The day of the banquet has arrived.The effect of only eating snacks—even though I worked so much—has finally hit.
I overslept. Not because I was blissfully dreaming—oh no. My brain decided to throw the most violent nightmare ever at me. And somehow, I still managed to sleep through it.
With no maids to help me—because they're all flirting with death—my main focus is getting into the dress and doing my makeup.
In moments like these, I'm thankful for Ms. Nandervalt, one of my tutors.She taught me how to do my makeup—how to look like I belonged—because she pitied me.And for that, she was stripped of her title and tossed into commoner status like trash.
Now, I don't do very well with empathy.I've learned it always comes at a cost.That's one of the reasons I don't have any friends, even though it's been two years since I entered nobility.It's not that I hate having friends—I just don't know how to resonate with their feelings.Though, strangely enough, it's become a selling point.I blend in with the crowd. Too many friends equals too much attention.
Before every banquet hosted by the Imperial Family, all members of the family meet for lunch.Looks like today I'm going to be judged by non-biological relatives.Fun.
I arrive at the lunch just in time—my father still hasn't shown up.As soon as I enter, heads turn to meet my gaze. Too many eyes. Too much scrutiny.The judging of my every move, my clothes, my very existence... it's already begun.
But I remind myself: I can do this. I've done it many times before. I can do it again.
As soon as I sit down, my father appears with his classic white beard—perfectly groomed to make him look wiser and more important. The fatherly, well-brushed white hairs are all in place.
"Welcome, everyone! Sit, sit."He proceeds to sit down himself."Just like always, we aim for a banquet that will represent our Empire properly. So, no shenanigans, little ones, and no fights or arguments."
He motions for everyone to start eating.
Guess what I do?I shovel it all into my mouth with the elegance of a swan—above water.
I feel the judging looks on the back of my head, but all I'm focused on is the food.I never want to get used to not eating. Never again.If I'm hungry, I'm going to eat as much as I want.
The banquet ends with a simple toast given by my aunt.The kindest one of them all.The one who bullies me up front instead of behind my back.
Before, I used to stand back and let her smother my worth.But now... well, even if I say just one word—she wouldn't expect it.