The Royal Vendetta

"Your Highness Camilla Milan-Halessi." I hated it. I trudged the silken red carpet with a heavy heart. The more that I saw familiar faces, the more I am reminded that they were like trumpets—irritating and eyesores. Everything reminded me of the first day the commoners and royalty of Arinsthe welcomed me in the city of Hesha. The boughs of the Ansettia's were adorned in glittering fabrics, the walls and floors were polished pristine, the plants were trimmed to perfection, and the waters of the flowing fountain were crystal clear. No matter how nostalgically beautiful this day was, there was someone who begrudgingly gave me the comfort I wanted to have all these years. I resented myself for I wasted myself begging for his favors when I could have ran away in the first place! Yvaniel Halessi, you bastard! If it was not for the Royal Proclamation, I would't have any of his nonsense! Who would dare to defy the orders of the king himself? I scoffed. As if I was not hurt enough that he went lengths only to destroy me! Seated on the cold hard golden throne, I threw daggers at him. I always hated how laid back he is even in such a crucial moment. With eyes like the cunning hyena, he grinned to me. I gritted my teeth. "What are you waiting for, my Queen? Bend." Does he expect me to bow down and beg for his favors!? No! What queen would be sane to kiss a traitor at its pleasure? Subjects bow to me. I do not bow to them. "You should, Camilla," he taunted. He leaned forward and smiled. I wondered on where was the Yvaniel before I was so willing to marry? After our engagement, he became ruthless, sparing no one else of their trespasses to the Halessi bloodline. I looked at him with contempt. I do not deserve further humiliation. "I'm a Milan. I bow to no one." No one looks down at Camilla Milan as they please, for I am a daughter of an emperor and a queen of my own kingdom! I strutted and sat down on the right throne. "All hail, Queen Camilla." Whenever our subjects placed their gratitude and mercy at my foot, I will be lenient. But I need to draw the line for I cannot fathom my idiosyncrasies being associated with a heartless king. Yvaniel Halessi never loved me in years. "All hail, Queen Camilla!" The trumpets ceased. "Kingdom to kingdom, nobles to commoners, and above all, your majesties, splendid are days with you. We have gathered here today under the Royal Proclamation, under the king's office. May I present to you, Your Highness." The noise died down. Yvaniel stood up from his throne as I laid a close eye on him and on what he will do. "A kingdom will flourish for the passing years. However, how can I pass the Halessi bloodline, moreover the kingdom if not with an heir?" My eyes widened. The nobles whispered. They dare not close their mouths even if I were right in front of them. When I looked at them scornfully, they averted their gazes. It did not suppress them from speaking in such silence for this is not about him but already about me. "The queen has failed to give me an heir. In succession, the Royal Council has granted my request." My fist tightened. I spared myself from the humiliation only to be tainted like this! Yvaniel never looked at me in the eyes and appeased me! He never touched me delicately to my pleasing. So, how could he proclaim that I had the problem when he never had been affectionate to me!? "I present to you my mistress." I knew that it. What I heard and seen were all true. Yvaniel Halessi had taken himself a mistress to satisfy his unparalleled ego and desire to have someone so submissive unlike me. "All hail, Lady Eirantha of the Yeshoven estate." Lady Eirantha of the Yeshoven estate. I repeated it my mind like a chanted curse. As the gold and silver doors slowly revealed his mistress, my heart hammered at the anticipation. All eyes were glued to her. The crowd gasped. It was not enough for them to whisper behind my back but also to even give the mere girl the attention! "I'll leave Lady Eirantha in your capable hands, Arinthse." Eirantha, no matter how bitter her name tasted, smiled at me when our eyes met. Yet the pang of the thorns left in my heart never ceased. "All hail, Lady Eirantha!" Yvaniel Halessi declared his concubine, setting me aside. How dare he reject me, Camila Milan, the daughter of Emperor Lancou and Empress Constanza!? I seethed as I watched everything in horror and dismay. Yvaniel glanced at me with a sly smile as if he was sympathetic for me but the truth is he's mocking me. To make me miserable, to make this failing marriage even worse, he brought home someone who could finally save him but not me. Needless to say, I will feel everything as long as I am living. But at what cost? "Your Highness!" Across the halls of the Hanelian Palace, my voice echoed. Even if it shook the whole world, Yvaniel would remain unhearing, unwavering, and distant.  "I hate you, Yvaniel!" Droplets scattered on the glass-like floor. My image reflected on it. Then, I realized I was pooling in tears. I stood there as I placed myself in solemn sorrow. How could I expect? Yvaniel has always been cold to me. Especially after our engagement, after what happened to him and his family. But why should I be sorrowful about his misplaced resentment when I have done nothing but to be beside him! They nobles were joyous. And I will remember the face they made. I will never forget the seed he planted that bloomed thorns in my heart.