Cursed To Crave My Foster Brothers Lustful Touch

After dashing out of the room, Aria held the broken fragments of the cup tightly in her hands, the jagged edges biting into her palms as if to remind her of her place in the household. Her vision blurred, but she fought her tears fiercely.

She would not cry. Not for them. Not for people who thrived on her misery. Her heart felt heavy, but she squared her shoulders and forced herself to walk briskly toward the kitchen, even as the mocking stares of the maids followed her like shadows.

She heard their hushed whispers, their grin almost audible, but she refused to let their ridicule break her.

In the kitchen, she discarded the broken fragments into the trash with trembling hands. The faint clinking sound echoed in the empty space, mocking her solitude. The maids, seeing her struggles, offered no assistance.

Instead, they exchanged smug glances, murmuring loud enough for Aria to hear.

"Look at her," one maid muttered. "She can't even do a simple task without messing it up."

"Pathetic," another added with a sneer. "And she calls herself royalty."

Aria ignored them, her trembling hands steadying as she set about brewing another cup of tea. Her movements were deliberate, each action a silent reminder to herself that she could endure this, just as she had endured everything else.

Once finished, she carried the fresh cup back to Helen's chamber, her steps steady but her heart heavy with dread.

The moment she entered, Helen was now lounging elegantly on a plush chaise, her lips curling into a smug smile. Lucian was seated nearby, his dark green eyes gleaming with mischief. Aria could feel the tension in the room shift as their gazes landed on her.

"Ah, the clumsy maid finally returns," Lucian drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "What took you so long? Did you get lost on the way to the kitchen?"

Helena, ever the actress, chimed in with feinged concern. "Big brother, don't be so harsh on her. She's trying her best. Poor Aria, you must be so tired after all the… excitement earlier. Here, let me help you."

Before Aria could react, Helen reached out as though to take the cup from her hands. But instead of a genuine gesture, Helen's grip tightened unexpectedly, causing the scalding tea to spill slightly onto Aria's hand. Aria flinched, biting back a gasp of pain, but Helen merely gasped theatrically.

"Oh no! Did I hurt you sister? I didn't mean to," Helen cooed, her wide eyes feigning innocence.

Lucian chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying the scene. "Careful, Helen. She might start crying again. Aria's rather good at that, isn't she?"

Aria clenched her teeth, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Helena about to make a remark was interrupted when, a firm voice cut through the room like a blade.

"That's enough, Helena."

Ryan, Helen's twin brother, Her step brother stepped into the chamber, his sharp eyes narrowing at the scene before him. Unlike his sister, Ryan carried himself with a calm dignity that belied his sharp wit. Though he didn't share Helen's intelligence, he used the little one he had in ways that earned him respect rather than disdain.

"Do you have nothing better to do than torment someone who's just trying to do a job she isn't supposed to..?" Ryan asked coldly, his gaze locking onto Lucian and Helen in turn.

Ryan situation was slightly similar, to Aria's but still, far better, because although he wasn't as intelligent as the rest and couldn't compete for the role of the heir, he was good at other things and often helped in developing the kingdom earning cheers and respect from the people..thus he wasn't hated unlike Aria.

"Relax, Ryan," Lucian said, waving a dismissive hand. "We're just having a bit of fun."

"Fun?" Ryan's tone was clipped, his jaw tightening. "Big brother...If this is what you call fun, I pity your idea of entertainment." He was probably the only one who understood Aria's situation.

Helena huffed, crossing her arms. "Honestly, Ryan, why are you always taking her side? You should know I love my sister, I was only joking with her Why do you make it seem so—"

"Enough," Ryan interrupted sharply, his voice firm. "If you're done, Aria has work to do. Stop wasting her time... Lucien with your permission, she may leave.."

Aria didn't bother to wait for Lucien's approval and shot Ryan a grateful glance, but he merely gave her a subtle nod, his expression unreadable. Dismissed, she quickly left Helena's chamber.

Back in her small, sparsely furnished room, Aria sank onto her bed, her hands trembling as she rubbed at the burn on her hand. The pain was sharp, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

She busied herself tidying her space, and dressing the burn hoping the simple task would ease her mind, but her thoughts kept drifting.

Suddenly, an unbidden image flashed through her mind. Lucian. His piercing gaze was softened, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek with surprising tenderness. She could almost feel the warmth of his touch, the ghost of a smile on his lips as he leaned closer…

Aria shook her head violently, banishing the thought. Her chest tightened with anger and confusion. Why on earth was she thinking of him like that? He had humiliated her, mocked her. The very idea was absurd.

Aria bolted upright, her heart racing. "No," she whispered, shaking her head. "No, no, no."

The thought was absurd. This was the same man who had humiliated her, mocked her, treated her as if she were nothing. How could her mind conjure such a ridiculous image?

She pressed her hands to her temples, willing the thought away. "What's wrong with me?" she muttered. "I must be losing my mind.".....

The next day dawned quietly, and Aria rose early to begin her duties. The day passed in a blur of tasks, cleaning, organizing, fetching items for the household. Compared to yesterday, it was mercifully uneventful. By late afternoon, her body ached, but she was grateful for not being humiliated like yesterday.

Her relief was short-lived. The king and queen summoned everyone to the grand hall, their regal presence commanding attention. As the family and staff gathered, the queen stepped forward, her voice echoing with authority.

"We have two announcements to make," she declared. "Tomorrow, we will be hosting a grand welcome ceremony for the arrival of the great Kalden Veyl."

Gasps rippled through the room. Kalden Veyl was a name that carried weight, whispered with awe and fear. Known for his unparalleled power and mysterious ways, he was a figure shrouded in legend. Rumors said he had practiced the highest level of magic, that required training for three years which ordinary people didn't even dream of In six months.

Aria frowned, her curiosity piqued. Who was this man that even her almighty parents seem to respect? she wondered.

"As many of you know," the king added, his tone grave, "Kalden Veyl does not answer to anyone. For him to accept our invitation is a great honor....He will be here to inspect the Great sovereign magic spell and stay after wards, to watch over the kingdom for any backlash of the spell...

The queen smiled, her next words sparking a new wave of murmurs. "This ceremony will also mark the return of our eldest son, who has spent years training outside of the kingdom."

Aria froze, her blood running cold. Her eldest foster brother was returning? The thought made her stomach churn. She was already struggling with Lucian and Darius, and now the most strict and imposing of them all was coming back?

"Oh, God," she muttered under her breath, dread pooling in her chest.