Why do you hate me?

Chapter 2

On a gloomy day, black clouds roll over the city of Obelia. It has only been a week since the execution of the first princess, Athanasia de Alger Obelia. She was executed before even having a chance to state her innocence.

The forgotten princess did get some sympathy from the commoners and aristocrats, but the majority of people wanted her out. Especially for harming Obelia's most 'favored' princess.

Inside the wall of the Imperial Palace, Claude sat on one of his couches with a cup of tea in hand. He has been suffering from a series of migraines after the death of Athanasia. Doctor and Magician have stated that his pain is incurable and may never go away.

As thunder began rumbling and rain banged against the window a sudden shock of pain went through him, making him fall to the ground. He clenched his head in pain, before crying out for Jennette.

She quickly barges into the room from his cries and gasps in shock at his form. "Father is your migraine acting up again?! Should I call the physician for you?"

Claude looked up at her before gripping her arms, stopping her from calling for help. "No, there's no need for a physician."

Jennette looked down at him in shock as she stared at him as if he was crazy. "But, Father-"

"Jennette, didn't he already tell you that it's not a necessity to call for help? You should learn to listen and obey your father better than that." said a voice from somewhere in the room.

Jennette was surprised by the sudden voice of the third party and started to frantically try searching for the owner of that voice. "Whoever goes there, reveal yourself before I have to call the guards on you!" She said, trying to sound confident yet there was still a hint of fear.

"No need to be offensive, Princess," Anastacius said, stepping out from the shadows and revealing himself to her. He steps into her and Claude views with a wide grin on his face.

Jennette looks at him for a second before a realization comes to her. "You-!" She was about to say but was cut off by Anastacius. "Yes, I am Anastasius de Alger Obelia. The rightful heir to the throne and the former Emperor of Obelia."

Claude looked at him with disbelief in his eyes and pale skin. "Anastacius, how-" but before he could finish the sentence, he was rushed into a coughing fit.

"Father, are you okay?!" She asks in worry, trying to help him the best she can. Just then she caught a glimpse of something crimson trickling down her dress. She took a closer look before realizing. "Ahh, blood!!!" She said in surprise, finally realizing that Claude has been coughing out blood the whole time.

"Oh my, he seems to be nearer to death's door than I thought," Anastacius said with a smirk.

"What are you doing showing your face here?" She asks, with tears trickling down her cheeks showing her near-breaking point.

"Me? Oh, I'm just here to help out." He said, with the same grin still pasted on his face.

Jennette looks at him with a confused expression before asking, "What do you mean 'help out'? Help out on what?"

"Have you not notice little princess?" He asks, the grin on his face widening. "With the emperor's rapidly deteriorating health, there has to be another person to replace him, " He said, "And that would lead to me."

"I'm the Crown Princess, the heir to the throne. I'm supposed to be the next in line to the throne." She cried out, her voice showing anger.

"That's true, but the court and I know that it's no secret you're not capable of running a kingdom." He said, smiling at her shocked expression.

"Don't worry, you can just leave Obelia to me." He said before leaving the room and back into the shadow. Jennette still sat where she was with the corpse of Claude on her lap and fresh tears falling from her eyes.

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2 weeks later,

Jennette was walking and exploring the garden of the Ruby Palace. After Anastacius took the throne back, he suddenly forces her to move to the abandoned Ruby Palace without even a reason why. She was only able to take a handful of maids and servants with her, and she wasn't even allowed to bring all her dresses and belongings with her.

As she was walking through the unkept maze of roses she suddenly spotted the form of a figure up ahead. She cautiously made her way closer, before noticing the familiar blonde hair.

"Athanasia?" She asks, not sure if she was hallucinating or not.

Then the figure suddenly turns around. A pair of jewel eyes meet hers with a gentle smile. "Jennette, we met again."

Not knowing what came over her, she ran to Athanasia with tears spilling from her eyes. She embraces her tightly in a hug, not wanting to let go. "Athanasia it's you, you're back!" She said, joy filling her voice.

She suddenly remembers something and looks up at Athanasia. "But how did you come back, father executed you?" She asks, wanting an answer.

"Jennette, I'm sorry for everything I have done," Athanasia said, her voice filled with regret and her eyes becoming glassy. "I was manipulated by Anastacius to poison and kill you. Before Father executed me, I used magic to make a clone of myself and escape the palace."

Jennette cried in her sister's arms, moved by her alibi. As she lets go, she looks at Athanasia with hopeful eyes as a bright idea comes to her. "Athanasia, I have an idea!" She said as Athanasia looked at her with a confused expression. "What is it, Jennette?" She asks, waiting for Jennette to reply. "Athanasia, now that you're still alive let's work together to bring down Anastacius."

"Together?" Athanasia asks, almost flabbergasted. "Yes, together! I know we haven't been at the best of term, but this time I really need your help. With father in the dungeon and Anastacius back and on the throne, Obelia needs someone to save it from that mad man." Jennette said, with confidence in her speech. She waited for Athanasia to say something back, but got concerned when she didn't.

She wasn't ready when she was suddenly enveloped in a hug by Athanasia. "Jennette, that's a wonderful idea!" She said, "Wait, you think so?" Jennette asks, she tried looking at Athanaisa's face but was unable to. "Of course, and I'll certainly be glad to help you."

"Oh, I'm so happy!" Jennette said, smiling brightly as she was still being hugged by Athanasia. "Me too, Jennette. Me too." She said, hiding her jewel eyes which were now showing a hint of red in them, and the devilish grin that was forming on her lips.