Royal Outcast

Chapter 15

Seri’s POV

“Seri, has mommy told you yet?” my mom asked, her voice lilting with an infectious warmth.

“Told me what, mommy?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“That you’re an extra special bean,” she said playfully, squinting her nose and gently booping mine with her finger.

I couldn’t help but giggle at her silly gesture.

“Me?” I asked, my voice filled with a mix of surprise and delight. Mom nodded, her expression one of genuine affection.

“Yes, you,” she assured me, her smile wide and comforting.

“Why is that, mommy?” I pressed even more curiously, eager to know what made me so special.

Mom’s eyes softened as she tucked a stray strand of my hair behind my ear, a tender gesture that spoke volumes.

“Because you are well loved and protected, sweetheart,” she told me with sincerity.

I felt warmth spread through my chest as I smiled in response.

“Am I really?” I continued, unable to suppress my desire to hear more. My mom nodded again, reaffirming my question.

“Mhm,” she hummed, cradling both of my hands in hers, her touch reassuring.

“You, my dear, are the bridge between two conversing connections,” my mom elaborated, tracing the shape of the moon on my left hand with her finger and the shape of the sun on my right hand, illustrating her point with care.

Then, in a touching moment, my mom cupped my face in her hands, smiling at me warmly.

“You’re bound to make history in this life, Seri,” she stated with unwavering confidence, and I smiled back at her, both inspired and comforted.

In an instant, I woke up.

I sat up abruptly, feeling something wet on my face. Confused, I touched it and realized, to my dismay, that they were my tears.

I chuckled softly in disbelief. Of course, I would wake up from a dream like that.

With a sigh, I glanced over at the alarm clock resting on the bedside table.

6:51 AM

Slowly, I got out of bed and made my way directly to the shower.

I took a warm shower, enjoying the soothing water, and in the last few minutes, I turned it to cold, relishing the shock of the chilly droplets on my skin.

As I stood there, I found my mind wandering back to last night.

His Highness, Prince Lucas, and I had not even spoken during our time together.

We spent about half an hour walking peacefully in the garden, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, before he escorted me back to my room, where we exchanged an awkward farewell.

But still, I thought it was a start.

For the first time, we had been together without the overwhelming tension that usually hung in the air whenever he was around.

After finishing my shower, I began wrapping myself in a bathrobe, using a second towel to dry my hair, a routine I had learned from the helpers the day before.

Back in the orphanage, I had only one single towel, so this new routine felt quite special to me.

Once I got out of the bathroom, I walked over to the walk-in closet to take a look around.

The helpers had put in several more clothing pieces from the late Princess’ old belongings, making sure I would have some outfits that helped me fit in during my stay at the palace.

I gravitated towards an emerald green cowl lace neck dropped shoulder long-sleeve layered ruffle hem mini dress, pairing it with a set of white sandals that the helpers had also provided for me.

After changing, I dried my hair and pulled it up into a ponytail. Since I didn’t know how to apply makeup, I opted to skip it entirely except for a tinted balm that had been used on me the day before, which helped to add a hint of color to my otherwise pale complexion.

Afterwards, I stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking a critical look at myself.

I looked different.

The clothes I was wearing were undeniably elegant, far more grand than what I was used to. In hindsight, though, this particular piece was one of the less extravagant choices in the closet.

However, I really shouldn’t be shocked, considering these were the Princess’ old clothing pieces, and I doubted His Highness would ever wear anything shabby.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself, trying to keep from feeling even more overwhelmed than I already was.

Then, I glanced at the clock again.

8:15 AM

Suddenly, I heard voices from outside, causing my heart to race.

“Is she awake yet? Where is she? Can’t I see her now?” a woman’s voice asked eagerly.

Tilting my head to the side in curiosity, I listened closely.

The unfamiliar voice continued, filled with an unmistakable urgency.

“She might still be sleeping, Your Highness. Her lady arrived pretty late yesterday from a very long trip back and hadn’t even had the chance to rest before meeting Her Majesty for dinner last night,” an older man’s voice explained with a tone of respect.

“Mom already met her? First, Dillon. Then, Mom. I want to meet her already! It’s not fair that everyone else has met her but I haven’t!” the unfamiliar woman protested, sounding increasingly impatient.

“Well, you did just arrive earlier today, Your Highness,” the older man responded patiently.

“I know, but still,” the lady insisted, her desire unmistakable.

Intrigued, I cautiously walked over to the door and carefully opened it just a c***k to peek outside.

There, I saw the older man from yesterday—the one who had greeted us in front of the palace. By his side stood a woman with striking silver hair and a pair of beautiful golden-amber eyes, the same shade as His Highness, the Prince's eyes. She looked to be about the same age as him as well.

Suddenly, the woman’s gaze shifted in my direction, and our eyes met. As soon as they did, she gasped and pointed at me, her expression a mixture of shock and excitement.

I was so flustered and surprised that I froze in place, my heart pounding in my chest.

The older man turned to look at me as well, his expression shifting.

“Lady Seri,” he said with recognition.

“It seems you are awake,” he added, his tone acknowledging my presence.

“Oh my! It is her, isn’t it?” the woman exclaimed, covering her mouth in astonishment. The older man nodded in affirmation.

“Yes, Your Highness. This is Lady Seri, your brother, His Highness’ mate,” he confirmed, his voice steady and respectful.

The woman let out a squeal of delight and rushed toward me, swinging the door wider open and engulfing me in a tight hug before I could even process what was happening.

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t…” the older man tried to intervene, but she was already upon me, her enthusiasm overpowering.

I stood there, baffled to say the very least, remaining stiff in her embrace as I tried to wrap my mind around the situation.

“Hi, Seri! My name is Liana, but you can just call me Lia. I’m Lucas’ twin sister. It is so nice to finally put a face to the name!” she introduced herself excitedly.

My eyes widened in shock.

Her Highness, Princess Liana?

“Your Highness…” I managed to mutter in disbelief, bowing my head low out of habit and posture.

“Oh my! Please don’t do that!” she exclaimed, gently holding my shoulders and straightening me up.

“You’re going to be part of the family soon, Seri. I’ll be your sister from now on. You don’t have to be so formal with me,” she added, pouting slightly as if to emphasize her point.

I felt my cheeks flush with color, overwhelmed yet warmed by her open-heartedness.

Princess Lia held both my hands with a wide, genuine smile spreading across her face.

“I’ve always wanted a younger sister,” she said, her voice sweet and sincere.

“I’m so glad Lucas found you.”