The grand hall was adorned with golden chandeliers, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. The scent of fresh roses filled the air, blending with the faint aroma of expensive perfumes. Laughter and chatter echoed as nobles celebrated the announcement—Annie, my younger half-sister, was to marry Prince Andrew.
I stood among the crowd, my hands clenched at my sides.
"Are you not happy about your sister's marriage?" my father's sharp voice rang through the hall, snapping me from my thoughts.
I lifted my gaze to meet his piercing eyes. He was dressed in royal blue, his embroidered cloak signifying his authority.
"Congratulations, sister," I forced out, my voice devoid of emotion.
"Holy shit! It's really annoying calling you my sister," Annie scoffed, her voice dripping with amusement.
She stood beside her mother, her round face glowing under the golden light. I couldn't deny that she looked cute—her chubby cheeks gave her a youthful charm that our father adored. Despite knowing I was considered one of the most beautiful ladies in Balhae, my father still favored Annie.
Annie smirked, stepping closer. "Are you really happy for me?"
I held her gaze, refusing to react. Annie and I had always been at odds, but this time, she had truly won.
"Enough," my father cut in. "Annie, you are going to marry Prince Andrew. Your sister's opinion does not matter."
My heart clenched at his words. Not because I loved Prince Andrew—far from it. But the way my father dismissed me, as if my presence was merely an inconvenience, stung more than I cared to admit.
"Okay, you are dismissed," he said without looking at me.
I turned on my heel, my dress trailing behind me as I walked toward the exit.
"Wait," Annie called, stopping me just outside the hall.
I hesitated. My mind told me to keep walking, to ignore her, but my pride wouldn't allow it. I turned to face her, my expression unreadable.
"Sister," she drawled, a cruel glint in her eyes. "How does it feel to have something you love taken from you?"
I clenched my fists. "You assume I loved him."
She let out a laugh, tilting her head. "Maybe not, but you hate losing. And now, I have everything. Father's favor, Prince Andrew's love… and soon, the throne."
I exhaled, forcing a smile. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Annie."
Her smirk faltered for a second before she regained composure. She shoved my shoulder lightly, a silent challenge, then turned and walked away.
I felt the gaze of my lady-in-waiting, Lily, who stood nearby. She raised a brow as if silently asking, Why don't you hit her back?
I simply smiled. I had played this game long enough to know that patience was key.
---
Later that evening, I strolled through the palace gardens, inhaling the crisp night air. The moon cast a silver glow over the landscape, illuminating the cherry blossom trees swaying in the breeze.
Lilly walked beside me, her expression thoughtful. "Are you truly unaffected by today's events, my lady?"
I sighed, my fingers grazing the petals of a nearby flower. "Affected? Perhaps. But emotions must be controlled, Lily.Reacting recklessly would only give them satisfaction."
Lilly nodded, though doubt flickered in her eyes. "Still, your sister… she is cruel. I do not trust her, nor do I trust her mother."
Neither did I.
Annie was born to the king's concubine, Lady Helena, a woman as cunning as she was beautiful. She had spent years weaving her influence into the royal court, ensuring that her daughter was placed above me in every possible way.
And now, it seemed they were ready to eliminate me entirely.
---
Meanwhile, in another wing of the palace, Annie stormed into her mother's chambers, frustration evident in her every step.
"Mother, I can't stand Miyaa anymore!" she fumed. "I want her dead. If she is alive, my marriage with Prince Andrew may not work!"
Lady Helena, draped in an elegant silk robe, sipped her tea calmly. "Patience, my love. We cannot afford reckless mistakes."
Annie groaned. "But why must we wait? She already suspects us!"
Lady Helena set her cup down, her golden bracelets jingling. "If she dies within the palace, suspicions will fall upon us. We must lure her outside."
Annie's lips curled into a smirk. "And when will that be?"
"Soon," her mother assured. "For now, we wait for the right moment."
Annie folded her arms, dissatisfied. "I can't wait any longer. I don't even want to call her my sister—it's disgusting."
Lady Helena placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Calm down, my princess. Trust me, I will handle everything. But first, we must ensure that once she is gone, there is no one left to oppose you."
A slow, wicked smile spread across Annie's face. "Then why don't we get rid of her useless mother as well? Once they are both gone, no one will stand in our way.
Lady Helena's lips curled into a knowing smile.
---
I sat in my chambers, gazing out the window as the wind rustled the trees outside. Lilly poured me a cup of tea, her expression tense.
"My lady," she hesitated before speaking. "There are whispers among the maids. They say Lady Helena has been meeting with questionable people in secret."
I took a sip of tea, my grip tightening on the porcelain cup. "What kind of people?"
Lilly lowered her voice. "Assassins."
I remained silent, my mind calculating the possibilities.
"Shall I investigate further?" Lilly asked.
I exhaled slowly. "No. If they are truly planning something, they will make their move soon. For now, we will observe."
Lily frowned. "But my lady, if we wait too long—"
"We are not waiting," I corrected. "We are strategizing."
Lily met my gaze, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but she nodded nonetheless.
I turned back toward the window, my heart steady despite the storm raging within me.
If Annie and her mother wanted to play this game, I would let them.
But they had severely underestimated me.
And soon, they would realize that I was not so easy to eliminate.