ã€ŠDescendants of the General Sorcererã€‹


 Chapter 1

    My father was the most skilled fortune-teller in the world. His predictions were never wrong.

    The most famous instance was when the capital city endured three days of continuous rain. My father predicted that on that very night, a fire would break out in an alley on the eastern side of the city.

    Nobody believed him. In fact, many bet against his prediction, using their money to prove him wrong.

    The ten households in that alley joined forces. They extinguished all lanterns, avoided lighting candles, and were determined to discredit my father¡¯s reputation.

    But as the hour of midnight approached, just as the third watch of the night was announced, a massive fire erupted at the end of the alley.

    Fortunately, everyone had prepared for the worst, so a major disaster was averted.

    It was later revealed that the incident stemmed from a romantic affair. A young lady had arranged a secret meeting with her lover at midnight. Normally, the two relied on the light from lanterns hanging under the eaves. But since all the lights were extinguished that night, they lit their own lantern to see each other.

    A strong gust of wind knocked over the lantern, and the fire quickly spread. The lover fled, leaving the young lady disgraced and heartbroken.

    Rumors and gossip spread, tarnishing her reputation completely. In her despair, she came to my father.

    At first, my father thought she was there to confront him, but instead, she came with a generous gift to thank him. She said his prediction allowed her to see the true nature of her unfaithful lover, saving her from a life of suffering.

    That was how my father first met my mother.

    They spent over a decade together, deeply in love and completely trusting one another. During those years, my father gave up fortune-telling, refusing to make predictions for anyone, whether they were powerful officials or extraordinary individuals.

    But when I was ten years old, my mother passed away suddenly from an illness. It struck like lightning on a clear day. Before the medicine brewing on the stove could even be finished, she was gone.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    On her deathbed, she left the four of us sisters with eight words of advice:

    ¡°Do not be consumed by schemes; do not be enslaved by magic.¡±

    Among the four of us, three inherited the gift of fortune-telling, except for our youngest sister.

    After our mother¡¯s death, my father became a completely different person. He fell into deep despair for half a month before returning to his old profession of reading fortunes for others.

    For over a decade, my father¡¯s name had faded into obscurity. Yet now, he carried himself with an arrogance that surpassed anything from his past. He didn¡¯t just foretell the future; he dared to proclaim life and death.

    He often said that such knowledge was a divine secret, not to be shared.

    I began to suspect that my father no longer cared about his own survival.

    For five years, he built his reputation as the greatest seer alive, leveraging the lives and fates of countless people. And then, at the end of those five years, the man he had been waiting for finally arrived.

    The man was around fifty, with piercing eyes and a heavy fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders. A retinue of attendants followed close behind¡ªstoic, sharp-featured individuals with deliberate, calculated movements. Each one carried an air of importance, their focus unshakable.

    The man spoke with authority:

    ¡°The kingdom is in turmoil, the court riddled with schemes and intrigue. Can you divine who will claim the throne when all is said and done?¡±

    My father laid four coins on the table and said,

    ¡°The destiny of the crown lies with one of these four.¡±

    There was little in the world that my father did not know.

    When my mother was alive, he used his talents only to amuse her.

    She¡¯d ask him about trivial matters¡ªthe price of grain, the timing of rain, or the first snowfall of the season.

    He¡¯d chuckle softly, shaking his head, and ask,

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask me something more significant?¡±

    But she would just sit under the porch, watching snowflakes flutter, her hands warming over the hearth, and reply:

    ¡°What is significant? Should I care who becomes the next king?¡±

    One day, as a child, I was running through the courtyard with a branch of blooming plum blossoms in hand when I overheard my father¡¯s reply:

    ¡°Fair enough. Many have asked me the same. The future king will be one of these four: Prince Alaric, Lord Chancellor Corwin, General Elias, or Duke Rowan.¡±

    Five years later, my father repeated those very names.

    And that prophecy became our doom.

    The one who ordered our imprisonment was none other than the reigning king himself, a man who demanded one answer alone: his son, the Crown Prince.

    The king accused my father of spreading treasonous lies to sow unrest and decreed our family¡¯s execution.

    But under the cover of darkness, the king himself crept into the dungeons. He demanded my father reveal the name of the rightful heir to the throne.

    <hr>

 Chapter 2

    My father sat on the cold stone floor, his face hidden by his disheveled hair, his frail body as thin as a withered branch.

    ¡°My daughter, the one who carries my blood, can predict the fate of her future husband,¡± he said.

    After speaking, he closed his eyes for a long time, as if coming to some grim decision.

    The king looked around and asked, ¡°Which one of you is his daughter?¡±

    In the dim prison, my eldest and second sisters remained calm, unshaken. I sat in a shadowy corner, my mind slightly adrift. Beside me, my youngest sister clung to my arm, trembling.

    ¡°Third sister, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    She was only fifteen, freshly of age, timid since childhood. Ten years ago, when my mother and I were descending from a temple after offering prayers, rain poured suddenly. A beggar child chasing a stray dog slipped into the mud, blocking the path of our carriage.

    At a single glance, I urged my mother to help. That child became my youngest sister, and since then, she had been closer to me than anyone else.

    I cupped her face and made her look directly at me.

    ¡°Trust me. You¡¯ll be fine,¡± I said firmly.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    I squeezed her hand gently to reassure her. ¡°Of course. You know I wouldn¡¯t lie.¡±

    We were brought before the king.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s it,¡± he mused, eyeing us with mild amusement. ¡°Four names, and it turns out he has four daughters.¡±

    My father¡¯s surname was Myles, and he¡¯d named us simply after the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

    The king questioned each of us in turn, asking our names and the nature of our gifts.

    The first to answer was my eldest sister, Myles Spring.

    ¡°I can see the goodness or wickedness in people¡¯s hearts,¡± she said.

    The king scoffed. ¡°Good and evil? Even if you claim to know, how could anyone prove it?¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Next was my second sister, Myles Summer.

    ¡°I can foresee how long a person will live,¡± she replied.

    Intrigued, the king leaned forward. ¡°Then tell me, how long will I live?¡±

    She bowed her head respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty, you will live forever in glory.¡±

    Unimpressed, he frowned. ¡°You dare not give me a real answer? Then look around this chamber and point out the one whose death is nearest. Let¡¯s see if your claim holds any merit.¡±

    Straightening her back, she scanned the room before slowly raising her hand to point toward a corner.

    ¡°Him,¡± she said.

    The king followed her gaze and furrowed his brow.

    ¡°Him?¡±

    It was an unremarkable guard, pale and visibly shaken as he dropped to his knees. His hands trembled, his face drained of color.

    I knelt beside my sister and glanced toward the man. The sight stunned me: his hand was creeping toward his boot, where a dagger was hidden.

    The king began walking toward him, but before he could get close, the guard leapt to his feet, a flash of steel in his hand.

    ¡°Assassin!¡±

    The chamber erupted into chaos.

    Acting on instinct, I grabbed a handful of dirt from the floor and hurled it into the man¡¯s face, momentarily blinding him. Seizing the king¡¯s sword from its sheath, I thrust it into the assassin¡¯s chest with both hands, driving it straight through.

    The man¡¯s eyes widened in shock, blood dripping from the blade as his body slumped to the ground.

    It was the first time I had killed someone.

    I drew a deep breath, trying to steady myself, then turned to face the king. Before I could meet his gaze, my eyes caught my youngest sister¡¯s expression¡ªwide-eyed and horrified. She was clinging to the king as if to shield him, trembling uncontrollably.

    By contrast, my eldest and second sisters, who were closer to the scene, remained composed and still. Their calmness helped me regain my own. I dropped the sword and returned to my knees.

    The king glanced at my youngest sister, clinging to him, then coldly pushed her aside and approached me.

    ¡°What is your name?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Myles Autumn,¡± I replied.

    ¡°Do you know how to fight?¡±

    ¡°No, Your Majesty.¡±

    He crouched closer, his sharp eyes boring into mine.

    ¡°Then what was that just now?¡±

    I raised my head to meet his gaze.

    ¡°I have a gift, Your Majesty. I can foresee death. When I look at someone, I see the moment of their demise.¡±

    The answer clearly caught him off guard.

    I extended my hand, blood dripping from a deep cut made by the blade.

    ¡°This was my first time wielding a sword. I simply acted on instinct.¡±

    The king studied my wounded hand, then picked up the bloodied sword, turning it slowly in his grip.

    ¡°If that¡¯s true¡­ can you also see how I will die?¡±

    ¡°You will live a long and prosperous life, Your Majesty,¡± I replied.

    The king gave a faint, skeptical smile, his gaze shifting toward my youngest sister.

    Panicked, she dropped to her knees.

    ¡°Your Majesty¡­ I....I¡­¡±

    My eldest sister stepped forward.

    ¡°Your Majesty, she is our youngest. She was adopted and has no talent for prophecy.¡±

    The king tilted her chin up with the tip of the sword, forcing her to look at him.

    ¡°So, she¡¯s here just to fill out the numbers,¡± he muttered with a smirk.

 Chapter 3

    My youngest sister, Winter, struggled to her feet, trembling so violently that her voice quavered.

    ¡°Y-Your Majesty,¡± she stammered.

    The king¡¯s cold gaze swept over my eldest sister, Spring, and my second sister, Summer, before settling on me.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± he said, his voice sharp. ¡°If you are truly as gifted as you claim, tell me this: will I kill her?¡±

    Of course not.

    From the very first moment I met Winter, I had foreseen her death. In that vision, she was dressed in the robes of a queen, her face twisted with rage as she lunged at another woman with a dagger. But before the strike could land, an arrow came from nowhere, piercing her chest. She collapsed to her knees, and the other woman, as if expecting the moment, pulled a hairpin from her crown and drove it into Winter¡¯s throat.

    Keeping my expression calm, I replied,

    ¡°You will not kill her, Your Majesty.¡±

    The words had barely left my lips when the blade plunged into Winter¡¯s chest.

    She gasped, clutching at the wound, her fingers slick with blood as it seeped through them. Falling to her knees, she collapsed forward onto the cold stone. The king withdrew his sword, wiped the blood from his hands, and spoke with icy finality.

    ¡°Take her to the palace and see that she¡¯s treated. If she dies, kill the rest of them as well.¡±

    <hr>

    Two months later, my sisters and I were summoned to the palace.

    Rumors swirled that Winter had fully recovered and now served at the king¡¯s side day and night. It was even said she had clashed with one of the royal concubines.

    Today, the king had not only summoned us but also the four men my father had once predicted would contend for the throne. He intended to arrange our marriages.

    At the far end of the grand hall, four men sat in a row, each exuding nobility and confidence. Tall embroidered screens divided the space, but through the gaps, we could glimpse their faces.

    From left to right sat two young men¡ªthe Crown Prince and a general, both around eighteen or nineteen. The general had a commanding presence, while the Crown Prince was composed and regal. Next was the chancellor, a sharp-featured and handsome man. Lastly, at the far right, was the king¡¯s half-brother, Duke Rowan, older and more reserved.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Spring and Summer whispered to each other, leaving me alone. They had kept their distance from me for years, treating me like an irredeemable sinner.

    Soon, the king entered, taking his seat at the head of the hall.

    ¡°I want to see which of you sisters has the best eye for character,¡± he declared.

    Winter followed closely behind him, dressed in finery. Spotting us behind the screens, she quickly ran to my side.

    ¡°Autumn,¡± she whispered, clutching my hand.

    I took her hand in mine, using the moment to feel her pulse. Her injury had indeed healed completely. A wound that severe should have claimed half her life, even for someone trained in combat.

    ¡°Autumn,¡± she murmured, leaning in close, ¡°the king is letting us choose first.¡±

    She glanced nervously at me. ¡°But if we let Spring and Summer choose first¡ª¡±

    I cut her off.

    ¡°We must let them go first. That way, we¡¯ll learn what we need to know.¡±

    She hesitated. ¡°You mean whoever Spring chooses will have good character, and whoever Summer chooses will live a long life. But doesn¡¯t that mean the ones left for us will be wicked or doomed?¡±

    I turned my gaze to the four men across the hall.

    ¡°Wicked men can still triumph, and short lives can still leave lasting legacies. What matters is knowing your strengths and weaknesses.¡±

    Winter fidgeted, torn between impatience and fear. She wanted to choose first but lacked the insight to know whom to pick.

    ¡°Trust me,¡± I told her.

    Spring was the first to stand. Taking a jade token from the servant¡¯s tray, she walked around the screen and presented it to the Duke, Rowan.

    The hall murmured in surprise. The Crown Prince, renowned for his kindness and humility, seemed the obvious choice. Three years ago, he had personally led relief efforts in the southern provinces, even slaughtering his own horse to feed the starving. Yet Spring had chosen the Duke, a steadfast supporter of the Crown Prince but known for his reserved and calculating nature.

    Her choice spoke volumes: the Duke was a man of integrity. That was all I needed to remember.

    The Duke accepted the token, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he composed himself. His wife, already a duchess, would have little reason to be concerned about an additional bride.

    Next was Summer. She chose the Crown Prince.

    That meant he was destined to live the longest.

    She placed her token on the table before him, but the Crown Prince did not even raise a hand to accept it. His face remained stoic, as if the exchange had never occurred.

    It was my turn.

    As I rose, Winter clung to my sleeve, her voice breaking as she knelt before me.

    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t go! What should I do? Please, tell me¡ªwho will have the best fate?¡±

    I froze, caught in her desperate plea.

    I couldn¡¯t tell her.

 Chapter 4

    From the first glance, I didn¡¯t see their faces¡ªI saw their deaths.

    It was both terrifying and strange.

    As the four men sat conversing, I saw it all:

    One would die of starvation, the scene staged to look like a hanging.

    Another would be run through with a sword from behind.

    One would perish amidst the mournful cries echoing through the royal palace.

    And the last would be poisoned, forced to follow the king to the grave.

    I couldn¡¯t speak of it.

    Just as I couldn¡¯t tell Winter that one day, I might be the one to kill her. How could I say such a thing?

    Especially since, in every vision, I was always there when they died.

    Yet here, in this moment, if I didn¡¯t speak, she wouldn¡¯t relent. Even the palace attendants had started to take notice, though they didn¡¯t interrupt. I understood¡ªit was what the king wanted.

    ¡°Stop crying. I¡¯ll tell you,¡± I said after a long pause, my resolve firm. ¡°Choose the chancellor, Corwin.¡±

    Her sobs ceased immediately. Her voice turned icy.

    ¡°Autumn, should I trust you?¡±

    She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, her expression blank as she stood tall, took the jade token, and turned to leave.

    She moved quickly, as if trying to claim my turn before I could stop her. I reached for her sleeve, but she slipped away, and two attendants stepped between us.

    ¡°His Majesty has granted Lady Winter the right to choose first,¡± they said.

    It all became clear. From the moment she sat beside me, she had calculated her move to deceive me and win my trust.

    She had played me perfectly.

    Winter didn¡¯t believe me. She didn¡¯t choose the chancellor. Instead, she gave her token to the young general, Elias.

    Elias stiffened the moment she approached, his fingers twitching slightly. He neither accepted the token nor looked at her. His gaze moved past the screen, locking on me, his expression unreadable.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    He was the only one of the four men not yet married.

    He cared for me.

    The ancestral home of Elias¡¯s family was in the eastern district of the city, abandoned for years. When I was ten, I¡¯d climbed the wall chasing a parrot that had escaped its cage. That was when I first met him. He climbed a tree and caught the bird for me.

    Three years later, after my mourning period ended, we met again.

    It was summer, by the lake. Amidst the vibrant green leaves and crimson blooms, he rowed his boat toward mine and handed me a lotus flower. The pale pink petals quivered gently, a beauty that left me breathless.

    If not for Winter¡¯s schemes, I had planned to choose Elias.

    I picked up the jade token, tracing its smooth edges with my fingers. After hesitating, I rose and stepped out.

    As I passed the Crown Prince, he lifted his teacup and spoke.

    ¡°Those who have been chosen may also choose again.¡±

    His meaning was clear¡ªhe wanted me to pick him.

    Since my father¡¯s death, my sisters and I were the last of the seers, and my unique gift made me an invaluable ally. If I pledged loyalty to the Crown Prince, I could become his most trusted advisor.

    Across the hall, Elias accidentally bumped the table, making a small noise.

    If I chose Elias now, the world would think it was because I had calculated his destiny as the future king. That would only put a target on his back, marking him as a threat to the royal family.

    But choosing the Crown Prince would tie me to Summer¡¯s abilities, making any lie I told harder to sustain and pulling me into dangerous court intrigue.

    I walked past them both, stopping before the chancellor, Corwin.

    He sipped his tea, his gaze steady as he glanced up at me and silently accepted the token.

    I had chosen him.

    A choice neither remarkable nor damning.

    The king arranged our marriages one by one.

    Elias refused several times, earning the king¡¯s scorn before finally agreeing.

    Spring and Summer were made secondary consorts. Winter became the general¡¯s wife, and I was named the chancellor¡¯s concubine.

