The King's Rejected Lady

What Are You Afraid Of?

TORI STOOD up to hug Sabina, who was still standing. Her face screamed that this was the last place she wanted to be. She was rigid and felt cold when Tori hugged her, which made the latter one grin wider. Tori was savoring every moment as Sabina squirmed before her.

"What are you afraid of, dearest sister?" Tori whispered to Sabina, which made the latter one flinch. Secretly smirking, Tori offered a seat to Sabina before going back to her seat, which again earned Tori 'the good sister' award in front of everyone.

As the head of the family, the Duke would traditionally start eating and the rest of the family would follow. That was the reason Sabina, Mia, and Shena was all fidgeting.

You didn't think that things would go wrong, huh?

Tori's smiling gaze met the eyes of the three like she was mocking them and she intended to mock them. Just when the Duke was about to get a slice of fruit, Butler Johanes came in together with the chef. The latter one was bringing a dish.

The last piece of the props finally arrived.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Your Grace. This is the dish that Lady Sabina asked me to make for this meal to celebrate Lady Tori's invitation. It was a bit rush, but I made this with my best efforts."

Sabina's alleged effort to make amends for her sister moved the servants after rejecting her. Even the Duke was pleased, so pleased that the flustered Sabina couldn't even deny the chef. The poor wench was sweating, but it was really weird how no one noticed except those who knew why.

Come on, father, say it. Say the words.

Tori's father glanced at her. "Since they made this for Victoria. She will have the first bite of this dish."

A wave of delight passed over Tori's face as she excitedly clapped before slicing the fish from the newly arrived dish. "Thank you so much for your gift, dearest sister! I will gladly savor it since you gave this with the best intentions for me." She delicately ate the fish together with some spinach. Best intentions, my ass.

This dish was Tori's doing. She made Lily place a parchment in the kitchen for the chef to see under the name of Sabina. Tori knew by watching the five seasons of Thorny Crown that Victoria Rozenreff had a severe allergy to spinach, so she deliberately wrote on the parchment to add some special spinach to the dish. They only knew this information from Lily and Victoria in the story, so the Duke couldn't know. I only discovered this during Season 2.

Tori already let Lily prepare the medicine for her allergy for safekeeping, although Lily was reluctant about it at first.

"It is so delicious. Thank you, sister."

A forced smile graced Sabina's face, "It is always my pleasure. I may not be with you during your entrance exam, but I hope this food will help." Her sweet voice didn't give any indications that deep down she was faltering.

Ah, there are the words. Checkmate, dearest sister.

Tori secretly observed Sabina, and she wanted to laugh as Sabina's eyes were so unfocused. She was like an animal trapped in a corner with no way out.

You're probably both relieved and annoyed, huh, dear sister? Relieved that you won't get to eat any of these poisoned foods and annoyed that your plan failed. But I am not contented with just you feeling annoyed, never. I want you to lash out, sister.

The newly arrived dish became the center of attention. Though the other foods weren't set aside, the Duke and Sabina chose to eat the same dish that Tori was eating. There was a comfortable silence as the three ate like a happy family, which made Tori internally groan. Tori's only entertainment in the boring breakfast was the ghastly sight of Shena and Mia, who were deathly pale and scared every time the Duke took his bite.