CHAPTER 84: FORGET THE OTHER ONE

"Mum!" Rhynera cried out as she was pulled into her mother’s current private chambers.

Queen Mireya turned slowly, her eyes sharp, lips pressed in irritation. "What is your problem? Why haven’t you gained recognition yet? Even that blind little brat has already done it."

Rhynera’s chest tightened, she didn’t plan to have a conversation with her mum only for her to be ridiculed by her also.

"Mum.."

"You are supposed to make your father also support you and hate her but your anger keeps getting in the way and ruining things." Queen Mireya was annoyed.

"You can see how the last prince is taking care of her... why isn’t the Crown Prince doing the same for you?"

"Mum please." Rhynera’s voice broke down in frustration, the words spilling out as her hands trembled at her sides. She didn’t even know what she was supposed to feel anymore.

She dared not tell her mother the truth of what had happened. If she did, she would get punished. Her mother never spared her these kinds of mistakes.

"Mum..." her voice wavered, soft this time, on the edge of tears.

Queen Mireya’s eyes lingered on her daughter for a long moment. Then, without another word, Rhynera threw her arms around her mother and clung tightly, forcing herself not to cry. But it was impossible.

The tears burst forth, soaking her mother’s shoulder as she held on like a child seeking comfort.

"Hey, baby girl, what is wrong?" Queen Mireya’s voice softened slightly, concern now laced in them.

"Mum... it hurts. I have been trying everything to make Crown Prince Adam love me, but I can’t. Why... why would the last prince love Lumina while the Crown Prince doesn’t love me? Why is everything turning against me while things go so smoothly for her?"

Queen Mireya tightened her grip on her daughter’s arms and pulled her back.

"Don’t you dare say that again. You are the Princess of the Celestial Realm, and now you are the Crown Princess of Drakonis. You need to act with confidence, not break into tears over every little obstacle."

Rhynera sniffled, staring up at her mother, shame and pain written across her face.

"If you want the Crown Prince to love you, it is not impossible. You only need to learn how to make him," Queen Mireya continued.

"Didn’t I make your father fall for me? Then why can’t I teach you the same?" Rhynera’s eyes widened, her tears still clinging to her lashes.

"How?"

A sly smile touched the queen’s lips. She sat her daughter down and held her hands firmly.

"Listen carefully. Men, especially those raised as royals, are easily swayed by what they see and feel. If you want his eyes on you, you must learn how to become irresistible to him. The way you carry yourself, the way you speak, the way you touch him.... it all matters."

For several minutes, Queen Mireya began to teach her. She explained how to dress in a way that highlighted her best features, how to let her scent linger, and when to step away just long enough to make him restless for her presence again.

Rhynera listened, taking in every word, her earlier tears replaced by a flicker of hope.

After nearly half an hour, Queen Mireya finally stopped and cupped her daughter’s face with both hands.

"No matter what happens, never think of leaving the position of Crown Princess. That seat is yours, and no one else’s. Obstacles will come, but if you ever feel like crying again, you can call for me. Do not let anyone see your weakness."

Rhynera smiled faintly through damp lashes and hugged her mother tightly.

"Thank you, mother."

Just then, King Ryker’s voice echoed from outside. "Come out, both of you. Their husbands are asking for them."

Rhynera rose quickly, but Mireya grabbed her hand before she could leave as she whispered to her daughter.

"You are the Crown Princess now. Find ways to make things difficult for that blind bat. Don’t be stupid, and don’t get caught."

Rhynera nodded, hatred sparking in her eyes as she thought of Lumina. "Trust me, mother. I will."

Together they stepped out, where Lumina waited quietly, her face serene.

"Sister, let me help you," Rhynera said sweetly, taking Lumina’s hand.

King Ryker’s eyes softened as he looked at them. "This is what I want to see between you two. I don’t want to hear otherwise. Protect your sister."

Rhynera smiled at her father, masking her bitterness, while Lumina only exhaled softly, allowing herself to be guided forward by her sister.

Ahead, Adam and Ashen were already seated, locked in a conversation so tense it felt like a storm waiting to break.

The moment Ashen saw them, he stood, snatched Lumina’s hand from Rhynera, and guided her gently to his side.

He seated her carefully, his protective presence radiating over her. Rhynera watched in silence, her heart twisting. She turned away and went to her own seat with forced grace.

King Ryker and Queen Mireya exchanged some conversations with them all before dismissing them.

As they prepared to leave, Ashen once again lifted Lumina effortlessly into his arms.

Her head rested on his chest, her lips having a soft, contented smile. She was happy, but deep inside she also knew this gesture would sting her sister.

And it did. Rhynera’s hands clenched against her lap as she watched.

Once the young couples had left, Queen Mireya turned to King Ryker, catching his hand in hers. "So, have you done it?"

King Ryker pulled his hand free with a scowl. "I have. You don’t need to remind me that I am hurting my own daughter."

Queen Mireya gave a pitiful sigh, her eyes narrowing faintly. "Common... She was never meant to be alive in the first place. You did your part by raising her. That’s enough."

King Ryker’s teeth gritted, his eyes clouded with regret and pain.

Then Mireya leaned closer, "Remember this....Only Rhynera is your true daughter. Forget about the other one."