The next day, everyone had returned home. Miranda was in her father’s study, helping him organize some papers as usual. Suddenly, she seemed to remember something, turned to her father and said, “Father, I need to step out for a moment. I just remembered that Prince Zachary has a message for me to pass on to Selena. I’ll go find her.”The Earl of Croyso lifted his head from a stack of documents, looking puzzled. “Prince Zachary? What business does he have with Selena?”Miranda chuckled. “Oh, it’s nothing much. While we were at the villa, Prince Zachary asked me about a garment Selena was embroidering for him. He seemed curious about how it was coming along.”Miranda knew that, with Selena’s ambition and her obsession with power, she would likely reignite her dream of marrying Zachary and becoming future queen now that her chances of becoming the king’s mistress were lost. By bringing this up casually, Miranda hoped her father would step in and quash any illusions Selena might still be
“Foolish!” Earl Croyso erupted in anger when he confirmed that Selena had developed such thoughts. The embroidery was a trivial matter, but now that he had seen Zachary’s true nature, marrying into the royal family would undoubtedly bring unseen dangers. Moreover, the path to the throne is often fraught with uncertainty. If his daughter married Prince Zachary, the whole family would be forced to take sides. He had never wanted to get involved in the cutthroat politics of the royal heirs, preferring to remain neutral. But if Selena had truly entertained such ideas and caused any kind of scandal with Zachary, for the sake of her reputation, he would have no choice but to marry her off to him. With such an alliance, even if he stayed neutral, others would still see him as part of Zachary’s faction.Besides, even if Zachary managed to ascend to the throne, his hypocritical and arrogant nature made him wholly unfit for his daughter!How could Selena be so bewitched?“Selena, you’re still u
“I would love to, but it’s impossible to find anyone as beautiful, gentle, understanding, and tolerant as you, Mother. No one else catches my eye. So, I’ll just have to keep looking,” Reginald said, his tone playful. Yet, as soon as the thought of marriage came up, a fleeting image of Miranda’s charming and ever-changing expressions flashed through his mind.“You! All the children your age have already married. Even Zachary, who’s always been at odds with you, I hear he’s recently taken a liking to a young lady and is planning to propose to the Queen. What about you? When will you let me hold my grandchild?” Lady Liudmila cast him a reproachful glance.“Zachary is getting engaged?” Reginald was momentarily surprised, then chuckled. “That fellow fancies himself the future king, always so high and mighty. I wonder which family’s daughter he’s set his sights on?” Suddenly, a memory of that assassination attempt surfaced—Zachary badmouthing him to Miranda. Reginald’s heart tightened abrup
That day, Lady Langley come to visit Miranda at her home. Just as she arrived, she happened to run into Earl Croyso, who was returning from outside.As a matter of etiquette, Earl Croyso invited Lady Langley to join him in the drawing room. The two sat opposite each other, the room bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon. The air was heavy with unspoken words and lingering tensions from years past. Breaking the silence, Croyso glanced up from his cup, his voice calm but detached. “It seems the Fitzroy family has encountered some difficulties. You’re close with Lady Fitzroy, aren’t you? If you have time, it might be a good idea to take Miranda with you to visit them tomorrow.”Lady Langley, who had been stirring her tea absentmindedly, froze for a second before lifting her head. The news struck her sharply, concern flashing across her face. “What’s happened?” she asked, her voice edged with worry.Croyso leaned back slightly, setting his cup down on the polished mahogany table.
