Chapter 3

The dragon clan spared no expense, even for a concubine's wedding.

Rare beasts attended, offering priceless treasures. They gave Marina every honor.

In a crimson gown, she walked hand in hand with Horace, glowing with joy.

She'd finally won the role she craved. Her happiness was undeniable. When she saw me, she tilted her head, mouthing, "Loser!"

She was right. I had lost.

But she was stepping into a nightmare, and I pitied her.

Horace handed her a goblet. "Drink this, and you're my concubine, fair and square."

Marina took it, but a sharp scent hit her. She recoiled, tossing the goblet away. "Juniper berries?"

Juniper berries were poisonous to serpents. Even those ancient beasts among us couldn't withstand a single sip.

It wouldn't kill, but it'd leave us bedridden for months, in agony.

In my past life, I had faced the same test and hadn't even dared refuse.

My life was just nothing compared to the dragon clan's pride. Defying Horace in public would have ruined me.

I had drunk it, and my head had spun through the ceremony.

Horace hadn't cared. To him, I was just a tool and a toy that had no feelings.

Unaware, Marina pouted and threw herself into Horace's arms. "I'm not drinking that stuff."

She missed his darkening expression, but with so many guests watching, he had to coax her. "Come on, it's tradition. Don't make a scene in front of everyone."

Normally, that plea would have been enough. Marina should have backed down.

But that day, she pushed her luck. "I hate this stupid tradition. Serpents can't stand juniper berries, and I don't want them around me ever."

Her words offended the dragons. Juniper berries were their sacred symbol, and she had just slapped their pride.

The nobles began whispering, calling her insolent and Horace a fool.

The murmurs reached Horace's ears, and his patience finally snapped. "Drink it, or you're done!"

His angry voice startled her. She hadn't expected that side of him.

Scrambling, she downed the wine, but it was too late.

The crowd's mood had soured.

Horace stormed off after the rites, not sparing her a glance. Marina stood there, lost.

They had been all lovey-dovey just yesterday, but today, a cup of wine had ruined everything.

I smirked at her naivety.

Dragon pride trumped everything. In their minds, a concubine was just a glorified broodmare.

Marina was foolish enough to think she'd become someone noble, having no idea that this was just the beginning. The real troubles were yet to come.