Page 67 of The White King's Favorite

“You barbaric bitch!” she hissed. “How dare you interrupt and walk ahead of me?!”

Cessilia barely glanced at the woman before Tessandra stepped in between, glaring at their attacker. Because of her heels and outfit, she was even more impressive than usual, and despite her animosity, Vena slowed down before she got any closer, surprised by the young woman’s dark eyes on her.

However, Nana was the first one to respond, just as angry as Tessandra, although she didn’t have her impressive frame.

“Lady Vena! Watch your language in front of Princess Cessilia!”

“I’m not talking to you, you fat pig. I’m surprised you even dared to be here! Is everything easier now that you have a rich friend to make you think you actually have a chance? Or that you’re of any importance, for that matter?”

Far from being upset, Naptunie scoffed, taking another step forward.

“That’s it, Lady Vena? Attacks about my physique, like always? Do you think being skinny gives you an advantage? Well, I’m sorry you don’t cultivate your mind more than your body, because it would save you and the Pangoja Clan a lot of embarrassment right now! No wonder His Majesty won’t even look at you!”

“You damn little...!”

Vena raised her hand as if to hit Naptunie, who wasn’t shying away from the threat. A dark-green hand caught her wrist right before her slap landed. Suddenly shocked by the scales in front of her eyes, she screamed in panic.

“Let me go! Let me go!” she shrieked, desperate to have her wrist released.

She struggled frantically, trying to pull away and free her wrist, but Tessa wasn’t flinching at all, effortlessly keeping her trapped in her grasp. She seemed as strong as a metallic trap holding the hysterical candidate’s wrist.

“...Nana,” she calmly said, “isn’t it against the rules to harm another candidate?”

“It is,” nodded Nana. “Lady Vena should be grateful you stopped her. I would have gladly taken that slap if it could prevent such an immature girl from ever being our Queen!”

Vena didn’t even seem to hear them; the sight of the green scales had her utterly panicked, and she had completely given up on her dignity. However, Tessandra wasn’t done with her. She forcefully pulled that woman closer, tightening her grasp even more and making that girl scream.

“Stop screaming like a piglet. Next time you insult Naptunie or Cessilia, I’ll break this skinny wrist of yours, you little swine. Remember, I’m not a candidate. I don’t care if I break each of your bones one by one and feed you to our dragon.”

Those words nearly made the girl pass out. Luckily for her, though, Tessandra finally released her grip, and Vena stumbled backward until a man, probably from her clan, caught hold of her, and quietly took her out of the banquet hall under their audience’s eyes. As soon as she was out, everyone quickly resumed their conversations, or most likely their gossip, from the way no one really dared to speak out loud... Tessandra chuckled, crossing her arms.

“Those little leeches... They should be glad I can’t really kill here. Those girls are just cats trying to play in a lion’s den. I’m proud of you, Nana. Turns out you got some spark in you!”

“Don’t tell me about it,” mumbled Nana. “I only got angry because she insulted Lady Cessilia. Now I’m trying to pretend my hands are not shaking... Can we get something to drink? I need something. Or to eat. I saw some delicious-looking cakes over there...”

“I’ll accompany you,” chuckled Yamino. “I could use a drink myself, and let’s get some for Princess Cessilia and Yassim...”

As those three walked away to the tables aligned against the walls, Cessilia and Yassim remained alone. The Counselor hadn’t missed how the Princess very purposely turned her back to the throne, nor the way she attracted many eyes on her, including the monarch’s.

“That was quite an entrance, Lady Cessilia.” He smiled. “I was looking forward to your talent, but I never expected to see this much. I only feel sorry you got injured to make all this...”

The Princess nodded, her green eyes going down on her reptilian-looking hands.

“A b-bit of sacrifice t-to t-teach those evil p-people a lesson,” she said. “I am not d-done either. I b-believe in p-playing fair, and I will even th-the score t-tonight.”

“I will look forward to it, my lady. Shall we dance in the meantime?”

“I d-don’t really know th-the art of d-dancing here.”

“That makes two of us lacking in that area, then,” said a feminine voice approaching.

Appearing next to them was a tall and slender woman sporting a very dark red dress. Unlike the other candidates, her dress was rather simple, but displayed some incredibly detailed embroidery, and so did all of her jewelry, looking uniquely crafted rather than ostentatious. She had obviously chosen to show off a more bohemian style than luxurious, and even her hair was simply held up in an artistic updo, with many seashells and pearls. Her face was also marked by unique makeup, with white lips and white eyelashes.

Much to Cessilia’s surprise, the woman bowed slightly but very politely. There was something unique and graceful in the way she moved, almost like a dance.

“I am Bastat, daughter of the Sehsan Tribe Leader.”

“Nice t-to meet you, I’m Cessilia of the D-Dragon Empire.”

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