《The Reborn Empress》 1: The End of an Empress
2: Awakening in a Familiar Stranger World Light. It was the first thing she noticed. A soft, golden light filtering through the silk curtains of her bedroom window. It was a far cry from the cold, flickering torchlight of the dungeon, or the endless darkness of her death. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the gentle brightness. She was no longer surrounded by the harsh, unforgiving stones of a prison cell. Instead, she lay on a soft, comfortable bed, the familiar scent of lavender filling the air. This was her bedroom, the bedroom she had known as a child in the Smith family mansion. She raised a hand to her face, her fingers tracing the smooth skin of her cheek. It was small, delicate, not the worn, scarred hands of an empress. She moved her fingers over her arm, feeling the smooth skin. She looked at her hands, and they looked so small and young. This was not a dream. This was real. She was young again. She was back. A wave of confusion washed over her, followed by a surge of recognition. The memories of her past life, the life as Empress Ella Smith, flooded her mind. The betrayal, the suffering, the death of her children and her family, it was all still there, vivid and agonizingly real. But now, she also felt the excitement of a new beginning. She had been reborn. She sat up, the silken sheets rustling around her. She looked around the room, her gaze taking in every familiar detail. The intricately carved wooden furniture, the delicate porcelain vases, the paintings on the wall ¨C they were all exactly as she remembered them from her childhood. It was as if no time had passed, and yet, everything had changed. The door to her room opened gently, and a young woman entered, her eyes filled with concern. It was Emily, her loyal maid. Emily, who had sacrificed herself to save her in her past life. Her heart ached at the sight of Emily''s kind face, a face she had seen for so many years, and one that now was given to her again. She saw the young, gentle, and loyal maid as someone she must protect, someone she must keep safe this time. "My lady, you are awake," Emily said softly, her voice filled with relief. "You have been sleeping for a long time. Are you feeling alright?" Ella stared at Emily, her throat tight with emotion. How could she be here? How could she be so young again, so full of life? This was her chance to fix her mistakes from the past. She had a new opportunity to protect her family and seek vengeance for the pain she had endured. She knew that she must not trust the people around her. However, this time, she had a chance to change everything. "I''m fine, Emily," Ella replied, her voice a little raspy from disuse. "Just a bit tired." She looked at Emily, her eyes searching for any sign of recognition or change. However, Emily appeared just the same as she had in Ella''s past life, her face young and gentle. Emily approached the bed, her hands hovering over Ella. She looked carefully at Ella, trying to see if Ella had any aches or pains. Emily was always attentive to Ella''s well-being. "Do you need anything, my lady? Shall I bring you some warm water? Or some food?" Emily asked. "Yes, water would be good," Ella responded, keeping her voice calm and collected. She must not give away the shock she felt, or how much had changed inside her. She needed to act like her old self, at least for now. She needed to make a plan to achieve her goal. This time, she would not waste her opportunities. Emily quickly left the room and returned with a cup of water and a small, light breakfast. Ella drank the water slowly, trying to gather her thoughts. Each sip was like a grounding cord to the present. She felt the shock start to calm down as her focus returned to her current mission. "What day is it?" Ella asked, her voice still quiet, but stronger this time, more sure. "It is the 15th day of the 7th month," Emily replied, her brow furrowed with concern. "Why do you ask, my lady? Did you hit your head?" Ella knew the date. It was the year she was fourteen, the year before she had met James Brown. The year her life had taken a tragic turn. This knowledge sent a shiver of both fear and determination through her body. It was clear. She was not dreaming, and this was not a hallucination. This was real life. She had a second chance. And this time, she would be smarter and more ruthless.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "I just wanted to know," Ella said, placing the empty cup on a nearby table. "I feel like I''ve slept for so long. I thought that perhaps, the date had been changed."Emily smiled. "You always sleep for a long time, my lady," Emily said with a chuckle. "You are a sleepyhead." Ella managed a small smile in response. She was glad that Emily had not changed. She was grateful that Emily was still so kind, and so loyal. This time, she would protect Emily. She would do everything in her power to make sure she would not sacrifice herself again. "My lady, I will go and prepare your bath, and then I will dress you," Emily said, her voice bright and cheerful. "Today is a big day. You will be seeing your cousins, Cindy and Amy, again at Rong Hall. You''ll need to look your best." Ella''s smile faded. She had almost forgotten about her cousins, Cindy and Amy. In her past life, she had always tried to impress them, to gain their approval and friendship. She had naively thought that they cared for her, that they wanted what was best for her. But she had been wrong. They had used her for their own benefit, and they had not been friends with her at all. She knew this time she had to change her approach. She needed to become someone who was strong and powerful. Someone who was not easily fooled or manipulated. She had a plan to make her family stronger, and she would need to use the people around her, including Cindy and Amy, to make that happen. "Emily," Ella said, her voice firm, "I do not want to see Cindy and Amy today. I do not want to go to Rong Hall." Emily looked surprised. "But my lady," Emily said, her brow furrowed, "the old madam will be expecting you. You have always gone to the gatherings at Rong Hall with your cousins. What has changed?" "I have changed," Ella stated with quiet confidence. "I am no longer a naive and childish girl. I have a plan to become stronger. I want to take control of my life. I want to decide my own future, and if I do not want to see Cindy and Amy today, then I shall not." Her voice was calm, but it carried an air of authority that was new to Emily. Emily was silent for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise. She had never heard Ella speak with such confidence and conviction. Something had definitely changed. It was not just that she had been asleep; there was a change deep within her. "Very well, my lady," Emily replied finally, her voice filled with respect. "I will tell the old madam that you are still unwell and cannot attend the gathering today." Ella nodded. "Thank you, Emily. You have always been so loyal and kind." Her voice was soft, but her eyes were still determined. She needed to protect Emily. As Emily left the room to prepare her bath, Ella took a deep breath, her mind racing with plans. She needed to be careful. She could not reveal her true intentions to anyone, not even Emily. She needed to observe and learn before making any moves. She knew that her enemies were out there, waiting to strike. She must be smarter and more cunning this time. She stood up and walked towards the window, her gaze fixed on the gardens below. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, the flowers swayed, as if they were dancing in the breeze. The world outside seemed so peaceful, so serene. But she knew that beneath the surface, there was a web of intrigue and betrayal. She turned away from the window and walked towards the mirror, looking at herself. She saw a young, innocent girl staring back at her, but she knew that this was not who she was. She was the empress reborn, the woman who had sworn revenge. She was the woman who had come back to rewrite her destiny. There was a knock at the door, and Emily entered with a large, wooden tub filled with warm, scented water. "The bath is ready, my lady," Emily said, her eyes bright. "Shall I help you undress?" Ella nodded and allowed Emily to help her into the tub. The warm water soothed her aching muscles and helped to clear her mind. As she washed her hair and skin, she felt the old life start to peel away from her. She was no longer the empress who had been betrayed and killed. She was Ella, the young girl with a second chance, and a fierce determination to protect her family. She would not be a victim again. After her bath, Emily helped her dress in a simple, but elegant gown. She brushed Ella''s hair until it shone, then she fastened it with a beautiful clip. Ella looked at herself in the mirror. The young girl she was looking at was still not someone she fully recognized. There was another knock at the door, and a servant peeked inside. "My lady, your cousin, Cindy Smith, is here to see you," the servant said. Ella''s brow furrowed. She knew that Cindy was likely there to see what was happening. She was curious why Ella would not come to Rong Hall, and she wanted to take this chance to see if Ella was sick. "Tell her I will see her in a moment," Ella said calmly. She then looked at Emily. "I need to know what I should do to best protect my family. I must learn everything that I can." Emily nodded and helped Ella get ready to face her cousin, Cindy Smith. Ella took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination. The game was on. She was ready. She would not be defeated again. She would rewrite her destiny, and she would have her revenge. 3: The Betrayal and the Plan The memory came to her in flashes. Like a broken mirror, each shard reflecting a moment of her past naivet¨¦. Ella sat by the window in her room, the soft morning light casting a gentle glow on her face, but her mind was far away, lost in the corridors of her past. She remembered the young girl she had been, so full of hope, so easily swayed by sweet words and a handsome face. It was hard to reconcile that girl with the woman she had become, the empress who had known betrayal and death, and now, the young woman with the wisdom of her past life. She recalled the day she had first spoken of her desire to marry Crown Prince James. It had been a casual conversation, a naive confession made to her cousins, Amy and Cindy. She remembered the excitement in her voice, the giddy happiness that had bubbled up inside her at the thought of being his wife. She had believed he was a kind and honorable man, a true prince. She had been so very wrong. She closed her eyes, the image of James Brown, her former husband, appearing in her mind. The handsome face, the charming smile, the eyes that had once held her captive - now they filled her with disgust and a burning hatred. She remembered the day he had ascended the throne, the day she had become his empress. She had stood by him, supported him, and loved him with all her heart. He had been the world to her. But he had betrayed her in the most cruel and heartless way imaginable. He had allowed her children to die, had orchestrated the downfall of her family, and had ultimately sentenced her to death. The pain of that betrayal was still raw and fresh, as if the wounds had been inflicted only moments ago. She could still feel the cold, hard stone of the dungeon floor beneath her, the chilling fear that had gripped her heart in her final moments. She clenched her fists, a surge of anger coursing through her veins. "This time," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet determination, "this time, things will be different."She would not be a naive girl, easily swayed by flattery or a pretty face. She would not blindly follow her heart and make the same mistakes she had made in the past. She would use her knowledge of the future to her advantage. She would manipulate events, plot her revenge, and ensure that James Brown paid for his treachery. She would also do everything in her power to protect her family and keep them from harm. