Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 456: Turmoil in the Inner Chambers II

Chapter 456: Turmoil in the Inner Chambers II

"For one thing, foreign or not, I am still a queen you’re speaking to. As the crown princess of Xahan, you have much more to learn if you ever wish to give your father peace of mind. If you were ever wondering why Alistair was replaced as the crown prince of Reaweth, that is why," Daphne said.

Nesrin’s face was so swollen with anger that she looked like she had been stung by ten bees all at once. However, Daphne was sure that she didn’t look any better. If it were a fully grown adult she had been speaking to, she might’ve already thrown hands― being married to Atticus meant that she would eventually start picking up his traits as well, unfortunately.

Sadly for Nesrin, Daphne was nowhere close to done.

"Your mother, in fact, is the queen of Xahan, not just a parent whom you should already show respect towards. She had told you to mind your words more than once — and for your own good too — yet you’ve deliberately chosen to disobey her. It doesn’t sound like you’re as filial as you deem yourself to be despite preaching about your father’s safety and whatnot, does it, Princess Nesrin?"

She continued, "If anything, my husband does not belong to Xahan. He had no duties nor obligations to help fend against Jean Nott’s attacks on this kingdom, regardless of the reason why that madman was here. Yet, because he and I both feel guilty for bringing this maniac to this kingdom, he decided to step onto the battlefield to protect your people and risk his life. Still, you choose to sully his name as so all in the pretense of worry for your kingdom and your father.

"While this might hold some truth to it, admit it, Princess Nesrin, you are just looking for someone you deem weak enough to throw your tantrum at. You can’t do anything to your siblings― that would earn you a round of scolding from your parents. Princess Cordelia is out of your reach― she is no pushover and I am sure you respect her enough. That would make me, a foreigner, the perfect choice to verbally bash like the petulant child you are proving yourself to be rather than a grownup that your parents can trust. Aren’t I right, Princess Nesrin?"

"You’re wrong!" Princess Nesrin screamed, her fingers clenched so tightly at her sides that her nails already dug well into the flesh of her palm. However, Daphne wasn’t about to back down.

Teenagers and their damned tantrums. She never had any issue with Blanche― in comparison to this brat, Blanche was practically an angel!

Princess Nesrin had already started a fire in Daphne― one which she shouldn’t have been playing with. All those years of pent-up anger, all those times Daphne had just sat back and swallowed down whatever was thrown at her; she wasn’t proud that it took a kid to trigger this volcanic eruption but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

If even a child thought that she was a pushover, then what more would the rest of the world think? She was a queen, and yet not a lot of people seemed to deem her as such. Perhaps she had indeed been too soft and weak-willed all her life.

"Am I?" Daphne asked. "Touch your heart and ask yourself that. Are you not just looking for a target you can vent your frustrations at?"

This time, Nesrin remained silent. She chewed hard on her bottom lip, tears welling in her eyes; a drop or two had already spilled, racing down the apples of her cheeks. However, she refused to raise her hands to wipe them away.

Queen Lavinia and Princess Cordelia were both silent― partly because they were stunned beyond words, and partly because they knew that Nesrin had it coming. It was one thing to act in such a way among family members, and another to show this side of her temper to a diplomat who represented two kingdoms.

If Queen Daphne had been any less merciful, Princess Nesrin could’ve gained Xahan two new powerful enemies. She was getting off with just a light slap on her wrist and a scolding― a good lesson for her to learn when dealing with royalties of other kingdoms.

Daphne heaved a deep breath in before letting it out, her eyes shut as she exhaled.

She had gone a tad bit overboard. She hadn’t meant to raise her voice against a child like this― not so much. However, Princess Nesrin had been dancing on her bottom line one too many times.

Atticus might’ve been acting suspicious in the last few months but whether or not his behavior was up for an outsider’s discussion was not Nesrin’s decision to make. He was a king, one of a very powerful nation that could easily topple Xahan if he wished, probably even single-handedly. Furthermore, Atticus her husband― Daphne couldn’t idly sit still and let someone mindlessly bash him like that behind his back.

"I see that I am not welcome here," Daphne finally said, rubbing her eyebrow to ease her growing headache. "In that case, I will head out to look for my husband and offer him my assistance." She threw Princess Nesrin a petty glance. "After all, I am worried for his safety as well."

And she actually had the ability to do something about it. She might be weakened but she was by no means powerless― she could at least take care of herself if she was ever in danger.

More importantly, Daphne wasn’t keen on staying here any longer; not when Xahan’s oldest princess practically hated her guts and wanted her gone. She knew better than to stay where she wasn’t wanted.

Dusting her skirts, Daphne made her way to the exit of the inner chambers. She had just placed her hand on the handle when she was stopped by a light tug. Looking back, she met eyes with Cordelia, whose face screamed of worry.

"Don’t mind her," Cordelia said. "She’s just a child. It’s dangerous out there."

"It’s alright, Cordelia," Daphne murmured. She gently removed Cordelia’s hand from her wrist, maintaining a pleasant smile on her lips. "Besides, if me leaving would ensure that Princess Nesrin doesn’t bolt out rashly, then by all means. At least I can take care of myself out there."

"I’ll come with you, then."

Daphne shook her head. "There’s no need to endanger yourself for that. I will look for Atticus and return with him after. He will protect me."

Cordelia could only purse her lips; Daphne had spoken those words with so much certainty that she almost felt bad for not letting Princess Nesrin spill the truth. If only Daphne knew.

King Atticus himself was the monster whom Daphne needed protection from.

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