Chapter 24: A Stolen Relationship
 
Vishiea’s POV
 
“Lady Cassie’s looking for you, my lady,” Yana told me as she entered my room. I cast her a glance. Why is Cassie looking for me?
 
“Did you ask why?” She nodded. “She mentioned about the event today. You told her that you two will go together to the arena,” she answered. Oh, right. I forgot about that. I let out a sigh and got off my bed.
 
“Do you know why she is?” I asked as I finished combing my hair. “She’s on the ground floor. She’s with her best friend.”
 
“Alright. Please tell her, I’ll be there in a minute.” She nodded again and bowed. “Your words will reach her. I’ll take my leave now then,” I nodded as well and watched her leave.
 
I took a deep breath. I hope this day will be exciting.
 
Yana was right, Cassie and an unfamiliar girl was standing outside the palace. They both looked in my direction when they felt my presence. Cassie happily waved her hand as she approached me, “Anastasia! You’re finally here.”
 
“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” I apologized. She shook her head and giggled, “No worries. Are you ready to go?” I nodded.
 
“Anyway, before we go. Meet my best friend, Lilianne. If you know Sir Nathan, she’s her cousin.” She introduced the woman beside her. Lilianne shyly smiled at me, “It’s my pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Anastasia.”
 
“Likewise, lady Liliane,” I accepted her hand. The smile on her lips widened. “I know the two of you will get along too. I told you, Liah, Lady Anastasia is very kind.” Oh, Cassie’s praising me too much.
 
“Yes, you’re right. The rumour is not true after all,” My brow furrowed at what she said. Rumor? What about this time? The last time I heard some rumour about me being a ruthless killer, which I thought was somewhat true.
 
“A rumour?” I asked. The two of them looked at me and nodded. “You’re aware that you’re famous right? You are known as a ruthless killer, not easy to please. Anyone will think you’re not easy to approach.”
 
No, I’m not that scary. They’re exaggerating things: people and their rumours. I shook my head, “I don’t look scary right? Why would they think that way?” They shook their head.
 
“No, no. Of course not. You look beautiful. And that’s only a rumour,” Liliane answered quickly. I chuckled softly, "I can't blame them for thinking that way, though. Anyway, let’s go?”
 
“Sure.” The three of us get inside the car. After a few hours, we reached the Kingdom’s largest Arena. It is the place where events like tournaments happen. Today, there will be a two-day tournament. Ten men will compete for the position of Knight.
Whoever wins will join the Royal Chivalry. Aside from that, the winner will get fame, money and acknowledgement from the king, which is that the king will grant him one possible wish.
 
“Is that your cousin? He’s already a knight, right? Why is he joining?” Cassie asked her friend, Liliane. I looked where Cassie was looking. I saw Nathan preparing himself. It looks like he’s really joining this event.
 
“Yeah. That’s one of the reasons why we are here now. To cheer him. We both know he’s already a knight, but he’s here for the experience, not for the prizes.” I see. Knowing him, that might be the reason. I stared at him. He looked serious; then, suddenly, he looked at me.
 
“My day is ruined again. Can you get out of our way?” I averted my gaze when I heard someone say that from behind. Without looking back, I already knew who it was. Rachelle. She’s here with Darius and Beta Jaxon.
 
 
I saw how Cassie rolled her eyes, “Likewise. Who wanted to see your ugly face early this morning, Rachelle?”
 
“Words, Cassie,” Jaxon warned her, but she only rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. But your Fiance, do it first." She apologised but glared at Rachelle.
 
I’m wondering now why these two hate each other.  Darius lets out a sigh and removes Rachelle's hands from his arm. He’s looking at me again like the way he stared at me all the time.
 
“I hope you’re enjoying your stay here, Lady Anastasia,” he said. Wow, he is literally ignoring all of them. Rachelle looked at him in disbelief.
 
“Really, Darius?” He raised an eyebrow. “Early this morning, you’re making a scene. And yet, you expect me to pay attention to you. You have stayed in the palace if you’re acting this way.” Rachelle’s jaw dropped.
 
The same as Liliane. But Cassie’s smirking widely right now.
 
“It feels good when the king’s treating her this way,” I heard Cassie whisper. Oh, that’s not a whisper. Rachelle heard it.
 
“What did you say?” Rachelle confronted. But Cassie only smirked, “Nothing,” she mocked. “That’s enough.” Darius stopped them.
 
“But…”
 
“I warn you, Rachelle. If I told you to stop, you need to stop.” Rachelle shut her mouth and glared at me. What? Is it my fault again? She’s crazy. Darius faced me, “So?” So what? Oh, that's his question.
 
“Yes, Your Majesty. Staying here is quite entertaining indeed,” the edge of his lips rose. “I’m glad. Please enjoy yourselves. This event will start in a few minutes,” I wanted to raise an eyebrow. He’s glad that I’m enjoying it. How can I have fun? This place disgusts me.
 
He, Rachelle and Jaxon went to their throne chair. Some of the kingdom’s knights followed them. Probably guarding them. We are in a public place; danger is everywhere. I shrugged my shoulder.
 
“The king seems really interested in you,” Cassie suddenly said. I know he is.
 
“Everyone is interested in her, Cassie,” Liliane added. Cassie and I looked at her. “Right. But the way the king looked at her was different. I noticed that he’s distancing himself from Rachelle after he met Anastasia.”
 
I shook my head. He’s curious and wants to prove something. “You might be right.”
 
“Come on, guys, I’m not a home wrecker.” The two of them nodded.
 
“We know. I just noticed the changes. And besides, if the king doesn’t want her, I’m completely fine with it. A stolen relationship will never work.”