Chapter 11: Cassie Steel
Vishiea’s POV
He locked his eyes on me. However, a few seconds later, he nodded. I wondered why he asked about my age. I couldn’t help but mentally smirk; I sensed he was thinking about my true identity. That’s it, Darius. Just think, be confused.
“I’m quite surprised to see you attending this kind of event, Anastasia. What’s with the sudden change?” I heard Rachelle say, making me look in her direction. I arched my brow, wondering who gave her the right to address me by my first name.
Even though she’s the king’s fiancée, she doesn’t have the right to address me in such a manner. First, I have ascended to the position of a duchess. She should pay me respect and know her place.
“Nothing has a chance,” I answered shortly. “And please call me Miss Cullen; we’re not close enough to call me by my name,” I added. Everyone’s jaw dropped. What? They were expecting me to respect her because she’s the king’s fiancée?
No, never in a million years. If I’m not connected to them, maybe I should. But knowing their past, I will never pay them respect. They once destroyed my life; now, I’ll ruin theirs too.
With a sinister smirk on my lips, I looked over Darius’ direction. He was looking at me, slightly shock. What? He never expects me to say something like that.
“How dare you?” She narrowed her eyes on me. She looks like she wants to murder me right now. Her action amused me, but her expression was rather entertaining.
“Oh, come on, if I address you by your name, Rachelle. Would you allow me?” I asked her with a smirk on my lips. Her glare intensified, “Absolutely not! You must address me as ‘your majesty.’ I am the king’s fiancée and your future queen!” She exclaimed.
Oh yeah, that should be me before you came. I will never forget how he cheated on me with you a few years ago. I thought sarcastically.
“Exactly, your majesty. So, act as you should. Address me properly, and we’re good,” I casually said. She was about to talk when Darius raised one of his hands to stop her.
“Enough!” All of us gazed at him. He looked serious now while looking at me. Rachelle looked at him, “But…” she complained, but Darius gave her a look. She shut her mouth and looked down.
But I saw how she glared at me. “I extend my sincere apologies on her behalf, lady Anastasia. I assure you. I will take it upon myself to teach her about proper etiquette,” Darius apologised. Oh well, I’m pretty shocked.
“Darius?” Rachelle raised an eyebrow. It seemed like she couldn’t believe what he just said. “What? She’s right. She’s a duchess, Rachelle. It would be best if you respected her,” he seriously said.
Rachelle placed her knife and fork on her plate before rising from her seat. She glared at me, “This is absurd. How could you take her side? I’m your fiancée, for crying out loud!”
Darius covered his face problematically. “Rachelle, enough. Quit behaving childishly. You’re just my fiancée, not my wife. Not even the queen--- so why you’re acting this way?” ouch, that sounds painful. If I were her, I would take my leave immediately.
A piercing sound echoed as her palm touched his cheeks. She slapped him hard.  Rachelle was on the verge of crying. “I can’t believe you, Darius,” After she said that, she turned her back on us. But before she left, she glared at me.
“This is your fault!”
Oh wow, that’s something surprising. On my first day here, I already made her mad. “I’m sorry. I never meant to offend her. I’m just---” Darius shook his head.
“Please don’t mind her. She’s always acting like that,” he cut me off. I stared at him. She doesn’t act like the before when I caught the two of you. She’s scared and hiding in a corner. Oh well, people change. She changed a lot more than I expected.
I found this situation somehow thrilling. I’d love to see her frustration towards me. “I feel bad for her. I think she’s hurt now,” Darius shook his head.
“No… okay, she might, but I don’t care,” he answered and resumed eating. That’s so sad. He still never changed. He’s treating Rachelle worst than he treated me before. I guess his face only changed, not his personality.
I shrugged and nodded, “You should care for your mate, your majesty,” I said, knowing I was playing around. I am perfectly aware that Rachelle isn’t his mate. Everyone looked up and stared at me.
“Did I say something wrong?” I asked innocently. Duke Wilson nodded, “You just did, my lady,” he confirmed. I saw Darius close his lips tightly as he looked down.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I don’t know…” I acted as if I was shocked. I love to see their upset expressions. Especially him. He raised his gaze and looked at me.
“Please, just forget about this. Lady Anastasia, can I have a moment with you after this?” He asked me seriously. I nodded, “Sure, your majesty. But may I know where?” I asked.
“I’ll tell you later,” he answered. “All right, your majesty.” He nodded. “Please resume eating,” We all did what he wanted.
I was about to drink when the door suddenly opened. We all looked at the doorway, and I saw a lady grinning widely. She's the woman Rachelle’s talking with when I arrived.
If I’m not mistaken, her name is Cassie—the beta’s cousin.
“Hello, everyone! What’s wrong with Rachelle? She looked pissed? Did something happen?” She asked energetically.
“Just sit down and eat, Cassie,” her cousin, Jaxon, told her. Cassie grinned, “Come on, cousin. I’m curious; who made her mad? Aside from me, I don’t have any idea who can make her furious like that,” she said excitedly.
I think Cassie and I will be friends. I like her. Jaxon looked at me; Cassie gazed at me too. “Oh, you must be the youngest duchess. Lady Anastasia?” I smiled awkwardly and nodded.
“Yes,” I confirmed. Her eyes widened, “Oh my gosh! I’m delighted to finally meet you. I heard many things about you. And I really, really admire you!”
That caught me off guard. Am I that famous? She extended her hand in front of me, “I’m Cassie Steel, the royal beta’s cousin. I’m also a knight,” she introduced herself.
“I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am. I’m---” she cut me off and eagerly took one of my hands. “Anastasia Cullen. I know you, my lady.”
This girl has so much energy, and I like it.