    <hr>

    At the palace gates, Elias followed after me.

    Corwin, ever perceptive, stepped aside, allowing us to speak privately.

    ¡°Autumn,¡± Elias began, his voice strained. ¡°What happened today¡ªit wasn¡¯t my choice. Even if I marry her, I won¡¯t¡ª¡±

    I cut him off sharply.

    ¡°General, we are both bound by marriage now. Please don¡¯t say such things to me.¡±

    He fell silent, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

    Winter approached swiftly from behind.

    ¡°Sister, are you worried about my feelings?¡± she said mockingly.

    ¡°What does it matter if I let you have him? He¡¯s just a man. What I want isn¡¯t him¡ªit¡¯s the future power he represents.¡±

    Her gaze shifted to Elias, cold and possessive, as though he were a prize she had claimed.

    ¡°If you want, we can work together. Even if I¡¯m his wife, I won¡¯t overstep my place.¡±

    Elias turned away, his hand clenched tightly behind his back.

    ¡°No need,¡± I said, meeting her gaze firmly.

    ¡°You¡¯re better suited to these games than I am.¡±

    I had no intention of joining forces with her¡ªor fighting over him.

 Chapter 5

    That evening, I moved into the chancellor¡¯s estate.

    Corwin and his wife had been married for three years, their bond deep and unwavering. There were no concubines or servants in his household, and it was clear he had no interest in changing that.

    The king granted a ten-day leave for newlyweds.

    Corwin visited my room only on the first night. He sat in silence for what felt like half a cup of tea¡¯s time before finally speaking.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about what happened in the prison,¡± he began, his voice measured. ¡°The Myles family, descendants of seers, known for your ability to foresee death. Even the Crown Prince has shown interest in keeping you close. Yet today, you chose me. I can only assume it was out of necessity.¡±

    I met his gaze calmly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made my choice,¡± I said. ¡°If you have something to ask, ask directly. If it¡¯s about a prediction, I won¡¯t refuse.¡±

    He lowered his head slightly, brushing the froth from his tea with the lid of his cup.

    ¡°How will I die?¡±

    The vision struck me instantly:

    He stood amidst a pool of blood, sword in hand. Before him was a woman, her eyes wild with fury. Suddenly, a blade pierced him from behind, striking through his heart.

    I hesitated, then answered slowly,

    ¡°Do you truly wish to know? Once spoken, a fate often fulfills itself.¡±

    When he didn¡¯t stop me, I continued,

    ¡°You will die from a blade through the heart.¡±

    His fingers trembled slightly as he set down his tea.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I replied, lowering my voice. ¡°I only saw the act¡ªsomeone struck from behind, and you weren¡¯t prepared. Perhaps you should be cautious of those closest to you.¡±

    He sat silently for a long time, repeating my words under his breath. ¡°Those closest to me¡­¡±

    Then he looked out the window, his hand clenched into a fist.

    ¡°I have no ambitions to seize the throne. All I want is a quiet life with Arianne.¡±

    For the remaining nine days, he didn¡¯t set foot in my room again, which suited me just fine.

    The political landscape was volatile. The Crown Prince held the strongest claim to the throne, with control over the city¡¯s elite guard. Duke Rowan had the support of the royal family and his stronghold in Yenswick, where his private forces were well-trained.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    General Elias¡¯s father commanded the northern armies¡ªa force of two hundred thousand soldiers stationed at the border for over a decade.

    In comparison, Corwin seemed insignificant. Though he came from a noble lineage¡ªhis family a union of two powerful houses¡ªhe lacked military power. However, he had passed the royal exams at a young age, rising as a leader among reformist nobles in the court. With his striking appearance and refined manner, he was the picture of a gentleman.

    Yet appearances alone couldn¡¯t make him one of the four contenders.

    Until I met his wife.

    Arianne, the only daughter of the Duke of Braedon, was a woman of quiet elegance. Her father was not only a founder of the kingdom but also a sworn brother to the first king. He had been granted the rare privilege of maintaining his own private army¡ªa force that would pass to Arianne¡¯s son if she had one.

    The first time I saw her, she was seated at a desk, her chin resting on one hand as she wrote. A golden bracelet on her wrist caught the light, accentuating her delicate hands.

    A vision struck me:

    Flames engulfed the estate, the sky glowing an ominous red. She collapsed at the desk, blood staining her gown. With her last strength, she handed me a letter and removed the bracelet from her wrist¡­

    ¡°Are you the third daughter of the Myles family?¡± she asked, snapping me back to reality.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied with a polite smile.

    Arianne was warm and composed. She spoke to me as if we were old friends, offering me a large box of pearls from the Eastern Sea as a gift.

    ¡°My husband has always been considerate,¡± she said lightly. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll forgive his coldness after taking you into our home.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± I replied. ¡°The chancellor clearly values you. I¡¯ve long since given my heart to another, so I take no offense.¡±

    She paused briefly before laughing.

    ¡°I heard from my husband that you caught the attention of both the Crown Prince and General Elias. He said you chose him only out of necessity. I assumed he was exaggerating.¡±

    I said nothing, letting the silence speak for itself.

    Noticing her slip, she softened her tone.

    ¡°Miss Myles, it feels too distant to call you that. Please, call me Arianne.¡±

    In the days that followed, Arianne treated me with increasing kindness, often inviting me to share breakfast with her. Whenever Corwin joined us, I would quietly excuse myself, finding solace in the uneasy harmony of our lives.

    Ten days later, Corwin escorted me to the palace.

    On the way, we crossed paths with the other three couples.

    Spring and Duke Rowan maintained a formal distance, their relationship more akin to allies than lovers.

    Summer and the Crown Prince resembled master and servant.

    Corwin and I appeared cordial but distant. In contrast, Elias and Winter made no attempt to hide their mutual disdain, their rivalry evident in every glance.

    The king greeted us, asking a few trivial questions about our lives before dismissing our husbands. Only the four of us sisters remained.

    ¡°Can you guess,¡± he asked sharply, ¡°who will be the next ruler?¡±

    To protect ourselves, we each declared that the man we chose was destined for the throne.

    The king erupted into a fit of coughing, furious at our evasiveness.

    ¡°Get out of my sight!¡± he bellowed, slumping back into his chair.

    As we turned to leave, his voice rang out once more.

    ¡°Wait. Winter and Autumn¡ªstay behind.¡±

 Chapter 6

    ¡°The other two are irrelevant,¡± the king said, his tone sharp. ¡°Myles Autumn, didn¡¯t you want to choose General Elias that day?¡±

    I answered calmly, ¡°Your Majesty, I told my younger sister she should choose Chancellor Corwin. The palace attendants can confirm it. She misunderstood my intentions.¡±

    Winter immediately retorted, her voice firm and resolute.

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie, Your Majesty! She tried to trick me into making the wrong choice. The one she truly wanted to pick was General Elias!¡±

    I lifted my head, meeting the king¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Your Majesty, if you believe that a seer would lie, then nothing I say¡ªnothing even my father said¡ªshould ever have been trusted.¡±

    The king¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you lie? You clearly said that I¡­¡±

    A teacup flew through the air, shattering inches from Winter¡¯s face.

    Shards of porcelain scattered across the floor, and one sharp fragment nicked her cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. She didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, she straightened her posture, dabbing the blood away with a trembling hand before falling silent, realizing she¡¯d spoken out of turn.

    The king waved her away coldly, and she was escorted out.

    <hr>

    The king descended the steps slowly, his measured pace accompanied by an even steadier voice.

    ¡°In the prison, I learned what you and your sister have been hiding.¡±

    He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

    ¡°If eternal life were truly possible, I wouldn¡¯t have needed to seek out your father. I won¡¯t ask her again. Tell me, how will I die?¡±

    A bloodstained handkerchief dropped to the floor in front of me.

    I looked down at it, my expression calm, my voice steady.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you should know¡ªI am perfectly capable of lying.¡±

    I lifted my gaze to meet his, unflinching.

    The king stopped, his face hardening.

    Ignoring his reaction, I stood without waiting for permission.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I demonstrated my ability clearly in the prison. No one¡ªnot even an emperor¡ªis exempt from fate. If you want me to predict your future, it will take more than a simple command. There must be an exchange of equal value.¡±

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    I took a step back, watching him carefully.

    ¡°Of course, you could kill me. Kill my entire family, even. But you won¡¯t get a single truth from my lips if you do.¡±

    The king¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    ¡°What is it you want? Speak plainly.¡±

    I tilted my head slightly.

    ¡°I want to know how my younger sister¡¯s wound was healed.¡±

    His expression flickered, surprised at my modest request. After a brief pause, he exhaled and explained,

    ¡°Her heart is located in an unusual position¡ªnot on either side of her chest, but at the center, slightly higher, near the throat. That¡¯s why, despite the severity of her injury, it wasn¡¯t fatal.¡±

    I instinctively touched my own throat, murmuring under my breath,

    ¡°So that¡¯s it.¡±

    The realization chilled me. The woman in my vision¡ªthe one holding the golden hairpin¡ªwas undeniably me.

    The king¡¯s gaze turned cold as he studied my reaction.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn,¡± he said.

    I raised three fingers solemnly, my voice unwavering.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I swear on my mother¡¯s soul in heaven, what I say now is the absolute truth¡­¡±

    <hr>

    When I exited the hall, Elias was waiting near the door. Seeing me, he immediately approached.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± he asked, his tone laced with concern.

    I shook my head slightly, indicating there was nothing to worry about.

    Not far away, Corwin stood silently, his expression composed. My elder sisters and their husbands were also waiting, none of them having left yet.

    Moments later, a court attendant emerged to deliver a message: Winter would be staying in the palace overnight.

    All three husbands turned to look at Elias.

    He glanced at them one by one, then shrugged nonchalantly.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me? I¡¯m not the one staying behind.¡±

    Corwin glanced briefly at him before addressing me.

    ¡°You may return to the estate on your own. I¡¯ll leave first.¡±

    With that, he walked away. Spring and Summer followed soon after, though Summer cast one last glance in my direction before departing.

    I climbed into Elias¡¯s carriage.

    The first thing he said was,

    ¡°My marriage to Winter is purely in name.¡±

    I lowered my head slightly, my voice neutral.

    ¡°I know. She belongs to the king.¡±

    He retrieved an ornate food box, carefully lifting a pastry with a silk handkerchief and offering it to me.

    ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t, once my father returns from the north, I¡¯ll annul the marriage.¡±

    I took the pastry from his hand, speaking softly.

    ¡°Your father is leading the northern army, while you, your mother, and grandmother remain in the capital. Now that she¡¯s married to you, the king will certainly use her to keep you in check. You should limit your correspondence with the north.¡±

    Elias watched as I bit into the pastry, a satisfied smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± he said lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you and your sisters can predict your husbands¡¯ fates. Is that true?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± I replied between bites.

    He extended his hand suddenly.

    ¡°Then can you tell mine?¡±

    I paused, still chewing, and replied casually,

    ¡°I don¡¯t read palms. But just by looking at your face, I can tell you¡¯re destined for wealth and prosperity.¡±

    He chuckled, amused.

    ¡°My father believes in such things too. He once brought me to a seer who said I carried the destiny of a dragon. Do you think that¡¯s true?¡±

    I set the pastry down, wiping my mouth with a napkin before meeting his gaze.

    ¡°Destinies are complicated. Even the best seers aren¡¯t always right.¡±

    He folded the napkin neatly, tucking it into his coat.

    ¡°Then tell me what you see.¡±

 Chapter 7

    "The first factor is fate itself," I began. "Those with a strong destiny¡ªbalanced traits, a natural alignment with the elements¡ªtend to seize opportunities, making their futures easier to predict. On the other hand, those with weak destinies¡ªimbalanced traits, a passive nature¡ªare much harder to foresee."

    "And the second?" Elias asked, his curiosity evident.

    I leaned back, a small smile tugging at my lips.

    "The second is proximity. Even I can¡¯t predict my own fate. The closer someone is to you, the harder it is to read them accurately."

    I stood and took a seat beside him, leaning in to meet his gaze directly.

    "My father once said that the closer a seer becomes to someone, the more they use their abilities for that person, the greater the chance they may alter their fate entirely."

    Elias seemed caught off guard by my proximity, his eyes flicking to mine.

    "Like this?" he asked, his voice softer now.

    I chuckled behind my hand.

    "Not exactly. Only relationships like parent and child, husband and wife, or blood relatives are close enough to influence fate. For example, my mother¡¯s life was meant to last a century, but my father¡¯s interference cut it short¡ªshe didn¡¯t even live to see thirty."

    I moved back to my seat and pushed the curtain aside, glancing out at the streets.

    "This isn¡¯t the right route," I remarked.

    Elias cleared his throat.

    "I had them take a detour," he replied, his tone steady but guarded.

    "Did you ever meet my mother?" I asked, still watching the streets pass by.

    He hesitated, surprised by the sudden change in topic.

    "I didn¡¯t, but she must have been a remarkable woman."

    "Perhaps your father met her," I said lightly, turning to face him.

    "My mother once lived near your family¡¯s ancestral home. Nineteen years ago, a great fire swept through that area. It caused your family to move. Who knows? Maybe your father crossed paths with her back then."

    Elias frowned, as if something was on the tip of his tongue, but before he could respond, the carriage came to an abrupt halt.

    The curtains fell, food tumbled from its box, and I was thrown backward into his arms.

    Elias instinctively caught me, his hands steadying my shoulders.

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    "What happened?" he demanded, glancing toward the door.

    I shifted away from his grasp, casting a sharp glance at his hand. He caught the look, quickly released me, and retreated to his side of the carriage.

    A voice called from outside.

    "It¡¯s the carriage of the Crown Prince¡¯s consort!"

    <hr>

    Upstairs at the tea house, I found my second sister, Summer, waiting, but she wasn¡¯t the one who wanted to see me. The Crown Prince, Alaric, sat behind a long stone table, pouring tea with deliberate precision.

    He slid a cup toward me.

    "I heard from your sister that my father doesn¡¯t have more than a year left. I want to know who dares to harm him. Tell me who¡¯s behind it."

    I sipped the tea, lowering my gaze.

    "You poisoned him."

    The words hung in the air.

    Alaric froze, his hands gripping the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white.

    "Impossible," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I would never do such a thing. How could I¡ª"

    I glanced around the dimly lit room, clicking my tongue as if in mild disapproval.

    "Your Highness, there¡¯s no one else here. You should be pleased. Whether you¡¯ve done it yet or not doesn¡¯t matter. If one day you do, it will work."

    His head snapped up, his darkened eyes meeting mine. Suddenly, he seized the cup and hurled it against the wall, the sound of shattering porcelain ringing out.

    "I don¡¯t believe you!" he shouted. "My father would never push me to that point!"

    I watched him carefully. He had already convinced himself¡ªnow he was searching for reasons to justify it.

    I rose to leave.

    "Wait." His voice was steady now, quieter but no less intense.

    "Why didn¡¯t you choose me that day in the throne room? Don¡¯t you believe I can succeed?"

    I paused mid-step.

    "That year, during the drought in the south," I said without turning, "you stayed for eight months, leading relief efforts. By the third month, the food stores were empty. By the sixth, you were slaughtering horses to feed the people."

    I turned to face him, my gaze steady.

    "Tell me, Your Highness, was it really horses you killed?"

    The faint light of the room cast long shadows across his face. Alaric stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips.

    "The past is irrelevant. I only want to know¡ªwill you follow me if I succeed?"

    From somewhere in the darkness, the sound of a blade being drawn echoed softly. The flickering candlelight at the door wavered as if in fear.

    "If you succeed," I said evenly, "then I will follow."

    <hr>

    Leaving the room, I ran into Summer by the window. She tilted her head, her expression cold.

    "I knew you¡¯d be fine," she said flatly.

    "Such faith in me, sister," I replied, feigning a hurt tone. "You¡¯re so reassuring."

    She didn¡¯t respond.

    I sat across from her, taking her untouched tea and drinking it myself.

    "I know you and Spring have never liked me. Fortunately, I¡¯ve never needed approval. Just take care of yourselves."

    I didn¡¯t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be peace.

    <hr>

    Half a month later, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Corwin announced he would take Arianne to the palace to visit his cousin, the Imperial Consort.

    Bored, I sat by the pavilion, feeding the koi in the pond.

    Noticing my idleness, Arianne took my hand with a warm smile.

    "Come with us," she said brightly.

 Chapter 8

    Corwin was firm in his refusal.

    "The last visit to the palace was by royal decree. She¡¯s just a concubine¡ªshe shouldn¡¯t be going to court."

    "Autumn isn¡¯t truly a concubine," Arianne argued, gripping my hand tightly. "She only has the title, not the role."

    Corwin pressed a hand to his temple, sighing in resignation. Finally, he relented, though his weariness was clear.

    Arianne and Corwin sat side by side in the carriage.

    Arianne chatted freely, her demeanor warm and relaxed. Corwin responded patiently, careful not to seem distant.

    I sat by the door, a respectful distance away, watching the reins sway in rhythm. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep.