Old Mr. Fitzroy was a very thin and gaunt old man, around fifty years old, with graying hair and beard. He looked somewhat stern and unapproachable. However, he greatly valued Mrs. Fitzroy, his daughter-in-law, and consequently also liked his innocent and sweet granddaughter, Wensley. Hearing that her friend was present, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he suddenly asked, "Miranda? Is she the daughter of Lord Croyso?"Upon hearing her father's name, Miranda quickly stood up and said, "Yes, he is my father.""Oh my, so you're his daughter, and you got injured in my residence. This is terrible! You must speak well of me in front of your father when you return. Don’t let that overprotective man chase me around half the capital with his sword." Old Mr. Fitzroy chuckled, as if remembering something amusing. "These old bones of mine can’t withstand his fuss!" This was because Miranda had accidentally twisted her ankle on the way here."Huh?" Miranda was taken aback, not quite underst
Wensley's father, Marcus, was a scholar in charge of compiling books at the royal palace. He often felt frustrated and unappreciated, leading him to seek solace in drinking and revelry. A few days ago, he encountered a middle-aged man who claimed to be the lord of a southern city, named Steven. The two quickly became acquainted over drinks, and before long, they were spending every day carousing together.A few days ago, in a drunken haze, they somehow decided to arrange a marriage between their children, promising Wensley to Steven's son. They even left a written agreement as proof.Yesterday, Steven showed up at their door with the letter, saying he was there to discuss the marriage.Lady Fitzroy was furious upon hearing this. Not only had Marcus arranged their daughter's marriage without consulting her, but Steven himself seemed highly suspicious. He was a complete stranger, with an unclear background. How could a city lord spend his days drinking with Marcus instead of attending to
"Lady Fitzroy, I think Aunt Langley is right—this whole thing seems very suspicious," Miranda pondered aloud. "Even if Mr. Marcus was careless in handling things, that Steven is questionable too. Putting aside whether his identity is real or not, if he truly wanted to curry favor with Lord Fitzroy, a senior scholar in the Privy Council, he should have made a formal proposal. Acting like this won’t win the Fitzroy family over; it’s more likely to offend them. Isn’t this bringing shame to the Fitzroy name rather than trying to build connections?"Lady Fitzroy angrily agreed, "Exactly! Who does business like this? I think he’s nothing but a swindler!"“If he’s a swindler, it’s likely for money. He’d target wealthy families—why risk deceiving a senior member of the Privy Council?” Miranda asked thoughtfully.Hearing this, Lady Fitzroy began to calm down, her dark brows furrowing deeply.She was usually a sharp and decisive person, but this situation involved her own daughter, and her husba
"But can Miranda, at such a young age, really be so perceptive about court affairs? Could it be that she's overthinking things?" Lady Fitzroy hesitated. This matter involved both Marcus’s foolishness and their daughter’s marriage, and she didn’t want to alarm her in-laws, fearing it would worry them. Still, after thinking it through, she realized the truth would come out eventually. Since Miranda was so certain, she decided to trust her.With that, Lady Fitzroy took Lady Langley, Wensley, and Miranda to meet with the elder Lord Fitzroy.Lord Fitzroy was in his study when he heard that these younger people had come to see him again. Surprised, he made his way to the sitting room, where the group had gathered. Noticing the anxious expressions on their faces, he waved for the servants to leave before asking, "What’s going on?"Lady Fitzroy then recounted the entire incident and Miranda’s suspicions.Outside, the scent of damp earth from the recent rain drift
Seeing the man's attire, the burly warrior beside him immediately realized that this must be one of their brothers who had gone to the palace to assassinate someone—now back and enraged, looking for a fight. But upon hearing the words "His Highness is dead," his heart was struck with unspeakable shock, his mind going blank for a moment.Stepping forward, he shielded Miranda and raised his sword to block the masked man’s saber.“Calm down! The commander said this woman might still be useful. Don’t go against his word!”But before his words had even finished, the situation changed in a flash.The masked man abruptly twisted his blade, slashing toward the burly warrior’s neck with lightning speed. The angle was vicious and sudden—nearly impossible to guard against.The burly man had assumed this was merely a furious comrade; it never occurred to him that he would suddenly turn his blade on him. Let alone defend himself—he was still in stunned disbelief even as the blade sliced across his
The man in black twisted Miranda's arm with one hand and held a dagger across her with the other. He jerked his chin toward Molly, signaling her to open the door. His grip on the dagger only tightened.Molly glanced worriedly at her miss before stepping forward to open the door.Standing outside was the regal and elegant Queen Dowager, flanked by Margaret and others—Selena stood nearby.The moment the door opened and the Queen Dowager saw Miranda being held hostage, her expression changed drastically. She shouted, “Who are you? How dare you seize a noble lady? Release her at once!”“Oh, how dearly the Queen Dowager treasures this Miss Croyso,” the man in black sneered. “Good. If Your Grace doesn’t want anything to happen to her, then cooperate and help us get out of the palace. With your seal, I don’t suppose it’ll be difficult? Once we’re somewhere safe, we’ll let her go. How about that?”“Your Grace, you mustn’t!” Margaret cried urgently. “These assassins are after His Majesty’s lif
Hearing those words, Miranda finally let out a breath of relief.The fact that the King was willing to assign her tasks meant he had accepted her explanation.Of course, the King would not so easily trust her loyalty; she would still need to prove herself through her future actions. But at least, for someone like her—cornered by the Queen Mother with no way out—there was now a glimmer of hope ahead.As long as the King truly intended to oppose the Queen Mother, and as long as she could assist him in bringing her down, Miranda would be able to regain her freedom and no longer live under the Queen Mother's control."I understand. I will strictly follow Your Majesty's instructions," Miranda replied. "I used an excuse to leave earlier, and I cannot be away for too long. If there are no further orders, I shall take my leave."The King watched Miranda’s retreating figure in silence.Because of that familiar face, he couldn’t help but pay her a little more attention, though he did not show i
