Royal Banquet

It was a sunny day. Her golden eyes staring at the window, trying to appreciate nature. The birds were chirping and singing. Free to fly anywhere with no restraint.

"What a good day to kill someone…"

Her soft smile faded, showing how annoyed that she had to wake up to complete her duty as the daughter of the Duke. What a relatable situation.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Her maid, Jazria, knocking on her bedroom door to make sure that she's awake. She is the only maid that has been allowed to serve the lady. The other maids feared for their lives after the lady woke up.

Jazria asking her permission from the outside of the chamber, "My lady, please allow me to send your breakfast."

"Come in," she responded.

Jazria came to her, serving the food on the table beside her bed. She is now staring at the lady from the House of Duke Carlos, one of the powerful and noble families in the kingdom, called Astarea.

Her name is Lillian Estrana Carlos. She is the daughter of Duke Velluan Carlos, the scariest lady to serve among all the other nobles. Her cold personality makes her unapproachable. Some of her nicknames are killer lady, blood beauty, queen of death, and more. All of it because of the rumors that have been going on.

There has a rumor said she has once killed 30 skilled assassins by herself. People believed she has taken so many lives since she was eight years old. No one knows the actual story behind it. She never talks about her family.

"Jazria, what do you think of me?" She asked.

After a while, Jazria looked into Lillian's eyes and answered, "My lady, I have served you since you were a child. I may not know everything about you, but I know, you're a good person."

Jazria looks at Lillian with sympathy. The lady she worked with might seem heartless, but there is a lot further than that. Jazria has observing Lillian for a long time and she knows deep down, Lillian was hurting.

"Stop looking at me like that. I've warned you before, I don't want your pity."

Lillian said with her fierce eyes, looking at Jazria as if she wants to devour her anytime. She hates it if someone pitying her. She feels pathetic.

"Please forgive me, my lady. I won't do it again," Jazria apologizes while smiling.

Lillian's expression relaxes a little. She doesn't look as fierce as she used to in front of Jazria. Jazria is the only person she trusts to be near her. She can put down her guard without worrying about anything.

Lillian ate her breakfast, but she never finishes it. She never eats over three-bite no matter how small the portion is. After a sip of water, she gets up to the bath. The noble ladies usually will have someone to help them bathe, but Lillian hates that. Lillian only asked Jazria to prepare warm water but never assist her to the bathtub.

After a while of bathing, she comes out with her bathrobe. She asked Jazria, "What kind of dress do I have to wear today?"

Jazria takes out three different beautiful dresses. The first dress is a royal ballgown in rose gold color, the second dress is a white dress with a lot of jewelry and the third dress is a simple blue dress with a unique design.

"My lady, these dresses are the most proper ones to wear at the royal banquet. You may choose from these three, my lady." Jazria said while smiling. She loves to help Lillian whenever a royal banquet being hosted at the Imperial Palace. But Lillian hates it. She doesn't like any social events. They were too exhausting. But as a soon-to-be member of the imperial family, Lillian must attend the banquet.

Out of nowhere, an idea came to her mind. She's smirking and said, "Forget all of that. I have something even better."

Lillian took out a beautiful red ballgown. The ballgown has a lot of diamonds that been sew in as decorations.

"I will wear this instead," Lillian said.

Jazria looked at her in shock. "Are you sure about that, my lady?" she asked in disbelief. Any guests shouldn't wear any dress that has too many jewels on it in the Imperial Palace as it can outdo the host. It would be disrespectful. If it was a low-ranking noble who wore it, she could be beheaded.

"My lady, this dress is a little too extravagant. Perhaps you would like another choice of dresses if these three do not suit your taste?" Jazria suggested Lillian reconsider her choice, hoping she would change her mind.

"I have decided about it."

Lillian remains with her choice. Her response make Jazria's hope shattered. She sighed, knowing that she could not change Lillian's mind. Lillian changes her clothes and picks out the most dazzling hair ornament. After that, Jazria does Lillian's hair. She paired the red ball gown with a ruby necklace and red gemstones earrings.

Lillian looked so beautiful. Her stunning looks would attract everyone's attention. Lillian's beauty was breathtaking.

"You look stunning, my lady."

Jazria compliments Lillian, though she is worried about her. Lillian just smiles. She hands Jazria a yellow dress and asks her to wear it. She wants Jazria to go with her to the banquet.

"I am curious to see how she'll react," Lillian chuckled.