    The jolt of the carriage stopping woke me just as we arrived at the palace gates.

    Corwin passed me on his way out of the carriage, pausing briefly to glance at me before stepping down. Then, with a flick of his hand, he gestured toward me.

    Startled, I turned instinctively to Arianne.

    She had already pulled out a small powder compact, dabbing at my forehead.

    "A red mark," she observed with a gentle laugh. "Perhaps you¡¯ve been bored at the estate, and it¡¯s affecting your sleep?"

    "It¡¯s not that," I replied softly. "It¡¯s just¡­ too much on my mind."

    <hr>

    August had brought an early chill to the palace, and Consort Thorne had already lit the hearth in her chambers.

    She sat on a cushioned chair, her pale hands clutching a brazier, her lap covered with a soft blanket. She seemed to feel the cold more deeply than anyone else.

    While Corwin and Arianne spoke with her, I stood quietly behind them, observing.

    In my mind¡¯s eye, I saw her lying motionless on a bed, her face ashen. Her hands were folded over her stomach, and dark blood trickled slowly from the corners of her mouth, staining her neck.

    Suddenly, she opened her eyes and looked directly at me.

    "Are you from the Myles family?"

    Startled, I dropped to my knees.

    Corwin glanced back at me, raising his hand in a calm gesture, signaling me to stand.

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    "Cousin," he said gently, "she is the concubine granted to me by His Majesty."

    Consort Thorne paid no attention. Pulling her blanket tighter, she accepted a newly stoked brazier and sighed softly.

    "A seer, then? I once met your younger sister. Quite beautiful. She¡¯s the general¡¯s wife now¡­ such a shame for Elias."

    I stood still, silent.

    If my mother were alive, she and Consort Thorne would be the same age.

    "Your Grace," I said carefully, "I¡¯m not only skilled in reading fates but also in medicine. Your pale complexion and aversion to cold suggest you¡¯ve been poisoned."

    The sound of the brazier falling shattered the air.

    It hit the ground, breaking into pieces.

    <hr>

    Corwin quickly ushered us out of the palace, returning us to the estate.

    <hr>

    Two weeks later, the entire palace was in uproar.

    Consort Thorne had been found to have been poisoned with a rare toxin called Snow Lotus Extract. While it wasn¡¯t fatal, it severely weakened the body and rendered the victim incapable of bearing children. Worse, it was contagious to those who shared a bed with the victim.

    The king was so enraged he fell ill, summoning the royal physicians and ordering an immediate investigation.

    A month later, the culprit was revealed: the late empress, the Crown Prince¡¯s mother. The poison had been administered over a decade ago, causing Consort Thorne¡¯s only child to be stillborn.

    Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the court and palace. Some speculated that the king¡¯s inability to father more children in recent years was also due to the poison.

    I thought that with such revelations, Consort Thorne might avoid her predicted fate.

    But three days later, she took her own life with poison. In her farewell letter, she confessed to having harmed the king¡¯s health and expressed deep guilt.

    When the news of her death reached us, the palace attendants brought a rare jade lock¡ªa gift Consort Thorne had commissioned long ago for her daughter¡¯s first birthday.

    Dressed in mourning clothes, Corwin stepped past me and knelt before her memorial.

    I, too, wore mourning attire, kneeling silently beside him.

    He slowly fed paper offerings into the brazier, the flickering flames casting a red glow across his face.

    "You knew, didn¡¯t you?" he asked, his voice low.

    I said nothing.

    "I thought she would die from the poison," I said finally, "not by her own hand."

    "You should have kept it to yourself," Corwin snapped, his voice rising. "If you hadn¡¯t said anything, she might not have died so soon!"

    He stood abruptly, hurling the paper offerings at me. The sharp edges cut my face, leaving a stinging warmth on my skin.

    I looked up, meeting his furious gaze head-on. He had dared to raise a hand against me.

    The guests paying their respects turned to watch the scene unfold.

    Arianne stepped forward, pushing the onlookers aside. She pulled me into her arms, shielding my face with her wide sleeve as she led me to an inner room.

    "His temper has always been like this," she said as she applied ointment to my cuts. "Consort Thorne¡¯s death has placed him under heavy scrutiny. He doesn¡¯t want to be dragged into court factions."

    "If that¡¯s the case, he should resign," I replied coldly.

    Arianne stifled a laugh, quickly covering her mouth in respect for the mourning period.

    "Don¡¯t take it to heart," she said. "What wife would argue right and wrong with her husband?"

    I pushed her hand away, my voice steady.

    "He¡¯s your husband, not mine."

    Arianne smiled faintly, placing the ointment in my hand.

    "Is that so? And what about Elias? Would he raise a hand against you?"

    "He wouldn¡¯t," I answered without hesitation.

    Arianne urged me to rest, insisting I skip the remainder of the mourning rites.

 Chapter 9

    That night, Corwin came to see me.

    It was the first time in three months since I entered the estate that he stepped into my courtyard.

    The doors creaked twice.

    "About what happened today, I had no intention¡ª"

    I leaned against the window frame, holding a book in my hand, but I didn¡¯t respond.

    "You should understand that predicting fate in such a cold, merciless way makes me uneasy."

    I snapped the book shut and looked at him steadily. "Chancellor, today you wanted to ask, and I only told the truth. But that made you unhappy. What exactly are you afraid of? Consort Thorne was poisoned and sought revenge for the princess. If, in the end, she was fated to die, then so be it."

    He stood silently for a moment before turning away.

    Consort Thorne had served the King faithfully for twenty years, enjoying his favor throughout.

    But she had no children. And so, her death barely made a ripple in the court.

    The King, unable to find anyone else to blame, directed his anger at the Crown Prince.

    More than that, it was said that whenever the King¡¯s illness worsened, the Crown Prince would send him medicine.

    After the incident, the King¡¯s suspicion of him only deepened.

    The Eastern Palace was now heavily guarded, with even close aides barred from entering.

    Duke Rowan kneeled outside the main hall for a day and night, pleading for the Crown Prince, but the King remained unmoved.

    When he turned to Corwin, he wasn¡¯t even allowed through the gates.

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    Corwin fell ill soon after and remained bedridden for months.

    Spring came to visit me.

    "I won¡¯t go to see the Crown Prince," she said. "Summer is already locked away with him in the Eastern Palace."

    I was sipping tea and looked up at her. "Spring, if you ask me, I will tell you¡ªyou won¡¯t die."

    She snatched the cup from my hand, gripping my wrist tightly.

    "Autumn, look at me. Am I still your sister?"

    Her fingers dug into my skin, and a drop of blood slid down my arm. She gritted her teeth. "You can see people¡¯s deaths, but can you see mine?"

    I studied her expression carefully.

    "You and Summer have always been cold toward me," she said. "Doesn¡¯t that make me the villain in your eyes? As if I don¡¯t know what you two think of me? And now, when you need me, you suddenly ask for my help?"

    She turned and walked away.

    I still didn¡¯t understand what made her so certain of her own kindness.

    But given her abilities, she had always been able to align herself with the right people and avoid unnecessary troubles. Even when we were given in marriage to four powerful men, she and Duke Rowan had maintained an easy and beneficial relationship.

    The Eastern Palace had endured a miserable, cold winter, but the Chancellor¡¯s estate remained warm and inviting.

    As for Corwin, he spent more time at Arianne¡¯s residence.

    The two of them often talked late into the night.

    I kept my distance, watching from afar, my thoughts wandering elsewhere.

    One evening, while we sat in quiet companionship, Arianne turned to Corwin.

    "Should we invite General Elias over?"

    Corwin nodded.

    Elias arrived just as the first snow had melted, bringing with him a bouquet of red plum blossoms.

    I took the flowers from him, brushing away the melting snow, feeling the damp petals against my fingertips.

    Corwin and Arianne were still seated, the warmth of the brazier filling the room with a comforting scent.

    Elias sat beside me. We said nothing, only sharing the quiet as we placed the blossoms in a vase.

    Then, Arianne stirred the fire, and Corwin followed her out into the courtyard.

    The four of us remained silent.

    News soon arrived from the palace.

    The Crown Prince¡¯s consort, weakened from years of illness, had passed away.

    Despite her status, she was buried in the Eastern Palace, forbidden a proper state funeral.

    Arianne was granted permission to pay her respects.

    The Eastern Palace, once isolated, was now strangely open to visitors. Even minor consorts and maids had the freedom to come and go.

    Summer, who had been confined for nearly a year, was finally allowed to greet guests.

    When she saw me, she smiled bitterly.

    "I used to visit often," she admitted. "But as time passed¡­"

    She hesitated, her voice trailing off.

    I placed my hand over hers. "Summer, do you think an old, cunning fox can truly rise to power?"

    She scoffed, lowering her gaze. "You overestimate me, sister."

    But I knew she understood what I meant.

    The game was far from over.

 Chapter 10

    Arianne nodded, saying nothing more.

    She simply twisted the bracelet on her wrist.

    Since early spring, the Crown Prince had been secretly appointing officials to positions in the capital.

    Even the minor clerks seemed to have traces of his influence.

    Yet he did not promote trusted allies but rather placed people into roles where they would meet an untimely end.

    In just a short time, aside from a few exceptions, most new appointees in the capital barely lasted three months before being dismissed or mysteriously dying.

    The administrative structure of the city had never seen such chaos.

    At first, the king ignored the matter, merely pressuring the Ministry of Personnel to handle it.

    But the sheer number of unresolved cases overwhelmed the officials, forcing them to spend entire days reviewing records. Only after months of delays did they finally clear the backlog.

    The Crown Prince continued targeting the Ministry of Personnel.

    According to Chancellor Corwin, his strongest ally within the Ministry at that time appeared to be my second sister.

    As the months passed, tensions grew between the Crown Prince and Duke Rowan.

    During this time, as the Eastern Palace remained under restriction, the king, in a moment of leisure, handed the Tiger Seal¡ªa symbol of military authority¡ªto Duke Rowan.

    Now, the Crown Prince was desperate to reclaim what he had lost.

    Duke Rowan had always been wary of the Crown Prince, but now he grew more extreme, his strategies unpredictable. He finally resolved to challenge the Crown Prince directly.

    "Perhaps, Lady Spring encouraged him to act against the Crown Prince¡­"

    A storm of political maneuvering was brewing, filled with hidden schemes and power struggles.

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    Staring at the snow-covered plum trees outside, a thought suddenly crossed my mind:

    Would the king even live long enough to witness the outcome?

    Everyone blamed Alaric and his demand for the Tiger Seal.

    As the sky darkened, it was clear that the most crucial moment was approaching.

    That evening, Corwin came to see me.

    He stepped inside and ran his hand along the carved window frame, inspecting the embroidery on my curtains.

    "Half the season has passed, yet your home looks no different than before," he remarked.

    Despite his words, the Duke of Braedon¡¯s estate had been bustling for the past seven days, celebrating his birthday. Though the old duke was aging, he had yet to decline. He had only one daughter, Arianne, whom he treasured, and he had called in favors to promote her husband¡¯s rank. It was clear he was preparing for her to rise even higher.

    After finishing his visit to Arianne, Corwin invited me to join them.

    I withdrew my hand. "If too many people speak of it, what will you say? And if no one speaks of it, what will you do?"

    Corwin glanced at me, his gaze unreadable, before looking away. "There isn¡¯t much to say. I¡¯ll simply sever all ties between my family and the Duke of Braedon."

    I nodded slightly and stepped outside.

    Arianne studied me carefully. "Is it true?" she asked. "Have you seen Elias?"

    I considered her question before answering. "He¡¯s been busy handling matters for the Duran family."

    Corwin stood beside her, lowering his gaze.

    The next day, I visited Arianne.

    She had caught a cold and was unable to meet me.

    On the seventh day of the king¡¯s birthday celebrations, an invitation from the palace arrived, summoning me to the festivities. I had to prepare my gifts quickly.

    Arianne and I rode together in one carriage, while Corwin took another.

    Arianne gazed out the window, letting out a quiet sigh. "Whenever I see him, it unsettles me."

    I was skilled in maintaining composure, so I answered lightly, "If that¡¯s the case, why dwell on it?"

    She turned her head slightly, looking at me. Then she lowered her gaze and began to weep.

    For some reason, tears streamed silently down her face.

    The quiet carriage, the faint scent of incense, and her soft sobs only made the king¡¯s presence at the palace feel more suffocating.

    That evening, I met Duke Rowan.

    Not long ago, his wife had died from illness. Given his noble status and close ties to the Crown Prince, he had been granted the title of Prince Regent.

    The Crown Prince personally paid him a visit. It was no secret that he had faked an illness to avoid court affairs, but now he suddenly began discussing the idea of reinstating the former empress.

    During the banquet, while others were enjoying themselves, my elder sister and the Crown Prince met in private before the hall.

    She reminded him, "The Crown Prince¡¯s heart is deep. Only those closest to him understand his true nature."

    Lady Spring looked at me. "Would you be willing to take my place in the Eastern Palace?"

    Her expression was unreadable.

    After a long pause, her voice turned cold. "Are you hesitating because you want to secure your own position? Or are you afraid of what awaits you?"

    I took a sip of tea, holding the cup steady. "I¡¯ll think about it."

    She watched me closely before walking away.

    Corwin was waiting outside.

 Chapter 11

    The palace attendants wanted me to move to the front row.

    The front row already had Duke Rowan and the Crown Prince Alaric, and Elias was also seated there due to his connection to Silverbrook. Now, it was only missing me and Corwin.

    But if I went, Arden Forster would be left alone.

    "You should stay with Arden. The person His Majesty wishes to see is me."

    Corwin responded, "This is the grand banquet of an emperor. Since we''ve been granted marriage, appearing together carries even greater meaning."

    Just then, Arden accidentally spilled her soup. The broth streamed down the back of her hand, dripping onto her arm with a loud splash.

    I pulled her into my arms. "Are you alright?"

    Corwin handed her a handkerchief. "Luckily, the soup has already cooled."

    Arden lowered her head without speaking. She took the handkerchief, rubbed her hands until they turned red, and then reached for the golden beeswax bracelet on her wrist.

    "This bracelet is valuable. It shouldn¡¯t be soaked."

    The palace attendants stepped forward to urge Corwin along.

    He advised me to go with him first, promising to return for Arden shortly.

    Arden stood there, fumbling to remove the bracelet, but she couldn''t. It was as if she were holding onto something with all her might. Her face flushed red, sweat beading on her forehead.

    A sudden thought crossed my mind.

    I told Corwin to wait, then gently grasped Arden''s wrist and carefully removed the bracelet for her.

    Her pulse was strong.

    I leaned in slightly, my voice soft. "Arden, have you¡­ gained some weight recently?"

    Arden slowly turned to look at Corwin. "I''m pregnant."

    Corwin froze.

    Arianne kept her gaze fixed on him before summoning a palace servant, claiming she wasn¡¯t feeling well and instructing them to call for the imperial physician.

    Corwin didn¡¯t have time to stop her.

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    That night, news of Arianne¡¯s pregnancy spread across the six palaces and quickly traveled throughout the capital.

    I sat alone in the front row.

    Not long after, the longevity blessings and gift-giving ceremony began.

    Crown Prince Alaric presented a scroll titled "A Million Citizens'' Blessings."

    Duke Rowan offered a grand folding screen called "Eternal Longevity."

    Corwin gifted an elegant calligraphy piece by a famous scholar from a previous dynasty.

    I presented a parrot, its feathers entirely crimson like blood.

    Then it was Elias¡¯s turn. He gifted two Blood-Sweating Horses, which had traveled thousands of miles from the Braedon Frontier.

    A heavy gift, but the loyalty of Braedon weighed even heavier.

    Silverbrook then stepped forward, offering a painting titled "T? ??c Tham T¨¬nh ??"¡ªa masterpiece portraying the deep love of parents for their children.

    Clearly, Elias had not known about this gift beforehand.

    The entire hall fell into complete silence.

    It wasn¡¯t until The King looked at the painting that tears began to stream down his face, leaving everyone stunned.

    Crown Prince Alaric immediately fell to his knees, crawling step by step to his father. He reached out to wipe the tears away with his sleeve, while simultaneously apologizing, sobbing uncontrollably for a long while.

    At last, the bond between the imperial father and son was mended.

    Elias noticed me sitting alone and approached, offering me a drink.

    "What madness is this now¡­ presenting such a painting? It¡¯s practically a sentimental gift for Crown Prince Alaric."

    I raised my cup, clinking it against his. "Your gift was much better. I just saw them¡ªthose two horses are worth a fortune."

    "The Blood-Sweating Horse is already rare, and to bring them all the way from Braedon to the capital¡­ I can¡¯t even imagine how much effort and wealth it must have cost."

    Elias, hearing this, withdrew his gaze, downed his drink in one gulp, and changed the subject. "When the banquet ends, I''ll take you home."

    I nodded. Given how hurriedly Corwin and Arianne had left, I doubted they had left a carriage for me.

