Chapter 2

The Dragon Prince's wedding outshone our mate-choosing ritual a hundredfold.

Marina and I were brought to the Dragon Palace, forbidden to wander outside.

I prepared for her wedding meticulously, touching the gem Horace had given me in my past life. It stirred nothing in me. Beautiful as it was, to me, it was a cursed trinket and a harbinger of doom.

My glory had far outstripped Marina's. My every word and deed had been copied by women across the realms.

But only I knew the agony of birthing that child.

Before I could dwell on it, a maid rushed to me. "Miss, Lady Marina requests your presence."

I was puzzled.

Marina should have been busy with her wedding gown. I didn't get why she suddenly wanted to see me, an insignificant person in her mind.

Doubts swirled, but as the Dragon Prince's concubine, her word was law. I couldn't refuse.

Arriving at the chamber, I saw Horace striding out. His shirt hung open, exuding smug satisfaction.

I quickly bowed my head, but he didn't spare me a glance.

The dragon musk, thick after passion, lingered, proof Marina had already lain with him.

Serpent women, once of age, couldn't resist a man's touch. It was our merit and curse as well.

Marina lounged on her bed, a thin sheet barely covering her flawless figure. Her smile vanished when she saw me.

She pointed lazily at an embroidered cloth on the table. "You made this? It's not bad."

I paused, sensing a trap.

Marina never praised me. Her usual temper was all slaps and curses. The memory of her pushing me off that cliff was still vivid.

When I didn't move, she sat up, grabbing a jade scepter and smashing it against my head.

Blood blurred my vision, but I stifled my rage and knelt.

Pleased with my humbleness, she spoke lazily. "I called you here to show you how I'll climb to that throne. Don't get any ideas about cozying up to the prince, or else..."

I looked up at her. "I wouldn't dare defy your order, Your Highness."

Something in my eyes startled her.

She stepped forward, yanking my hair. "Don't play dumb. You're reborn too, aren't you?"

My eyes darkened at her words.

She sneered, throwing the embroidery at my face. "A serpent girl like you, stitching a dragon queen's pattern? You think you can fool me?"

I sighed, standing slowly. "I've never wanted to compete with you. I'll stay clear of him."

She scoffed, her fingers brushing my cheek. "You think I'd lose to an ugly thing like you? Even if you tried, you'd never win."

I didn't argue with her.

Some things weren't worth fighting for, not at the cost of my life. Only a fool would chase such trash.