Reincarnated as the Betrothed: Bride of the Shadow Queen

Anezka's Pov

We all gathered around the foldable dining table in the balcony, sharing a delightful dinner filled with laughter and lively conversation. It was cousin night, a special occasion that allowed us to eat without any formalities, and we reveled in the joy of dining like royalty.

As we enjoyed our meal, I could smell the rich aromas of the food mingling in the air, heightening our sense of togetherness. In the midst of our chatter, Hayes leaned over and asked an intriguing question: "Sister Anezka, how's your mortal world? I've heard that humans on Earth are very fragile physically but extremely smart mentally." His eyes sparkled with curiosity, making me smile.

I chuckled softly at his question and replied, "Being an Earthling is quite wonderful. We humans have crafted impressive technology that shapes our everyday lives. Our minds are sharp, enabling us to tackle challenges and find solutions to problems we encounter. We constantly strive to make our lives as comfortable as possible. However, when it comes to physical strength, I believe you all are born with magical powers that grant you extraordinary abilities, making you stronger than us. In contrast, we are just ordinary beings, devoid of those remarkable skills."

As I spoke, I could sense the enchantment of our gathering, bridging the gap between two worlds and illustrating the differences that made our experiences uniquely special.

With this topic, Aella leaned in, her curious eyes glinting with interest. "Then that thing you always wear, the one perched on your nose, it looks so strange. Why do you wear it? Is it some kind of human technology?" Her question hung in the air like a thick fog as everyone at the table paused, forks frozen mid-air, turning their attention to me.

It felt as if a spotlight had suddenly aimed its beam in my direction, illuminating my insecurities. I instinctively reached up, adjusting my glasses—a little habit of mine when I feel self-conscious. "Oh, this!" I said with a small smile, trying to ease the tension.

"I've always had a passion for reading. Since I was a child, I would spend countless hours in the library, getting lost in books and stories. But over time, all that reading took a toll on my eyes, and I started to notice everything becoming blurred. So, Aunt Alora, my kind-hearted foster caregiver, took me to see a physician. After a thorough examination, they prescribed these glasses for me. They allow me to see the world in sharp detail, bringing everything into focus. Without them, it's like staring through a foggy window—everything turns into a hazy blur." I explained, my voice tinged with a mixture of pride and vulnerability as I shared a piece of my story.

As I shared my explanation, a chorus of surprised gasps filled the room, their eyes wide with intrigue. I had braced myself for laughter, remembering how my classmates in the mortal world would tease me.

But to my delight, my cousins responded warmly. "That's amazing! Humans are so clever!" Adrian exclaimed, his enthusiasm shining through. "Although we possess magical powers that protect our vision, it's remarkable how humans, without any magic, can still find solutions to problems. I really admire that!" Just as Adrian's words hung in the air, Aiden—the quieter of the two—finally spoke up.

I leaned in closer, eager to absorb every word since he hadn't shared his thoughts since our arrival. "Not long ago, I was walking past the kitchen when I overheard some maids gossiping. They were talking about how Sister Anezka owns a pair of magical glasses that can detect liars. Can you believe it? It's ridiculous how people will chatter about anything that crosses their minds," he said, shaking his head in disbelief, a hint of frustration in his voice.

As Aiden finished his amusing story, the warm glow of laughter filled the room. "I can't believe there made up lie detector glasses for gossiping! Wow, that's fascinating!" I exclaimed, shaking my head in disbelief and delight.

"By the way, Anezka, you should still be cautious," Aella advised, her voice laced with concern. "The maids in our castle are incredibly nosy, and they have a knack for spreading rumors." As she spoke, a shared understanding rippled through the group, and everyone nodded in unison.

"Yes, she's right. You really need to be careful," Hayes chimed in, his tone serious yet supportive. "Okay, I'll keep your words in mind. Thank you all," I replied with a grateful smile, feeling the bond of friendship strengthen in that moment.

As the evening progressed, we finally wrapped up our dinner, the table still littered with remnants of our meal. Aella and I began collecting the plates, carefully stacking them and placing them back on the food-serving trolley, the sound of clinking dishes echoing softly in the cozy space.

Meanwhile, Aiden and Hayes worked together to disassemble the foldable table, their movements coordinated and efficient, while Adrian carefully folded the large picnic mat, ensuring that every crease was neatly pressed. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of camaraderie and contentment as we tidied up after a delightful evening.

As we wrapped up our activities, I couldn't help but notice Hayes and Aiden setting up a small foldable table in the far corner of the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of the moon. Aella, observing my curiosity, leaned in with a playful grin. "Oh, they're establishing that table in your balcony now! It's a charming little tradition we have. The eldest among us gets to keep it, and whenever we feel the urge for a friendly meal together, we gather in the eldest person's space. That way, if we happen to get into any mischief, they'll be the ones to handle it." She punctuated her explanation with a mischievous wink.

I chuckled at her light-hearted description and the playful nature of our group. Aella continued, "It used to be in my room, but now that you're here, it will be yours. I hope you don't mind." I shook my head, my heart warming at the thought of being included. "Of course I don't mind! In fact, I'm really glad you're welcoming me and trying to make me feel comfortable here. Thank you!" I replied, beaming with a smile that reflected my excitement.

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"I like flaws. I think they make things interesting."

- By Sarah Dessen