    At that moment, on the elevated platform, The King stood up from his seat. He took two steps forward before suddenly collapsing backward into his chair.

    His eyes were wide open, his mouth unable to form words¡ªhe showed signs of a sudden stroke.

    The entire hall erupted into chaos.

    Crown Prince Alaric rushed to embrace The King and hurried him away, with Silverbrook following close behind.

    The palace doors slammed shut.

    The great hall was locked.

    Of the dozen people attending the banquet, aside from royal family members and high-ranking officials, everyone else was detained inside.

    The imperial guards brought in the royal physician. They examined every dish, searched each person¡¯s clothing, and conducted an exhaustive search through the night.

    No one was allowed to sleep, but nothing suspicious was found.

    By noon the following day, they recorded the identity of every person present, took fingerprints, and only then did they permit people to leave.

    The palace gates were packed with carriages from various noble households.

    Elias draped a cloak over my shoulders, gently holding me as he spoke. "Ride in my carriage. I¡¯ll take you home."

    I was just about to go with him when someone called out, "Lady Autumn."

    Both Elias and I froze for a moment before realizing¡ªthat was how the servants at Corwin¡¯s estate addressed me.

    Corwin¡¯s carriage was parked near the gate, seemingly waiting for me all night.

    I climbed into the carriage.

    I thought it would be empty. To my surprise, Corwin was inside, alone.

    "My lord, this is¡­?"

    Corwin gazed at me intently. "Step outside for some fresh air."

    I sat near the carriage door, silent throughout the entire ride.

    I was utterly exhausted.

    Yet, I couldn¡¯t close my eyes.

 Chapter 12

    The King was bedridden with illness, and Crown Prince Alaric stayed by his side day and night. The affairs of the court were upheld by Duke Rowan and a few others, but government matters had nearly come to a halt.

    The world was on the verge of a power shift, and soon, Corwin¡¯s household would no longer be the same.

    News of Arianne¡¯s pregnancy reached the Braedon frontier.

    The Duke of Braedon secretly gathered his army, preparing to march on the capital to oppose Crown Prince Alaric.

    Meanwhile, Corwin was preoccupied every day, meeting with the Duan, Corwin, and Song families. Yet, he never once stepped into Arianne¡¯s chambers.

    She, heavily pregnant, waited all day in the corridor, only to be sent away in the end.

    That evening, as I sat by the window feeding my crimson parrot, Corwin stood at the corridor¡¯s entrance, watching silently for an unknown length of time.

    "This bird¡ªis it the same as the one you offered at the ceremony?"

    I paused my movements. "The Crimson Parrot is a twin species. But raising both at once is taboo, so I only brought one to the palace."

    Corwin barely reacted. "Is the fortune-telling of your family never wrong?"

    For Arianne¡¯s sake, I offered him some insight. "My lord, have you ever heard of how my father predicted the great fire in the eastern part of the city?"

    He nodded slightly. "I have."

    "Once a prophecy is spoken, it becomes a thread in the weave of fate. The more one tries to escape it, the more they walk into its trap. But in the end, it is the heart of a person that determines their destiny."

    I set down my silver spoon and turned to look at him, my gaze unreadable.

    Corwin sat down, as if lost in thought.

    "So, you mean I should let it be? The state of the court now is like a drawn bowstring. To remain an untainted official is nearly impossible."

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    "You could resign, take Arianne and the child to the Braedon frontier, leave the child in the care of Duke of Braedon, and retreat with Arianne to a peaceful countryside life."

    He sat there, silent for a long time.

    As night fell, lanterns lit up the courtyard. Corwin, instead of leaving, spoke again.

    "Whenever I see Arianne, I feel exhausted. But when I''m here with you, I find a strange sense of peace."

    I looked at him quietly, then smirked.

    Corwin caught my smile, smirking in return. He glanced around the room and pointed to a chair near the window. "I''ll sleep there."

    "My lord, suit yourself."

    I gestured toward the small window by my parrot¡¯s perch. "Don¡¯t close the window. I don¡¯t like sleeping with it shut."

    For the past several months, Corwin had spent the night in my chambers seven or eight times.

    Since then, whenever I tried to visit Arianne, she refused to see me.

    Even the servants whispered about me behind my back.

    I stopped going altogether, letting her have peace.

    Some things could never be made clear.

    From the moment Corwin made his decision, Arianne and I could no longer be friends.

    Because Arianne loved him.

    That night, beneath the ink-black sky, I heard an unusual sound. I climbed out of bed, walked past Corwin, who was asleep, and pushed the window open.

    A small shadow darted across the darkness.

    The parrot stood firm on its perch, its shadow cast against the window frame.

    I was about to turn back.

    Then, suddenly, in the dead of night, the parrot screeched in a shrill voice, "Traitor!"

    My entire body turned cold.

    It called out again, "Orphaned heir!"

    I nearly lost my balance, stumbling two steps backward.

    Through the parrot¡¯s crimson gaze, I seemed to see it soaring over the darkened capital, perching atop the eaves of the imperial palace, resting on a wooden stand by a window.

    The lantern light cast its shadow upon the Eternal Longevity folding screen¡ªelongated and faint, drawing little attention.

    Because on the screen, there were already two shadows.

    One person was tilting another''s chin up, while the other was pouring something into their mouth.

    Suddenly, in the darkness, a pair of hands landed on my shoulders.

    I was dizzy, uncertain of where I was. I bit down hard on a finger, too afraid to cry out.

    "It¡¯s me. Don¡¯t be afraid."

    Corwin had woken up.

    His hand remained on my shoulder as he gazed out the window before turning to the parrot.

    "Traitor... Orphaned heir... I wonder where it learned such words."

    He repeated them, his face devoid of emotion, but his gaze grew impossibly deep.

    I steadied myself.

    Crown Prince Alaric had made his move.

    The throne was shifting.

    It was only a matter of time.

    At dawn, when the city gates opened and the streets were empty, I escorted Elias, now in disguise, as he departed the capital.

    "Be careful on your journey."

    I took out a charm and placed it in his palm. "Who knows when we will meet again? I embroidered this talisman for you. You should leave something for me in return."

 Chapter 13

    Elias looked at me intently, his gaze deep, then clenched the protection charm in his hand.

    "Autumn, the capital is dangerous. Come with me to Nord Braedon! If I take the throne, I will make you my Empress."

    I firmly refused. "I can¡¯t. My family is here, and so is yours."

    He pressed his lips together, sighed, and looked down at himself. "I have nothing to give you as a keepsake."

    "You do."

    I gently pulled on his sleeve. "Elias, your father once transported horses from Braedon for the King¡¯s birthday, mobilizing forces for the long journey. I suspect some of those men are still hidden outside the capital, waiting for further orders. Leave your command medallion with me as protection."

    Elias froze. "Then what about me? Am I to return alone?"

    "Then you must also be careful."

    Elias lifted his head, looking at me silently. After a moment of hesitation, he carefully tucked the charm into his chest, then took out the Ly family¡¯s command medallion and handed it to me. "It¡¯s only a thousand men, but I entrust them all to you."

    He pulled me into his arms and whispered, "Autumn, wait for me. If anyone wants your life, tell them to come to me. I¡¯ll take the burden for you."

    The fingers resting on his back trembled slightly. I responded softly, "You will return safely."

    When I returned to the estate, Arianne¡¯s courtyard, which was usually quiet, had some unusual liveliness. Word had spread that Corwin had gone to visit her.

    I was about to go rest, but something felt wrong.

    Without hesitation, I stormed into Arianne¡¯s courtyard, pushing the servants aside and bursting through the doors.

    Before me, I saw Corwin feeding her medicine.

    I rushed forward and struck the bowl from his hands. It shattered into pieces on the floor.

    Corwin¡¯s expression changed slightly.

    Arianne, leaning weakly against the bed¡¯s edge, looked first surprised, then empty, her gaze fixed on the broken shards.

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    Corwin stood, ordered the servants to clean up, gave me a glance, and left without another word.

    Arianne lay back down and pulled the blanket over herself.

    "Arianne, you must send word to the Duke of Braedon."

    "Leave."

    She pulled the blanket tighter around her and turned away, refusing to look at me.

    I knew it was impossible to wake someone pretending to sleep.

    Even more so, an expecting mother pretending not to know.

    She was beautiful, fragile, and carrying a child. As long as she clung to her blanket, she could shut out the storm outside.

    The autumn winds rose. The capital grew tense.

    Elias¡¯ disappearance had already been discovered.

    I had no time to linger around Arianne any longer. Instead, I selected a few of Elias¡¯ elite guards and secretly placed them in Corwin¡¯s estate.

    I feared for Arianne¡¯s safety.

    Since the first time I met her last year, I had seen a vision of Corwin¡¯s estate consumed by flames.

    She had been heavily pregnant then, writing a farewell letter before she took her last breath before me.

    That letter¡ªI suspected it was meant for the Duke of Braedon, likely a plea for help.

    Since the King¡¯s birthday banquet, The King had not appeared again.

    Crown Prince Alaric had yet to reclaim the Imperial Guards, but his alliance with Duke Rowan had stabilized, securing his current position.

    If any threats remained, they came from the Ly family in Braedon and the Duan family in the West.

    Corwin had silently aligned himself with Crown Prince Alaric.

    He had no need for Arianne¡¯s child. He had no need for the Duke of Braedon to march on the capital.

    And yet, for some reason, Arianne still had not sent word to her father, leaving the Duke of Braedon unaware of his son-in-law¡¯s true intentions.

    That day, Arianne sought me out, asking to borrow Consort Thorne¡¯s jade lock.

    "It was the late consort¡¯s keepsake. I believe it is with Corwin."

    Arianne said nothing more and simply sat in silence for a while.

    Before leaving, she looked at the crimson parrot perched outside the hall. "You keep one of these too?"

    I suddenly remembered¡ªshe was from the West.

    That evening, I mentioned the jade lock to Corwin.

    "You already lent it out?"

    "No. It just happens to not be with me. A few days ago, I sent it to the jeweler for restoration."

    Corwin told me an interesting story.

    The Duke of Braedon once proposed a daring plan¡ªto fabricate a new identity for Arianne, claiming she was the long-lost daughter of the King, the infant princess who had died years ago.

    "How could that be possible? The princess was stillborn, not missing..."

    Corwin rubbed his temple and sighed. "But there were some strange circumstances that could be taken advantage of."

    Fifteen years ago, the princess was born without breath, without a heartbeat. Yet, her body remained warm, never turning cold.

    The King summoned every physician in the palace, but none could save her.

    At the time, Consort Thorne was at the height of her favor. She refused to believe her daughter was dead, cradling the child for three days and nights.

    But on the fourth day, the infant princess still did not open her eyes, nor did she make a sound.

    The King ultimately ordered her to be laid to rest.

    Consort Thorne knelt before him, begging for a water burial instead.

    A small sandalwood boat was prepared, with holes carved in the bottom so it would sink. The princess was placed inside, drifting along the river¡¯s vast current, before vanishing beneath the waters.

 Chapter 14

    Corwin narrowed his eyes as if recalling something.

    "At that time, the water burial was a secret in the palace. But those present¡ªthe King, the Late Empress, Duke Rowan, the Duke of Braedon, my cousin, and myself¡ªwe all witnessed it. In less than half a day, the infant princess sank beneath the waters. There was no way she survived. The Duke of Braedon wants to elevate Arianne¡¯s status with this ploy? What a ridiculous dream."

    I poured tea, my voice casual.

    "I, on the other hand, think the Duke of Braedon is quite creative."

    Corwin turned to look at me, his gaze cold. Suddenly, he placed his hand over mine.

    "Elias has fled. Why didn¡¯t he take you with him?"

    I frowned slightly, withdrawing my hand too quickly, causing the hot tea to splash onto his.

    Corwin stood, staring at me in silence.

    I forced a smile, feigning remorse.

    "Sir, you keep bringing up painful topics for me."

    At dawn, the sound of a wooden gong echoed, followed by the deep chime of a bronze bell. A moment later, the bell fell abruptly, its ringing cut short.

    I hurriedly threw on a robe and pushed open the door.

    The sky above Corwin¡¯s estate was redder and brighter than the rest of the capital.

    The Crown Prince Alaric''s soldiers had completely surrounded the estate.

    He wanted to see me¡ªand he had even prepared a gift.

    When I opened it, a crimson parrot burst out, circling a few times before flying straight into my courtyard.

    "A pair of Blood Parrots, male and female, taking turns to spy on the palace day and night."

    Alaric raised a hand, signaling his men to track the bird.

    "Autumn, you used Weaver¡¯s Venom on this parrot. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a waste?"

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    Weaver¡¯s Venom was a sinister poison used by Western shamans. Any man who ingested it had to see the shaman daily, or he would suffer agonizing pain. It was a method to bind unfaithful lovers.

    "Wasting it? When it¡¯s used to uncover matters of life and death?"

    Alaric grabbed me by the throat and shoved me against the wall, his voice low and threatening.

    "I won¡¯t question you helping Elias escape. But tell me¡ªwho has been opening the palace window for you every night? Out of respect for your three sisters, I¡¯ll spare your life."

    Outside, Corwin and Arianne stood in the courtyard, surrounded by soldiers with gleaming swords.

    I stared into Alaric¡¯s eyes and let out a helpless laugh.

    "I am nothing more than a concubine of Corwin¡¯s household, barely summoned to the palace a handful of times. Do you really think anyone would listen to me? Alaric, your paranoia is no different from your father¡¯s¡ªno, from the Late King¡¯s! You are exactly like him!"

    At that moment, one of his subordinates returned and reported,

    "The two parrots have been killed."

    Alaric¡¯s face remained expressionless as he released me.

    "Autumn, I¡¯m not killing you because you¡¯re still useful."

    Leaning against the wall, I clutched my chest, coughing a few times before looking up with a mocking smile.

    "Your Highness, are you here for a fortune reading?"

    Alaric stepped closer, his gaze dark.

    "I don¡¯t need your curses. Your second sister already told me¡ªI have at least twenty more years to live. Doesn¡¯t that prove I¡¯ll be the one to win in the end?"

    "What a pity."

    I smiled regretfully.

    Even though Summer hadn¡¯t lied to him, he needed my prophecy as well to see the full picture.

    What a pity indeed.

    Alaric left behind three hundred soldiers to lock down Corwin¡¯s estate.

    Corwin and Arianne were placed under strict surveillance.

    I was confined to my room.

    In the dead of night, a few men snuck in, turning everything inside out, but they didn¡¯t find what they were looking for.

    "Searching for the jade lock?" I mused. "For a moment, I thought it was Corwin who betrayed me. Arianne?"

    I stood beside the table, removed the lantern¡¯s glass shield, and relit the flame.

    From the darkness, Arianne stepped forward, her figure unmistakably that of a woman seven months pregnant.

    "Autumn, you claim Elias is the one you love. But why are you growing closer to Corwin? He once loved me. He has never even looked at you. It¡¯s you¡­"

    I cut her off. "What have I done?"

    She had no answer, only staring at me, biting her lip.

    "I don¡¯t know what you did, but you are very clever," she finally said with certainty. "I must admit¡ªyou¡¯re incredibly skilled. You act like you care for me in front of him, soft, understanding, considerate. You make me seem dull and uninteresting by comparison, pushing him further away from me."

    A wave of disgust rose in my heart.

    "Arianne, I once thought I could sympathize with you. But now I realize¡ªyou don¡¯t need my sympathy at all. You truly disgust me."

    Two figures emerged, grabbing my arms and twisting them behind my back.

 Chapter 15

    "Autumn Myles, I know what you want to say. That you never had any feelings for him. That he was the one who approached you first. But I don¡¯t want to hear it¡ªnot a single word!"

    Arianne slowly drew her sword, pointing it straight at me.

    "The more you speak, the more you humiliate me!"

    I couldn¡¯t believe it.

    "You¡­ you want to kill me?"

    Without hesitation, Arianne thrust her sword forward.

    Just as the blade was about to pierce me, her wrist was suddenly twisted back, forcing the sword to drop from her grasp.

    Outside, the guards had been silently taken down.

    The skilled fighters I had stationed in Corwin¡¯s estate swiftly entered through the window, subduing Arianne and her people.

    "You¡­ you¡¯ve been spying on me?"

    Arianne clutched her belly with one hand, backing into a corner, knocking over a vase on a tall stand.

    "You might not believe me," I said, bending down to pick up her sword, "but I had them watch you to protect you."

    She let out a bitter laugh.

    "So no matter how well I treat you, it means nothing. Because the only thing you care about is that man. The only condition for your kindness towards me is that he must love you completely, and I must not threaten what you call¡­ your love?"

    Arianne''s face turned deathly pale. She staggered back, her left hand pressing against the wall, as if trying to distance herself from the sword in my hand.

    "Autumn! Stop pretending! If you really cared for me, you would stay away from Corwin!"

    She bit her lip hard, lifting her chin high. Her voice was sharp, bitter.

    "No wonder your sisters never get close to you. No wonder Elias abandoned you and ran!"

    The candlelight flickered. A flash of silver cut through the dim room.

