Chương 76: Sisters

Teresa stormed toward her sister's room. When she reached the door, she threw it open without knocking. Matilda was sitting on the bed with a bottle of wine in her hand. Her lips were still stained red.

"Ever heard of knocking?" she said with an ironic smile, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Teresa slammed the door shut behind her and strode toward her, her face tense. Her fists were clenched, and her heart pounded so hard it almost hurt.

"So that was your ulterior motive. That's why you came here. Supporting Oscar and me? What a load of bullshit. You wanted to become Queen. And to do that, you're willing to marry my son, your own nephew!" Matilda looked at her, trying to remain calm.

"Calm down", she replied, slowly setting the bottle on the nightstand.

"How am I supposed to calm down?!"

"I only found out today myself. I was just as shocked as you were".

"Liar".

"It's the truth. He hadn't told me anything until today". Teresa stared at her, her eyes blazing with rage.

"If that's true, then why is he so certain you're going to marry him? You turned him down…didn't you?" Matilda remained silent. That silence was answer enough. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"You didn't reject his proposal?" Teresa pressed. Matilda rose to her feet.

"He's the King. What was I supposed to do? Turn down a proposal like that?" Then she looked Teresa straight in the eyes.

"Besides, you know it's true. I've always envied you for becoming Queen. If I accept, I can become Queen too. Don't I deserve to think about my own happiness? Or am I supposed to live only for yours?" Teresa snapped.

"That's my son. And he'll never marry you. The fact that you're his aunt is the least of it. A drunken slut like you has no right to be Queen of this kingdom. You will never be the mother of my grandchildren". The slap came without warning. Matilda struck her hard across the face. Teresa felt her cheek burn, and for a brief moment, a ringing filled her ears. She reacted instinctively, shoving Matilda against the window. The glass rattled violently.

Matilda grabbed Teresa by the hair, smashed her forehead into hers with a brutal headbutt, then drove a kick into her stomach, sending her staggering backward. Teresa pressed a hand against her nose. It was bleeding. She glared at her sister with a mixture of disgust and fury, then turned around and walked out without another word. Matilda was left alone. She looked at a lock of Teresa's hair still tangled between her fingers, then slowly let it fall to the floor.

Oscar stood by the window, gazing out over Virelia when Teresa entered the room. He continued staring at the city, as though his mother's presence did not even warrant a glance.

"Why didn't you consult me?" Teresa asked, her voice tight. Oscar didn't turn around.

"Because I knew you'd oppose it".

"How could I not? She's your aunt. And that's not all, she's had three husbands, she's a drunk and she doesn't behave like a noblewoman. She cannot be your Queen".

"But she's a strong woman", he replied coldly.

"Exactly what I've always wanted. She'll stop drinking, you have my word. She'll become a Queen worthy of her title". Teresa stepped closer.

"You can't marry her. I'll find you a strong woman, but not her. Not Matilda". At last, Oscar turned to face her.

"It's already decided, Mother. Stop trying to postpone the inevitable. I will marry Matilda and she will become Queen. End of discussion". He paused for a moment before adding in a detached tone.

"And wipe your nose. It's bleeding". He left her standing there alone. Teresa raised a hand to her face, then nervously began picking at the skin around her fingernails until she drew blood.