Chapter 4

That very night, rashes broke out all over Zara's body. The main house descended into chaos, and several physicians were summoned in the middle of the night.

I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.

She had been too impatient. If she'd waited until the day of the spring banquet to wear the dress, it would have made for quite a spectacle.

Ophelia came to my room and caused a scene. She glared at me furiously, staring at me as though I were her sworn enemy.

She seethed, "I underestimated you. Aileen was a woman who knew her place. But that isn't the case for you."

I showed no fear.

She had been the one to send the dress, and Zara had been the one to take it.

Without evidence, there was nothing she could do to me.

I countered, "Knowing one's place is the most useless thing ever. Mother knew her place—that's why she died in this household. I refuse to know my place. That's how I'll make you and your daughter suffer the consequences of your own actions."

Ophelia scoffed and said, "We have a long way ahead of us. As long as you remain in this household, your fate is in my hands. Whether you marry a prince or nobleman, or some common laborer, I'll be the one who makes that decision."

I gave her a small curtsy and reminded her, "You should hurry and go check on Zara. Make sure the rash doesn't spread to her face and leave her scarred. Otherwise, I'm afraid even a common laborer won't want her."

Ophelia nodded slowly with a scowl and left angrily.

As she stormed out, she said, "Jemima, you're quite something. Just wait. We'll see who has the last laugh."

I heard that Father had also gone to Zara's room and ended up falling ill himself. Ophelia was so overwhelmed that she had no time to plot revenge against me.

Zara was sick and couldn't attend the spring banquet. As a daughter born to a concubine, I wasn't allowed to attend alone. So, I was confined to the house as well.

Ophelia had been right. As long as I remained in this household, my fate was in her hands. I had to find a way to put an end to this once and for all.

Half a month later, the king fell gravely ill. The struggle for the throne between the crown prince, Quintus Spencer, and the second prince, Leon Spencer, grew increasingly fierce.

The entire Javerton was filled with unease.

Father remained neutral. He took several days of leave from court to keep out of the turmoil.

A little after midnight one night, I heard a commotion outside in my sleep.

The bronze mirror hurriedly woke me. "Wake up, child! Your chance to turn things around has arrived!"

I sat up and held it in front of me. "What?"

The mirror informed me, "A man just entered the study next to your room. It's the crown prince himself. If you help him tonight, good days await you in the future."

I got out of bed, pushed open the window, and looked toward the study. It was pitch-black inside. I couldn't see a thing.

I hesitated and asked, "Isn't this too risky? He's a man from outside our household."

If this worked, I might have a chance to leave this house. But if it failed, my reputation would be ruined completely.

The bronze mirror grew increasingly anxious. "So what if he's a man from outside? Reputation is nothing but an invisible shackle. If Ophelia decides to marry you off to some decrepit old man someday, what good will a spotless reputation do you then?

"We don't have time to worry about all that! Get your priorities straight. An opportunity like this doesn't come every day."

I tightened my grip on the bronze mirror. Then, I put on an outer robe and slipped out.

The entire household was shrouded in darkness. I stood outside the study, gathered my courage, and pushed the door open a crack.

In an instant, a sword was pressed against my throat.

"Don't move!"

I clenched my hands tightly and whispered, "If you hurt me tonight, you won't be able to escape this place."

The moment I finished speaking, feverish knocking sounded from the main gates.

"Lord Johnson, an assassin has broken into your residence! Open the gates and let us search your residence!"

The man before me said nothing. His deep, dark eyes remained fixed on me.

I looked at him, a glimmer of certainty flashing through my eyes.

Then I called out loudly, "Father! I think someone has broken in here!"