    "I hate it the most when people insult my sisters."

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    Arianne barely dodged the strike, collapsing into a corner, squeezing her eyes shut as her whole body trembled.

    "If you kill me, Corwin will never forgive you."

    I studied her with calm indifference.

    "What kind of poison has Corwin fed you?"

    Arianne clutched her stomach, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Her voice was weak, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

    "You don¡¯t understand¡­ Corwin and I are a family! Even if my father and I die, everything I have must be left to him, to him and my child¡ªnot to him and another woman! One day, when you truly love someone, you will understand."

    My grip on the sword tightened. My breath was heavy as I stared at her. Then, slowly, I let go of the weapon.

    "I won¡¯t kill you."

    What she said¡­ I finally understood.

    A father wasn¡¯t as important as a husband.

    A husband wasn¡¯t as important as a child.

    I understood now.

    I ordered someone to summon Corwin.

    I took the sword, placed it against my palm, closed my eyes, and dragged the blade across my skin.

    Arianne gasped. "What are you doing?"

    I slowly lifted my head, my lips curling into a mocking smile.

    "Arianne, you asked why my sisters don¡¯t get close to me? Do you really think your nonsense moved me?"

    I lowered my gaze, clenching my bleeding hand into a fist.

    "Kill you? That would be too easy. A death like that¡­ you don¡¯t deserve it."

    Blood dripped onto the floor.

    When Corwin finally rushed in, I immediately turned and threw myself into his arms.

    "Sir! Arianne tried to kill me to steal the jade lock!"

    I clutched his arm tightly, my voice choked with sobs.

    "She knows you revealed the Duke of Braedon¡¯s whereabouts to the Crown Prince!"

    Corwin looked down at Arianne from his high stance, his gaze cold and unreadable.

    "Arianne, the Duke of Braedon was ambushed. His fate is unknown. Do you know that?"

    Arianne held his gaze for a long time. Slowly, she lifted her hand, as if trying to reach for him.

    "Tyr¡ª" Her voice broke, unable to finish.

    I tilted my head curiously.

    "Tyr?"

    Corwin turned to me, his eyes dark.

    "That is my courtesy name."

    I glanced at Arianne, showing no reaction.

    She closed her eyes, leaning against the wall with a long sigh.

    "My father isn¡¯t dead yet. Do as you wish."

    I lightly tugged Corwin¡¯s sleeve, my tone tinged with concern.

    "Sir, if the Duke of Braedon finds out what we¡¯ve done to his daughter, neither of us will survive!"

    Corwin furrowed his brows, stepping back, surveying the room.

    "Who are these people?"

    Feigning distress, I sighed.

    "They¡¯re the skilled fighters Elias abandoned me with as compensation."

    Then, lowering my voice, I suggested, "Sir, why don¡¯t we just leave Arianne here and run away together?"

    The room fell into stunned silence.

    Hearing this, Corwin¡¯s expression darkened. Without a word, he pushed me aside, picked up the oil lamp from the table, and strode into the inner chamber.

    He overturned the lamp onto the bed curtains, letting the fire spread.

    I was taken aback, my eyes widening in disbelief.

    "Sir, are you trying to frame the Crown Prince for this?"

    Corwin grasped my wrist, pulling me out of the room.

    Behind us, Arianne clutched her stomach in agony, her nails digging into the cracks of the wall as she tried, again and again, to stand¡ªonly to collapse each time.

 Chapter 16

    "Corwin, are you insane?! Isn¡¯t this your child? It¡¯s your child!"

    She broke down, crying and screaming, her voice choking with grief.

    "Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten everything? You met me once and immediately went to my house to propose!"

    I turned to Arianne, my voice calm.

    "Sir, after all, she is still Arianne. Do you really have to let her leave this world in such agony?"

    I placed the sword in his hand.

    Corwin paused, taking a deep breath before nodding.

    "You¡¯re right."

    He gripped the sword and turned back toward Arianne, intending to end her suffering.

    "Arianne, don¡¯t be afraid."

    Arianne bit her lower lip, her eyes burning with fury as she stared at him.

    "Corwin, I will wait for you in the afterlife!"

    I silently watched Corwin¡¯s back, wrapping a piece of cloth around my bleeding hand before bending down to pick up the fallen sword.

    At last, it had come to this.

    Corwin raised his sword, but just as he was about to strike, his blade suddenly froze midair.

    His expression twisted in shock as he looked down at the blade piercing his chest. Not even blood had time to spill before I swiftly pulled the sword back.

    Corwin collapsed onto his back at my feet, his wide eyes filled with disbelief.

    "It was you¡­"

    He struggled to lift his head, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

    "You¡­ tricked me¡­ I treated you¡ª"

    I knelt down beside him, my tone indifferent.

    "Sir Corwin, don¡¯t bother speaking. I¡¯ve had enough of you."

    Not wanting to risk the same mistake that happened with Silverbrook, I decisively slashed his throat to finish the job.

    Half-kneeling on the ground, I turned to Arianne, raising an eyebrow.

    "You don¡¯t have to wait in the afterlife anymore. I¡¯ve brought him to you. Now, you have two choices. One: If you want revenge, I¡¯ll send you to join him. Two: If you thank me for saving your life, I¡¯ll get you out of here."

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    Arianne braced herself against the floor, her eyes wide with tears pooling at the edges. She slowly closed them, letting two streams of tears roll down her cheeks.

    "Autumn, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I can¡¯t take it anymore."

    She slumped onto the ground, blood pooling beneath her, staining her dress red.

    I rushed to support her, glancing around the burning room for a place to set her down.

    Arianne grasped my hand tightly, her voice slow but resolute.

    "You gave me a gift¡­ I want to return one to you. I will write a final letter to my father, asking him to take you in as his adopted daughter. From now on, the Duke of Braedon¡¯s estate will protect you."

    Under the glow of the raging fire, she used the last of her strength to lean over the desk and write. When she finished, she handed the letter to me and slipped off her golden beeswax jade bracelet.

    This moment reminded me of the first time I met her last year.

    "Wear this bracelet. Go to the bookstore and art shop I frequent. Give this letter to the shopkeeper."

    I took the letter, looking at her, my eyes slightly misty.

    "I¡¯ll have someone take you out."

    Arianne clutched my hand, glancing down at her swollen belly, her expression pleading.

    "Autumn, help me."

    The Emperor had passed. The entire nation mourned.

    Duke Rowan led the royal family into the palace to arrange the funeral, but Crown Prince Alaric intercepted them with the Imperial Guards, locking them inside the Jian Shui Hall.

    Overnight, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the city streets. The residences of officials and ministers were all tightly surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

    While all this unfolded, I stayed in an abandoned courtyard behind the White Cloud Temple outside the city. For three days, I distributed porridge and food to beggars.

    The day I escaped from Corwin¡¯s estate, he and Arianne had perished in the flames. Alaric arrived too late. Furious, he burned Corwin¡¯s entire household to the ground, declaring to the world that I had murdered the Corwin couple, set fire to the estate, and fled.

    Thanks to Arianne¡¯s final letter, I managed to establish contact with the Duke of Braedon. Duke Dorian Braedon publicly declared to the empire that he had adopted me as his daughter.

    I had predicted this¡ªAlaric, after Corwin¡¯s death, would become paranoid, hastening his plans to ascend the throne.

    But to mobilize the Imperial Guards, he needed the Tiger Tally in his possession. Yet the tally was still in Duke Rowan¡¯s hands. When had Alaric obtained it?

    I thought of one person.

    A person who had always been a headache to me.

    My subordinates advised me, "Lady Autumn, while Alaric is preoccupied with his power struggle in the palace, we can leave the capital and head to Elias in the North."

    I tilted my head and studied them for a moment.

    That night, I gathered everyone in the courtyard, setting up several long tables covered in blank scrolls.

    "You have all fought by my side and saved my life. But I will not return to Elias in the North. The capital is dangerous, and life and death are unpredictable. If any of you wish to seek out Elias, you may leave. I will write him a letter, assuring that you will not be held accountable."

 Chapter 17

    Everyone hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.

    After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, nearly a third of them decided to leave.

    The moonlight poured down like water as I slowly ground the ink, my tone steady:

    "For those who remain, know this¡ªCorwin is dead. If the Zhang family takes the throne, I will be a consort. If the Braedon family claims the empire, as the Duke of Braedon¡¯s adopted daughter, I will undoubtedly become a princess. If either Crown Prince Alaric or Duke Rowan ascends, I will still be considered their in-law."

    I raised my head, looking at each of them.

    "Whoever wishes to follow Autumn Myles, from now on, do not call me ''Lady'' anymore. You will call me ''Master.'' If you seek power and status in these chaotic times, then write your name, birthplace, and the names of your family members on this scroll. If I survive, the living will be rewarded, and the dead¡­ their families will be honored."

    It wasn¡¯t long before the first person stepped forward to write his name.

    A murmur spread through the crowd, and soon, one by one, they passed around the brush and ink, recording their names.

    In the farthest corner of the courtyard, four or five people stood frozen in hesitation.

    I returned to my room and retrieved a few small objects, then walked back outside.

    "Here¡¯s some silver. Split it among yourselves and head down the mountain. You don¡¯t wish to go to Elias, nor do you want to follow me. You must miss home, right? Then go back."

    Family was not necessarily less important than ambition or career.

    The men accepted the silver gratefully, expressing their thanks before leaving.

    But one man stood out.

    "I want both. Is that possible? The money and the name on the scroll?"

    I studied him closely.

    Rough linen clothes, an unremarkable face, but a steady voice.

    I recognized him.

    When Arianne had tried to kill me, he was the one who had kicked her sword away.

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    "What is your name?"

    "I am Liam."

    His mother was ill, and as a dutiful son, he wished to return home, but he had no money for her treatment. He told me that if I gave him the money, he would still stay and follow me.

    "You can have both," I said, "but that wouldn''t be fair." I pointed to the men signing their names. "If I give you silver, they won¡¯t accept it. What will you do then?"

    Liam nodded, agreeing with my reasoning, then turned to leave.

    I called after him.

    "Unless you do something for me. If you complete it, you¡¯ll be rewarded."

    Three days later, Liam arrived at my courtyard with a cart full of hay.

    I lifted the dry straw.

    Inside, Spring Myles was curled up within the pile, dressed in coarse clothes, her hair disheveled, her eyes red as she gazed up at me.

    "Autumn, it¡¯s really you."

    I helped remove a few strands of hay from her hair, smiling.

    "Duchess Rowan, I knew it was you. You stole the Imperial Guards'' Tiger Tally and handed it over to Alaric."

    Recalling how the Crown Prince once said he spared me out of respect for my three sisters, I had already suspected my eldest sister had done something foolish.

    I just hadn''t expected her to do something this foolish.

    "He took Summer Myles in exchange for the tally. I had no other choice."

    Spring Myles stepped down from the cart and pulled away more straw.

    Inside, Summer Myles sat curled up, hugging her knees. Her face was blank, her eyes hollow.

    My eldest sister¡¯s voice trembled with heartbreak.

    "That day, at the Emperor¡¯s birthday banquet, I told you it had been a long time since I¡¯d seen her. Recently, Alaric allowed me to see her again¡­ but look at what¡¯s become of her."

    I stepped forward and checked her pulse¡ªher body was fine. Summer Myles had lost her ability to speak, likely due to what happened earlier this year in the Department of Personnel¡ªback when Alaric had paraded her before hundreds of people.

    Reading too many fortunes, it seemed, had turned her fate against herself.

    "She will recover if she rests."

    "I know¡­ but Alaric starved her, forcing me to give up the tally to save her. I¡¯ve let Duke Rowan down."

    My eldest sister supported Summer Myles, helping her into the courtyard.

    Late that night, I received a letter from the Duke of Braedon.

    ["I will arrive in the capital in ten days."]

    Sitting in the courtyard, I gently rocked the cradle, teasing the baby with my fingers.

    "My dear, your grandfather will be here soon to take you home. Aren¡¯t you excited?"

    Spring Myles emerged from the doorway, saying she wanted to return to the palace to rescue Duke Rowan.

    "I barely managed to smuggle you out of his estate, and now you want to go back in and die? The entire empire¡¯s armies are marching toward the capital. Instead of charging into certain death, why not go to Yenlang, Duke Rowan¡¯s domain, and call for reinforcements? As his wife, you could at least command a few battalions¡­"

    My eldest sister hesitated.

    "But before he went into the palace, Rowan told me not to act rashly."

    I scoffed.

    "That¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t know you stole the tally."

    Spring Myles flinched at my words, her gaze turning icy.

    "You killed the Corwin couple, Autumn. What right do you have to lecture me?"

    Her eyes drifted to the cradle beside me.

    She stepped forward hastily, peering inside, and then gasped.

    "This is your child? I have a nephew?"

    I remained silent.

    She was entirely focused on the baby, cradling him gently, her eyes soft with affection.

    "He looks like Corwin¡­ not much like you."

    Me: "¡­.."

 Chapter 18

    Spring Myles cradled the child, as if calculating something.

    "I¡¯ll go to Ravenglen. If he¡¯s truly in trouble, I can still save him."

    I immediately stood up.

    "I¡¯ll send people to escort you."

    She stared at me in shock.

    "Autumn, I never expected you to become so gentle after becoming a mother."

    Hearing that, I froze for a moment, narrowing my eyes as I observed her and the baby.

    After what happened with Arianne, I had come to understand many things.

    Women like them always had their own thoughts¡ªneither reasonable nor irrational, but impossible to argue with.

    "Eldest Sister, I have a favor to ask of you."

    I took the baby from her arms and lowered my voice.

    "Actually¡­ this is my child with Elias. I didn¡¯t mean to kill Corwin. But when the truth was exposed, he wanted to kill this child. He ran into my sword by accident. And in the chaos¡­ he set fire to the house, and Arianne died with him."

    Spring Myles¡¯ eyes filled with shock.

    I knelt before her, holding my baby close.

    "I beg you, take this child to Ravenglen and raise him in secret. When the world is at peace again, I will come for him."

    Spring Myles left without another word, departing for Ravenglen.

    Beside me, only five hundred men remained. Except for Liam, I sent all of them to protect my eldest sister.

    "What about you?" she asked from atop the carriage.

    I gently caressed the baby wrapped in cloth.

    "Eldest Sister, don¡¯t worry about me. Just protect my child. If he dies, I won¡¯t live either."

    Her expression shifted with deep emotion. She raised a hand toward the heavens and swore an oath.

    "Little Sister, does the baby have a name yet?"

    "Arthur Myles."

    Arthur¡ªall my hopes rested on him.

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    Once my eldest sister departed, I settled Summer Myles at White Cloud Temple, then locked the gates of my courtyard.

    Then, I made my way to the palace gates.

    "I wish to see Crown Prince Alaric."

    Crown Prince Alaric was besieged from all sides.

    Thirty thousand troops led by the Duke of Braedon, Darius, were advancing on the capital from the east.

    Fifty thousand elite cavalry under Elias were crossing the river from the north, heading south, nearly reaching the River Lys.

    Inside the capital, after Corwin¡¯s death, the court officials remained silent. The imperial court had completely stagnated.

    But within the palace, the royal family, led by Duke Rowan, had been imprisoned for days. They refused to recognize Alaric¡¯s rule, demanding to see the Late King¡¯s body.

    Alaric summoned me.

    "Autumn Myles, I was just about to look for you, and here you are, walking right in."

    I met his gaze, raising my head.

    "I once promised Your Highness¡ªif you succeeded, I would follow you."

    Alaric descended the steps, his voice dripping with mockery.

    "Really? That¡¯s perfect. You are the adopted daughter of Darius, and the woman Elias loves. If I take you hostage, what then?"

    I raised an eyebrow, the corners of my lips curving into a sneer.

    "Your Highness, have you ever seen a dynasty where a hostage standing atop the city walls was of any use? Don¡¯t talk to me about being an adopted daughter or a lover. Even if I were Darius¡¯s own father or Elias¡¯s birth mother, pushing me off the walls wouldn¡¯t cause so much as a ripple. The only thing you¡¯d achieve is igniting the enemy¡¯s morale."

    Alaric¡¯s expression darkened.

    "Then what use are you?"

    I took two steps forward, my voice serious.

    "I can help you convince Duke Rowan to support you."

    "You would help me?" His eyes narrowed with suspicion.

    I smiled.

    "Your Highness, have I ever harmed you before?"

    My true purpose for entering the palace was to meet Duke Rowan.

    The others were being held under house arrest in the Hall of Jian Shui, but he alone had been thrown into the dungeons.

    When he saw me, he barely spared a glance.

    "Unless I see the Late King¡¯s body with my own eyes, I will never support Alaric."

    I signaled for everyone to leave and sat down across from him.

    "Brother-in-law, aren¡¯t you just trying to confirm whether the Crown Prince murdered his own father?"

    He turned to look at me.

    "You want to see for yourself? I can take you. But¡­" I paused deliberately, locking eyes with him.