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Emily, her loyal maid, her face etched with a hint of worry. "My lady," Emily said softly, "your cousin, Amy Smith, is here to see you. She says it''s important." Ella''s eyes narrowed. Amy, the cousin who had always tried to make her look foolish, who had never truly been her friend. What did she want? She knew that Amy was likely trying to find out why she had not gone to Rong Hall, and that she was trying to see if something had changed in Ella. Ella had decided in the previous chapter that she would not attend Rong Hall, and she knew that it would not be long before her family tried to force her to go. She decided that she would use Amy to practice her new skills. "Very well, Emily," Ella replied, her voice calm and collected. "Show her in."Emily opened the door, and Amy entered, her face a picture of concern, but Ella saw the curiosity and judgment that lurked beneath the surface. Amy looked at Ella with eyes that were trying to see through her mask. Amy saw that Ella looked calm, but did not understand why. "Ella, are you alright?" Amy asked, her voice laced with fake concern. "Emily said that you were not feeling well, so I came to check on you. Why didn''t you attend Rong Hall today?" Ella looked at Amy, seeing her for the first time with the clear eyes of an empress who had been betrayed. She had been used to being manipulated and made to feel bad about herself. However, this time, she would turn the tables. She would not be the victim anymore. "I am fine, Amy," Ella replied, her voice even and steady, not showing the turmoil that was raging within her. "I simply needed some rest. I have been thinking about many things. I realize that I have made mistakes in the past, and that I need to make changes." She stated it as a fact, with a calmness that Amy did not recognize. Amy''s eyes widened slightly. She could tell that something had shifted within Ella, but she could not figure out what. She was used to Ella being shy and emotional, but this calm demeanor was new and unsettling. Amy had wanted to come see if Ella was sick, or hurt. However, she had not expected Ella to act so calm. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "What kind of changes, Ella?" Amy asked, her voice laced with suspicion. She wanted to find out what was going on with Ella, so that she could tell Old Madam Smith, and see if she would have a chance to take advantage of Ella''s supposed weakness. Ella smiled, a small, knowing smile that did not reach her eyes. "I have come to realize that I must take control of my own life. I will not let others decide my fate for me. I will not be a victim anymore." She looked directly into Amy''s eyes. Amy shifted uncomfortably. She was not used to Ella speaking to her with such confidence. It was unnerving. "But what do you mean? You have always been so agreeable and so happy to follow the rules. Why would you change now? Is this about James Brown?" Amy blurted out, eager to see if Ella was still as naive and childish as she had been in the past. Ella''s eyes flashed, but she kept her voice calm. "My feelings for James Brown are my own concern. I will not let anyone use them to control me again. I see that I need to be in control of my own life. I want to be in charge of my own destiny." Amy was quiet for a moment, processing Ella''s words. She was clearly confused by Ella''s calm and strong manner. She was used to Ella being naive and emotional. This new Ella was someone that she did not recognize. Amy had always wanted to see Ella fail, and this new strength was unnerving. "You are acting very strange, Ella. I think you should go back to bed," Amy said, her voice sharp and critical. "You are not making any sense." Ella laughed softly. "I am making perfect sense, Amy. It is you who is confused. You have always treated me as a child, as someone who is foolish and naive. You have always tried to make me feel small and insignificant. But I am no longer that girl." She was testing her new abilities, and making sure that she could keep her calm. It was going exactly as she had planned. Amy bristled at Ella''s words. She had never expected Ella to speak to her in such a way. She had always thought that she was the smart and powerful one, but now she could see that Ella was different. She was more calculating, and much more dangerous. "How dare you speak to me like that!" Amy retorted, her face flushed with anger. "I am your older cousin, and you will show me respect." Ella shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Respect is earned, Amy. It is not given automatically because of age or bloodline. In the past, I have always given you respect. I have always tried to be your friend. But now I can see that you do not deserve it. You have never been kind to me. You have always tried to make me look bad so that you can look better." Amy''s face twisted into a sneer. "You are being ridiculous, Ella. You have always been jealous of me because I am more talented and beautiful than you. You are just trying to start trouble. I think you should stop acting like this. It''s not a good look." Ella ignored the insult and continued to speak calmly. "I know your goal, Amy. You are here to see if I am still as naive as I was in the past. You want to see if you can take advantage of me. You also want to go and tell Old Madam Smith that I have changed. You want to take all of this information and use it to try to make me look bad. However, this time, I will not allow it. This time, I am in control." Amy was taken aback. How could Ella have known what she was thinking? It was as if she could read her mind. This new Ella was not who she thought she was. This new Ella was very dangerous. "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Amy said, her voice trembling slightly. She knew that she had been exposed. "I only came to see if you were okay." "I do not believe you," Ella said, her voice cold and firm. "I know that you are here to take information back to Old Madam Smith. I know that you have always wanted me to fail. I will no longer be the person that you want me to be. I have other plans, and they do not involve being your friend." Amy stood there, silent and stunned. She had never seen Ella like this before. This new Ella was like a stranger to her. Ella knew that she needed to be more careful. She could not reveal her true intentions to anyone, not even Amy. She needed to be patient and calculated. She would play the role of the naive young girl for now, but beneath the surface, she would be plotting her revenge. "I think it is time for you to leave, Amy," Ella said, her voice still calm but firm. "I need to rest." Amy nodded silently and turned to leave, her mind racing with confusion and fear. She did not understand what was happening to Ella, but she knew that things had changed, and that Ella was no longer the easy target she had once been. After Amy left, Ella sat down again by the window, a small smile playing on her lips. She had successfully held her composure, and she had successfully confused Amy. This was only the beginning. She would not let anyone stand in her way. She would rewrite her destiny, and she would have her revenge. She would protect her family, and this time, everyone who had hurt her would pay.She was not the innocent young girl anymore, she was the empress reborn. And she was ready to play the game. She had learned from the past, and this time, she would win. Ella closed her eyes, her mind already planning her next move. She needed to use her knowledge of the future, to position herself strategically, and to gain power. This was not just about revenge. This was about making sure that her family would not suffer again. This was about ensuring that her family could be safe. This was her goal. And she would not stop until she had achieved it. This time, she would be the one in control. This time, she would be the master of her own destiny. 4: Old Mandam Smith, the Matriarch The days were growing shorter, and the air had a crispness that signaled the approach of winter. Ella stood by the window, her gaze drifting towards the northwest. She thought of her father and brothers, their faces etched with the hardships of their duty at the border. A pang of worry, a faint echo of her past life, tightened her chest. She knew the dangers they faced and the sacrifices they made for the Realm of Light. A gentle knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts. Emily, her loyal maid, entered with a worried look on her face. "Miss Ella," she said, her voice soft, "Old Mandam Smith has requested your presence at Rong Hall." Ella nodded, a sense of unease settling within her. She knew that a summons from the matriarch was never a casual affair. The walk to Rong Hall felt longer than usual. As Ella walked through the Smith family mansion, she noticed the stark differences between the east and west wings. The west wing, where her family lived, was simple and practical, with rooms designed for comfort rather than show. In contrast, the east wing, occupied by the other branches of the family, was grand and extravagant, filled with ornate decorations and expensive furniture. It was a constant reminder of the power and privilege that certain members of her family held. She observed the people walking around in the mansion as well. The people in the east wing seemed to walk with their heads held high, while those in the west wing, like her, walked in a simple manner. Reaching Rong Hall, Ella paused at the entrance. The large, imposing doors were made of dark wood, intricately carved with scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures. She could hear the muffled sounds of voices inside, a mixture of polite greetings and hushed whispers. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. The hall was grand, with a high ceiling supported by massive pillars. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the room and revealing the various members of the Smith family. Old Mandam Smith, the family matriarch, sat at the head of a long table, her face etched with age and experience. Her eyes, though clouded with time, held a sharp intelligence. Around her were various family members, including her aunts and cousins. Ella noticed that many of the faces held looks of discontent, some were trying to hide their smiles. It seemed like there were various undercurrents that were not said aloud, but clearly there. As Ella entered the room, all conversation ceased. The eyes of the family members turned to her. The silence was heavy, and it seemed that it was meant to create pressure on her. She met their gaze calmly, refusing to show any sign of weakness or fear. She walked to her seat. Old Mandam Smith''s voice cut through the silence. "Ella," she said, her voice raspy with age, "You are late." Ella bowed her head slightly, but her eyes remained steady. "Apologies, Grandmother," she said, using the title of respect. "I was delayed." She said this in a calm voice. Amy Smith, her cousin, was quick to add to the accusation. "Delayed? By what, Ella? Daydreaming about the Crown Prince again?" Ella ignored the jibe and looked at Old Mandam Smith. She knew that Old Mandam Smith wanted her to be flustered and to apologize, but Ella was now determined to not give them the satisfaction. Her past life had taught her much about political maneuvering and the importance of showing strength. "You have been neglecting your duties, Ella," Old Mandam Smith stated, her eyes narrowed. "You should be more mindful of your responsibilities." Ella kept her tone even. "I apologize if my actions were misconstrued. I assure you, Grandmother, I am well aware of my responsibilities." She decided to not address the comment about Crown Prince James. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Old Mandam Smith ignored her response and continued. "Your lack of respect is evident, and you have not conducted yourself with the proper decorum of a Smith family member." She gestured towards the center of the hall, her eyes fixed on Ella. "I order you to kneel, and beg for forgiveness. Your behavior is a disgrace to the family." This was an open challenge to her. It was clear to Ella that Old Mandam Smith was trying to assert her dominance and humiliate her. In her past life, she would have kneeled, succumbing to the pressure and believing that she had done wrong. But now, with the memories of her past life, she was resolved to not let them control her. She knew that if she kneeled now, they would use that against her. Ella stood firm, her back straight and her head held high. Her response was the opposite of what they wanted, and she could tell by the way their faces contorted. "Grandmother," she said, her voice clear and steady, "I will not kneel. I do not think that I have done wrong, and I will not beg for forgiveness." A collective gasp echoed around the hall. Old Mandam Smith''s face darkened. The other members of the family watched, some with shock and others with barely concealed delight. Amy Smith was smirking, hoping to see her humiliated further. However, Ella had no intention of doing what they wanted. Old Mandam Smith rose slowly from her chair, her eyes burning with anger. "How dare you disobey me, Ella? You forget your place. I am the matriarch of this family, and you will do as I say!" The tension in the hall was palpable. Everyone knew that challenging Old Mandam Smith was a bold move, one that could have serious consequences. The other family members were looking at Ella with wide eyes and their mouths agape. They had never seen Ella show such courage and they did not expect it. "I respect your position, Grandmother," Ella said, her voice unwavering. "But I will not kneel for something I do not believe I have done wrong. My behavior does not need to be corrected, and I have not brought disgrace to the Smith family." She decided to keep her tone neutral so that she did not sound like she was rebelling or disrespecting, but was rather stating a fact. Old Mandam Smith took a step towards Ella, her eyes filled with fury. "You insolent girl! You will regret this defiance. I will make sure you are punished." "I am prepared to face any punishment," Ella replied, not flinching under Old Mandam Smith''s gaze. Her voice had a slight edge to it, and it seemed that she was not going to back down. The other members of the family, who had initially been entertained by the confrontation, now looked worried. They knew that Old Mandam Smith was not someone to be trifled with, and Ella''s defiance could bring trouble for the whole family. They started whispering amongst themselves, concerned about the consequences. Amy Smith, seeing an opportunity to further humiliate Ella, spoke up again. "You always think you are so right, Ella. You are just a disgrace to our family! If you don''t kneel, I will make sure that everyone knows of your behavior." Ella looked at Amy, her eyes filled with disdain. "You and the others can whisper all you want. It will not change who I am or what I believe in. I will not bow down to your whims." The confrontation continued for some time, with Old Mandam Smith trying to break Ella''s resolve and Ella standing her ground. In the end, it was one of Ella''s aunts, Sophia, who stepped forward, realizing the futility of the situation. Sophia, who had always been more pragmatic, saw that they could not control Ella in the way that they wanted. She also knew that this open conflict was not good for the family. "Mother," she said to Old Mandam Smith, her voice calm. "Perhaps we should discuss this matter further at another time. It is clear that Ella is not going to change her mind right now. Let us not make a scene." Old Mandam Smith looked at Sophia, her eyes narrowed. She knew that Sophia was right, but she was still furious at Ella''s defiance. But she did not want to continue this in public, so she relented. "Very well," she said, her voice filled with suppressed anger. "We will discuss this matter again." Ella knew that the battle was not over. She knew that Old Mandam Smith and her family would try to control her, but she had taken the first step in asserting her independence. She had shown them that she was not the same naive girl they had known in the past. She was now a woman who was determined to control her own fate, and she would not let anyone stand in her way. With that thought, she turned and left the hall, her head held high. She could hear the whispers following her as she walked away. However, she was not bothered by them. This was only the beginning, and she was prepared for whatever came next. She realized that this was going to be a difficult journey. But she was ready to take on whatever challenges that might come her way. With each challenge she faces, she will grow stronger and more determined. 5: Clash of Wills The air in Rong Hall hung thick with tension. Ella''s refusal to kneel had created a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The family members, previously whispering amongst themselves, now stared at her with a mixture of shock and anger. Old Mandam Smith, her face flushed with indignation, glared at Ella, her eyes burning with fury. The other members of the family seemed unsure of what to do. "How dare you defy me?" Old Mandam Smith''s voice, usually raspy with age, was now sharp and cutting. "You forget your place, girl! I am the matriarch of this family, and you will obey me." She seemed to be trying to regain control over the situation. Ella stood firm, her back straight and her gaze unwavering. She had expected this reaction, and she was prepared for it. "I respect your position as the matriarch, Grandmother," she said, her voice calm and steady. "However, I will not kneel for something I do not believe I have done wrong." She held their gaze to show that she was not afraid. Amy Smith, seeing an opportunity to attack, jumped in. "You think you are always so right, Ella? You are just stubborn and disrespectful. You have embarrassed the whole family!" She seemed happy that she could participate in the attack. Ella turned her gaze towards Amy, her eyes filled with disdain. "Your words are empty, Amy. They do not reflect the truth, and they are merely meant to provoke me. I will not lower myself to argue with you." She was resolved to not get into a back and forth with Amy, as that would achieve nothing. The other family members joined in, their voices rising in a cacophony of accusations. "You are arrogant and proud!" one of her cousins shouted. "You have no manners!" another one added. They all seemed to be taking pleasure in attacking Ella. Ella listened to their shouts, her face remaining calm. She realized that they were trying to break her spirit, to make her kneel and apologize, just like they had done in her past life. She decided that she would not let that happen. "I am not arrogant or proud," she said, her voice still calm and clear, "I am simply standing up for what is right. If you believe I have done wrong, show me the evidence of my wrongdoing." Old Mandam Smith raised a hand to silence the others. "Enough!" she said, her voice laced with anger. "This insolence will not be tolerated. I have decided what is to be done. Ella, you will apologize to Crown Prince James for your inappropriate behavior. That will be the end of this whole matter. I will not have my family shamed like this." Ella was surprised by this statement. In her past life, she had wanted to apologize to Crown Prince James, because she was naive and wanted to marry him. However, she did not want to do that now. "I will not apologize to Crown Prince James, Grandmother," she said, her voice firm. "I have done nothing wrong. I do not admire him in the way you think I do." She was very clear in her statement. The family members gasped at her refusal, their eyes wide with disbelief. Old Mandam Smith looked like she was about to explode with anger. "You continue to defy me, Ella! I will not stand for this. Your actions are a disgrace, and I will not let you ruin the reputation of the Smith family!" "I am not trying to ruin the reputation of the family," Ella replied, her voice calm. "I am trying to protect it from harm. The whispers and rumors about me falling into the pond are false, and I will not apologize for something that did not happen. I have no reason to be ashamed, and I will not pretend I do to appease you." She decided to stand her ground, even if it meant facing the wrath of Old Mandam Smith. She wanted to take control of the situation. "So you are saying that the rumors are false, and you did not fall into the pond intentionally?" It was Sophia who spoke, her voice thoughtful. "That is exactly what I am saying," Ella replied, looking straight into her aunt''s eyes. "I slipped, and I fell. It was an accident." She decided that she might as well tell them exactly what happened. She was not going to hide anything."But there are witnesses who say that you were spying on the Crown Prince," Amy Smith said, her voice filled with accusation. "Everyone knows that you admire him, and that you wanted to gain his attention."