"Miranda?"The King, who had just risen to his feet, slowly sat back down, frowning slightly. After a moment, he said, "Let her come forward."Guided by Giles, Miranda approached gracefully and knelt in salute. "Greetings, Your Majesty."The King studied her closely, trying to guess her intentions. "You asked to see me. What is it you wish to say?""I..." Miranda hesitated, carefully choosing her words."Your Majesty's teachings remain engraved in my heart. Yet, in this world, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as one wishes," Miranda answered calmly, her head bowed. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and caught sight of a sheet of paper on the table. Daringly, she picked it up with a gentle motion. The King silently watched her actions."For a piece of paper," she said softly, "its greatest wish would be to remain pure and untouched — neither stained by ink nor creased by water. Yet once a hand reaches out and soaks it in ink or water, the paper has no strength to resist."She did no
That day, the King came to pay his respects at the Queen Dowager’s palace. The Queen Dowager ordered tea to be served.A young lady stepped forward, dressed in a gown of pale blue silk—the soft, mist-like color seemed steeped in delicate light, graceful and ethereal. Her hair ornaments matched in hue, adorned with teardrop-shaped tassels that swayed gently with her movements, catching the light like liquid glass. Her skin was fair as porcelain, her features fresh and luminous, like a lotus emerging from clear waters.Her simple attire, serene beauty, and quiet elegance gave the impression of a cool spring flowing through a sweltering day—soothing and refreshing.When the King saw that the one serving tea was Miranda, he paused. His gaze lingered briefly on her attire, on her calm expression, on the faint scent of perfume that wafted near. His eyes flickered with a shadowed gleam as he said with a faint smile, “I heard Miss Miranda fell ill shortly after entering the palace, and has be
Miranda was filled with doubts.Zachary had taken a liking to her and, without even asking her opinion, went straight to the Queen to request a royal marriage decree. The Queen Dowager fancied her and instantly ordered her into the palace as a companion. They were all powerful figures—so why was it that when Reginald liked her, he remained so silent? So composed? Why hadn’t she sensed even the slightest hint of his feelings?Even after hearing about her engagement to Sheffield, he simply vanished from her world. Aside from that one moment—when he stumbled into her chambers feverish and disoriented—he never once made a move. He didn’t even try to interfere with the betrothal between the Croyso family and Sheffield.Weren’t people like them always forceful and self-indulgent in love and power alike? And Reginald, with his flamboyant and unrestrained nature—why had he acted so differently?Her head throbbed. With a shake, she tried to banish the thoughts. There was a clear disparity in s
In that faintly charged, ambiguous atmosphere, Reginald’s ears suddenly twitched. He had caught the faint sound of footsteps approaching. His expression changed instantly. He gave Miranda a small nod, pulled up his hood, and with a light, soundless leap, landed on the windowsill. With one hand gripping the ledge, he gave a pull—and in the next breath, his figure vanished from sight.Miranda understood at once and quietly closed the window.***It was deep into the night. No stars, no moon—only utter darkness.Miranda lay upon soft pillows, her eyes shut tightly. Beads of sweat gathered on her pale, smooth forehead, soaking into her hairline. Her head moved slightly from side to side, as if trying to shake something off. Her sleep was uneasy.She dreamt of many things from the past.Foolishness from a previous life. The days in the Croyso household, sharing what felt like a mother-daughter bond with her stepmother. Hans’s sweet lies after she married with him—and her naïve, wholehearte
“Although His Majesty shows great respect and deference to the Queen Dowager, and her position in the palace seems untouchable,” Miranda said firmly, “if their relationship were truly as unshakable as it appears, then why would she need to use me as a pawn? That alone tells me—they don’t fully trust each other. I’m convinced there’s a rift between them.”Her eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence.“Besides, the Queen Dowager is from House Blackwell. So is the Queen. If Prince Zachary ascends the throne, the maternal family’s power will be overwhelming. Lord Reginald, tell me—could the King possibly feel at ease with that? Don’t you think he might also want to bring down the Queen Dowager and the Blackwell family?”If the answer to all of those questions was yes—then that was her opportunity.Especially when she recalled that moment at the Croyso estate—how the King, upon first seeing her, had lost his composure and shattered his teacup. Yet in the Queen Dowager’s hall, he had greeted he
“Miranda, what do you intend to do?” he asked cautiously, probing her thoughts.Miranda didn’t answer directly. Instead, she returned the question, “What do you think I should do, Lord Reginald?”“Just as you said, the Queen Dowager is ruthless and cunning. She doesn’t care if she destroys you in the process. So, Miranda, don’t confront her head-on. Evade her, pretend even, let her think she’s won—just don’t suffer for nothing!” That was the real reason Reginald had come today—to warn her. Earlier, he’d gone to the palace to attend council with the King and was granted leave to walk in the royal gardens afterwards. That gave him the opportunity to send Miranda a message, even now, to meet her here in person.Though he’d already passed along a warning through a young eunuch, he had still worried something might go wrong. That’s why he had been hiding near the gazebo all along, ready to intervene if needed.He had seen everything with his own eyes.In the end, it was Selena who suffered