Cursed To Crave My Foster Brothers Lustful Touch

"Lady Aria," a servant called from outside. "The Majesties require your presence in the grand hall immediately."

Adrien's jaw tightened, clearly displeased by the interruption. Aria seized the moment, stepping away from him, though her legs trembled slightly from her weakened state.

"I'll be there shortly," she called back, her voice steady despite her unease. Turning to Adrien, she hesitated. Though she couldn't openly challenge him due to his status, she couldn't let his intrusion go unaddressed.

"Lord Adrien," she began, her voice firm but polite. "While I appreciate your concern, it is highly improper for you to enter a lady's chambers uninvited. I trust this will not happen again."

Adrien raised a brow, clearly surprised by her boldness. For a second, he had wanted to reprimand or remind her of her lowly status as a princess in name, daring to scold him, but he refrained fearing that if the matter escalated he also, would be in trouble. As to why he came to a lady's chamber alone. Aria didn't even give him the chance to retort.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I mustn't keep Their Majesties waiting."

Though her words were measured, the sharpness in her tone left little room for argument. Adrien gave her a deep look, his frustration evident, and left without another word.

As the door shut behind him, Aria exhaled slowly. Her irritation lingered, but relief flooded her as well. She glanced at the amulet on the floor and picked it up. She didn't know why, but she felt it held some importance.

Aria quickly washed up, aware that she hadn't bathed in days since she fell into a fever. She couldn't present herself to the king and queen like that—it would only make things worse.

In just a few minutes, she was dressed and walking toward the grand hall. Her heart pounded with anxiety. She had been summoned shortly after waking up meaning it was urgent.

The heavy doors to the hall were already open, and her steps echoed against the polished marble floor as she entered.

The sight before her was exactly as she had expected.

At the center of the room, seated on ornate golden thrones, were her parents. King Alden's sharp features were shadowed by his furrowed brow, his expression one of cold displeasure. Beside him sat Queen Seraph, her gaze icy and calculating as she looked down at Aria like she was dirt beneath her feet.

To their left sat Lucien and Darius, her adoptive brothers who had just returned from the royal academy.

Lucien, the middle brother, leaned back in his chair, his dark green eyes glinting with barely concealed contempt. His auburn hair, slightly disheveled, gave him a roguish appearance, but there was nothing charming about the smirk playing on his lips.

Darius, the youngest, sat straighter, his black hair neatly combed. Unlike Lucian, his expression was blank, his gaze refusing to meet hers, but his stiff posture spoke more about the tension in the room. It was as though they we're looking at an enemy.

Their presence made everything worse. She could feel their hatred in the way Lucien's eyes bore into her, silently mocking her. She knew where they had come from, years spent at the prestigious academy, where they were praised and admired, groomed to be the heirs her parents always wanted. And here she was, standing before them, unwanted and unloved.

Aria stopped a few steps from the dais and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty. Your Grace."

Queen Seraph scoffed, the sound soft but sharp enough to cut.

"Raise your head," King Alden commanded, his tone devoid of warmth.

Aria obeyed, lifting her gaze just enough to meet their cold, unyielding stares.

The king leaned forward slightly, his voice booming. "How do you explain the shame you have brought upon this family?"

Aria froze, her throat tightening.

"You fainted—fainted—on the day of your betrothal ceremony," he continued, each word like a lash. "Do you have any idea what humiliation you caused? The entire court witnessed your pathetic display."

"I didn't mean to—" Aria began, her voice shaking, but Queen Seraph cut her off.

"Excuses," she snapped. Her piercing blue eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. "You've embarrassed this family beyond measure. Three days you've spent in bed, Do you think anyone will respect a future queen who collapses at the slightest inconvenience?"

Aria looked up at them, her vision blurred by unshed tears. Why was it her fault? Was it her fault she wasn't the boy they had wanted? The boy they had needed to secure the throne? Why had she been neglected and cast aside for something beyond her control? Her fists clenched at her sides as silent questions filled her mind.

The king's next words were a hammer blow. "Because of your foolish display, the engagement has been called off."

Aria's heart plummeted. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"The engagement is off," the queen said, her tone cold and final. "Eric's family wants nothing to do with a weakling. And honestly, who could blame them?"

The room spun as Aria struggled to process the words. Eric… had ended it? Just like that? A small part of her heart, the part she had allowed to hope, crumbled. She had trusted him. Slowly, she had let her guard down, believing he might care for her even slightly. Perhaps it wasn't love, but it had been something—something she had clung to in her otherwise loveless life. And now, it was gone.

The words felt like a dagger to her chest. "Off?" she echoed, her lips trembling. "How, How could he?"

"Because of your shameful display," the king added, his voice heavy with disappointment. "You've cost us a vital alliance."

Tears blurred Aria's vision, but she refused to let them fall. She had just woken up from a fever, and this was what awaited her? Not concern, not care, but blame?

How could Eric do this to her? They had spent time together, shared moments that felt real. It wasn't love, at least, she didn't think it was, but it had been something. He had been the only one to treat her with even a shred of kindness. How could he end it so easily, so cruelly, over something she couldn't control?

Her hands clenched at her sides. "I… I didn't mean to faint," she said quietly. "I wasn't well."

"Then you should have controlled yourself," Queen Seraph hissed. "Do you think anyone will respect a future queen who collapses under pressure?"

"But—"

"No buts!" the king interrupted. "Your failure has disgraced this family. And you will pay for it."

Aria bit her lip, the sting of their words cutting deeper than she could bear. She glanced at Lucien and Darius, hoping,praying,that one of them might defend her.

But, they only looked at her with disdain.

Queen Seraph rose from her throne, her movements sharp and precise. "For your stupidity, you will serve as a maid for the next week. Perhaps some humility will teach you to think before you act."

Aria's chest tightened. A maid? She had already endured enough humiliation. But she knew better than to argue. "Yes, Your Grace," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Leave," the king commanded, waving her away as though she were nothing more than a servant.

Aria bowed once more and turned to go. The moment she stepped out of the hall, the tears she had been holding back streamed down her face. She quickened her pace, desperate to reach the sanctuary of her room before anyone could see her.

Once inside, she shut the door behind her and collapsed onto her bed. The sobs came in waves, each one heavier than the last.

Why was her life so different from others? When others fell ill, they were showered with love and care. Why was she met with scorn and punishment instead?

Her thoughts turned to Eric. She needed answers. With trembling hands, she grabbed her phone and dialed his number.

The line rang once before he answered. "Aria," he said, his voice soft but uncertain.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Why?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Why did you do this to me? Why did you end it like this?"

There was a pause before he sighed. "Aria… I'm sorry. I'll come over, and we'll talk."