Chapter 68 Coming back to the palace (2/2)

Richard lends me his arm and I took it for support. We walked towards the throne area. On the throne was my king father sitting sophisticatedly with my step mother the queen by his side.

Richard and I stopped a few meters away in front of the throne.

”Greetings king father.” Richard slightly bowed down.

”Greetings king father.” I gave my curtsy in front of my father. ”I, third princess Alicia Von Heist, has returned. Wishing king father a prosperous life and good health.”

”Arise.” My father ordered.

Richard and I both looked up at him. In a moment I see my father's surprised reaction while looking at me. It has been two years since we last saw each other, I suppose I look more like my mother now. The queen was concealing her anger but I can see her clenching grip in the throne's arm rest. She was looking back and forth from father and then to me. This made me smile internally.

”It has been two years since you have left the palace.” Father started. ”How have you been?”

'I never imagined that he would be asking me this question?' I thought.

”I am doing fine father.” I replied. ”The countryside's weather has been good for my health. I am recovering well.”

”That is good to hear.” Father said. ”You know why I have summoned you back?”

”Yes father.” I gave a sweet smile.

I look at the side where my two step sisters were sitting. Veronica and Elizabeth were looking at me with daggers. But I maintained my sweet smile.

”It is elder sister Veronica's birthday. And a debutant ball will be held in her honor. Esteemed guests will be arriving from other countries to attend.” I said.

”That is correct.” Father said. ”Some guests are from the royal families of the other two countries. I want them to see that our family is strong and complete. I would also like to take this opportunity to let you and your sister Elizabeth to make amends from the past mistakes. Let's be a happy family and show the other countries that we are strongly bonded.”

'Strongly bonded? As if the queen and her daughters will accept me as their family.' I sneered internally.

”I am willing to make amends if Elizabeth is willing as well.” I smiled.

”Elizabeth?” Father looked towards her. Elizabeth's sour expression flipped into a smiling face in no time.

”Of course father, I am willing to make amends with my little sister Alicia.” Elizabeth said with a fake smile.

”That is good.” Father said. ”Now let me see the two of you reconcile and hug as sisters.”

I saw Elizabeth clench her fists but maintained her fake smile. I was laughing internally.

As I am the younger of us two, I was the one to approach Elizabeth. Now that I am near her, I can clearly see the scars that Snow's nails left behind.

”Let's reconcile sister.” I lied between my teeth. I gave her a hug.

”Yes, let's reconcile younger sister.” Elizabeth replied.

I knew that my sister was swallowing her pride now just to show face in front of father.

”That is good.” I hear father said. I ended the hug and gave Elizabeth a knowing smile. She smiled back but her hatred was evident in her eyes.

”Alicia, you can take the sit next to Richard.” Father said.

This was the first time father didn't dismiss me right after I gave my formal greetings. I looked at Richard who was now sitting at the opposite side of my location. He was waving at me and pointing in the sit next to him. I see grandpa sitting at his other side.

I walk towards him remembering to be elegant as sophisticated. I see to it that my step mother and sisters see me with a bearing of a true princess of Alvannia. I know why my stepmother never gave me princess lessons and that is to make her own daughters shine and leave me as a laughing stock for noble guests.

'I will not give you that satisfaction.' I thought.

I take my sit carefully beside Richard. The witches were looking at me with discontent.

”You have grown to be a proper lady.” Grandpa complimented me and smiled.

”Thank you grandpa.” I smiled.

”Looks like my mother and sisters are not happy with your performance.” Richard whispered. I just gave him a knowing smile as a reply.

”This is just the beginning.” I said with a smile.