NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Sibling interactions
Aria hesitated outside Helena's chambers, her hands gripping the tray tightly. The laughter drifting through the doors had stopped her in her tracks. Carefully, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside, her heart tightening at the scene before her.
Lucian, her middle adopted brother, stood beside Helena. The two were engrossed in conversation, their smiles warm and relaxed. Lucian leaned slightly forward as if sharing a private joke, while Helena clutched her stomach, laughing softly.
It was an image of easy companionship—a picture-perfect sibling interaction.
Aria's chest ached as she watched them. Bitterness bubbled inside her, twisting her thoughts. That should be me, she thought, gripping the tray so tightly her knuckles turned white. I'm supposed to be the one with a sibling bond with Lucian, not her.
She was their sister by adoption, her biological parents the king and queen had adopted Lucian and her other brothers years ago when they were just boys. Helena, on the other hand, was only her stepsister, the daughter of her father and his second wife. Technically, Helena shared no familial ties with the brothers.
Even though she did it wasn't as strong compared to Aria's situation, In terms of relationship she was their biological sister, while Helena was their stepsister. Yet, she had effortlessly slipped into the role of their beloved sibling, while Aria, the biological daughter of the royal couple, was treated as an outsider.
They've never even tried to get to know me, Aria thought, her sadness deepening. Ever since they were adopted, they've only seen me through the lens of what others say about me. Not once have they spared me a chance.
Her eyes burned as she watched Lucian smile at Helena again. He hadn't even acknowledged her presence.
Summoning her courage, she took a step forward, clearing her throat to announce herself. The sound drew their attention, though Lucian's glance was fleeting, indifferent.
"Ah, Aria," Helena said warmly, her voice dripping with fake kindness. "You're here with the tea. How thoughtful."
Aria set the tray down, her expression neutral. "It's no big deal..am not a lazy person," she replied curtly.
Lucian, however, barely spared her a second look. He gestured dismissively toward the tray. "Good. Then stand and hold it until we're done talking."
Aria stiffened. "Excuse me?"
Helena's gaze darted between them, her smile faltering. "Oh, Lucian," she said softly, touching his arm as if chastising him. "That's not necessary. Aria must be tired—"
"She can manage," Lucian interrupted firmly, his voice cold. "She said she isn't lazy... So I'm sure this also, isn't a big deal."
Aria's cheeks flushed with humiliation and anger. She opened her mouth to object but stopped herself, biting back her retort. They'll only twist it against me, she thought bitterly. And I can't afford to cause more trouble for myself.
With a sharp inhale, she picked up the tray again and held it in place...
The minutes stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity. The weight of the tray dug into her arms, her muscles straining as her arms began to tremble.
I shouldn't have to do this, she thought furiously. I'm a princess, not some servant. But they'd never see it that way.
She glanced at Helena, who was still speaking with Lucian, her tone light and cheerful. Every so often, Helena's gaze flickered toward Aria, a faint glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
She's enjoying this, Aria realized, her teeth gritting. Pretending to care about me while taking everything that was supposed to be mine. My family, my position, my life…
Her thoughts were interrupted when the tray began to slip. Her arms gave out, and the porcelain silver teacups shattered as they hit the ground, the loud crash silencing the room.
Lucian's emerald eyes narrowed as he turned toward her. "Are you serious?" he snapped, his tone sharp. "You can't even handle something as simple as holding a tray?"
Aria straightened, her hands trembling at her sides. "It's not my job to be treated like a servant," she retorted, her voice shaking with anger and frustration.
"It's your job to not embarrass yourself further," Lucian shot back coldly. "Pick up the pieces and bring another tray. Maybe this time you'll manage not to ruin it."
Aria's heart clenched at the insult. Her instinct was to fight back, to stand her ground, but the weight of her status held her back. What would be the point? They'd never listen anyway.
Helena stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Lucian's arm. "Lucian, please," she said softly, her voice full of false concern. "She's had a difficult time lately. Let's not be too harsh on her."
Aria's eyes narrowed. She could see through Helena's act, the faintest hint of smugness flickering in her expression.
"Don't defend me," Aria said quietly, her voice firm. She turned to Lucian, forcing herself to meet his icy gaze. "I'll get another tray."
Without another word, she bent down to gather the broken pieces, her fingers trembling as she fought back tears. As she stood, her head held high despite the ache in her chest, she caught a glimpse of Helena's satisfied smile.