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Ella''s face remained neutral. "I have said before, I do not admire the Crown Prince. I admire people with dignity." She looked directly at Amy, making it clear that she did not think highly of her cousin. "And even if I had fallen into the water on purpose, which I did not, I do not believe that would be something to be ashamed of. I do not need to feel ashamed of wanting to gain the attention of someone I admire. However, that is not the truth." The family members were taken aback by her directness and her willingness to challenge the accusations. They seemed to be unsure of how to react. Amy looked frustrated, as it was clear that she did not have a strong defense. "Then who can say what happened?" Sophia asked, her voice calm. She wanted to be sure of what was going on, instead of just jumping to conclusions. Ella turned to look at Cindy Smith, who had been silent until now. "Cindy was there when I fell. She knows the truth." She decided to use Cindy, as she knew she was not very intelligent and could be easily manipulated. Cindy seemed startled by being called out. She looked from Ella to Old Mandam Smith, her eyes filled with nervousness. "Well, it''s... it''s true. Ella slipped, and she fell. She did not fall in intentionally. It was an accident." She did not meet the gaze of any of the family members. The family members were surprised by Cindy''s testimony, as Cindy was usually very obedient and did not like to go against the crowd. Old Mandam Smith looked like she was going to say something, but was interrupted by Sophia. "So, it seems that there may have been a misunderstanding," Sophia said, her voice neutral. "If Cindy says that Ella slipped, then we must accept her testimony." She knew that the situation was getting out of control, and she wanted to put a stop to it as soon as possible. Old Mandam Smith looked at Sophia, her eyes filled with anger. "You are taking her side? Are you going against your own family?" Sophia sighed. "I am not taking anyone''s side, Mother. I am simply trying to be fair. We cannot just accuse Ella without any evidence, and Cindy''s testimony has made it clear that we may have been mistaken." She was trying to be diplomatic, but it seemed like Old Mandam Smith was not going to give up so easily. "This is not over, Ella," Old Mandam Smith said, her voice low and threatening. "I will not let you get away with this. You will pay for this defiance." She seemed to want to get the last word in.Ella stood firm, her eyes unwavering. "I am not afraid of your threats, Grandmother. I will continue to stand up for what is right, and I will not be intimidated by your power." Her voice carried a hint of command. Sophia, realizing that the conflict would not end without intervention, stepped forward. "Mother, I think it''s best if we adjourn this discussion for now. We are all getting too emotional. Let us take some time to reflect on what has been said. It is clear that we cannot come to a resolution today, and it is not good for the whole family to be fighting like this." She was trying to be diplomatic and calm things down. Old Mandam Smith, seeing that she could not win this battle, relented. "Very well," she said, her voice filled with anger. "We will continue this another time." She glared at Ella before turning away. The family members slowly started to leave, their eyes filled with suspicion and distrust. Ella remained standing in the middle of the hall, her head held high. She knew that this was not the end of the conflict. However, she was determined to not let them control her again. She would continue to stand up for what she believed in, and she would not let anyone stand in her way. Cindy came up to Ella, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and fear. "You were so brave, Ella," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I wish I could be as strong as you are." Ella looked at Cindy, her face neutral. "You do not need to be strong like me, Cindy. You simply need to be true to yourself." She had to say something, but did not want to show any emotion. "But Old Mandam Smith is very angry," Cindy said, her voice trembling. "I''m scared that she will punish you for your defiance." Ella gave a slight smile, showing that she was amused by Cindy''s fear. "I am not afraid of her, Cindy. I will face whatever comes my way." She had decided to not show any emotion and keep her thoughts hidden. As Ella left Rong Hall, she could hear the whispers following her. She knew that the family was divided, and that there would be many more battles to come. However, she was prepared. She was no longer the naive girl from the past. She was now a woman with a mission, and she would not let anyone stand in her way. The chapter ended with Ella walking away, knowing that she had won the battle for now, but the war had just begun. 6: Undercurrents The Smith family compound, a place where generations of Smiths had lived, was now a stage for subtle yet intense power plays. Ella Smith, having returned with the knowledge of her past life, was no longer the naive girl easily manipulated, and this change was stirring the stagnant waters of the family''s internal dynamics. Confrontation with Old Mandam Smith:The day after her rebirth, Ella had already started to subtly challenge the established order. Old Mandam Smith, the family matriarch, was a figure of immense authority. In the past, Ella had never dared to question her, but now, with the weight of her past life and the determination to change her destiny, Ella began to show her defiance. After her initial confrontation for being late to the family gathering, Ella realized she needed to be more strategic. Instead of openly rebelling, she started questioning the motives of those around her. During a seemingly ordinary family meal, Old Mandam Smith mentioned the importance of family harmony. Ella, with an innocent look on her face, questioned, "But grandmother, what does family harmony mean? Does it mean that everyone has to agree with the head of the family?" Old Mandam Smith paused, and before she could respond, Ella added, "If not, does it mean there is no harmony?" Old Mandam Smith was taken aback by her question, which she never expected from Ella. She was accustomed to complete obedience from the children of the Smith family. "Ella, you are still young, you shouldn''t think so much. Family harmony means everyone should follow the rules.""But, grandmother, what if the rules are unfair?" Ella asked, her eyes wide with curiosity."You just need to obey the rules, and don''t ask questions that aren''t appropriate," Old Mandam Smith responded, realizing Ella was now questioning authority. Ella didn''t push further but silently observed how Old Mandam Smith''s reaction, hinting that she wouldn''t accept the unfair rules without a fight. Challenges to Aunts Chloe and Grace:Ella''s aunts, Chloe and Grace, who led the second and third branches of the family respectively, were used to controlling the family''s internal affairs. They saw Ella as a pawn to be manipulated for their own gains. However, Ella''s newfound confidence and sharpness surprised them, particularly Grace. Ella started by subtly questioning their motives whenever they tried to interfere in her affairs, such as replacing her maids. During one gathering, Grace suggested that Ella''s maids were not experienced enough and offered to send some of her own maids. "Dear niece, your maids are so young and inexperienced. How about I send some of my more capable maids to assist you?"Ella smiled politely, "Dear aunt, thank you for your kindness. But my maids are loyal to me, which is more important than experience." Chloe, trying to play along with Grace, commented, "But Grace is only doing what''s best for you, Ella."Ella retorted, "Then maybe you should also accept your sister''s good intentions and let her help with your affairs?" Chloe''s face hardened, realizing that Ella was skillfully turning their words back on them. Defending Her Loyal Maids:Ella made it very clear she would not tolerate anyone trying to undermine her loyal maids, Emily and others. She perceived any attempt to replace them as a direct attack on her own position. When the second and third branches tried to send their own spies disguised as maids, Ella was quick to act.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Emily," she said one afternoon, "I''ve noticed some new faces around the compound. It seems my aunts are becoming more and more generous." "Yes, Young Miss," Emily replied, with a worried tone. "They seem too eager to offer their help."Ella knew that Emily was smart, having served her well in her past life, but she was also too kind for this environment. "Emily, don''t worry, I know what to do." "I know that the main house is in charge of our own affairs, but if you insist on interfering, I will not stand idly by," Ella told one of the maids sent by Grace directly. "What I do here is not something that the main house would accept." Factions Within the Family:The Smith family was not a harmonious unit. The second and third branches of the family, led by Chloe and Grace respectively, were constantly vying for control over the household. They used their children, Amy and Cindy, as pawns to gain favor in the family and undermine Ella''s position. "Amy, you should behave well, and always try to gain favor from the grandmother. You need to be better than Ella to make our family prosper." Chloe advised her daughter. "Mother, I understand. I have always been more talented than her, and I can win the favor of the Crown Prince." Amy responded confidently. "Yes, but you need to be careful. The old lady is very cunning, and your second sister''s daughter is also not a simple woman," Chloe cautioned. Chloe and Grace attempted to manipulate Ella, hoping to use her as a stepping stone for their own advancement. They tried to arrange marriages for her that would benefit their own families, and they tried to create situations that would make her look bad. During a family dinner, Grace proposed that Ella should be betrothed to a distant cousin who was known to be cruel. "Ella, you should consider a good marriage. There is someone who is a good match for you in my circle." Ella responded with a smile, "Aunt, thank you for your concern, but I am not in a hurry. I will choose my husband myself." Chloe, siding with her sister, said, "Don''t be so stubborn, Ella. Your aunt is only trying to find you a good match." Ella replied, "I understand the kindness of my aunts, but I don''t think this is something that needs to be decided now. Don''t worry about me." However, Ella''s understanding of family politics, honed by her past life, allowed her to see through their schemes. She refused to be a victim and began to resist their manipulations. She subtly exposed their attempts to undermine her, showing that she was not as easily fooled as they thought. "Aunt, you are so thoughtful. I really admire how you arrange everything so well. Is it because you have a lot of experience in these things, or are you just naturally good at it?" Ella asked Grace directly, making Grace uncomfortable. Grace tried to laugh it off, "My dear child, you are so good at making fun of your aunt. It''s just that I am old, and have more experience." "Then, I am sure you can share some of your experiences with us," Ella responded, looking directly at Grace. Grace was revealed to be a cunning and ambitious woman. She was not content with her current position in the family and was always looking for opportunities to rise in power. She saw her daughter, Cindy, as the key to her ambitions and was prepared to go to great lengths to secure her daughter''s future. Grace often confided in her loyal servant Li Mama about her ambitions, "Li Mama, my daughter is the best. She is destined to be a noblewoman and have a good life. The old woman''s granddaughter is nothing but a fool." Li Mama would reply, "Madam is right. Young Miss Cindy is a person destined for greatness. That Ella is nothing compared to our young miss." Grace even considered a marriage alliance with the Huns, a barbarian tribe to the north, to secure more power for her family. She saw a marriage with the Huns as a means to an end, not as something that would improve Cindy''s life. Grace knew how the royal family had used these kinds of marriages to their advantage and believed she could use the same tactic. During a private conversation with her husband, Grace proposed her idea, "Husband, what do you think of arranging a marriage alliance with the Huns?" Her husband was shocked, "Are you crazy? Those are barbarians. We are a family of noblemen. You want our daughter to marry a barbarian?""You fool! If we make this move successfully, we can greatly improve our status in the court. We can get rid of the Smith family, and put our family above them," Grace retorted. 7: Wen Hall
