The Royal Family 2

Elestria's footsteps echoed softly as she approached the dining table, where the butler was diligently fixing the plates and glasses.

As she drew closer, her eyes widened at the sight of gleaming chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Adorned with golden and blue pearls, they shimmered brightly in the morning sunlight, casting a warm glow over the room. 

Looking around, Elestria's eyes landed on the paintings hanging on the wall. She moved towards one of them, her gaze drifting over the familiar faces captured in the frames. Then, her eyes widened as they landed on a particular person in one of the pictures.

"How?" she questioned softly, her voice barely audible. Her heartbeat quickened, a chill running down her spine as she struggled to comprehend the significance of the familiar face staring back at her from the painting.

Walter's head turned in the direction of the gate when he noticed members of the royal family entering. He moved a few steps back from the dining table, bowing his head in respect. "Your Highness."

As Walter noticed Elestria, who was busy inspecting the paintings hanging on the walls, she didn't notice that King Philip Blackwell had entered the hall. He moved his feet towards her, but the king raised his hand and signalled him to stop. Walter bowed in response to the king's gesture.

Walking over to where Elestria was standing, King Philip approached her with a solemn expression. "That woman may resemble your mother, but she is not her; she worked for the former king, my father," he explained gently, his voice carrying a tone of concern.

The woman in the picture bore a striking resemblance to Elestria's mother. Her soft smile echoed a sense of warmth and familiarity, her eyes crinkling at the corners with joy. Standing beside her were the king and queen, the current monarch's parents.

Tearing her eyes from the picture, Elestria turned to look to her side. Her gaze fell upon the man, who wore a long satin blue coat with a cotton golden shirt underneath. A crown adorned his head, marking him unmistakably as the king.

Stepping back, Elestria bowed her head respectfully and stated, "Your Highness, forgive me for not paying attention." Her voice betrayed the nervousness that was now slowly creeping through her veins. Her mind was flickering towards the picture she just saw. If it wasn't her mother, then who was it? but Elestria held her tongue, unsure if she could question the king about it.

"Not a problem," the king responded as he walked towards the head of the table. Taking his seat, he gestured for Elestria to join him at the table right beside him. As Elestria walked towards the table, uncertain of where to sit, the other members of the royal family made their way into the room. Their red eyes landed on her thin figure.

Prince Marcellus, the second-oldest child of the Blackwell family, walked directly towards his chair. "Good morning, Father," he greeted as he took his seat, his eyes briefly landing on the girl who seemed to be staring in his direction. With a smile playing on his lips, he addressed her, "You should take your seat if you're done staring." His head full of curly brown hair framed his face, and his deep red eyes bore into her features.

His words caught Elestria off guard, painting her cheeks a red hue. In a fluster, she took the nearest chair she could find, fidgeting with her hands on her lap as she bowed slightly, feeling embarrassed.

Soon, pairs of footsteps echoed in the hall, signalling the queen's entry. Queen Juniper Blackwell walked in with her head held high with pride, her body adorned in a silk blue gown, a garment only people of higher status could afford. Her brown hair was tied up in a tight bun, and her lips were painted a soft pink colour.

A soft smile adorned her beautiful face as she approached the king. "Good morning, my king," she greeted warmly.

"Good morning, my queen; you look lovely today," the king responded, kissing her cheeks.

Following closely behind her was Belladonna Blackwell, the youngest daughter of the Blackwell family. Her face was as soft as the morning sky, radiating innocence. She wore a red gown that hugged her chubby body, the colour contrasting with her fair complexion.

She made her way towards the chair just beside Elestria, her eyes shining brightly with curiosity. "Is she the one my brother brought yesterday?" Belladonna's soft voice filled with innocence and curiosity as she questioned. Her gaze was fixed on Elestria, as if she were some sort of toy to play with. Elestria's eyes fell on the young vampiress, her eyebrows rising with suspicion.

Did she look like a gift wrapped in a box for the princess to open? She wanted to comment on the young princess's statement, but she bit her tongue back and rose from her sitting position.

With a polite smile, she bowed in respect. "Nice to meet you, Princess." Belladonna, the princess, hugged Elestria while she giggled, not giving Elestria a chance to protest.

Elestria's body stiffened at the sudden embrace, her eyes darting across the room, unsure how to respond to this gesture. Coming from a low status, the kindness and warmth of the royal family overwhelmed her. Being given the opportunity to share a meal with them, something nearly impossible for someone like her, was already heightening her nervousness. And now, this young vampiress's sudden hug only adds to her discomfort. 

Looking at her sister, Prince Marcellus clicked his tongue.

Tearing herself away from Elestria, Belladonna smiled softly, her height a little shorter than Elestria's. The young princess pushed Elestria into the chair and made her sit while taking her own seat.

Elestria glanced at everyone, trying to see beyond the faces they were presenting in front of her. Everyone had a small smile adorning their faces, which made Elestria shake her leg in nervousness. Their red eyes were fixed on her, and it was obvious that they were up to something no good.

Soon, food was served by the maids, one by one. Elestria noticed that every family member had a glass of red liquid beside their plate. That must be blood. She gulped thickly, her throat moving up and down.

As everyone was busy having their meal, Belladonna, the only cheerful person in the room, spoke up. "Where is brother, Zephyr?" Her eyes scanned the room for an answer.

"Little sister, he isn't coming back today. He's got some serious issues to look after, as one of the rulers seems to want to have a chat with the crown prince," Marcellus responded to Belladonna's questioning gaze, his eyes momentarily flickering towards Elestria.

Listening to the conversation between the brother-sister duo, Elestria's eyes landed on the head table to her left side. She remembered that before she got kidnapped, she was asked to meet the crown prince.  

King Philip Blackwell turned to look at Elestria. He cleared his throat. "Elestria," the king begins, his voice causing Elestria to straighten up with alertness.