    "There¡¯s no need to look anymore. I¡¯ll tell you the truth¡ªyes, he did it."

    Duke Rowan¡¯s hands clenched into fists, slamming against the stone walls.

    "Then you can forget about convincing me to support him!"

    I exhaled softly, remaining seated.

    "But I¡¯m not persuading you for him¡ªI¡¯m doing it for myself."

    He froze.

    "For yourself?" He studied me warily, eyes filled with doubt. "And what leverage do you have?"

    Ignoring his expression, I calmly continued.

    "Brother-in-law, if you keep fighting against Alaric, this empire will fall into the hands of either the Braedon family or the Zhang family. If you won¡¯t choose Alaric, then choose me. I have the full support of Darius¡¯ forces¡­"

 Chapter 19

    I had not yet finished speaking when Duke Rowan¡¯s face twisted in anger.

    "Enough! Are you delusional? Even without Alaric, there are still other members of the royal family. It¡¯s not like the dynasty has run out of heirs. And as for you¡ªthe so-called adopted daughter of Duke of Braedon¡ªthat¡¯s nothing more than a title. Go back where you came from."

    As expected, I had already predicted his reaction.

    I was never good at convincing people with direct words.

    "Or¡­ shall I tell you what happens if you don¡¯t choose me?" I said, tilting my head. "If you refuse, you will only force Alaric to solidify his claim sooner, just to secure your support. That¡¯s what you¡¯re waiting for, right? For him to run out of options, to be desperate enough to beg you?"

    Duke Rowan remained composed, showing no reaction.

    I sighed softly, shaking my head.

    "Then you won¡¯t have time to wait. The moment I walk out of here, Alaric will learn about the troops moving from Braedon. Your lands, your soldiers¡ªmarching under your banner¡ªwill be seen as a direct threat to the capital. Tell me, if you were Alaric, would you believe this was merely a request for an imperial decree?"

    His brow furrowed.

    "The troops of Braedon wouldn¡¯t move without my command!"

    I didn¡¯t answer. My voice was steady and slow.

    "You''ve been locked away in this dungeon. You have no idea what¡¯s happening outside. In a few days, Darius will arrive. In a month, Elias will reach the capital. But Braedon¡¯s forces departed too late. By the time they arrive, the new emperor will have already taken the throne. Their march will be for nothing, and they will die for nothing."

    His expression darkened, realization dawning in his eyes.

    "Spring Myles! She did this! Over and over again¡­ What did you say to make her agree to this?"

    I smiled.

    "I told her¡­ it would save you."

    Duke Rowan fell silent for a long moment. His gaze grew cold.

    "Even if I go along with this, who would accept it? You do not bear the royal name, and you are a woman. Do you intend to sit on the throne?"

    "You say I don¡¯t bear the royal name?"

    I pulled out Consort Thorne¡¯s jade pendant and held it before him.

    "Look closely. Do I not resemble the long-lost princess?"

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    His eyes narrowed. He reached for it, but I moved it away.

    "This idea came from Darius. The royal family needs legitimacy, don¡¯t they?"

    I caressed the pendant, my voice calm and steady.

    "Brother-in-law, when the infant princess was cast into the river all those years ago, the only witnesses were the Late King, the Late Empress, Consort Thorne, Corwin¡ªall dead. The only ones left¡­ are you and Darius."

    I met his gaze directly.

    "I am widowed. No husband, no children. I seek only a reign of my own. And you¡ªyou seek to secure the future of the royal bloodline. So if I take the throne, I will leave behind an imperial decree, granting you the right to select my successor from the royal family. When I die, the crown will return to the Rowan bloodline."

    He studied me, eyes flickering with uncertainty.

    "Autumn Myles, even if I agree¡­ will Darius allow you to rule? Will Alaric accept such a fabricated identity? If even one of them refuses, your plan is nothing more than a joke!"

    I carefully tucked the pendant away and gave him a small, knowing smile.

    "Brother-in-law, I have said everything I needed to say. The day Alaric ascends the throne will not be peaceful. All you need to do is stand in the hall, acknowledge me as the lost princess, and declare your support for me as ruler. Leave the rest to me. If I fail, at the very least, I will ensure that Spring recalls the Braedon troops before a single drop of blood is shed."

    I left the dungeon and met with Alaric, informing him that Duke Rowan had been convinced.

    He was ecstatic, immediately preparing for his ascension ceremony before Darius could reach the capital.

    As I stepped out of the great hall, I spotted my youngest sister.

    "Third Sister, it¡¯s been a long time."

    Winter stood beneath the corridor, draped in a dark purple cloak embroidered with golden cranes. She held a round silk fan in one hand, while a golden phoenix hairpin glittered atop her head, the delicate tail feathers swaying with her every movement.

    A year in the palace had left her well cared for.

    Her complexion was as pale as snow, her features refined, and she seemed fuller than before.

    But it was only October, and she was already wrapped in thick layers.

    Clearly, her fear of the cold had only worsened.

    My eyes trailed upward, pausing on the phoenix hairpin.

    "This was the Late Empress¡¯s keepsake," she said, tilting her chin slightly. "Isn¡¯t it beautiful?"

    "It suits you well."

    I studied it for a moment longer.

    It was perfectly within reach.

    The day of the ascension was shrouded in thick, overcast skies.

    Duke Rowan and the royal family entered the grand hall. The court officials gathered outside.

    Before the Late King¡¯s casket, Alaric knelt, bowing three times and prostrating himself nine times.

    As tradition dictated, the next step was for the royal decree to be read.

    However, at the time of the Late King¡¯s death, the only ones present in the chamber had been Alaric and Winter Myles.

    Thus, the legitimacy of this decree was questionable.

    When the announcement reached the part declaring Alaric the rightful successor, Duke Rowan hesitated. His brow furrowed, his body tensed.

    But before he could move, someone else stepped forward first.

 Chapter 20

    Autumn''s youngest sister, Winter Myles, dressed in mourning white, suddenly rushed forward from behind the hall. She threw herself halfway onto the Late King¡¯s casket, wailing in grief.

    The ceremonial reading of the imperial edict came to an abrupt halt. A wave of shock rippled through the grand hall. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, even Alaric, who froze in place.

    For a long moment, no one dared to move. Then, a palace maid stepped forward, intending to pull her away.

    But Winter Myles gasped for air between her sobs, forcing herself upright. Suddenly, she shoved away the hands holding her, pointed directly at Alaric, and in a hoarse, furious voice, cried:

    "You still dare to claim the throne? Ha! It was you! You¡ª"you poisoned the king! You murdered the Late King!"

    One hand gripped the casket, while the other remained fixed on Alaric. She collapsed to her knees, shouting:

    "Duke Rowan! Honored members of the royal family! Can a murderer who slayed his own father, a traitor who betrayed his blood, truly be worthy of ruling this kingdom?"

    The entire hall fell deathly silent. No one even dared to breathe too loudly.

    Alaric wavered slightly on his feet, his face flushing red with rage. He took two steps forward, his hands clenched into fists.

    "You... you¡¯ve lost your mind! What poison? I never did such a thing!"

    Winter Myles leaned against the casket, her body slumping to the ground, her voice ice-cold.

    "If that¡¯s the case, would you dare allow the royal physicians to examine the Late King¡¯s body?"

    Alaric stared at her, his gaze murderous. His voice dropped to a dark growl.

    "You really have gone mad¡­ Who put you up to this?"

    He turned to the assembled nobles, his voice ringing with authority.

    "That night, after the royal banquet, all those seated at the front rows remained in the palace under guard. Each person was searched, recorded, and accounted for. Did anyone claim they were poisoned? No! The king¡¯s body is sacred! If suspicions arise, then we shall first complete the mourning rites¡ªthen launch a formal investigation!"

    No one dared respond.

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    After all, everyone present that night had been documented¡ªincluding myself and Elias.

    At last, Alaric swung his arm and commanded:

    "Drag her out!"

    But Winter Myles braced herself against the Late King¡¯s casket and slowly stood up. Her voice rang out, sharp and unyielding:

    "I dare you to try!"

    Her piercing gaze swept across the gathered nobles. Then, tilting her chin up, she placed a hand on her stomach. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk curved her lips.

    "I am carrying the Late King¡¯s child. Who among you dares lay a hand on me?"

    Her gaze locked onto Alaric¡¯s, and she let out a low, chilling laugh.

    "I dare you to try."

    For a moment, Alaric stood motionless, staring in disbelief at her stomach. His chest heaved violently with suppressed fury.

    "Posthumous heir¡­"

    The words of the Blood Crimson Parrot had finally come true.

    Winter Myles turned to face the casket and raised her voice:

    "Lords and ministers of the court! Alaric¡¯s crime is unforgivable¡ªhe cannot ascend the throne! In accordance with the Late King¡¯s will, I propose that my child be crowned as the rightful heir, with Duke Rowan serving as regent. I shall act as guardian until the young emperor comes of age, after which I will relinquish all power!"

    Whispers of uncertainty swept through the court.

    "For nearly ten years, no one in the royal harem has conceived. How can we believe that this child is truly the king¡¯s heir?"

    "Without concrete evidence, disturbing the king¡¯s remains for an autopsy would be an unprecedented disgrace!"

    Some turned to Duke Rowan, seeking confirmation.

    He hesitated, then slowly turned his head toward me, his expression unreadable.

    I met his gaze and subtly signaled for patience¡ªthere was no need to act hastily.

    At that moment, Alaric¡¯s patience finally snapped.

    "ENOUGH!" he bellowed.

    From both sides of the grand hall, two squads of Imperial Guards marched in, swiftly surrounding the assembly.

    The entrances were sealed.

    The sound of swords being drawn echoed in unison¡ªsharp, deliberate, and chilling.

    For the first time, Winter Myles¡¯ composure wavered. Her face turned pale as she instinctively backed away, clutching the casket for support.

    "You¡­ you wouldn¡¯t dare!" Her voice trembled. "You would kill me here? In front of everyone? I am carrying the Late King¡¯s child!"

    Alaric¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile.

    "What do you think?"

    The gathered nobles and officials were paralyzed with fear.

    One by one, they fell to their knees, trembling, heads lowered.

    Only a handful of us remained standing¡ªmyself, Duke Rowan, and a few others.

    Alaric raised his sword, preparing to strike.

    But at that precise moment¡ª

    A guard stumbled into the hall, breathless, his voice shaking with urgency:

    "Your Highness! Darius, Duke of Braedon, has entered the palace!"

    Alaric¡¯s arm halted mid-air. His eyes narrowed.

    "What?" His voice was dangerously low. "He¡¯s inside the palace?"

    Even as he spoke, the unmistakable sound of marching boots thundered from outside.

    Closer.

    Louder.

    An army¡¯s weight pressing upon the heart of the kingdom.

    A vast sea of soldiers flooded the capital, their presence drowning out all other noise.

    A slow, eerie smile spread across Winter Myles¡¯ lips.

    "It¡¯s Darius."

    She whispered first, then let out a triumphant laugh.

    "He¡¯s already here. He¡¯s inside the palace."

    She turned to Alaric, eyes blazing with triumph, voice dripping with mockery.

    "Your days are numbered, Alaric. Once Darius arrives, you are finished! My child is the only true heir to the throne!"

    I sighed inwardly.

    Darius was the man I had been waiting for.

    But I couldn¡¯t understand why she was so delighted about it.

 Chapter 21

    I was still lost in thought when, suddenly, I felt a strong pull on my wrist.

    Before I could react, I realized that Crown Prince Alaric was standing behind me, a sharp sword pressed against my neck¡ªusing me as a hostage.

    At that moment, Duke of Braedon, a man in his seventies, entered the grand hall. Despite the chaos before him, his face remained calm and composed. He walked up to the late king¡¯s coffin, solemnly lighting three sticks of incense.

    Crown Prince Alaric tightened his grip on my shoulder, his sharp gaze like a blade as he stared at Duke of Braedon.

    ¡°Duke of Braedon, you¡¯ve brought soldiers into the palace. Isn¡¯t this treason? If so, then let your adopted daughter be the first to fall!¡±

    Duke of Braedon turned around, his eyes locking onto mine. Slowly, he lowered his gaze and spoke in a deep, unwavering voice:

    ¡°Your Highness should be careful with your words. I have no children, no heirs¡ªhow could I commit treason? But this young lady, the one you hold at swordpoint, is someone Your Highness absolutely cannot kill. She is the long-lost princess, the daughter of Consort Thorne.¡±

    Spring Myles gasped in shock.

    Crown Prince Alaric clenched the hilt of his sword tighter, his voice seething with fury. ¡°Impossible!¡±

    Duke of Braedon slowly turned his gaze toward Duke Rowan. ¡°Your Highness was there that year. You saw what happened.¡±

    The night before, I had secretly left the city to meet Duke of Braedon. I had brought with me the bracelet that Arianne left behind before her death and told him everything about what had happened.

    ¡°That night, I could have saved her from the Thorne Estate, but her child was already seven months along. The turmoil was too much for her to bear. She told me she had misjudged the people around her, that she had betrayed her own father. Yet, even if she had to die, she wanted to protect the child.¡±

    Duke of Braedon sat inside his tent, his hands tightly clutching the bracelet. His weathered face showed no emotion, but silent tears rolled down. His voice, thick with grief, trembled as he spoke:

    ¡°She was always such a good daughter¡­¡±

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    After a long pause, he wiped his tears and took a deep breath. Though his voice still shook, it was firm. ¡°And where is the child now?¡±

    I lifted my cup of tea, blowing gently before taking a sip.

    ¡°It was a boy,¡± I answered. ¡°His name is Arthur Myles, Arthur Braedon. Don¡¯t worry, my lord¡ªI¡¯ve sent him somewhere safe, where no one will find him, and no one will be able to harm him.¡±

    I looked at the people around the tent, signaling Duke of Braedon with my eyes. He quickly suppressed his grief and coldly ordered everyone to leave the room.

    Once we were alone, I continued.

    ¡°My lord, I¡¯ve heard rumors about what¡¯s been on your mind. But life is unpredictable. You are already seventy¡ªhow many years could you truly rule as king? Today, I didn¡¯t come because you summoned me. I came to negotiate.¡±

    I took another sip of tea and spoke calmly.

    ¡°A foster daughter will never compare to a real one. But your real daughter is gone, and in that case¡­ isn¡¯t a foster daughter the closest thing left? My lord, rather than supporting someone else, why not push me to the throne? My parents died long ago, so I have no family of my own. I will respect you as my father and honor you as the Royal Father. When you pass away, I will posthumously name you Emperor. Wouldn¡¯t that fulfill your wish?¡±

    Duke of Braedon remained silent for a long time. Then, he spoke coldly.

    ¡°And if I don¡¯t consider this?¡±

    I let out a soft laugh and sighed.

    ¡°Then the child that Arianne sacrificed her life to protect will no longer matter. My lord, you may get to taste the power of being Emperor, but you¡¯ll still have to carefully choose a successor. A kingdom isn¡¯t like an ordinary family business¡ªfathers kill sons, brothers slaughter each other, wives betray husbands. Who¡¯s to say that an adopted child would be a worse successor than your own grandson?¡±

    I turned to leave, but before I could take even a few steps, a wall of swords blocked my way, forcing me to step back.

    ¡°My lord, you¡¯ve made your decision so quickly?¡± I kept my voice steady, speaking clearly for all to hear.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it better for your family to be together, for your descendants to thrive? That child¡ªArthur¡ªis the grandson Arianne sacrificed her life for! She cut open her own belly to ensure he would live. Can you truly turn your back on him?¡±

    Duke of Braedon gritted his teeth, suddenly crushing the tea cup in his palm. He pressed his hand over the shattered porcelain, then slowly brushed the shards off the table.

    ¡°Let her go.¡±

    With the Duke of Braedon¡¯s decree, all eyes turned toward Duke Rowan.

    Duke Rowan sighed and finally spoke.

    ¡°The fate of the lost princess remains uncertain.¡±

    He seemed lost in thought, recalling events from over a decade ago. His gaze drifted into the distance.

    ¡°That year, I saw it myself. On the great river, a small wooden boat swayed and gradually sank. Just as it was about to disappear completely, a wave overturned the boat. The baby¡¯s swaddling cloth slipped into the water. At that moment, we considered going back, but for a brief second, it seemed as if the infant¡¯s hand had reached out¡ªas though she had awakened, choking on water. But the sight was unclear. Consort Thorne insisted she heard a cry and spent days searching along the riverbanks.¡±

    Duke of Braedon added, ¡°Afterward, His Majesty sent people to search the lower reaches of the river for three months. But no body was ever found.¡±

 Chapter 22

    Crown Prince Alaric froze upon hearing those words. ¡°She¡¯s still alive? My mother said she must have drowned long ago! Even if she survived, there¡¯s no way she could be Autumn Myles!¡±

    I was momentarily stunned. Duke Rowan slowly regained his composure and spoke in a measured tone. ¡°Thinking back¡­ perhaps Consort Thorne recognized Autumn after all. That¡¯s why she gave her the jade token meant for the lost princess before she passed.¡±

    Crown Prince Alaric tightened his grip on his sword, keeping it pressed against me. His furious gaze darted between Duke Rowan and Duke of Braedon, his voice trembling with rage. ¡°You¡­ all of you¡­ you¡¯ve been scheming against me.¡±

    I took a step back, leaning slightly toward his ear and whispering, my voice dripping like honey:

    ¡°Your Highness, you conspired with Spring Myles to murder the late king, yet she has now turned against you without hesitation. At this moment, you have no escape. If you kill me now, it will be your own downfall¡ªand she will be the one to reap all the benefits.¡±

    I let my gaze fall, my tone turning cold. ¡°At the very least, I can guarantee your life.¡±

    Spring Myles stepped forward to stand before Duke of Braedon and Duke Rowan. She glanced at Crown Prince Alaric and me, then curled her lips into a triumphant smile.