8锛欴ebate
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. 9: Scholar Lucas
His lessons were a blend of intellectual rigor and compassionate guidance, qualities that had earned him both respect and admiration from students and faculty alike. Today¡¯s topic was arithmetic¡ªa subject many found tedious or overly complex¡ªbut Scholar Lucas had a way of making even the driest material come alive with relevance and intrigue. To those who knew her¡ªor thought they did¡ªthis scene would have been almost surreal. Arithmetic had long been one of Ella¡¯s most despised subjects, a source of frustration and embarrassment during her earlier years at Wen Hall. She had often struggled to grasp its intricacies, her confusion met with ridicule from classmates and exasperation from instructors. Yet here she was, leaning slightly forward in her chair, her quill poised above a notebook filled with neat calculations and diagrams. Her expression betrayed none of the hesitation or self-doubt that once defined her; instead, it radiated focus and determination. It wasn¡¯t just her presence in class that caught his attention¡ªit was the intensity with which she engaged with the material. He had heard whispers about her transformation over the past weeks, how she had begun to shed the timid exterior that made her an easy target for mockery. Unbeknownst to anyone else in the room, Ella¡¯s newfound dedication to arithmetic stemmed from more than personal growth or academic redemption. Scholar Lucas, though seemingly unassuming, held a position of immense influence within the halls of power. Beyond his role as an educator, he was destined to become a trusted advisor to Crown Prince James Brown¡ªa fact that Ella had pieced together through careful observation and discreet inquiries. The implications of this connection weighed heavily on her mind, shaping her actions in ways no one could yet comprehend. As Ella listened to Scholar Lucas¡¯s explanation of exponential growth, her thoughts drifted momentarily to the broader chessboard of alliances and rivalries that defined life at Wen Hall¡ªand beyond. Winning over someone like Scholar Lucas could prove invaluable, opening doors to opportunities and shielding her from potential adversaries. On the other hand, eliminating him¡ªthough unthinkable to most¡ªmight serve as a preemptive strike against future threats. Such considerations gnawed at the edges of her consciousness, blending seamlessly with the equations she scribbled onto her page. For now, however, she chose to remain cautious, biding her time while gathering information and assessing the risks involved. Ella met Mia¡¯s teasing remark with a calm smile, refusing to rise to the bait. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve realized there¡¯s value in learning things I once disliked,¡± she replied evenly, her tone measured and devoid of defensiveness. Mia¡¯s grin widened, clearly intrigued by the response. ¡°Or maybe,¡± she countered playfully, ¡°you¡¯re preparing for something bigger. Word is, there¡¯s going to be an inspection soon¡ªone that could make or break reputations.¡± Mia leaned closer, lowering her voice further. ¡°Just saying¡­ if you¡¯re planning to impress anyone important, now¡¯s your chance. Though I suppose you already knew that.¡± With a wink, she turned back to face the front of the class, leaving Ella to ponder the weight of her words. When the last of the students filed out of the room, Ella approached him hesitantly, clutching her notebook tightly. ¡°Scholar Lucas,¡± she began, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest, ¡°I wanted to thank you for today¡¯s lesson. It was¡­ enlightening.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Thank you,¡± Ella replied, bowing slightly before turning to leave. As she walked away, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that her path was becoming increasingly entangled with his. Whether this connection would lead to triumph or turmoil remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the stakes were higher than ever, and every decision mattered. One afternoon, as Ella strolled through the courtyard during a brief recess, she encountered Mia again. This time, Mia wasn¡¯t alone; she was accompanied by Thomas, the same boy who had once mocked Ella so openly. Their conversation halted abruptly as Ella approached, and Mia shot her a quick, knowing glance before excusing herself. Thomas lingered, his usual smirk replaced by an awkward shuffle. ¡°Uh, hey, Ella,¡± he muttered, avoiding direct eye contact. ¡°About the other day... sorry if I crossed a line.¡± Later that evening, Ella returned to her quarters, where she spent hours poring over her notes from Scholar Lucas¡¯s lessons. Arithmetic, once a source of dread, now fascinated her¡ªnot because she had developed a sudden love for numbers, but because she recognized its utility as a tool for strategy and influence. Every equation she solved felt like another step toward unraveling the complexities of the world she sought to master. Yet, even as she immersed herself in her studies, her thoughts frequently drifted back to Scholar Lucas and the enigmatic role he played in her future. Word of Ella¡¯s growing proficiency spread quickly among her peers, sparking a mix of admiration and suspicion. Some, like Clara, openly expressed their support, marveling at her progress. Others, however, remained skeptical, whispering behind closed doors about whether her newfound diligence was genuine or merely a calculated ploy to curry favor. Among these doubters was Cindy, who confronted Ella after class one day. Ella met her sister¡¯s accusatory glare with unwavering calm. ¡°My reasons are my own,¡± she replied evenly. ¡°But if proving myself means earning respect, then so be it.¡± Her words stung, but Ella refused to let them unsettle her. Instead, she channeled her energy into preparation for the inspection, devoting countless hours to refining her skills and anticipating potential challenges. She sought advice from Amy, who offered constructive feedback without judgment, and practiced articulating her thoughts with clarity and conviction. Slowly but surely, Ella began to transform not only her academic performance but also the perceptions of those around her. When Lady Margaret finally approached her, Ella took a deep breath and stepped forward. ¡°Miss Smith,¡± Lady Margaret began, her tone brisk and authoritative. ¡°Tell me, what have you learned recently that has challenged your perspective?¡± ¡°Well done,¡± Lady Margaret said, her voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve grown considerably since our last visit.¡± 10.Young Master Ethan
For many, it was a chance to secure recognition that could shape their futures¡ªwhether through scholarships, recommendations, or connections with influential figures. Amy¡¯s musical talents had been polished to perfection, her fingers dancing effortlessly across the strings of her lute during rehearsals. Meanwhile, Cindy¡¯s meticulous embroidery and bookkeeping skills drew admiration from both classmates and instructors alike. Their accomplishments reflected not only their individual gifts but also the high expectations placed upon them as daughters of the distinguished Smith family. Her transformation over recent weeks had begun to reshape perceptions, though skepticism lingered among some. She did not rush to join the clusters of students rehearsing performances or perfecting displays; instead, she observed quietly, her thoughts focused inward. While others sought validation through applause or praise, Ella appeared content simply to be present, her calm demeanor hinting at depths few cared to explore. His golden hair caught the light, framing features that were undeniably handsome yet hardened by years of privilege and rebellion. He wore his arrogance like armor, commanding attention without effort. Ethan responded with a smirk, clearly accustomed to such adoration, though there was something dismissive in the way he acknowledged their gestures¡ªas if they were mere distractions rather than genuine attempts at connection. To some, he was a symbol of defiance against rigid societal norms, a man unafraid to chart his own course regardless of consequences. Yet beneath the bravado lay a darker truth: Ethan¡¯s life was marked by tragedy, a fact whispered about in hushed tones but rarely confronted directly. Those close to him spoke of a restless soul haunted by loss and burdened by expectations he could never fully meet. Even the teachers paused mid-conversation, their expressions ranging from indulgent amusement to thinly veiled disapproval. It was impossible to ignore the ripple effect of his arrival, the way it disrupted the carefully maintained order of Wen Hall. Amidst the commotion, Ella Smith found herself inexplicably drawn to Ethan¡¯s gaze. Standing near the edge of the crowd, she watched as he scanned the gathering, his sharp eyes lingering briefly on faces before moving on.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked, and Ella felt a pang of recognition. She saw beyond the mask of arrogance and charm, glimpsing instead the shadows that lurked within. Ethan¡¯s expression shifted imperceptibly, his usual smirk faltering as he met Ella¡¯s unwavering gaze. Perhaps it was the absence of fear or flattery in her eyes that unsettled him, or perhaps it was the quiet understanding that passed between them, wordless yet profound. Whatever the reason, he hesitated, his usual bravado momentarily tempered by uncertainty. Her heart ached for him, though she knew better than to voice her thoughts aloud. Instead, she allowed her expression to soften, letting empathy speak where words might fail. What drove a man like Ethan Davis to embrace recklessness? Was it defiance, despair, or something else entirely? And could anyone reach him before it was too late? Amy captivated audiences with her haunting melodies, her lute producing notes so pure they seemed to hang suspended in the air. Cindy demonstrated her embroidery skills with precision, each stitch a testament to her dedication and artistry. Meanwhile, Ella navigated the event with quiet determination, avoiding the spotlight but ensuring her contributions were noticed. One inspector, a middle-aged woman with keen eyes, paused to examine the sketches closely. ¡°These are quite remarkable,¡± she remarked, her tone thoughtful. ¡°You¡¯ve managed to blend mathematical principles with artistic expression. How did you develop this approach?¡± The inspector nodded approvingly, jotting down a note before moving on. Ella exhaled softly, relieved yet aware that her journey was far from over. Ella smiled faintly, recognizing the backhanded compliment for what it was. ¡°People change,¡± she replied simply. ¡°Sometimes we surprise even ourselves.¡± Her gaze flickered toward Ethan, who stood nearby surrounded by admirers. ¡°Though maybe you¡¯re proving them wrong.