5. How to secure your position 101

 Right now, I'm in a state of mind

I wanna be in like all the time

Ain't got no tears to cry

So I'm pickin' it up, I'm pickin' it up

  Regiana's pov

It had been a week since I first returned home and I'd warmed up to everyone as part of my cover. To make my act more realistic, I'd apologized to everyone for my entrance, and the only person who wouldn't believe me, was Bates.

Since the day I twisted his hand, which was now healing, he had given me a cold stare as if plotting my death. I hope that's not true!

My other Step-siblings were great. Martin and I had totally clicked because all we liked doing was eating and sleeping. We watched chick-flicks on Netflix all week long, and during the day we would sneak to eat some of the delicious treats Chef J made for us.

Katherine also joined us when we watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S. The weird thing that both I and Martin wondered about was the similarity between Rachel and Katherine. When we asked Katherine if she had a sister or if she was an actress, she had nervously dismissed the topic.

My Step-sister Amora and I had also clicked. She reminded me of my friend Eirene who, just like her, was a very calm person. Amora was a lover of science and Math, she showed me her lab that Father had made for her as she would always dirty her room during experimental trials. What made us closer was our talkativeness. Talking to her made me happy as I would feel like I was nurturing my own sister. Not that I love her less because we are not related, I am just scared of getting too close to her and ending up losing her or Martin like I did my Mother. Wait forget what I just said, delete it! Regiana never gives a fork.

I had shown her many things that she hadn't explored yet, such as how she could use her love for science in astrophysics which she was instantly interested in. I showed her all the classic movies like Mean Girls and clueless which my friends had once educated me about.

She also shared how she felt scared about being the only girl in the family. She told me that Martin loved her very much, but

Bates would bully her and make jokes about how she was adopted. At first, she thought of this as a joke but then she had realized that neither of her parents had red hair and had started to feel insecure. I assured her that there was nothing to worry about to which she would always reply that she knows that her elder sister would save her from everything.

I walked down the banquet hall wishing everyone 'Good morning' to which I got no reply as everyone was in a hurry. Strange? Looks like someone is coming. I opened the banquet hall and saw that only father and Katherine were seated there.

When Katherine saw me, she smiled and patted the seat next to her. I sat down and wished Katherine "Good Morning". I then looked at my father who was eating his porridge slowly, his shoulders tensed as if he would flinch at the smallest sound.

"Father, Good Morning," I said softly. He looked up from his porridge and smiled at me. My Father had been trying very hard to mend our relationship, he insisted on having night time walks with me and learning about my life away from the castle, which

I always lied about it because I still didn't trust him that much. To tell the truth, I still can't believe that this is the same person who killed my mother and attempted to kill me. We still hadn't talked about the 'who will take the throne after you' topic yet, but I know Father is hesitant of me, and I will prove to him that I am capable of ruling Coldenia.

After the little family moment, I looked down at my plate and saw that it was filled with sausages, toast, eggs, and beans. I looked at Katherine suspiciously who without looking at me, said, "Don't look at me like that. A queen should be healthy-looking, not thin. I need to fatten you up a bit!"

Both I and Father burst out in laughter. When we became sober I told Katherine that it's okay, though I hate beans with all my guts.

I was eating my egg when I realized that it had been half an hour since I came for breakfast yet none of my step-siblings had come down yet.

"So where is everyone," I said motioning to the empty chair in front of me.

"I'm not too sure," Katherine said with a nervous chuckle. I nodded and returned to my almost finished eggs. Father cleared his throat and cracked his fingers, something he did when he was nervous. "Regiana, today we are having the King of France and his family coming to the castle. They will be staying for five days."

I felt happiness bloom in my heart, I would be meeting Cayden again after so many years! Surely he will be surprised by my return. Cayden was my childhood friend, we used to be really close but in order to keep my cover after my Father's attack, I broke all ties, though I did keep in touch with his mother, Anne, who checked up on me from time to time.

There is a beautiful saying; 'There are friendships imprinted in our hearts that will never be diminished by time and distance'. I hope it's true for me too.

My father continued to speak, "They are coming here as their fourth son Prince Cayden is engaged to a girl named Nadia Turie. She will be coming here too. I would like you to be there with me and welcome them."

I sat up as the news made me feel shocked and another emotion in my heart that I had never felt before. My friend was getting married, so shouldn't I be happy? Confused by my emotions, I nodded and didn't push the topic any further. I hadn't yet been introduced publicly to the media, and my Father thought it would be good to introduce me to the King of France as my reintroduction to the world. It also meant I could meet the Alexandre family once again.

Suddenly the door opened and my three siblings came in and took their respective seats. Martin and Amora were still in their matching pajamas whereas their boring elder brother was in suit and pant. I greeted both of them, and Martin started to talk about the latest celebrity gossip. I tried to catch up with his talk as having lived in France for the last four years and I had come to know the names of all the actresses there, but in the process, I had forgotten all about the entertainment industry of Coledania.

I leaned forward to take the last remaining sausage when another fork landed on it. I looked up and saw Martin smirking at me. I liked Martin the best of the three of the siblings, but he always tried to steal my food.

If you know me, you will know the golden rule Regiana Never Shares Food.

"I want this sausage!" I said, sliding the sausage towards me, but man, he had an iron grip on that sausage.

"Well Sister, you have already hogged six sausages down. Let this hungry human have one. You can have one from the second batch."

Now you would think I would be sensible and eat the sausage from the second batch. There's the problem with that the second batch does not have as many spices in it as the first batch, they're way too bland.

"Why don't you take your sausage from the second batch and leave this sausage for my poor stomach!" I said suggestively.

I heard Father sigh and return to his breakfast. Katherine came to our aid by dividing the sausage into two halves. After finishing the sausage, I excused myself and went to my room to get ready.

After an hour and a half of makeup, dress up, shoes, and tiara selection, I was standing near the castle steps with the rest of my family. Yes, my family, and a guy named Bates. I wore an emerald color dress that reached till my knees. Though I don't like to wear dresses, I had to follow the rule.

My red hair was tied into a braid and the ends were curled. Refusing to put proper makeup on because I hate it and my skills are worse than beginner level, I just applied my signature dark red lipstick.

At first, I wore my black sneakers but after almost giving Katherine a heart attack, I agreed to wear black flats. I wore a parakeet color fascinator which all the royal ladies had to wear. I felt my hands get sweaty with nervousness, but I was equally as excited.

A Bentley state limousine and a Rolls-Royce pulled up.

Its showtime, baby.

AN: I am back. I am posting two chapters so enjoy and give it your love. Comments are always welcomed.