Chapter 197: Aria's Undying Envy and Hatred (III)

"I-I didn't expect Swan would awaken her holy power just like her mother. I thought she would die right after she was sent away to the Beast King," Anastasia said. 

"You tricked me…" Aria sobbed. "I thought I had a chance to win against her."

"I'm not trying to trick you, Aria. I want to ensure that the kingdom will continue to prosper under your dad's rule and maintain his reputation. It would be bad publicity if the people—especially the church—knew that your dad raped a priestess and locked her up until she died during labor, right?" Anastasia continued trying to justify her actions back then. "Besides, you shouldn't think too much of Swan's identity. You are still THE Royal Princess of Holy Achate, and she is still the whore's daughter."

Aria stared at her mother with puffy eyes.

She was actually not sad, nor was she upset about Swan's fate. No matter what, she was still a product of rape and had been ostracized since she was a baby.