The emperor''s thunderous voice echoed through the throne room, making the walls seem to tremble. "Are you truly that foolish, Nicolas?" He sat on his throne, his face a picture of disdain.


    The news of the Crown Prince''s debacle at the Magrave estate had spread like wildfire, and the emperor was livid. "I simply wanted to find that creature as soon as possible, Father," Nicolas explained, his head bowed in deference. "That woman was the last person to have contact with it."


    Just then, the door swung open, and a servant entered. "Emperor, a letter from the Magrave estate." The servant approached the throne and handed the letter to the emperor.


    The emperor''s expression darkened as he read the letter. His eyebrow knotted in anger. "You left a trail of destruction at her estate. You allowed your men to destroy some of her properties, and now she demands compensation." The emperor shook his head, disappointment etched on his face.


    He turned to the servant. "Give this letter to the Master of Coin. Let him handle the matter." The servant bowed and retreated from the throne room.


    The emperor''s gaze fell upon Nicolas, his eyes blazing with anger. "Our reputation has suffered greatly because of your reckless actions. You wish to prove your worth as a ruler, yet you behave like a fool. If you continue to tarnish our reputation, the majority of the houses will demand a new ruler, and many will want the Magrave house to govern the North. You will have nothing left to rule."


    Nicolas trembled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I''m sorry, Father. I know I made a mistake."


    The emperor''s voice was laced with regret. "I should have had another heir..." He trailed off, his eyes fixed on Nicolas.


    "Did you at least find the creature?" the emperor asked, his tone hopeful.


    Nicolas shook his head. "I''m sorry, Father. I didn''t find anything."


    The emperor''s face fell, disappointment written across his features. "If any gruesome murders or disturbing news arise, you will be the one to cover it up. Your recklessness has brought this upon us."


    Nicolas''s determination returned. "I will find him, Father. Let me search for him. He may not have gone far from the North."


    The emperor nodded. "Do as you please, but if his trail leads to a noble house, exercise caution this time."


    Nicolas bowed. "I will, Father."


    The emperor''s expression turned calculating. "I have found you another woman. The East Side Crown Princess. Securing her hand in marriage will strengthen our alliance with them. You must treat her with the respect and care she deserves."


    Nicolas nodded, a hint of determination in his voice. "I will, Father."


    The emperor''s voice was firm. "By early spring, she will be introduced as your new Crown Princess. When you impregnate her, the North will be yours."


    Nicolas''s eyes burned with determination. "I will not fail you, Father."


    ***


    As spring''s warmth awakened the landscape, Rose stepped onto her balcony, breathing in the fresh air. The once-barren fields now teemed with green life, and the structures of her city wore vibrant hues. She closed her eyes, letting the gentle breeze carry the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Her thoughts drifted back to the winter''s end, when Matthias would often visit her in her room, and they would share intimate moments together, stealing glances and touches in the secret spaces of her chamber. She also recalled the times Matthias helped her bathe, scrubbing her back with gentle care, a privilege she had promised him before. Now, as she stood on her balcony, Rose felt a flutter in her chest, remembering the tender way Matthias''s hands had touched her skin.


    "This will be a good season," she whispered, a sense of optimism washing over her.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    A soft knock at the door broke the serenity. A servant entered, bearing a formal expression. "Lady Rose, an invitation has arrived from the Capital."


    Rose''s curiosity piqued, she accepted the invitation and unfolded it. Her eyes scanned the elegant script, and a hint of a sneer played on her lips.


    "They''re inviting me to a welcome party for the new Crown Princess," she murmured, memories of her past life resurfacing. She had received a similar invitation back then, but grief over her father''s passing had kept her away.


    The servant''s voice interrupted her reverie. "Will you attend the welcome party, Lady Rose?"


    Rose pondered, her gaze drifting toward the vibrant landscape. This time, she decided, would be different. "I will attend," she said finally, a hint of determination in her voice. "Please summon the dressmaker. I wouldn''t want people to think I''m resentful about the Crown Prince''s new bride."


    The servant nodded, a faint smile on their face. "As you wish, Lady Rose."


