Chapter 1: How it all began
Lady Marion had received a brunch invitation from the Domino royal family. It would be her first official meeting with her boyfriend's parents. To put it mildly, it was nerve-racking.
"Marion," Oritel smiled to see his partner. Grinning at her, he led the girl by the hand to the graceful King and Queen of Domino. "Father, Mother. This is my Girlfriend, Marion Llovel."
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Your Majesties." Marion bent gently. She knew how to properly take responsibility for herself given that she grew up in a wealthy household.
"I'm glad to finally meet you, dear. Regina said, beaming, "Please have a seat; Oritel has spoken very well of you. Her youngest son's choice of companion made her happy. Marion, she felt, would make a perfect royal companion for Oritel, king or not.
Nevertheless, Lawrance was the only one who wasn't fully engaged in the conversation. The elder brother of Oritel. He had been in love with Marion ever since Oritel brought her to their dorm in Red Fountain. Oritel had been persuaded to visit Red Fountain by him. However, Oritel had stolen everything from him. He became the best student, the best prince, the best son, and now got the girl. He was conscious that Oritel would have been the crown prince if their parents had the final say.
Everything went well throughout dinner until Lawrence finally said something to put his brother down. "Did you not fail that assignment? Or am I not correct?
Oritel had given his brother a look. "No Lawrance. That was not an assignment."
"Lawrance you should stop trying to bring your brother down," Regina had said sternly. "I do not want to hear such things out of you." It has been a persistent issue. Their boys had been close friends before Oritel acquired a strong interest in his education and training. Ever since then, Lawrance would try his best to insult Oritel in front of them.
"You would do well to resemble your brother more," observed King Marvin. But his elder son tensed with rage. He was driven nuts by the teachers' continuous repetition of the same topic.
"Do not say that!" He'd sprung to his feet and struck the tables with the palms of his hands. He unleashed a spell that caused any porcelain to snap.
"Lawrance!" Standing, the monarch turned to face his son. "Stand down. That's an order. The king was enraged.
However, his son's blood was boiling like never before. Unintentionally, he flung a fireball directly at his father, demonstrating his inability to control his magic.
But after the kind crashed into a wall, the guards intervened and took the prince into custody for harming the kind.
"Father," Oritel had called out, as he rose. His mother was already by his side. Oritel turned to look at his elder brother. "Brother," he said, unsure of what he was supposed to do. Being at odds with his family caused him worry. After all, they were the most significant individuals.
With a touch on his shoulder, Marion restored his clarity. They gave each other a hug while maintaining eye contact.
In order to avoid going to prison, Oritel's brother had his royal heritage taken away. The fact that he was the prince made no difference. given that he had betrayed the monarchy by treason. Still, Oritel continued to show love and respect to his brother and did everything in his power to pull him out of his dark place. Still, the man grew increasingly distant. They didn't see him again until their wedding. And they welcomed him with great pleasure. He pretended to have turned a new leaf while getting closer to the couple and plotting his vengeance scheme. The birth of the royal princess gave him the opportunity to exact retribution. Only a few days prior, he had secretly become the father to a kid, and since they appeared so similar, he sneaked in at night and switched the infants a few hours after it was born.
He followed by employing the best magic and royal teachers to bring up the girl. while separating her from the outside world. Whilst preparing her for her coronation, he ensured that she would follow his lead. The land would be ruled through her by him.