    ¡°Alaric, you poisoned the late king, then tried to kill me to cover your tracks. You deserve to be executed immediately! Even if you hold my sister hostage, I bear the emperor¡¯s grace and will sacrifice myself to eliminate you!¡±

    Crown Prince Alaric gritted his teeth so hard I could hear it. He shoved me forward, letting go of his grip, then cast his sword onto the ground.

    With empty hands, he stepped forward, facing everyone.

    ¡°I never harmed my father, and I am willing to be investigated! But I will not let her get what she wants!¡±

    He raised his hand and pointed directly at Spring Myles. ¡°She has no title, no status¡ªwho knows whose child she is carrying?¡±

    As if suddenly realizing something, he let out a sharp, mocking laugh. He turned to the gathered officials and declared, ¡°And let¡¯s not forget¡ªLady Myles once had a husband. Who¡¯s to say that¡¯s not Elias¡¯s child?¡±

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    Spring Myles¡¯s face turned pale. She rushed forward, grabbing Alaric¡¯s collar, her chest rising and falling violently with anger.

    ¡°You¡ªyou¡¯re despicable!¡± she shouted, shoving him with all her strength. ¡°Why won¡¯t you just die already?!¡±

    Crown Prince Alaric straightened his clothes, lifted his chin, and smirked coldly.

    From this moment on, there was no turning back.

    The ties between Crown Prince Alaric and Spring Myles were completely severed.

    One was accused of regicide.

    The other had a questionable royal bloodline.

    Neither was fit to rule.

    And that left only one option.

    Me.

    Without spilling a single drop of blood, Duke Rowan and Duke of Braedon had maneuvered me onto the throne.

    Right there in the grand hall, I issued my first decree as emperor.

    I ordered Crown Prince Alaric to be imprisoned in the Eastern Palace. Until the truth of the late king¡¯s death was revealed, he would remain alive¡ªbut powerless.

    As for Spring Myles, she would remain in the palace under watch. Only after giving birth would we determine what to do with her.

    The late king¡¯s body was sent to the royal mausoleum for burial.

    After the court dismissed and the palace grew quiet, I sat on the throne, gazing down at the jade token in my palm. An inexplicable feeling settled in my heart.

    Liam interrupted my thoughts. ¡°Your Majesty, the general has sent another letter.¡±

    He hesitated before adding, ¡°You¡¯ve had me send false messages, delaying the army¡¯s advance. Now that Elias has heard of your ascension¡­ he has sent you a letter of severance.¡±

    The letter brimmed with fury.

    ¡®I have heard of your rise to the throne, your cunning manipulations, and your deceit. You toyed with me like a fool. You must be pleased with yourself, having long forgotten me. The next time we meet, it will be on the battlefield. I will never trust you again.¡¯

    The meaning was clear.

    He congratulated me for my ruthless climb to power.

    He cursed me for deceiving him.

    And he swore that, from now on, we were enemies.

    I read his words over and over. Then, picking up my brush, I wrote a response.

    My husband.

    Hearing the first two words, Liam coughed awkwardly. I shot him a cold glare, and he wisely excused himself.

    I continued writing.

    My husband, how could you believe mere rumors and slander me so? Since we parted, I have longed for you day and night, unable to eat or sleep in peace. My body has withered with longing. I was forced into Corwin¡¯s grasp against my will. Everything I did was for survival. Now that the capital is clear of all obstacles, I only await your return.

    I cut a lock of my hair, tied it with a red thread, and sealed it inside the letter.

    Liam picked up the envelope and frowned. ¡°Do you think this will work?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s find out,¡± I replied.

    Three days later, a reply arrived.

    I opened the envelope¡ªonly to find no letter.

    Instead, a single strand of hair, intertwined with another, fell into my palm.

    ¡®To bind our fates as husband and wife. Our love shall never waver.¡¯

    Liam smirked. ¡°Wow. Guess it worked.¡±

 Chapter 22

    Years ago, my father predicted the fate of four individuals.

    Corwin had perished, Crown Prince Alaric was imprisoned, and Duke Rowan had sided with me¡ªleaving only Elias. Each of them carried the destiny of a ruler.

    I stood atop the city walls, gazing out over the vast imperial capital. It was as if I had returned to that night when my father gathered the three of us sisters.

    "If a fate-weaver seeks to alter the destiny of another, they must be close to their subject¡ªintimately intertwined with their lives. You must marry three of them, use your arts in accordance with their hearts, and shift the tides of fate."

    Spring Myles frowned. "Father, but that means one of them will be left out?"

    "Then we shall place our final wager on chance," he replied.

    And indeed, fate unfolded just as my father had foretold. Four men. We had married three of them. Now, only one remained.

    That night, after my sisters left, my father kept me behind and told me much more.

    His voice still echoed in my mind: "Autumn, Spring is gentle but fragile. Summer is stubborn and easily broken. Only you¡­"

    He stood under the moonlit corridor, his long robes billowing in the breeze. "This gamble rests upon you. Your fate is that of the ''Seven Killings Star.'' Should you remain by a man''s side long enough, without either of you realizing it, you will claim his destiny as your own."

    The ''Seven Killings Star'' was destined to dominate.

    Now, the banners rustled in the wind. Elias''s army was approaching the city.

    Liam had carried out my orders, quietly moving key figures out of the capital. Within the palace, preparations for the enthronement ceremony were underway. The emperor¡¯s robes and the empress¡¯s ceremonial attire were being embroidered day and night without pause.

    To pacify Elias, I had assured him that the moment he returned to the capital, he would ascend the throne. I had even shown him the embroidered samples of his future regalia. But I suspected he had never truly cared to look at them.

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    Winter Myles, however, remained restless.

    A palace maid who served her came to report, presenting a stack of copied letters. Only then did I learn that Winter had intercepted my correspondence with Elias and had even attempted to reach out to him herself.

    I set the letters aside, my fingers tapping lightly against the lacquered table. "You have served in the palace long enough. Tell me¡ªwho is the father of the child that belonged to Lady Myles?"

    They recounted in precise detail everything that Winter had done since entering the palace.

    "The Late Emperor treated Lady Myles with the utmost kindness, but it was the love of an elder for a cherished niece. If there were romantic affections, they existed only in the rumors of idle gossipers."

    I frowned slightly. I knew¡ªher child did not belong to the Late Emperor.

    That night, Winter suffered a miscarriage.

    I ordered the imperial physicians to tend to her with utmost care, yet she still cursed me, swearing that I had caused her child''s death.

    She was hysterical, driving the servants away in a fit of rage.

    That night, I could not sleep.

    While wandering the palace, I noticed the faint glow of candlelight flickering from Tranquil Hall. I approached and pushed open the doors, only to find Winter standing before a bronze mirror.

    She had dressed herself in the ceremonial robes of the Empress, yet the attire was too large for her frail frame. The sleeves hung past her hands, the hem pooling on the floor, making it difficult for her to move.

    "Did you lose the child yourself?" I asked coldly. "Just to chase after this ridiculous dream?"

    Winter whirled around. The golden phoenix hairpin adorning her hair trembled with the motion, producing a clear chime.

    "Autumn, have you forgotten?" Her voice was breathless, almost delirious. "The Late Emperor betrothed me to Elias! I am his rightful wife! I am the future Empress!"

    She was lost in a dream of her own making, her gaze unfocused as she turned toward the half-opened window. "Fortunate, so fortunate that I helped you that night. I helped him, too! He must give me a place at his side!"

    So it had been her.

    She was the one who opened the palace window for me each night.

    Had Crown Prince Alaric known this before, he would not have trusted her, only to be betrayed in the end.

    "Winter," I sighed, "go to sleep. Stop this madness."

    She lifted her chin, her eyes flashing with resentment. "Autumn Myles, I despise your indifference! That day, when all four of us were imprisoned, you told me I would be fine. And what happened? You merely uttered a few words, and the Late Emperor nearly executed me on the spot!"

    I looked at her calmly, my voice steady. "That day, in the dungeon, if I had said the Emperor would kill you, he would not have done so. But if our arts had been exposed as fraudulent, none of us would have survived."

    Winter let out a cold laugh. "So I was destined to suffer that calamity? If that''s the case, then I saved your entire family that day. The Myles family owes me a life debt!"

    I met her gaze steadily. "Winter, we have known each other for ten years. I have never wronged you. Are we standing here today simply because of one sentence spoken in a prison cell?"

 Chapter 24

    Winter Myles stared at me for a long time.

    Step by step, she approached, her gaze growing colder with each movement.

    "Spring, Summer, Autumn, and¡­ Winter. Only my name is wrong."

    "You all can see fate, but I was never able to learn."

    "And yet, when disaster struck, I was always the first to suffer!"

    Each word was spoken with bitter resentment. "Autumn Myles, how could I not hate all of you?"

    She now stood right in front of me.

    I lowered my gaze, my eyes chilling as I spoke with measured weight: "Winter, are you saying that I never should have taken you in? That I should have left you to continue begging at the foot of White Cloud Temple, instead of standing here now, cursing the heavens and blaming the world?"

    Winter Myles glared at me, her voice ice-cold: "I blame¡­ I blame the fact that I was never given parents like yours. I blame that I don¡¯t have talent like you. I blame that I don¡¯t have someone who loves me like you¡­ But I do not blame myself. I have done my best!"

    She let out a soft, bitter laugh. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her smile was laced with madness. "Sister, you deceived me too, didn''t you?"

    "Luckily, I never trusted you. I never chose that Corwin fellow. Instead, I chose Elias. I handed him the secret map of the imperial tunnels. When he marches into the palace, I will be crowned Empress!"

    I gazed into the distant sky beyond the towering palace walls.

    In the darkness, I could see the dim glow of torches flickering, drawing closer.

    Elias was almost here.

    Winter and I locked eyes, and I let out a soft, bitter smile. "You didn¡¯t choose Corwin. You have no idea what you¡¯ve lost."

    She lowered her head slightly, her smile indifferent.

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    My eyes followed hers, stopping at the right sleeve of her robe. My voice turned sharp:

    "If you release what¡¯s in your hand now, I will let you live."

    She looked at me in terror, her face pale, lips trembling. "You knew¡­? You could foresee¡­? Does that mean¡­ I¡­"

    Her disbelief was evident. She gritted her teeth, her expression growing feral: "I don¡¯t believe it!"

    Suddenly, she raised the dagger in her hand, aiming to strike.

    A single arrow sliced through the air.

    It buried itself deep into her chest.

    Her arm froze in midair, her legs wobbled, and she collapsed.

    I yanked the golden hairpin from her hair and, using all my strength, drove it into her throat.

    Warm blood splattered across my face, but I did not let go.

    Not until Winter Myles slumped against me.

    She rested her chin on my shoulder, her breath shallow against my ear as she whispered: "Sister¡­ in the end¡­ what did I miss?"

    I gently embraced her. "Your mother¡­ she loved you all her life."

    Under the blackened sky, Winter struggled to turn her head, her tear-filled eyes locking onto mine.

    A strangled, rasping sound escaped her lips. "She¡­ who¡­?"

    I closed my eyes, silent tears slipping down my cheeks.

    She slowly slid off my shoulder, collapsing onto the cold ground.

    Her lips moved soundlessly¡ªrepeating the same question. "Who?"

    I reached out and gently closed her eyes. "I never told you¡­ because it was for your own good."

    Elias leapt down from his horse, rushing forward to pull me into his arms.

    "Are you alright?"

    I stood there in a daze, unable to answer.

    After a long moment, I finally came to my senses. I looked up at him, tightening my grip around his waist.

    "I was so afraid. Truly afraid. But you¡¯re back. You¡¯ve finally come back."

    He held me close, his hand gently stroking my long hair. "It was my fault. I should never have left you."

    I buried myself in his embrace, tears spilling freely. My voice trembled as I asked: "How many men did you bring into the palace?"

    With his thumb, he softly wiped away the tears at the corner of my eye. "Five thousand. The rest¡ªforty-five thousand¡ªare camped outside the city. As long as I am here, no one will dare to oppress you again."

    I forced a smile, but it was strained.

    His gaze was as gentle as flowing water. "Autumn, if you feel wronged, if you cannot bring yourself to smile, then don¡¯t force yourself."

    At that moment, his deputy approached, asking about the next steps.

    Elias responded, "Now that we have entered the palace, replace the imperial guards with our own men."

    I immediately stopped him. "No."

    He looked at me in confusion.

    Clearing my throat, I explained, "The imperial guard is under Liam¡¯s command. Doing this would be no different than striking our own."

    Without hesitation, I called for Liam.

    He arrived with a squadron of soldiers. When he saw Elias, he froze briefly before bowing in greeting.

    Fortunately, Elias recognized him. He immediately arranged for his deputy and Liam to coordinate the transition step by step.

    Afterward, I led Elias back to my chambers.

    He hesitated, glancing at me. "I¡­ am going to your quarters?"

    I nodded. "There is a hot spring behind my hall."

 Chapter 25

    Within the four corners of the chamber, white silk curtains swayed gently. Mist from the hot spring curled in the air.

    Elias was soaking in the warm water, one arm resting against the edge of the pool, his head tilted back, eyes closed in quiet relaxation.

    I stood behind the screen, silently watching his back.

    Liam slipped in discreetly and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have three plans: The best option¡ªpoison the water, eliminate him without a trace. The second option¡ªrelease a sleeping incense, then strike when he is unconscious. The last option¡ªuse this scarf and strangle him from behind."

    I looked at him, silent for a moment before replying, "Leave the scarf. You may go."

    Liam seemed to understand and handed me the scarf. "Use just enough strength."

    He made a gesture of strangulation before retreating.

    Steam billowed around me as I placed a tray by the water¡¯s edge, my fingers brushing lightly over Elias¡¯s arm.

    His eyes flickered open, and he caught my wrist without turning his head. "I am not someone who rushes things. We can wait until after the wedding."

    I smiled faintly. "There is an age-old question: The throne or love¡ªyou can only choose one. Which would you pick, General?"

    Elias turned his head slightly, his expression relaxed. "The throne or you?"

    Seeing me remain silent, he chuckled. "I choose you."

    A soft smile curled at my lips, my expression unreadable.

    He frowned slightly. "Why do you smile? Did I answer incorrectly?"

    I grasped his hand with my free one. "Yes, you did. If it were me, I would take both."

    He laughed quietly, then suddenly seemed to realize how close I was. His throat bobbed slightly.

    "Leave first. Wait for me outside."

    I leaned in closer, staring straight into his eyes, my fingers dipping into the water. "Consider me impatient, if you wish."

    Elias remained in my chambers for three days and nights.

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    During that time, his subordinates came searching for him over ten times, but I intercepted them all.

    Within the dimly lit chamber, Elias finally lifted the bed curtain, stepping out slowly to stand before the flickering candlelight.

    Expressionless, he extended a hand and blew out the flame, plunging the room into darkness.

    Without hesitation, he strode forward and pushed the window open.

    Sunlight burst in, so bright that he instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes, struggling against the harsh glare.

    "You''re awake?"

    I sat up in bed, got up, and walked to open the chamber doors.

    Moments later, the palace attendants entered, throwing open all the windows, removing the candle stands.

    Light flooded the room.

    Standing amidst the bustling attendants, Elias watched me without emotion. "You used this trick on me again?"

    "It didn¡¯t harm you physically."

    I walked to the bookshelf, pulling out a pale gold imperial decree and handing it to him. "You chose love over the throne. But what if love chooses the throne?"

    He unrolled the decree, his brows furrowing. "An edict to make me Empress? Is this how you plan to tame me?"

    Without hesitation, he tossed the decree back into my hands.

    "Not to tame. To fulfill a promise. You once said that if you became emperor, you would make me Empress. Now that I am ruler, naturally, I will grant you the title."

    Elias scoffed. "I have never deceived you, but you have deceived me. Even if you hold my five thousand men hostage, even if you overpowered my nearly fifty thousand troops, my father will continue sending reinforcements to the capital. What can you possibly do?"

    I stepped outside onto the terrace, looking over the vast autumn landscape, my expression unyielding.

    "Then let him come. Let¡¯s see who prevails."