    ***


    Rose stood in the guest room, surrounded by her servants and the dressmaker. The dressmaker showcased three exquisite gowns, each one highlighting Rose''s refined features.


    "What do you think of these gowns, Lady Rose?" the dressmaker asked, his eyes shining with pride. "I envisioned you wearing them, and I must say, you would look stunning."


    Rose examined each gown, but none captured her attention. "Do you have more?" she inquired.


    The dressmaker hesitated. "A-ah, yes, Lady Rose, but these gowns aren''t your usual style. They were designed for another lady of the house."


    Rose''s curiosity piqued. "Show me."


    The dressmaker nodded and excused himself. He returned with a large chest, accompanied by two guards. After the guards departed, the dressmaker revealed three more daring outfits.


    Anna, the head servant, stepped forward, her expression disapproving. "I don''t think these are suitable for a formal event, especially one hosted by the Capital."


    Rose smiled mischievously. "I want to try something new, Anna. I''m tired of being seen as a composed, formal, and respected lady. I want to show the Crown Prince that I''m not just a one-dimensional woman."


    The dressmaker''s eyes sparkled with understanding. "You plan to outshine the new Crown Princess, Lady Rose."


    Rose''s smirk confirmed the dressmaker''s suspicion. He presented a soft, blush pink gown that exuded elegance and sophistication. The floor-length, strapless evening gown featured delicate, hand-beaded floral patterns and a sweetheart-shaped neckline.


    "It''s beautiful," Rose breathed, "but I feel exposed."


    The dressmaker''s face fell, but Rose''s next suggestion revitalized him. "Add sleeves, but only from the bust to the wrist, and don''t attach them to the gown."


    The dressmaker beamed. "You have an excellent imagination, Lady Rose. I''ll create it as soon as possible."


    As the dressmaker packed his belongings, Rose instructed Anna to guide him to Lady Mulan''s office. Rose then departed for the training grounds, accompanied by two servants.


    Her thoughts wandered to her father, and a pang of sadness struck her heart. ''I must convince the other houses to support me when I start a rebellion. It''s the only way to ensure that Father''s death brought to justice.''


    Rose''s thoughts drifted away, and she didn''t realize she had arrived at the training grounds until Daimon, Commander Demi''s right-hand man, approached her.


    "Lady Rose, it''s a surprise to see you here," Daimon said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    The topless knights paused their sparring session, their attention drawn to Rose''s conversation with Daimon. Rose''s gaze met Matthias'', who was staring at her intensely.


    "Unfortunately, Commander Demi is out. He''s at Aspire Street with Captain Dante," Daimon informed her.


    Rose shook her head. "I''m not looking for him."


    Daimon''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Is there something I can assist you with, Lady Rose?"


    Rose''s expression turned determined. "I''ll be attending a party at the Capital in two days. I need an escort. Is there someone willing to accompany me?"


    Daimon''s eyebrows rose. "It''s an honor, Lady Rose, but why not accept a nobleman''s invitation?"


    Rose''s lips curled into a wry smile. "I doubt any nobleman would dare ask me to be his escort. It''s a welcome party for the new Crown Princess."


    Daimon''s expression turned understanding. "And people might stir up rumors."


    Rose nodded. "I''ll be your escort, Lady Rose," Daimon offered, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I''ve practiced proper noble etiquette —"


    Before Daimon could continue, Matthias stepped forward, his eyes burning with eagerness. "I want to go with you, Lady Rose."


    Rose''s heart skipped a beat as she recalled a rumor from her past life - a rumor about Matthias and the Crown Princess having an intimate relationship. A rumor that could resurface and ruin everything.


    Rose''s expression turned firm. "Unfortunately, this is a formal gathering. Daimon is more suited to accompany me."


    Matthias'' face fell, and he turned away, his footsteps heavy with disappointment.


    Rose''s gaze followed him before turning back to Daimon. "Inform Commander Demi to go easy on you. Condition yourself for the next two days, and reach out to Lady Mulan to secure funds for a suitable attire."


    Daimon nodded, his expression serious.


    Rose''s voice dropped to a whisper. "And as for Matthias... Tell Anna to teach him proper noble etiquette."


    Daimon''s eyes sparkled with understanding, and he nodded before departing.