Chapter 245: Slander
[Is she telling the truth? Mother said that our province is being neglected because Lady Karen never had a chance to be Queen. If she had become the Queen then we wouldn’t be going through this hardship.... She’s definitely a Usurper like the people are saying! I must not get swayed easily by her meek face and presence.]
"What is your name, little girl?" Mineah asked, ignoring the curious eyes that had now turned towards them.
"Lilia," the girl replied with pursed lips.
"How old are you Lilia?" Mineah inquired further. The little girl had the vibrant aura of a Meld, a type of vampire that Mineah had learned to recognize by the colors of their life force. It was one of the abilities she had discovered she possessed since the incident in Norma province. She could see a person’s life force, which varied through colors. She was still learning the ropes of her power and noting her observations to come to a final conclusion.
"I’m fifteen," the young girl answered.
"Do you know what ’usurper’ means?" Mineah asked further.
Lilia frowned and confidently stated, "Someone who snatches a position of power by force. You stole your position from our Lady Karen! If you hadn’t then we wouldn’t have to suffer like this."
"Hmm, do you know that it’s not good to jump to a conclusion without knowing all the details? How could I possibly steal my position as your Queen when it was Your King who asked for a hand in marriage during the talk for an alliance? While Ebodia offered an alliance, Valcrez requested a marriage, and my older sister was already the Werewolf King’s mate, so King Nikolai took me instead. Now tell me, Lilia... Do you think that makes me a ’Usurper’? How did I forcefully take the position to be your Queen?" Mineah explained with a gentle smile, her words carrying a sense of reason and fairness.
"I... I..." Lilia stuttetered.