The Princess And Her Wicked Butler

Chapter 6- The Princess Returns 6

“She’s just a useless girl—nothing more, nothing less!”

Elise’s voice was as calm as ever, but her arm had tightened protectively around Lily’s shoulders. Her elegant face remained composed, almost serene. You wouldn’t guess from looking at her that she’d just hurled such venom.

King Reginald’s expression darkened instantly, thunder rising in his eyes. His hand lifted before he could stop himself, hovering in the air—about to strike.

“Reginald, please!” Elise gasped, her voice laced with urgency. “Don’t hit her—she’s only a child!”

His hand froze midair.

He turned to look at Seraphina, expecting to see fear in her eyes. Maybe guilt. Maybe even remorse.

But no.

She was smiling. That same confident, almost smug little smile that always made him hesitate. Her sky-blue eyes gleamed with mischief, and she stood there—completely unfazed, as if daring him to go through with it.

And truth be told, he never would. He couldn’t bear to hurt his daughter, no matter how insolent she became.

With a frustrated sigh, he lowered his hand. “Seraphina,” he said with all the tired weight of a father trying to reason with a storm, “can’t you see how kind Elise is to you? She’s never treated you poorly. Can’t you just try to get along?”

Seraphina tilted her head slightly. “Nope.” She lifted a single finger and waved it casually in the air.

Then came that angelic smile again—only this time, there was something darker behind it. Something cold. Sharp.

“Wicked stepmother,” she said sweetly, as if saying hello.

She took a slow step forward, her voice lilting like a child playing pretend. “Welcome to my castle, Lady Elise. I do hope you’ll enjoy the little gift I’ve prepared for you.”

“Seraphina, what are you talking about?” King Reginald asked warily, his chest tightening with unease.

“Oh, nothing,” she replied, widening her innocent blue eyes. “I just adore wicked stepmothers and mean little sisters. I wanted to prepare something… special.”

She turned on her heel, gracefully climbing the grand staircase, her white slippers silent on the polished marble steps.

“Anyway, I’m heading to my room now. Bye-bye.”

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

Reginald stood there, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s… still young. She just needs time to adjust. Please, don’t take it personally.”

Elise gave a delicate smile, but her lips were pale. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of holding a grudge against a child.”

Reginald exhaled in relief. “That’s good. That’s very good.”

But even as he said it, something about Seraphina’s words lingered in the air like perfume and poison—sweet, and dangerously unforgettable.