3. Lady Penelope

Lilith's POV

Silence.

All eyes are glued to me like ants to honey - my mother's included. I gulped in nervousness but tried not to show my fear. I made sure my head was raised and my eyes stared unmoving into Azar's.

My uncle was not fazed by my outburst, instead he was amused. His lips curled up in a smirk, "Really? And how do you plan on doing that without your wings?"

"My wings will form one way or the other...so while it takes its time to present itself, we wait till it does." I said with confidence.

"You are suddenly so sure they will take form...do you know something we do not?" He asked, his eyes curious at my sudden confidence and I used that to my advantage.

"Yes and that is all you need to know, uncle." I said.

I knew what I had just blurted out in this hall would spread like wildfire around the realm and that was what I wanted. For all the angels to believe my wings would come forward when they least expected it to because, "the princess knows something we do not."

I looked at my mother and I could see pride in her eyes. I smiled at her discreetly, while I sat back down.

Azar looked at me with suspicion and I knew the curiousity was eating him deep. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to see him as disturbed as I always was.

Well done, Lilith.

I retired to my room after the meeting came to a close. I got stared at on my way to it but I couldn't decipher if they were for my beauty or my outburst at the meeting. Merinda began with her usual gossip as she took off my clothes.

"Princess, it is said you battled with your uncle at the council meeting today." She said with a smile.

I had not expected the words to spread this fast - now I knew what the stares were for. The Celestial tattletales needed to become a thing - they spiced up every story with great exaggerations.

"I did not battle with him. I just told him the truth." I told her while rolling my eyes. I then lifted my legs for her to take off the stockings.

"Everyone is talking about you, princess. Some said you were amazing, others said you were bluffing, others said it was high time you stopped acting weak, others said Ramon's curse was passed to you..." She blabbered but then realised her mistake. She stopped undressing me and covered her mouth with her hands.

"Ramon's curse?" I asked in surprise. I had never heard of that one before.

"Forgive me, princess..." She bowed her head slightly.

"Explain it to me, Merinda...I want to know what it means." I told her softly in a bid to let her know I took no offence.

"It is just a stupid rumour that the curse of Satan and Ovah's love was passed down to you. They say demon blood runs in your veins which is why you do not have wings." She said with fear and no matter how much of a rumour it was, it did make sense.

Demons did not have wings. Only King Ramon had wings and that was because he was half angel. What if I was half demon too?

"What if it is true?" I asked sadly.

"Do not believe such blasphemies, my princess! The abomination ended with Ramon. You do not have demon blood running through your veins...you are an angel." Merinda scolded while removing the last piece of clothing on my body.

"Make me a bath." I changed the topic.

She walked to the bath chamber to go prepare a bath for me. A guard spoke from the entrance to my chamber.

"Princess, Lady Penelope is here to see you." His deep voice jolted me from my thoughts.

I had no desire to see that witch but sending her away would be of no use. She was a pest and would just keep coming back till I agreed to see her. It was best to get it over with.

"Let her in."

Penelope portaled in with her extravagant purple gown sweeping the floor. She was a marked female and her mark glows proudly on her neck. She was beautiful no doubt with her long golden hair which she inherited from Azar, pouty red lips and heart shaped face but her terrible personality made her a very unlikable person. I found her childish and unbearable.

"Cousin!" She shrieked with her hands spread wide. Its fakeness got me irritated.

"I am not in the mood for a hug today, Pene...what do you need? I have to bath soon." I told her quickly. I was stark naked but it did not faze any of us. In Celestial, display of nakedness between family and mates was a very common and accepted thing.

"Aw, come on cousin, you do not have to be so uptight. At least offer me a seat." She said with the fake grin still plastered on her face.

"Esu wa." I chanted a spell and a bronze chair appeared for her to sit.

"Thank you." She took her seat and continued, "I heard about the meeting and I have to say I am proud of you cousin..."

I did not answer but she continued anyway.

"My father said you were so confident and bold. I am inspired..."

I kept mute still.

"Come on, cousin, what is your secret? I would love to learn in case I ever get the chance to become the next Queen of Celestial." She said with her legs crossed elegantly.

"There is no secret I am willing to share with you or anyone." I told her dismissively.

The fake grin disappeared and was replaced with a sneer.

"You might have everyone fooled Lilith, but you and I know that your wings cannot and will never grow." She spat out.

"You talk like you know what is ahead..." I said boringly.

"Oh yes, I know what is ahead and it is that you are another abomination just like Ramon, Lilith. Suck it up and let someone capable rule."

"And that someone capable is you? Do not make me laugh, Penelope. Ramon rules even as an abomination."

Penelope laughed maliciously, her blue eyes lighted up in amusement.

"Celestial is not Hell, Lilith. Here, abominations do not have access to the throne. And yes, I am next in line after you which makes me someone very capable of ruling." She crossed her hands over her chest in pride.

I chuckled dryly, "We will see now won't we, Penelope? I am the princess of Celestial and you are just next in line, now that should tell you that I have more than enough access to the throne than you will ever have as long as I am alive. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to have a bath."

Penelope's wings shimmered uncontrollably and I knew she was not happy at all, with what I said. It gave me nothing but sheer satisfaction to see her boil with anger.

She left my room with a 'humph' and I was very glad to see her go.