    I spread my arms and met his gaze, each word crisp and clear:

    "Elias, today is not like the past. I am now of the Rowan lineage, inheritor of the Braedon throne. Behind me stands the royal family, the Duke of Braedon. I am the legitimate ruler. Your father is the traitor. Would I, as sovereign, simply surrender my throne?"

    I exhaled lightly, gazing at the distant horizon. "Whether in victory or defeat, it will take three to five months at best, decades at worst."

    I turned back to Elias, once again offering him the decree. "Being my Empress for three to five months¡ªis that so bad?"

    He averted his gaze. "If I accept your decree, how will I face my father?"

    I pressed the decree toward him. "I will name him Imperial Advisor."

    Elias remained motionless, his expression darkening. Just as I thought he wouldn¡¯t take it and was about to withdraw my hand, he suddenly snatched the decree, gripping it so tightly that veins bulged along his fingers.

    Closing his eyes in anguish, he spat through gritted teeth: "Autumn Myles, you truly see me as nothing more than a dog."

    After cursing me, he strode away, clutching the decree. As he walked, he unrolled it, reading each word meticulously, so engrossed that he failed to notice when he bumped into Liam.

    Liam quickly made his way to me. "Your Majesty, have you told him yet? That his entire family is in our hands?"

    I pressed my lips together and shook my head. "No need to use that card yet. And do not tell him."

    Liam looked at me in surprise. "Let¡¯s just hope his mother doesn¡¯t tell him first."

    I remained silent for a long time before answering, "Even if he knows, it doesn''t matter."

    Liam sighed. "Your Majesty planned every move with such caution, yet in the end, he was the easiest to subdue."

    I turned and walked inside. "You may change how you address me now."

    Liam froze for a moment before taking two steps back, bowing deeply and kneeling.

    "Long live Your Majesty."

 Chapter 26

    One month later, I officially ascended the throne.

    I conferred the title of Empress upon Elias, granted Duke Braedon, Dorian Thorne, the honorary title of Grand Retired Emperor, and elevated Spring Myles to the rank of Grand Princess while naming Summer Myles as Princess Royal. In honor of Dorian Thorne¡¯s daughter, Arianne, I posthumously bestowed upon her the title of Princess Serene Grace.

    I granted Elias¡¯s father, the title of Imperial Advisor. He was so enraged that he fell ill, furiously penning dozens of letters berating Elias.

    In his response, Elias wrote:

    "This woman carries the will of heaven, and I have been fortunate enough to enchant her. If our lineage benefits from this throne, it is entirely due to my contributions. If Father does not appreciate it, that is one thing, but to reproach me for it¡ªwhat an injustice!"

    Upon hearing of his father¡¯s illness, I sent Liam north to assist him with state affairs.

    Duke Rowan, Alaric¡¯s uncle, returned to Braedon to formally dissolve his marriage with Spring Myles. "I have spent my life immersed in politics, caught in endless turmoil. I am unworthy of being your husband."

    Spring Myles accepted this decision with calm indifference. Years ago, she had married him simply as part of our father¡¯s grand plan¡ªto select one among the four men of destiny. In the end, she had chosen the kindest among them.

    She remained in Braedon, shaving her head and dedicating herself to solitude.

    Meanwhile, Summer Myles had fully recovered, and I brought her back to the palace.

    Together, we visited an old adversary¡ªCrown Prince Alaric.

    Crown Prince Alaric had been imprisoned in the Eastern Palace.

    He sat motionless inside his chamber, his lifeless gaze fixed upon the slivers of sky visible through the lattice windows.

    Occasionally, a sparrow flitted past, and only then did his vacant eyes stir with a brief glimmer of emotion¡ªa fleeting smile of delusion.

    Upon witnessing this sight, Summer Myles sneered, "Your Highness, a ruthless, selfish man like you meeting this end¡ªit truly is gratifying to see."

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    Hearing her voice, Alaric¡¯s body tensed. Slowly, he turned toward the doorway, his eyes still void of warmth. "Useless wretch. This is all you could accomplish for me?"

    Summer Myles¡¯s expression darkened, her hatred surfacing as she turned toward me. "Do not let him eat. Give him nothing but a bowl of slop each day. I want him to experience hunger for the rest of his life."

    I ordered my attendants to carry out her request. After all, I had only promised to spare his life, nothing more.

    Summer Myles watched Alaric with cold detachment. "Your Highness, the starvation you evaded all those years ago during the famine relief effort¡ªyou will now repay it in full."

    Alaric smirked, turning his head away in silence.

    I placed a phoenix hairpin on the table before him. "A relic of the late Empress. It is time for it to return to its rightful owner."

    For the first time, his expression cracked. He lunged for the hairpin, clutching it in a white-knuckled grip. "Where is she? Is she still alive?"

    I met his desperate gaze with impassivity. "She is dead."

    "You¡­ you¡­" His body trembled violently, his lips paling. "The child¡­ she got rid of it. She thought Elias would return and make her Empress."

    Alaric lowered his head, burying his face in his sleeves, his shoulders shaking as laughter mixed with sobs. "She was such a fool."

    I watched him without pity. "Perhaps you do not know¡ªWinter Myles was a child I found at the foot of White Cloud Monastery. She was always afraid of the cold, her complexion pale as snow. Later, I discovered that her heart was positioned just below her throat. This very hairpin was what ended her life."

    I paused, my gaze boring into him. "White Cloud Monastery is not far from the riverbank. Perhaps the child your mother spoke of¡ªafter being poisoned and left for dead¡ªwas revived by the river''s current. Do you believe it?"

    His eyes widened in horror, his fingernails digging into the edge of the table until blood seeped from his fingertips.

    "You are¡­ lying! Autumn Myles, you are lying!"

    I arched a brow. "Am I? Your father never laid a hand on her. He even allowed her to meet Consort Thorne. But my foolish sister was too headstrong, and her conflict with the consort led to everything being buried in secrecy."

    Alaric roared in fury, "Wretched liar! That child died¡ªshe died long ago!"

    His fury collapsed into anguish. He covered his face and slumped forward, sobbing uncontrollably.

    After a long while, he lifted his tear-streaked face to me, his voice barely a whisper. "Did¡­ did you ever tell her?"

    I gazed down at him with indifference. "No. I did not tell her, because I pitied her. I am telling you because you deserve to suffer."

    With a heart-wrenching wail, Alaric collapsed to the floor, clutching the hairpin as if it were his last tether to reality.

    Leaving the Eastern Palace, I turned to Summer Myles.

    "Sister, why did you choose the Crown Prince?" I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.

    "Considering the current situation, Elias¡¯s life expectancy is hardly shorter than his."

    Summer Myles glanced at me. "As an older sister, no matter how terrible I may be, I would never choose the man my younger sister loves."

    Five years later, Duke Braedon, Dorian Thorne, fell gravely ill.

    I personally escorted Arthur Myles back to the southwest, ensuring his rightful inheritance of the Braedon Dukedom.

    Lying weakly on his sickbed, Dorian Thorne¡¯s dim eyes flickered open as his rough, aged hand reached out to caress Arthur''s face.

 Chapter 28

    I covered my face with my hands, feigning sorrow.

    "Uncle, how could you understand? Last night, I dreamed of my mother. She was looking down from the heavens, crying, saying she only wished for a grandchild. If not, she wouldn¡¯t rest in peace in the afterlife."

    Duke Rowan frowned deeply. I devised a perfect plan and instructed him to select a few men from the royal family to be sent into the harem.

    "Uncle, don''t you see? This way, it''s the best of both worlds. The child would be mine, yet still carry the bloodline of House Rowan."

    Duke Rowan suddenly understood, praising me as wise, a natural-born ruler.

    Half a month later, the Duke sent two handsome young men into the palace. Elias was furious, storming into Tranquil Hall.

    For the first time, I didn''t go to comfort him.

    People across the court speculated about my intentions, and more young men were sent to the palace. Even my second sister, Summer Myles, sent me two young candidates.

    I sighed in exasperation, "Why are you getting involved in this mess?"

    She answered indifferently, "If others send them, you wouldn¡¯t feel at ease. These two brothers are from a clean background, eighteen years old, and ten years younger than Elias."

    I lowered my head to read the memorials, shaking my head. "You better not let the Emperor Consort hear that. He won¡¯t let you live peacefully in the palace."

    Soon after, my harem had over ten young men. The most absurd of all was that Leon Tanner even sent a distant cousin of Elias, who bore a striking resemblance to him¡ªabout seventy to eighty percent similar, yet seven or eight years younger. That was the only one I rejected outright.

    I only met with a few: Elias, the two sent by Duke Rowan, the one from Thorne House, and the two from my second sister.

    Half a year later, I became pregnant.

    Duke Rowan brought the imperial physician, along with a record of my nightly visits, and spent an entire afternoon analyzing it. He eventually shut the book in frustration, turned his head, and looked at me with a suppressed expression.

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    "I give up. There¡¯s no way to determine the father."

    That was the power of a female emperor.

    I gently rubbed my stomach, chuckling. "Uncle, I¡¯ve treated them all fairly. Let¡¯s see who has the ability to claim the child."

    Duke Rowan, helpless against me, went home to pray to the Goddess of Fertility, hoping the child would belong to the Rowan bloodline.

    Elias placed his hand on my stomach, declaring, "I¡¯ll write to my father and tell him this child is mine."

    I softly embraced him. "After I give birth, you may decide what happens to the others in the harem."

    In the sixth year of my reign, in the midst of winter, I gave birth to a daughter, whom I named Celeste, and declared her the Crown Princess.

    From a young age, Celeste was raised under the tutelage of Elias, who personally educated her. She excelled in both scholarly and martial pursuits, with a pure heart and sharp mind. Elias poured his devotion into training her, treating her as his own flesh and blood, even more than a real father would. From that moment on, Leon Tanner finally abandoned his suspicions.

    By the tenth year of my reign, Celeste had turned four.

    Leon Tanner relinquished all military power to Liam, returning from the Northern Frontier to the capital to attend the Crown Princess¡¯s birthday celebration, intending to enjoy his twilight years.

    At the grand banquet, Celeste climbed onto Leon Tanner¡¯s lap and, following Elias¡¯s teachings, called him ¡°Grandfather.¡±

    Leon Tanner lifted Celeste, looking her over from left to right, but he still couldn¡¯t determine whether she carried Ly blood or not.

    Outside, snow had begun to fall.

    He handed Celeste back to her attendants, then instinctively raised his head¡ªonly to meet my gaze.

    I stood silently atop the white jade steps, clad in a black imperial robe embroidered with golden phoenixes. A row of guards held umbrellas behind me, shielding me from the falling snow, as I smiled down at him.

    Seated upon the imperial throne, I looked down at him from above. "Fifteen years have passed, and at last, I finally meet General Leon Tanner."

    Leon Tanner''s ears twitched slightly. He turned, his sharp eyes narrowing as he noticed the executioners concealed along both sides of the hall. He closed his eyes and exhaled.

    "So, Your Majesty truly held onto this grudge all these years. For the past decade, I kept hearing rumors that a daughter of House Myles had ascended the throne. I thought perhaps I was being paranoid. But now that I have entered the palace, I see it clearly."

    I tightened my grip on the armrest of my throne, running my fingers over the smooth carving.

    "The hatred of a mother¡¯s death¡ªhow could it ever be forgotten?"

    Leon Tanner, do you know why I waited until now?

    My House, the Myles family, descends from a long line of fate-readers. Throughout history, countless people have used gold, power, and coercion to try and force us to predict their futures. If I, or my father, had truly wished for your death, we could have killed you a hundred, a thousand times over¡ªit would have been as easy as flipping a hand."

    Leon Tanner¡¯s voice rang out across the great hall. "So, Your Majesty merely wishes to sit upon the throne that I longed for the most and tell me with your own imperial lips that House Tanner will never seize this empire?"

 Chapter 29

    I gripped the armrest of the throne tightly, my head lowered before I slowly lifted my gaze, my eyes as cold as ice:

    "Leon Tanner, your vision only extends this far. I have waited fifteen years, waited for you to stabilize and hand over your military power, all so I could kill you¡ªbut without disrupting the peace of the empire, without plunging the Northern Frontier into war, without subjecting its people to fire and bloodshed!"

    I rose to my feet, my sharp gaze locking onto him as my voice suddenly rang out like a blade slicing through the air:

    "Short-sighted men like you will never understand the burden my father carried! It was because of men like you that my mother was forced to her death! You sent your own younger brother to entangle himself with my mother, forcing her to extract secrets from my father about the fate of the empire!"

    That year, in the fire that consumed the alley in the eastern district, the man who abandoned my mother was none other than the younger brother of Leon Tanner.

    After my mother died, my father soon uncovered the truth.

    I secretly followed the man, watching as he entered the old Tanner estate. I released my crimson parrot over the courtyard wall and listened as it eavesdropped on the conversation between him and Leon Tanner.

    It turned out that Leon Tanner had known since that fire that my father was the descendant of a fate-seer. But my father, for my mother¡¯s sake, had forsaken divination. When Leon Tanner came knocking at his door, he was turned away every time.

    Yet, he discovered that his younger brother once had feelings for my mother in their youth and knew that my father confided in her about everything. So he sought to use her to learn the secrets of the empire, especially whether House Tanner could ever claim the throne.

    Leon Tanner¡¯s younger brother was nothing more than a degenerate, someone my father could have easily eliminated.

    But Leon Tanner himself¡ªhe was the Grand General of the Northern Frontier, commanding two hundred thousand men. Killing him would have been easy, but plunging the frontier into chaos was not something my father could allow.

    In a world teetering on the edge of war, there was only one way to make Leon Tanner willingly surrender his power¡ªand only one person who could legitimately execute him.

    So my father created the prophecy that one of the four destined men would become emperor.

    From that moment on, the stars shifted, the winds changed, and the tides of fate were rewritten for fifteen years.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Leon Tanner admitted to forcing my mother to her death. But he had no intention of taking his own life.

    He raised his head, his expression dark and venomous:

    "Your Majesty, I do not dare to claim that I am your elder. But if you execute me in this very hall, do you not fear that my son, Elias, will turn against you?"

    Step by step, I descended from the throne, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

    "Leon Tanner, if it were not for you, I would never have met your son. If not for that crimson parrot, I would not have encountered him. Nor would this bond between us have ever formed."

    I paused, letting my words settle before continuing, my tone even and deliberate:

    "You don¡¯t know this, do you? I was born with a fierce destiny. The Star of Seven Slaughters¡ªthe Star of Dominion. Whoever stays by my side, I will steal their fate. It has already come true twice before."

    I picked up the small gilded dagger from the lacquered tray, my movements calm and steady.

    "Back then, you wanted my father to read your fate. Before his death, he left a message for me to deliver today:

    Your son, Elias Tanner, carries an illustrious destiny¡ªone of benevolence and righteousness, the mark of a ruler. The Imperial Star."

    Leon Tanner struggled against the four guards holding him down, his legs crushed beneath him as he was forced to kneel on the cold marble floor.

    He lifted his head, his face twisted with undeniable fury:

    "Then your father was wrong!"

    I unsheathed the dagger, stepping closer, crouching beside him.

    "No. He was right."

    I whispered into his ear, my voice a mere breath:

    "I stole his imperial fate. I took it for myself. And look¡ªhaven''t I done an excellent job?"

    I released the dagger.

    Leon Tanner collapsed onto the hall¡¯s marble floor, a pool of blood rapidly spreading beneath him.

    I stood and stepped over the spreading crimson pool, walking straight through it. The bloodied footprints trailed behind me, stretching from the dimly lit throne room to the bright light outside.

    The wind howled through the palace courtyards, carrying heavy snowflakes that blanketed the world in white.

    I gazed across the imperial city, watching as snow swirled in the wind, covering rooftops and halls in a sea of frost.

    For a moment, I felt like I was lost in a dream.

    I didn¡¯t know how long I had been standing in the cold until I heard the sound of laughter.

    Elias was playing with Celeste beneath the veranda.

    She held a small ball of snow in her hands, grinning brightly.

    When Elias tried to snatch it from her, she immediately turned, running toward me with excitement.

    "Mother!"

    She stretched out her tiny hands, offering me the snow. But as she did, her gaze fell upon the red stains at my feet.

    She tilted her head curiously, her soft voice full of innocence:

    "What''s this?"

    Elias immediately moved, covering her eyes.

    "Celeste, don¡¯t look."

    She wriggled in his grasp, determined to understand, her big eyes blinking in confusion.

    One moment, she looked at me. The next, she looked at Elias.

    Again and again, she asked:

    "What is this? What is it?"

    I smiled, crouching to her level, my voice gentle yet piercingly cold:

    "Celeste, there are two kinds of snow in this world.

    The kind in your hands¡ªthat is snow.

    And the kind at my feet¡ªthat is blood.

    Both can make the world a cleaner place."

    Elias raised his head to look at me, his lips curling into a faint smile.

    He slowly released Celeste into my arms.

    Then, he asked with chilling calm:

    "Your Majesty, where is my father?"

    I froze.

    For a long time, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to lift my head.