¡± Gasps echoed as the stallion reared dramatically, its hooves narrowly missing a group of students. Teachers rushed forward, shouting warnings, but Ethan laughed, clearly enjoying the spectacle he had created. His actions sparked outrage among some and admiration among others, further cementing his reputation as both a provocateur and a force to be reckoned with. The Fall of the Davis Family Ethan Davis. Even at sixteen, he carried himself like a battlefield commander. Sunlight glinted off the chainmail beneath his simple linen tunic, his posture straight as the sword strapped to his back. A peasant child scrambled beneath his horse''s hooves chasing a runaway chicken; Ethan''s gloved hand didn''t merely rein in the stallion but swept the boy to safety in one fluid motion. The crowd cheered. He tipped his silver-chased helmet with a boyish grin that hid iron resolve. The execution ground stank of rust and cowardice. They''d dragged Ethan''s mutilated corpse for days behind Hunnic chariots before tossing what remained onto the palace steps. Emperor James had laughed while crows feasted on his childhood friend''s ribcage. Alive. He''s still alive. And we burn in seven years. Flames tore through the Davis manor''s archives first ¨C A convenient accident, James called it when his poisoned dagger found the old general''s spine during their celebratory feast. It took the court two months to dismantle what remained. Widows hanged with their own mourning veils. Children sold to salt mines. Even the hounds bearing the Davis crest were dashed against stones. And when the last heir ¨C stubborn, brilliant Ethan ¨C marched into that doomed ambush...Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The stallion''s shadow fell across her. "You''ve been staring, my lady." Ethan''s voice held wary amusement. Up close, his eyes weren''t brown but the gold-flecked hazel of forest streams. "Do I offend?" You die screaming for a kingdom that brands you traitor, she nearly spat. Instead, Ella bent her knees in perfect curtsy ¨C not to him, but to the ghost of Smith blood that would spill next. "Your maneuver with the child was... unexpected, Lord Davis." He dismounted, armor clinking. Towering over her even without the helmet, he tilted her chin up. Heat flared where skin met gloves. "And how does a cloistered rose know military maneuvers?" Not again. Never again. Ethan fought like a wolf cornered in its den. His parries weren''t the showy arcs of tourneys but brutal efficiency honed in border skirmishes. When the last assailant fell gurgling, he didn''t sheathe his sword. "Who sent them?" But he''s still a prince. He shouldn''t know me yet. Unless... Ella touched Ethan''s bloodied gauntlet. "They weren''t after you." "Smith. Ella Smith." She let her hood fall, revealing the ebony hair nobles whispered was too wild for marriage prospects. "And you''ll find their leader''s right boot carries imperial silver. The kind minted for shadow transactions." He studied it, then tucked the token into his breastplate. "Why?" "Loyal unto ashes!" Nanny Ava
¡°Oh, my dear child! Come, let your old Nanny Ava look at you!¡± the incident,¡± the nurse crooned, gripping Ella¡¯s shoulders with clammy hands. Her eyes glistened with counterfeit tears. ¡°This humble servant¡¯s heart aches to see you suffer. That dreadful fall into the pond¡ªsuch a cruel twist of fate!¡± Fall? Ella nearly laughed. The ¡°accident¡± had been Amy¡¯s doing¡ªa staged push to humiliate her during the Crown Prince¡¯s visit. But Nanny Ava¡¯s performance was even more grotesque than she¡¯d remembered. The woman¡¯s gaze kept darting to the jade pendant Ella wore, a gift from James Brown in her previous life. Ah, Ella realized. She¡¯s probing for weakness. For a way to resurrect my ¡®infatuation.¡¯ entice His Highness.¡± Nanny Ava¡¯s jowls flushed with manufactured outrage. ¡°Vile lies! My precious girl would never stoop to such brazen schemes!¡± She leaned closer, reeking of rosewater and treachery. ¡°Though¡­ if you did wish to secure the prince¡¯s favor, this old woman knows a dozen subtler ways. A whispered compliment here, a dropped handkerchief there¡­¡± There it is. Ella¡¯s nails dug into her palms. The viper wasn¡¯t here to console her¡ªshe¡¯d come to reignite the obsession that had doomed Ella¡¯s past self. To make her a pliable puppet for the Second Branch¡¯s ambitions. ¡°How insightful,¡± Ella murmured, widening her eyes in feigned admiration. She let a wistful sigh escape. ¡°If only I¡¯d had your counsel years ago, Nanny. But alas¡­¡± Her gaze hardened like frozen steel. ¡°...I¡¯ve since learned to recognize rats who nibble from every hand that feeds them.¡± The slap of leather against stone echoed as Ella tossed a ledger onto the nearby table. Pages fluttered open, revealing meticulous entries in vermillion ink. generous donations to the Temple of Mercy¡­ funded by selling Third Branch heirlooms.¡± Nanny Ava staggered back as if struck. ¡°Slander! Who dared¡ª?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I dared.¡± Ella advanced, her shadow swallowing the trembling woman. ¡°Did you think me blind? That I wouldn¡¯t notice your whispers to Aunt Grace? Your reports on my every move?¡± She plucked the jade pendant from her neck, dangling it like a corpse on a noose. ¡°This isn¡¯t a trinket¡ªit¡¯s a shackle. And you¡¯ve been paid handsomely to keep it clasped around my throat.¡± You¡¯ll return every stolen coin by week¡¯s end. Fail, and your thievery reaches the magistrate¡¯s ears.¡± She crouched, gripping Nanny Ava¡¯s chin with bruising force. ¡°As for your salary¡­ consider the next three months donated to the servants you swindled.¡± The Viper¡¯s Nest ¡°The ungrateful wretch humiliated me!¡± she screeched, smearing snot across the carpet. ¡°Accused me of theft! Punished me for loyalty!¡± did uncover¡­ irregularities in your accounts.¡± ¡°B-But you promised protection!¡± indifferent to Prince James. A setback for her marriage prospects¡ªand our leverage.¡± Old Madam Smith¡¯s cane struck the floor like a judge¡¯s gavel. ¡°Enough! The girl defies me at every turn. First, refusing to kneel¡ªnow alienating the Crown Prince? Grace. Put your scheming to use. If Ella won¡¯t secure a royal alliance, we¡¯ll bind her to Lord Chen¡¯s lecherous nephew. That¡¯ll curb her insolence.¡± Grace¡¯s laughter was a razor¡¯s edge. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve helped quite enough.¡± She nodded to a hulking guard. ¡°Escort our¡­ faithful servant to the magistrate. We¡¯ve evidence of embezzlement to deliver.¡± Wolf in Lamb¡¯s Skin ¡°T-They¡¯ve turned on her!¡± you¡¯d do well to remember.¡± ¡°The Second Branch has infiltrated your sister¡¯s household,¡± Ella said mildly, tucking the bloom into the maid¡¯s hair. ¡°They¡¯ve promised her son a scholar¡¯s position in exchange for reports on my activities.¡± The Plot
Twilight Continent ¨C Realm of Light Moonlight sliced through the velvet darkness of Ella¡¯s chamber as she hunched over an ancient, leather-bound tome. The Official History of the Realm of Light lay spread across her desk, its yellowed pages whispering secrets of fallen noble houses. Shadows danced across her face as she traced a finger over inked descriptions of purges, betrayals, and vanishing dynasties¡ªall casualties of imperial suspicion. ¡°The Garcia family fell in Year 342¡­the Davisons in 351¡­¡± Her lips moved soundlessly. Two cups of untouched tea had gone cold beside her, forgotten. A single candle burned low, its flicker mimicking the unraveling threads of her awareness. Realization struck like a blade. every powerful noble family that monopolized military influence fell within a decade of overtaking their predecessors. The Realm of Light¡¯s emperors systematically dismantled them once their loyalty became inconvenient. Her father¡¯s Smith family controlled the northwestern border garrisons. The Davises, freshly crippled, had once commanded the eastern cavalry. We¡¯re next. Cold seeped into her bones. They weren¡¯t just fighting greedy relatives or a faithless lover¡ªthey were racing against the throne itself. Survival required more than vengeance. It demanded reshaping the empire¡¯s balance of power.
  1. Strengthen alliances with minor houses.
  2. Divert imperial attention to external threats.
  3. Ensure the Smiths appear indispensable¡ªnot threatening.
The sound of muffled footsteps snapped her focus upward. Emily slipped into the room, face taut. ¡°My lady, Nanny Ava was seen leaving the East Wing an hour ago. She carried a letter addressed to the Second Madame¡¯s quarters.¡± Meanwhile, in the East Wing¡­ ¡°You assured me the girl still pined for James Brown,¡± Grace hissed. ¡°Yet she spurns every suggestion to pursue him. Do you take me for a fool?¡± histories. Even dismissed me for trimming her roses without permission!¡± Grace¡¯s laughter sharpened into a blade. ¡°Romantic delusions were our leverage. If she¡¯s abandoned infatuation, we¡¯ll revive it.¡± She flung a small velvet pouch at Ava¡¯s feet. Gold coins clinked. ¡°Plant whispers in the servants¡¯ quarters: Ella Smith secretly writes love letters to the crown prince. Let romantic gossip bind her to that fool¡¯s destiny. When she inevitably humiliates herself chasing him, her father¡¯s reputation crumbles¡ªand the West Wing¡¯s influence falls to me.¡± Third Branch Chambers ¨C An Hour Later ¡°Patience, my flower,¡± Chloe purred, adjusting a jade hairpin. ¡°Let the Second Branch¡¯s blunt tactics make Ella reckless. When she¡¯s drowning in scandal, you will be the gentle hand that ¡®guides¡¯ her back to propriety.¡±Stolen story; please report. ¡°Yes.¡± Chloe¡¯s voice turned glacial. ¡°The court adores redemption tales. Let Ella rage against Grace¡¯s provocations while you embody poised compassion. When the family compares her hysterics to your grace, even Old Madam will concede your superiority.¡± Ella¡¯s Countermove ¨C Dawn How laughably transparent. A slow smile crept across Ella¡¯s face. ¡°Indeed. Gilded, engraved with our family crest¡ªand the imperial insignia. A loyalty gift to the throne.¡± ¡°Empty them if needed. Ensure the emperor hears how the Smiths bankrupt themselves to honor his reign.¡± Emily¡¯s confusion melted into awe. She curtsied deeply. ¡°At once, my lady.¡± Strategic Revelation ¨C Noon Ella intercepted Chloe and Amy en route to the gardens, her expression artfully distraught. ¡°How?¡± Ella clutched Amy¡¯s hands, feigning desperation. ¡°Grace¡¯s lies spread faster than fire! If only someone virtuous vouched for my character publicly¡­¡± Perfect. Ella lowered her gaze to hide triumphant fire. Chloe¡¯s plot required Amy to shine as her savior. But Ella had read the salon¡¯s attendee list: three imperial spies sat among the literati. The Trap Springs ¨C Nightfall ¡°You miscalculated, aunt.¡± Her voice could freeze hellfire. ¡°Gold paid to Nanny Ava. False letters. Petty gossip.¡± Ella stepped closer, each word a hammer strike. ¡°Did you truly think me blind?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t I?¡± Ella¡¯s laugh chilled the air. She nodded to the doorway where Old Madam Smith materialized, face volcanic. Behind her stood Ava¡ªbruised and sobbing¡ªand four armored guards. ¡°Stole family funds to bribe servants?¡± Ella finished sweetly. ¡°Yes. And thanks to your greed, the emperor now receives reports of your embezzlement¡ªnot mine.¡± Old Madam¡¯s cane cracked against marble. ¡°Second Madame Grace Smith, your titles and properties are hereby forfeit. Guards¡ªtake her to the ancestral hall for sentencing!¡± Your turn soon. Epiphany The Official History and underlined a forgotten passage:
"Kings fear capability but revere sacrifice."
