable as ever, her voice steady and cold as she said, "Valentine. Let go of my hair." "Know your place and don't order me around, you bastard child." Valentine's grip tightened, the sharp pull sending a wave of pain through Coraline's scalp. But despite the searing sensation, she refused to show any weakness. With the same unsettling composure, she repeated, "I said, let go of my hair, Valentine. I won't say it a third time." Valentine arched a brow, amusement flickering in her eyes "And if I don't?" she taunted. Bad move. Coraline's patience had limits, and Valentine had just crossed them. With swift precision, she grasped the woman's wrist and twisted it forcefully. A sharp cracking sound filled the air. Valentine stumbled back, clutching her arm in shock and pain, her wide eyes darting between her hand and the girl standing before her. Coraline met her gaze, her voice as quiet as ever-but laced with a chilling warning: "Speak ill of my father again, and I'll sever your head from your body without hesitation. I don't joke about this, Valentine." Sophia and Valentine both knew-Coraline was dead serious. She didn't care about consequences. She could endure their insults, their mistreatment, and their cruelty. But she would never tolerate disrespect toward Briar, even if he had only been her adoptive father. They feared her. They always had. Because they knew-Coraline was dangerous. She was not someone to be provoked. Adjusting her thick, unruly brown hair, Coraline picked up her book and walked toward the door. Just before leaving, she paused, her fingers resting on the doorknob. "Learn to fend for yourselves and clean up your own mess. I have no intention of being a maid to the filth of the empire." With that, she stepped into the grand hallway, her movements graceful and unhurried. As she walked, the palace maids she passed greeted her warmly, some even stopping to chat for a brief moment. Despite her icy demeanor, Coraline had always been kind to the servants, having defended them countless times from Valentine and Sophia's cruelty. When she reached her room, she pushed the door open, and a crisp autumn breeze swept through the space, welcoming her home. --- Coraline The cool wind tousled my thick brown curls as I glanced around the spacious room-the one I had chosen for myself, much to the dismay of Valentine and that blonde snake, Sophia. Truth be told, I didn't care for such luxurious spaces. But I took this one simply to spite them. I'd do anything to see them seething. Those wretched women. I made my way toward the balcony, only to pause when my reflection caught my eye in the mirror. Valentine always said that if there was anything she hated more than me, it was my appearance-the very proof of my bloodline. Once, after relentless pestering, my father finally told me the truth. My biological father had been a wandering gypsy whom my mother had met during the capital's summer festival twenty years ago. Their affair had lasted only a few months before he left for another city-only for Valentine to realize she was pregnant with me. She had tried to deceive my father, Briar, into believing I was his, but he never fell for her lies. Yet, despite it all, he accepted me. He refused to let her get rid of me, insisting that it wasn't my fault I was born this way. That I had no say in my existence. And as a gypsy's daughter, I had inherited everything from him-dark, voluminous curls, wide, earthy brown eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Was it beautiful? Not to the empire. Here, beauty meant pale skin, golden hair, and straight, delicate strands untouched by waves or curls. Meanwhile, my hair had long surpassed gentle waves-it coiled in wild spirals, as stubborn and untamed as I was. But I loved myself. And if anyone had a problem with it, they could keep it to themselves and smash their heads against a wall. I couldn't care less about their pathetic opinions. The nobles called me a disgrace to my family, whispered that my real father must have seduced or violated my mother. But if any of them dared confront me, I would stand before them all and declare with unwavering confidence: "Yes, I am Coraline Celestia Acacius, and I am a bastard child. If you have a problem with that, then step forward." I had done exactly that last year at the academy, turning a simple sparring session into a full-blown battle. And let me tell you-not a single one of them managed to defeat me. After all, my father had taught me how to fight. A glance at the clock confirmed I wasn't late. But before I could move, the door suddenly burst open, making me flinch slightly. --- A blonde young man rushed in, his face breaking into a wide grin as he ran straight toward me. Without warning, he pulled me into a tight hug, practically crushing me in his arms. "Coraline! I've missed you so much! How have you been? Are you okay? Valentine and Sophia didn't do anything to you again, did they? Just say the word, and I'll go beat them up!" Despite my usual distaste for physical affection, I didn't push him away. Instead, with a sigh, I simply said: "I'm fine, Stellan. Don't worry-I handled them myself. Honestly, When can I return to the academy?" The blond stepped back slightly, leaving some space between them, then said: "Lin, you know I'm always by your side, right? Even if Sophia is my sister, I will never take her side. You are my only sister and my best friend, and I wouldn't trade you for status or wealth." Coraline's heart softened at Stellan's words. He was, after all, her half-brother. His full name was Rowan Stellan Acacius, but Coraline preferred calling him by his middle name, saying it suited him better. "What's with you, talking like this all of a sudden? Forget about them and tell me about yourself. Anything new?" She joked, lifting the somber mood between them. Soon, Stellan's bright smile returned, and he eagerly started sharing stories from his journey to the west. --- Coraline had been summoned to dinner with Valentin and Sophia that evening, supposedly because Stellan had returned after two weeks away. She had no idea why they suddenly decided to show kindness and invite her, but she didn't care much. She wasn't going to let them ruin her mood-or her brother's-with their nonsense. Her black heels clicked against the floor, and the hem of her black skirt fluttered slightly with every step she took. The white blouse she wore made her face look even brighter in contrast. The dining hall doors opened, announcing her arrival. The moment Valentin laid eyes on her, she scoffed in irritation. "How many times have I told you to be on time for meals? And what exactly are you wearing? You should dress more appropriately, young lady!" Stellan glanced at Coraline's outfit-a black skirt that reached her knees and a long-sleeved white blouse. Then, he looked at Valentin and smirked. "And what exactly is inappropriate about her clothes? Do you want her to dress like a nun or something?" "Shut up, Rowan. This doesn't concern you," Sophia snapped in annoyance. Stellan shot her a look of pure disgust before replying, "And it doesn't concern you either. So if I have to shut up, you should do the same, Sophia." He emphasized her name, and from the way her expression darkened, it was clear she didn't appreciate his defense of Coraline. "I don't even know why you bothered coming home," she muttered under her breath. "You should've just died in the western mountains." "Take that back and shut your damn mouth, Sophia," Coraline interjected, her voice sharp as a blade. "He is your older brother. He is my brother. And I will not allow you to insult him-especially not in front of me. If anyone here deserves to die, it's you, you miserable wretch." Her piercing glare made Sophia swallow nervously. Before anyone could say another word, the servants arrived, setting the dishes on the table. A few moments later, everything was in place, and Coraline took her seat, beginning to eat along with the rest. *Clatter *Cough Cough Suddenly, Coraline's fork slipped from her hand as she began coughing violently. Within seconds, her dry cough turned bloody. Then, her body collapsed from the chair, crashing onto the floor. Stellan shot up from his seat, panic gripping him as he rushed to her side, his hands shaking as he tried to wake her. "Lin! Come on, wake up! What's wrong?! Coraline, don't do this to me! Open your eyes!!" "CORALIIIINE!!!" --------------√•√•√•√•√•√•√•√•√•-------------- End of the first Chaper