The Sacrificial Bride

SLAP!

The sharp sound echoed through the servant quarters like a whip crack. The maid who had been struck stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. Her cheek burned crimson, and for a long second, she could only gape. The others stood stiff in silence, trying to process what had just occurred.

Then, one maid snapped out of it and lunged forward, her hand raised in rage. "How dare you slap her? I-"

SLAP!

Another blow, swift and unforgiving, sent her sprawling to the ground. Her lip quivered from the impact. The other maids began to tremble. Their laughter died in their throats.

What was this?

Wasn't this the same useless, dumb, easily bullied Second Princess they mocked?

But the girl standing before them now—this wasn't her.

Esther's eyes, once used to be glassy with self-doubt, now glinted with icy cold loom. Her voice dropped low, laced with a venomous calm as she leaned toward the two sobbing maids.

Esther slapped those two maids again and leaned towards them. The maids were crying and shaking while other servants were watching them.

"Did you forget your position?" she asked. "I am your master. Not a toy. Not a dog to be kicked and spat on. I command and you obey."

"Bring me a chair," Esther ordered without breaking eye contact.

The maids scrambled to follow. A cushioned chair was placed behind her as if it had always belonged there. Esther took her seat slowly, folding her legs with the grace of someone long denied her throne.

"All of you," she said, her tone sharp, "Kneel."

No one dared defy her now. The sound of knees hitting floor one after another echoed through the room.

The second princess was totally different person today. They were scared of her. The aura she had around her was deadly. Her expression didn't waver. Her face was still, detached, her eyes devoid of warmth, as if the flame of her spirit had gone cold.

"I will not forget your cruelty," she said. "You dragged me like a criminal. You fed me scraps. You mocked me behind my back and to my face. You were cruel when I was kind."

Her gaze swept over the shivering group. "So now… kindness is dead."

Esther continued, "I, Esther De Geire, Second Princess of SilverCrest, sentence all present servants to a punishment of one hundred lashes. Guards!"

At her call, palace guards who had been observing in the shadows stepped in. The servants' pleas rang loud now, but no one came to their defense. Not this time.

Esther turned on her heel and walked away, leaving screams behind her like echoes of a past self she had buried.

In the Royal Dining Room...

The long dining table gleamed beneath the crystal chandeliers, set with golden plates and jeweled goblets. Dozens of covered trays released fragrant steam as the lids were removed one by one. There were roasted quail glazed in honey and herbs, baked river fish wrapped in lotus leaves, spiced lamb with pomegranate glaze, and delicate vegetable soufflés shaped like blooming flowers. Crystal bowls brimmed with jewel-toned fruits. The scent of roast meats and golden spices wafted through the grand hall.

Emperor Oliver sat at the head of the table, swirling his wine with a satisfied smirk. His face, usually stern in court, was now relaxed in the glow of familial comfort. Beside him, Empress Maria wore a pleased smile as she tasted a slice of honey-custard tart, her eyes twinkling with pride at the daughter seated beside her. Suzy, draped in a peach-colored silk dress, laughed softly at a joke only she seemed to find aamusing.

And Crown Princess Sierra's eyes kept flicking to the door.

Where was Esther?

And then... the doors opened.

Every fork froze mid-air.

Esther walked in calm and poised. She was dressed in a modest blue gown, but it clung to her like royalty. Her posture was straight, elegant. Her long hair fell down her back in soft waves, and her chin was lifted—not in arrogance, but clarity. Her eyes were clear, cold.

Her gaze landed on the various type of food plates on the long table. A subtle frown tugged at her lips. In her past life, she had been given only one meal a day, if any at all and was often left to starve under the guise of discipline. While her family feasted in grandeur, she had sat alone in a cold, dim room, clutching her aching stomach. No one had cared whether she ate or not. No one except her elder sister. She saw this many items on the day she was sacrificed.

Sierra smiled at Esther. Suzy was shocked to see her. While her parents scowled at the sight of her. Esther held her gown in both hands and bowed gracefully. Her posture was elegant. "Greetings your majesty and your highness." She glanced at them. Her eyes were empty, deprived of any warmth for them. She walked towards her seat and sat down. 

Gasps whispered through the room. Even the maids carrying platters paused mid-step. That bow… that grace… this wasn't the trembling girl from before.

Crown Princess Sierra smiled warmly. "Esther, you bowed beautifully. You've improved so much."

Esther's gaze softened as she smiled back at Sierra. "Thank you, Elder sis. In past, I made mistakes because I was lacking confidence. And, I used to get weak from starving."

Empress Maria eyes narrowed. "Don't brag about small thing. You should have mastered this years ago. What are you doing here? Huh? Go back to our room. Don't forget you are not allowed to eat with us unless you learn all table manners." 

Esther glanced at her coldly. 'Even if I learn all table manners, you will still starve me in name of studies.' She thought in her mind.

With precise movements, she placed her napkin across her lap, motioned the servant to serve her, and picked up her cutlery with perfect grace. Not a single move out of place. She began eating.

Emprror Oliver, Empress Maria and Princess Suzy were surprised by her. Suzy rolled her eye in anger. How could she steal her limelight by showing off something measly like this? The meal resumed. It was only seirra who was calm and supportive

Few minutes later~

Esther finished eating. She wiped her lips with napkin and got up. She looked at her mother and spoke in montonous voice. "How was it Empress Maria? Was it according to the table manners?"

Empress Maria rolled her eyes. She frowned and said, "Yeah. But you still need to learn more. Don't get happy over something like this. You are 18, yet you lack so many things. Can you be less shameless about boasting something stupid like this? Get back to your studies."

"Mom, why are you scolding her? We should encourage her. I-" Before sierra can speak any further, Emperor Oliver placed his hand on her shoulder and said softly, "Dear, don't interefere your mother. She is discpling her and its for her own good."

He looked at Esther and said rudely, "You still lack academic and royal knowledge. Don't be boastful."

Suzy pouted and folded her hand infront of her chest.

"Big sis, you are still behind me a lot. Have you completed learning ancient language? The history and geography of Empires? I have completed all volumes. Not only that, I always do good in etiquette. I will soon start learning fighting. And you...umm... It's not good to boast table manners..pfft.." She laughed.

Emperor Oliver and Empress Maria started praising suzy. Sierra sighed. Esther was looking at them. It was just like she expected. How stupid was she to run behind them. She realized they never saw her part of this family except for elder sis. She had no regrets anymore.

She laughed sarcastically and said coldly, "Whatever I do is never enough for you, Isn't it?" 

She left the room not wanting to wait anymore. Sierra looked at her in worry. Empress Maria frowned and spoke in irritation, "Ungrateful brat!! What's wrong with her? Why is she throwing tantrums?"

"I am going to Royal court. Few ministers are waiting for me. Correct her attitude." Emperor Oliver said irritated.

Suzy smirked and thought, 'I need to have some fun. Things are already tensed. Big sis will be in huge trouble this time.'