Her armored "gift" would frame the Smiths as humble servants, worthy of trust. Grace¡¯s disgrace stripped rival branches of weapons. And tomorrow¡¯s salon? Amy¡¯s saccharine performance would pale against the imperial court¡¯s new narrative¡ªone Ella had scripted flawlessly. She played the game in daylight now. Gardens of Poison, Petals of Jade
At the center of it all stood Crown Prince James Brown, his gold-embroidered robes catching the light like a predator¡¯s gaze. Ella kept her distance, sipping chrysanthemum tea as she observed the true hunt unfolding¡ªnot for the prince¡¯s favor, but for her ruin. The Second Branch: Grace and Cindy Cindy¡¯s fingernails dug into her palms as she watched James Brown¡¯s eyes linger on Ella for a fraction too long. ¡°She dared to wear imperial yellow,¡± she hissed to her mother, Grace, nodding toward Ella¡¯s gown¡ªa subtle but intentional defiance of tradition. ¡°That color is reserved for the emperor¡¯s favored.¡± special tea.¡± ¡°Your hands tremble, servant,¡± Ella remarked loud enough for nearby nobles to hear. ¡°Are you unwell?¡± The girl froze. ¡°Bring a physician¡ªwe cannot risk contagion at His Highness¡¯s event.¡± else that unsettles you?¡± She swirled the liquid, feigning innocence as the servant crumpled to her knees in confession. Gasps rippled through the guests. James Brown¡¯s gaze sharpened on the scene. Perfect, Ella thought. Let the prince witness her poise amidst chaos. Ella curtsied, her voice sweet as honeysuckle. ¡°Of course, Aunt. After all¡­¡± She leaned in, whispering words only Grace could hear: ¡°Vipers always shed their skins before striking. Yours grows thin.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The Third Branch: Chloe and Amy While Grace battled openly, Chloe and Amy waged subtler war. ¡°Now,¡± Chloe murmured, guiding her daughter toward the prince. ¡°Remember¡ªbe the breeze, not the storm.¡± inspiring.¡± A calculated barb aimed at Ella, whose past life had crumbled under adversity. James raised a brow. ¡°Resilience is indeed admirable.¡± proper nurturing.¡± Her eyes flicked meaningfully toward Ella, planting seeds of doubt about the Smith family¡¯s stability. Ella, observing from her seat, allowed a smirk. In her past life, such insinuations had goaded her into reckless defenses. Now, she countered with silence¡ªuntil James himself approached. nurturing?¡± the prince asked, his tone teasing yet intrigued. Ella rose, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. ¡°A gardener who mistakes thorns for flaws will never cultivate roses.¡± She gestured to Amy¡¯s pristine camellias. ¡°Some prefer blossoms that never outgrow their pots. I¡¯d rather plant forests.¡± The Counterstrike As dusk fell, the families retreated to their estates. In the Second Branch¡¯s carriage, Grace tore a silk fan to shreds. ¡°Mice learn only when their tails are severed. Arrange the ¡®incident¡¯ with the cavalry general.¡± Crash! Impossible to trace. Epilogue: The Web Trembles At the Smith ancestral hall, Ella traced a ledger¡¯s spine¡ªher father¡¯s ¡°gift¡± from the border, detailing hidden trade routes and bribes. Thank you, past life¡¯s paranoia. ¡°Rot from within, Aunt Chloe. Let¡¯s see your softness withstand that storm.¡± The game had changed. And for the first time, Ella held the board. David Garcia
Anthony Garcia, age six, sat hunched on a bench, his tiny fists clenched in his lap. A tutor loomed over him, nostrils flared. The boy¡¯s voice quivered. ¡°Th-the rabbit¡¯s death g-grieves the fox¡ª¡± Ella¡¯s nails bit into her palm. This was the moment she¡¯d rehearsed in the shadowed hours¡ªthe fragile thread that once snapped Garcia loyalty to the throne. She stepped forward, silk slippers crunching gravel. ¡°Master Liu. Aren¡¯t you overpolishing jade? The lesson¡¯s essence matters more than perfection, no?¡± Anthony peeked through tear-clumped lashes. Ella knelt, ignoring the grit staining her emerald skirts. ¡°Let¡¯s play a game, Anthony. What if we rewrite the boring old sayings? ¡®When the cunning rabbits die¡¯¡ª¡± She plucked a pebble, dropped it into the fountain. Plink. ¡°¡ª¡®the hunting dogs are cooked.¡¯ Catchy, yes?¡± ¡°¡ªA children¡¯s rhyme?¡± Ella arched a brow. ¡°Precisely. Memory sticks better with mischief. Don¡¯t you agree, Master Liu?¡± She turned his palm upward, placed two cherry blossoms in it. ¡°Clever boys know when to whisper truth. What¡¯s your favorite dessert?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Mm. If I told the baker to swap his sugar for salt, would your tongue notice before the first bite?¡± Lord David Garcia set down his brandy snifter, its facets catching firelight like trapped stars. ¡°Explain yourself, Anthony. Who taught you this¡­ variant proverb?¡± ¡°That¡­ maybe the foxes shouldn¡¯t cry for rabbits. Because if the rabbits are too sneaky, the dogs get eaten next?¡± Anthony yawned, rubbing one eye. ¡°But dogs eat rabbits anyway. Can I have dumplings now?¡± ¡°Bao!¡± he barked. A servant materialized in the doorway. ¡°Take Anthony to the kitchens. Double portions.¡± The physician pressed two fingers to David¡¯s wrist. ¡°Your pulse¡­ it¡¯s remarkably irregular, my lord.¡± ¡°Alas, I¡¯m unfit to oversee the grain tax reforms.¡± David let his eyelids flutter. ¡°Advise His Majesty I must resign for treatment.¡± Who Taught You?
"My lady?" David Garcia flung open the balcony doors, vibrant health radiating from his tanned face. "Sickbed? Pfah!" He scoffed at the physician¡¯s tonic steaming on his desk. "Let the Southern Minister believe I¡¯m vomiting insides¡ªhe¡¯ll claw at my empty seat like starved hound!" David turned to see his youngest sibling Anthony slouched in the doorway, jam staining his collar. At nine, the boy resembled a pampered alley cat¡ªall soft edges and sticky fingers clutching sweet buns. "When the hares die, the hounds get cooked?" Ethan Davis drawled from the shadows. The military strategist emerged like drawn steel, eyes glinting. "Clever adage for a child who still wets his bed." David stepped between them, laughter brittle. "Merely a boy¡¯s prattle, Ethan! From some sotted tutor¡¯s ramblings, no doubt¡ª" Anthony¡¯s bun hit the carpet. "I-I just...it made sense! After the Emperor gifted those poisoned falcons to General Liu last week, cook said¡ª"This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. As the boy scrambled out, Ethan seized David¡¯s wrist. "Your father¡¯s retiring for this farce?" "...terrible tragedy, Young Master Garcia¡¯s collapse!" A fishmonger wailed to customers. "Not sunstroke," Ethan snapped, tossing coins at saffron. "Pneumonia from valor! Camped three weeks in northern marshes to quell rebellion..." "...bulwark of the realm forced to this!" A scholar shook his head. "With Lord Garcia ill, who protects our borders?" Ethan¡¯s gaze snapped to her. "You dare imply¡ª" Anthony gulped moonlight like secrets as he crept to the ancestral hall. Father had been shouting about censors and supply routes¡ªgrown-up nonsense until... David¡¯s shadow shrugged. "Let him stew. We play invalid until spring, stash Anthony with cousins..." "Well?" Ethan yanked him from hiding by his collar. "Learning more treason, princeling?" Ethan shoved him against bloodwood pillars. "Who taught you that phrase?" So It Was You
"Sweet summer child," came Ella''s voice from above, "when you play dead to skip etiquette lessons, perhaps don''t wear white." Ella arched a brow. "Your tutors must weep into their inkstones daily." Anthony froze mid-bite, cheeks bulging like a chipmunk''s. Ella didn''t flinch. "Sunflower seeds and sarcasm, Commander. Care to sample the menu?" Ella''s laugh startled a nesting sparrow. "If feeding sticky-fingered princes were treason, we''d all hang before tea time."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Knew?" She plucked a bamboo leaf, tracing its edge. "That your ''grievously ill'' Shadow Prince frequents our gardens for dessert raids? Or that his guards take three minutes seventeen seconds to circle this grove?" "A lady counts footsteps like others count embroidery stitches." Ella met his gaze. "Tell me, Commander ¨C when you reported Anthony''s ''illness'' to your generals last night... did their relief reek of arsenic or ambition?" Ethan''s grip tightened on his dagger. "The cooked dogs proverb ¨C you taught him." Ethan''s throat bobbed. This close, she could see the scar beneath his collar ¨C the one she''d watched Hunnic arrows carve in another life. "Why?" As she turned, Ethan''s blade flashed ¨C not to strike, but to catch her sleeve. "You evade like a court dancer, my lady. But every dance ends." Boots pounded through bamboo. Shadow guards spilled into the clearing, their leader panting. "Young Highness! Your father bids you¡ª" As the guards dragged a jam-smeared Anthony away, Ethan caught her wrist. "Who are you?" The wind shifted, scattering bamboo leaves between them like fractured secrets. Marquis Mansion
