The Princess And Her Wicked Butler

Chapter 4 - The Princess Returns 4

Eight-year-old Lily had never seen anything like this before. When her forehead hit the edge of the table, a sharp, searing pain shot through her. Instinctively, she touched the wet spot with her small hand—blood. The metallic scent filled her nose.

Startled and hurt, Lily froze for a moment before breaking into loud, heart-wrenching sobs.

Her mother, Elise, was jolted out of her shock by the sound. Panic spread across her elegant face as she bent down quickly, scooping Lily into her arms. Gently, she wiped the blood from Lily’s forehead, soothing her with trembling words, “It’s okay, Lily. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

King Reginald knew exactly what kind of temper his daughter had. When she was eight, Seraphina had nearly pierced a servant’s eye with a dart. Pushing Lily to the ground? Compared to what Seraphina was capable of, it was mild.

Back then, if Seraphina had kicked someone, the king would have just chuckled, scooped her up, and rubbed her little leg gently, asking with concern, “Does it hurt? Let Daddy rub it for you.”

Seraphina thought that this time, her father would act the same—take her hand kindly, ask if she was hurt, maybe blow on her hand for comfort.

But she never expected the stern, angry look he gave her now, nor the sharp tone she’d never heard before.

“Seraphina!” Reginald’s thick brows knit together as he stared at her with a mix of disappointment and anger. “How could you be so thoughtless? You pushed your sister. You’ve really let your father down.”

Seraphina froze.

He called her by her full name.

Her small face tightened, blue eyes glistening with tears. He’d never called her that before. Always “Sera,” “Sweetheart,” or “my little one.”

But now, after her mother’s death and this new woman and child in their lives, her father—who had always spoiled her without limit—was scolding her for the sake of a girl who wasn’t even his daughter.

“Dad…” Seraphina suddenly quieted, her voice soft and tinged with sorrow as she looked up at the tall, imposing man. He felt like a stranger.

“Are you still my father?” she asked, eyelashes fluttering like a dying butterfly’s wings. Her voice was gentle, yet heavy with resolve and tears. “Am I… just extra to you now?”

King Reginald’s heart clenched as he looked at her tear-streaked face. She was his precious girl, the one he’d never raised his voice to—his anger earlier had been a moment’s lapse. Now, guilt and tenderness overwhelmed him. He knelt down to her level, gently stroked her hair, and whispered, “Sera… I’m sorry. But please promise me you won’t hurt Lily, okay?”

“Not hurt her?” Seraphina pulled away like a little hedgehog, taking two steps back. She wiped her tears fiercely and shouted, “No! I hate her! I hate her! If you make her live here, I’ll bully her every single day until she can’t take it anymore!”

“Seraphina!” Reginald’s face darkened with a sharp edge she hadn’t seen before. “Are you going to refuse to listen to your father?”

“Hmph!” Seraphina turned her head away stubbornly, refusing to meet his displeased gaze. “When have I ever listened to you?”

“...” Reginald was speechless. In truth, Seraphina was right.

From the day she was born, she’d been headstrong and spoiled. He hadn’t just failed to control her—most of the time, he was the one bending over backward, cleaning up her messes and following her orders.

He glared at her, trying to be firm, but looking at her defiant face, his resolve melted like warm butter. Words caught in his throat, frustration turning into a helpless sigh.

“Sera,” Reginald pleaded softly, voice like a gentle cloud, “Please, just this once… try to listen to your father, okay? Aunt Elise and Lily really like you. Give them a chance, will you?”