unedited


    Lanias smile turned cold as if we were back to the moment right before I was cursed. Lania smiled, satisfied, as I looked down instinctively while anxiousness filled me.


    Well, lets see if youd say that again when youve seen that. The doors opened once more at her order.


    Bring it on.


    Though I did not wish to y along with Lanias tune, when I saw the white fur animal caught in Rebas hand, anger started brewing from within me.


    [Hnng. M, mommyyyy!]


    ***


    [Mommy, mommyyyy!]


    I then realized that I couldnt let out any screams even if my mind had turned nk. Despite being unable to struggle even in Rebas hands, that tiny body was soon drained of energy.


    Let go immediately!


    You mean this thing?


    Reba smirked, but not as badpared to her older sister. She grabbed Haniel by the neck like how a servant would, and shook hard. The sound of the jewel which they were stillplimenting about a while back, sounded terrifying.


    Back off! I said, put her down!


    Lania, look. I was right!


    Even the jewel on it, its the same jewel I saw in town. I was doubtful at first, but Im definitely right! His Majesty must have bought it . . .


    Will you shut it just for a moment, Reba? Lanias voice was quiet, like the sound of water pouring while in a small living room, as she remained seated at the tea-table. Reba sht]ut her mouth but red at me in turn, seemingly about to direct her anger toward me instead.


    This is all your fault! Im not sure what youve been doing with His Majesty all this while . . .


    . . . Its myst warning. Put it down.


    What? Are you worried about this little bird even in this situation? Ha! Reba scoffed speechlessly at me, cutting her off mid-way. But I never expected her to act ordingly.


    She stoppedughing and grabbed Haniel tighter by the neck then shook her even harder in my direction. Angered, I strode over towards her.


    How dare you . . . Ackkkk!


    p!


    Reba stumbled towards the firece after being pped. She had both hands lightly patting her cheek as if it was on fire, while I quickly grabbed Haniel as she fell.


    The tiny body froze and it felt as if her small heart had shattered.


    [M, m, mommy.]


    . . . Kyaaaa!


    Reba yelled btedly upon realizing that she had been pped instead, and Haniels groan followed after.


    Ill kill you! She dashed towards me and grabbed me by the cor, whilst I red right back at her.


    Scram. This is myst warning.


    . . . How dare you!


    Know that itll be the end of you the moment youy even one of those fingers on her.


    You dare to lie!


    Not me, Im warning your sister over there. About to p me, Rebas hand stopped hesitantly mid-air.


    She had intuitive trauma towards her own sister. I watched the ridiculous act of hers as she turned around and faced Lania.


    Yes, it seems that youre right, Reba.


    Lania? Are you siding with her right now?


    She shook her head elegantly, implying to stop. But the situation wasnt looking good for me as Lania continued smiling. Ive seen how important this hostage is, so I wont end it so easily.


    Isnt that so, mother? Lania stood up and took a step towards me, as if seeking my agreement. I covered Haniels eyes, stopping her from seeing Lanias evil smirk but her eyes soonid on my trembling fingers.


    You were acting so cold towards your own family yet clung so tightly to a white baby swan, this isnt like you, mother.


    Whats it to you?


    Well . . . Im just warning you, to conduct yourself properly. With arms crossed on her chest, Lania lifted her head crookedly before me.


    Youve been hanging out with His Majesty often these days. Isnt it better to stop all these unnecessary efforts early?


    Unnecessary efforts?


    That would be up to the false ideas pictured by a broken widow.


    Lanias dazzling smirk disappeared as sheid her eyes on the jewel sitting on my finger. I might be less educated about jewels but this piece of jewel seemed quite precious.


    You, a shameless widow trying to make moves on His Majesty . . . Youd bettery low for the rest of your life. Get it?


    I would love to do that, more than anyone else.


    But His Majesty should be the one to let go of me first. I turned expressionless instantly as I did not have any more energy to keep up the smile on my face, but that seemed to have angered Lania more than ever.