¡°Finally gracing us with your presence?¡± Owen Davis¡¯s voice boomed from the staircase, his silver beard trembling with disapproval. The man clung to his war medals like a child clutching security blankets. ¡°Or did you come to remind me how noble it is to abandon your lineage to play mercenary?¡± ¡°Ah yes, Princess Harper¡ªmay her ghost haunt your gout-ridden knees.¡± Ethan¡¯s grin was all teeth. He gestured to the portrait above the fireplace: a woman with storm-gray eyes and a smile sharp enough to carve empires. ¡°Tell me, Father, does her sorrowful demise still taste like Aunt Audrey¡¯s peach brandy?¡± thin you¡¯ve grown. War disagrees with you, doesn¡¯t it?¡± She pressed a lace handkerchief to her dry eyes. ¡°Unlike adultery, which clearly agreed with you.¡± Ethan plucked a dagger from his belt and began cleaning his nails. ¡°How¡¯s the view from Mother¡¯s old chambers? See her ghost stitching your funeral shroud yet?¡± ENOUGH! You¡¯ll show respect¡ª¡± wept at Mother¡¯s deathbed while slipping poison into her tea? Oh wait¡ªthat part never made the official ballads, did it?¡± Later, in the dusty archives, Ethan rifled through ledgers, muttering, ¡°Smith family¡¯s sudden interest in saving Garcias reeks of horse dung.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Ethan didn¡¯t glance up. ¡°Your marriage contract. Thought I¡¯d check if blackmail was listed under dowry.¡± not what she seems.¡± ¡°Says the woman who faked three pregnancies.¡± who¡¯s seen her letters with Prince James Brown.¡± Audrey dropped a folded note beside him¡ªthe royal seal glaring like a fresh bruise. ¡°Why warn the Garcias unless the Smiths plan to replace us as the throne¡¯s favorite attack dogs?¡± Owen found Ethan on the balcony later, both men avoiding eye contact while the moon played referee. ¡®Dance with lightning.¡¯¡± Audrey in closets.¡± ¡°I was a fool,¡± Owen snapped. ¡°But I didn¡¯t kill her.¡± they don¡¯t pretend to love the hands they stab.¡± Owen¡¯s knuckles whitened around the goblet. ¡°The Garcias were Harper¡¯s dearest allies. If they¡¯ve turned¡­¡± her?¡± Ethan¡¯s pause spoke volumes. hate for her to end up like dear Harper¡­ all alone, choking on betrayal.¡± actually leaves traces after twenty years.¡± Tailoring Clothes
Grace swept in with Madison, her personal aide, trailing behind like a storm cloud in peach satin. ¡°Darling Ella!¡± Grace sang, her smile sharp enough to slice silk. ¡°Do pick your fabric first! We¡¯ve reserved the finest for your discerning taste.¡± Amy twirled, her lilac skirts fanning out. ¡°Oh, Ella must choose something bold¡ªshe¡¯s practically invisible at banquets!¡± Her brother, lurking by the door like a poorly dressed gargoyle, snorted. ¡°Lotus blue?¡± Madison gasped, clutching her pearls. ¡°But that¡¯s¡­ traditional. Mortifyingly so!¡± Claire, the seamstress, timidly unspooled a shimmering ivory fabric. ¡°With pearls at the hem, my lady? Very¡­ pure.¡± Amy giggled. ¡°Imagine the whispers: Poor Ella¡¯s dressed like a widow!¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Ella held the lotus blue to her shoulders, meeting Claire¡¯s gaze in the mirror. The seamstress stiffened¡ªa flicker of recognition that this color hadn¡¯t been worn since Ella¡¯s mother¡¯s time. ¡°Funny,¡± Ella said, turning slowly. ¡°I don¡¯t recall Mother ever letting others dictate her wardrobe.¡± She arched a brow at Claire. ¡°Can you stitch lotus blue with silver thread? Subtly rebellious?¡± Grace¡¯s smile cracked. ¡°You¡¯ll look dated, child.¡± ¡°Better dated than predictable,¡± Ella purred. ¡°Jade white suits those afraid of shadows, Aunt. But I?¡± She nodded to Claire. ¡°I prefer to remind the court that even midnight has teeth.¡± As Claire measured the fabric, Ella caught Madison muttering to Grace: ¡°Who does she think she is¡ªthe Empress?¡± Later, in the courtyard¡­ Claire hesitated, her scissors pausing mid-air. ¡°My lady¡­ this design will draw¡­ attention.¡± A cough startled them. Ethan Davis leaned against the archway, arms folded, armor gleaming. ¡°Midnight blue? How delightfully¡­ non-assassin-like.¡± He caught it, grinning. ¡°I¡¯d rather smell like victory than roses.¡± Their laughter tangled, sharp and bright, as the lotus blue rippled like a challenge in the wind. Preparations for the Banquet
Ella snorted, adjusting the lotus-blue sash at her waist. "A nun with excellent taste in fabric, then. Besides, do I need to remind you what happened last time I wore gaudy?" She spun to face her maid, the hem of her dress flaring like a water lily. "Three counts of ''accidental'' wine spills on my gown, two lords mistaking me for a chandelier, and one poet writing an ode to my ''dazzling lack of subtlety.''" "They¡¯ll mistake me for someone who knows the difference between ¡®ornate¡¯ and ¡®compensating for insecurity.¡¯" Ella plucked the comb from Emily¡¯s grip and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "The Wen Hall isn¡¯t just a feast¡ªit¡¯s a competition disguised as a social event. Male and female scholars competing openly in arts? For once, they¡¯re judging minds, not hemlines." "Precisely. While Amy parades around like a peacock with indigestion, I¡¯ll be the swan gliding past." Ella grinned, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Besides, if I wear the ruby tiara Aunt Grace ''gifted'' me, it¡¯ll probably spontaneously combust. Suspiciously convenient for her inheritance prospects, don¡¯t you think?" As Emily grudgingly sewed hidden pockets into the gown¡¯s lining, her voice softened. "You could just enjoy yourself, my lady. Recite poetry, flirt with handsome scholars¡­"Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "Then negotiate this." Emily held up a pair of embroidered slippers. "Madam Chloe sent these. The soles are thicker than usual¡ªprobably laced with itching powder." Outside, the sunset painted the courtyard in amber light. Emily paused, her fingers tracing the lotus motif on Ella¡¯s sleeve. "You do look beautiful, my lady. Even if you¡¯re dressed like a warrior nun." "Would you tell me if I did?" They laughed together, the sound mingling with distant cicadas. For a heartbeat, it almost felt like an ordinary evening¡ªtwo young women preparing for a party, unburdened by blood feuds or rebirth. Ella smirked. "Perfect. When the arrogant debutantes start weeping from the spice, I¡¯ll be the heroine distributing milk pudding." "Adapting via dessert. Now pass me the inkstone¡ªI need to brush up on my calligraphy and plot Amy¡¯s imminent humiliation." "Always." Sabotage Tactics
Sarcasm and Mockery
click, a metronome to Chloe¡¯s thinly veiled disdain. rustic transport suits your¡­ unconventional tastes.¡± She gestured to the platter between them¡ªglazed tarts oozing cherry syrup, their flaky crusts begging to crumble onto silk. ¡°Do try the pastries, dear. Cook slaved over them.¡± Slaved to lace them with enough sugar to glue a gullible girl¡¯s sleeves to her face, Ella thought. She¡¯d seen this trick before: the "accidental" spill, the humiliation, the whispered clumsy fool trailing her through banquet halls. Fourth time, actually. delicate constitution.¡± She patted her middle, then flipped open her own box. ¡°Would you care for a Guangfu Zhai osmanthus cake? They¡¯re quite light.¡± Accept, and admit my kitchen¡¯s inferiority. Refuse, and look petty. taste tester. After that unfortunate incident with Lady Wen¡¯s fig pudding¡­¡± She let the sentence hang, sweet and lethal. Ah, yes. The memory unfurled like smoke: Lily, age six, giggling as Chloe presented ¡°Auntie¡¯s special honey twists.¡± Later, the vomiting, the accusations of a ¡°sensitive stomach.¡± Later still, the discovery of ground nightshade seeds in the kitchen. utterly boring ingredients. No drama, no surprises.¡± She took a dainty bite. ¡°Like my life now. So¡­ tediously safe.¡± splat. immaculate gown!¡± everywhere! Almost like someone planned this!¡± Justice for Lily, she thought, watching her aunt blot frantically. Petty? Perhaps. Satisfying? Immensely. adores gossip?¡± She leaned close, whispering, ¡°I hear he¡¯s baking a new tart called¡­ Scarlet Ambition. Should I send you a box?¡± poetically just.¡± She licked her fingers, grinning. ¡°Now, let¡¯s find whoever¡¯s serving wine. I¡¯ve earned a little drama.¡± Stunning Debut
That¡¯s Ella Smith?¡± muttered a baron¡¯s daughter, her voice shrill enough to pierce glass. ¡°Did she¡­ sell her old personality?¡± Let them stare, she thought, biting back a smirk. Funny how ¡°plain¡± becomes ¡°mysterious¡± when worn with enough contempt. reputation?¡± your opinion.¡± did you commission that gown?¡± pressed Zoe, whose own dress appeared to be attacking her with sequins. art?¡± How quickly allegiances shift when intimidation fails and wit amuses, she mused. Ah, men. Always mistaking basic competence for sorcery. seen your dress?¡± Mia popped the tart into her mouth. ¡°Everyone¡¯s your shadow tonight.¡± How odd, she thought. They aimed to bury me under mockery, but all they did was water a seed. cold, but did you see how Carter Wen¡­¡± Crown Prince Ryan
Loyalty has its limits, she mused, especially when the man you¡¯re saluting once strangled his falcon for flying too high. magnificent? Such¡­ presence.¡± Her nails dug into Ella¡¯s arm like talons. ¡°They say he¡¯s seeking a devoted companion to ease his loneliness.¡± adores charitable work! Why, reforming a grieving widower would be her life¡¯s calling!¡± Eyes like a frostbitten pond, she thought, and twice as welcoming. rewarding.¡± clatter snapped Ryan¡¯s attention away. This one writes poisonous little essays about court corruption. I want her.¡± fragile since her mother¡¯s passing. Why, just yesterday she fainted at the sight of¡­¡± tragically his men perished in the north.¡± kill you,¡± she whispered. that barbarian?¡± Let Ryan scheme. Let Chloe gloat.