Alice hurried to approach Queen Anastasia and Princess Aria. She put the teapot and the two cups on the bedside table, before bowing in front of Anastasia.
"S-sorry for not properly greeting you, Your Majesty. I was just worried about the Princess. I’ve been waiting for her arrival, only for some of the servants to say that she had fainted while in the throne room with Princess Swan," Alice said worriedly.
Anastasia looked at the bunny maid, and then at her daughter, "Who is she?"
"She’s the maid assigned to be my attendant on my last visit. Don’t worry, Mom. She’s kind and trustworthy, unlike other beastmen," Aria replied.
Alice almost jumped out of joy when Princess Aria complimented her. Nobody—not even Lady Jade—often complimented her when she hadn’t done anything right. It made her feel happy and at ease.
’Yes, of course, I’m different from other beastmen. Everyone here has been influenced by Princess Swan’s dark spell, except me! I’m the only one who still has my mind!’ Alice said proudly in her heart. ’Maybe I do have some talent in magic since I’m the only one immune to such spells....’
Aria could see that Alice was delighted to hear such a simple and meaningless compliment. She held herself back from scoffing, ’What a simple and stupid bunny. But oh well, I hope she’s doing her job right this time.’
"How have you been, Alice? You seem well," Aria smiled.
"Y-You remember my name, Princess?" Alice was on the verge of tears as she was over the moon. "But I’m just a lowly servant."
"Of course, I remember your name," Aria maintained her smile. "I’m sorry I can’t greet you properly. Swan has just blasted me with her dark power. I tried to beg for forgiveness, but she tortured me until I fainted while we were in the throne room..."
Alice gasped, "I-It’s okay, Princess! I know you must’ve already tried your best, but Swan—that woman is so vicious with her dark magic. She has been using it to manipulate everyone in the castle to love her!"
’Wow, I’ve only told her about some ridiculous rumor of Swan being a witch, and she ran with her own twist immediately,’ Aria thought. ’Perfect. She is the perfect tool to make everyone suspect Swan even more. I can also use her for other things.’
Aria smiled bitterly, "I tried to warn His Majesty about my sister’s evil spells, but he won’t listen. I think he has been charmed as well."
"Yes! He does many strange things when he’s with Princess Swan, and he keeps saying that woman is his fated mate even though she cannot get pregnant with his cubs!" Alice reported in full energy as she had been holding all of these resentments in her heart. "Princess, I’ve been trying my best to separate them. I’ve been telling everyone about her being a witch, but nobody believes me!"
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