8 Chapter Eight: The Fotiá Empire

All of them got into the carriage and made their way to the Royal Palace. When they arrived, there were already a lot of people. This was a party for the Fotiá Empire's representatives, but no one knows why. The door to the Duke's carriage opened and stares could be seen everywhere.

"Greetings, please come in." A soldier bowed to them.

As they make their way in, the Royal Crier announced their arrival. "Announcing the arrival of the Duke's family!" Once again, everyone looked at them, they didn't budge, and calmly made their way into the room. People started coming over to chat with the Duke and Duchess, the three siblings left and went to sit down in the corner. No one dared to approach them since Oliver was known as a person who didn't like talking to strangers, Violet has a fierce aura surrounding her, and Lyra was just sitting there. Children of the nobility wanted to go up and talk to them since they might be able to benefit from them but seeing this, they didn't dare. But of course, some people were stupid enough to approach them.

"Hello, I am Sophia Brown from the Baron Family."

"Ah, which Baron? Sorry, I can't remember all the insignificant ones." Violet said. At home or to people that Violet is close to, she's really nice. But to strangers, she acts cold. She wouldn't act this mean usually but this person, Sophia Brown has been on her radar lately, everywhere Violet went, Sophia would be there. Violet could see that Sophia wants to be friends with her cause she's powerful, she doesn't mind since she knows that using each other is a common thing among nobles, but Sophia is just too annoying.

"You- Sorry for my rudeness. I am the daughter of Baron Theo Brown." Sophia said this with a smug look on her face. 'Even if they're from the Duke's family, they still have to be polite to me.' People around her looked at her like they were looking at an idiot. Who doesn't know that no one messes with the Duke's children? "Which one again? As I said, I can't remember all the insignificant ones, I need a description." Violet said with a confused look on her face.

"You-" Sophia tried to look all teary eyes and tried to look at Lyra for help thinking that a child can't be too heartless. Little does she know that Lyra doesn't care one bit. Lyra looks her in the eyes and gives her a smile, Sophia stared at her with hope in her eyes. "Excuse my sister," Lyra said with a smile. Sophia was thinking that she was indeed correct, Lyra can't be heartless. "It's-"

"But I never heard of Baron Theo Brown, is he someone new? You look new to all of this, ah! I got it! You must be new to everything, after all, that dress you're currently wearing is a bit... old and your makeup is also a bit much. Would you like one of my maids help? They do know how to style and they know all the current trends. I would gladly lend you one of my maids." Lyra looks at Sophia with a smile. Lyra also finds Sophia to be quite annoying. 'In the past, you stabbed me in the back now I return the favor to you.'

After this event, no one will want to associate with the Baron Theo's family, the Duke's family is just that strong.

Lyra will also have a new nickname added to her after this. Before this event, top society thought of her as someone naively and someone that they could take advantage of to become closer to the Duke family since she looks innocent but not anymore.

Sophia tried looking at Oliver for help, she had some tears in her eyes and her eyes were saying, 'They're bullying me, help.' Oliver just bluntly ignored her. Sophia didn't say anything or do anything else and walked away with a fuming expression. She was indeed new to all of this, she thought that she would be able to get on the good side of the Duke's family with her looks. The other nobles just look at her while laughing and whispering to their groups.

Lyra said nothing more and sat back while eating desserts and drinking tea. Her sister was by her side putting more desserts onto Lyra's plate and Oliver was pouring her more tea. Everyone could see that the siblings doted on Lyra a lot. After the whole Sophia thing, no one else dares come up to them.

"Announcing the arrival of the Emperor!"

"Announcing the arrival of the Empress!"

"Announcing the arrival of the Crown Prince!"

"Announcing the arrival of the 2nd Prince and 4th Princess from the Empire of Fotiá!"

Lyra didn't know how the announcer's voice didn't hurt. Everyone stood up and bow in the direction of the emperor. "You may rise."

"This is a celebration for the 2nd Prince and 4th Princess. They will be staying in our Empire for the next 5 years. Be sure to treat them with courtesy." The emperor's voice wasn't loud nor was it small, still allowing everyone to hear his domineering voice.

Everyone was surprised at this news. Why would the Fotiá send over their royal members? They all stood still waiting for the emperor to explain the reason why but he just walked to his throne along with the empress while the crown prince went around making small talks.

"There must be a reason," Violet whispered. Oliver and Lyra nodded. Lyra looked in the direction of the 2nd prince and 4th princess seeing that they're also by themselves. But people started coming up to them and started making small talks. "I'm sure father will tell us later," Lyra said. She took her eyes off them and started eating again.

The celebration soon ended and everyone went back home. The duke and his family stayed behind. "I am calling you here to discuss the 2nd prince and 4th princess. I hope that you will be able to become friends with them." The emperor said while looking at the three siblings. Lyra wanted to ask them, why them. But she knew she couldn't. "Yes, your Majesty." The three of them said.

The 2nd prince and the 4th princess were standing at the side. "Why don't you take them around the Royal Palace."

"Yes, your Majesty." The three of them went out with the other two siblings. They walked to the garden and Lyra discovered that the tree was gone and a new tree replaced it. 'What a pity, that tree was truly beautiful.'

"Greetings, 2nd Prince and 4th Princess. My name is Lyra Clarke."

"I am Violet Clarke."

"Oliver Clarke."

The two siblings nodded and introduced themselves.

"Greetings, I am Hazel Harris. This is my brother, Kyst Harris."

Hazel was the younger sibling while Kyst was the older one. Kyst is 8-years-old while Hazel is 6-years-old.

The three siblings nodded in return. They walked around the royal palace having some small talks here and there. Kyst and Oliver stayed quiet while Violet and Hazel would talk most of the time, Lyra would occasionally join in.