2 A Daughter They Would be Proud of

"My dear, about Chalice, she's already injured. Can't you let this one go as well?"

Alaric looked up from the documents he was reading and landed his gaze on his beloved. It was always like this. Whenever their daughter, Chalice, got into trouble it was his wife who pleaded and apologized for her. Frankly, Alaric already expected this. He sighed and met her lovely peridot green eyes filled with anxiety and worry. These eyes never failed to take his breath away.

"Lyana, my love, you know that this time it's different. The crown prince is involved."

Lyana's shoulder slumped, her face down-trodden. Alaric stood and took her into his arms. Both of them know that Chalice was at fault. The crown prince had disliked her from the start and only tolerated her concerning Alaric being the prime minister and sworn brother of his father emperor.

However, the crown prince was truly angered when Chalice chased after him doggedly and thus had her trampled by his horses to stop her.

Even if she was injured in the process, in the end, Chalice disrespected the crown prince. This is something that they, as her father and mother, cannot deny. They were merely nobles, subordinates to the Crown. Thus, it was either their House Amaranth punish Chalice themselves or deliver her at the mercy of the crown prince.

"Then could you be more lenient with her punishment? Don't make suffer too much."

Lyana conceded. Alaric looked down at her and smiled reassuringly.

"Lyana, Chalice is my only daughter. I may be strict with her but I also do not wish for her to suffer. I know that somehow it is my fault that she turned out to be this willful."

"It's both our faults, my dear. We're her parents. I just hope that this incident would change her for the better even just for a tiny bit."

Alaric sighed. He didn't refute what his wife said because he wanted the same thing, as well. However, he did not dare to hope too much. Chalice was spoiled by her mother. His strict demeanor and covert indulging did little, instead making her even more rebellious.

"Let us just wait for her to wake up and hear her stand on the matter first, my love. I will give her fair judgment."

Lyana did not reply to him and just reveled in the comfort his embrace gave though it did little to ease her anxiety about their daughter.

-----

Lia stared at the face reflected back in the vanity mirror. Exquisite. There's no denying that Chalice was a beauty. Her features were that of a sinful enchantress.

The girl's ebony locks tumbled out in waves perfectly framing her small face. Her fringes were just long enough to tease the thick, dark eyelashes fanning out. She looked harmless and world-weary.

But the most notable one is her eyes. It crinkled on the side in a perpetual soft smile, emphasizing its emerald glimmer. They were bright and clear like the lush forest basking underneath the morning sun.

"Tsk! This girl is an evildoer. Her looks are even more devastating than my previous one."

Lia touched her face. It was supple and smooth. Her skin has never been this good in her past life. Yes, she was a beauty as well. But she was too lazy to even bother maintaining it with skin care products.

"Too bad you were too dumb, Chalice dear."

She tsked. This girl was famously dubbed as hideous. The ghastliest of all noble ladies. It was ironic since her face was one that could send an entire nation to ruin. Because of her naivety, she got tricked by her so-called friends into dressing up in the most dismal of fashions and slathering on the thickest of makeup. It made her look like a clown but she was made to believe that it all enhanced her beauty. Due to this, she was often mercilessly ridiculed. After all, her mother was a flower of high society, the epitome of fashion, grace, and beauty while Chalice became the complete opposite.

"Truly too gullible. I can't blame you though. Despite everything, your innocence is something I could never have."

Lia whispered as she touched her cheeks lightly. Chalice was the typical sheltered lady. Since she was an only daughter, her parents pampered and protected her to the fullest. Lyana, her mother, had difficulties during her pregnancy and childbirth. This led her to not being able to conceive again.

However, it is this very protection that made Chalice easy prey for the jealous, scheming women of high society. She was one who had everything; looks, wealth, and status.

'It seems like bullying is a lot worse in this kind of society. Women are terrifying.'

Lia sighed as she filtered through the memories Chalice had. It was slowly melding in with hers. She could feel the love that Chalice's parents had for her. She had once known and lost that kind of love in her past life. Lia was all too glad that she could have it again.

"They are my parents now. I'll give them triple the love that they are giving me. I won't disappoint them again."

Lia vowed. She was one that treasured kinship. She would make sure that she would not lose such a precious connection this time. She will be their daughter Chalice; a daughter they would be proud of.

The sudden creak of the door opening snapped Chalice out of her reverie. She looked up at the person who went in.

"My lady, you're awake. Thank heavens."

Chalice recalled the name of the girl in front of her. It was her maidservant, Lucy. She remembered sneaking one time to stroll around the capital and in happenstance saved Lucy and her brother from being persecuted as thieves. She took them in gladly and from then on, they vowed to serve her and her family.

Chalice recalled that she was always mean to her. But Lucy tolerated all of it. Amongst everyone close to her, Lucy and her brother Luke were the only ones who genuinely treated her well aside from her parents.

She smiled at the girl. Worry and anxiety were evident in Lucy's eyes. Chalice would not be surprised if she found out that she was the one who took care of her untiringly along with her mother.

"I'm fine now, Lucy. Cease your worrying."

Chalice told her, a sweet smile lingering on her lips.