Chapter 1

The sound of my own flesh burning in the flames still echoed in my ears. The soul-crushing agony made my eyes snap open.

There was no wooden cross. No mob screaming for my death.

Only the lavish vaulted ceiling of the Mycenaean palace.

"My Queen, why are you so pale and drenched in sweat?"

My loyal maid, Chloe, looked at me with concern, pinching a soiled piece of parchment in her hand. "A woman handed this in. She says she wishes to see you."

The note read: Your Highness, do you still remember our days on Mount Olympus?

I glared at the parchment, my blood running cold.

In my past life, it was this exact note that made me invite a snake into my home, ultimately leading to my death on the pyre.

"Let her in." I took a deep breath, burying the murderous intent in my eyes.

The heavy doors pushed open, and Lyra walked in. Covered in mud with tangled hair, she looked like a total beggar.

"My Queen, I finally found you!" She dropped to her knees at my feet, her face the picture of absolute sincerity.

"When you sneaked down to the mortal realm, I was terrified! I could not stop worrying about you, so I risked everything to find you. Please, let me stay by your side and serve you again!"

Looking at her pathetic, tear-stained face, I only felt a wave of nausea.

Loyalty? Serving me?

In my past life, she used this exact excuse to win my heart. I was so moved by her devotion.

It was not until I died that I learned the truth: she had not come down here for me at all.

She was just a filthy thief who had been banished to the mortal realm for stealing my mothers jewelry!

I watched her little performance with cold detachment.

"Lyra, you have suffered so much." I forced a smile, leaning down to give her a gentle hug.

"Of course I will take you in." I chuckled lightly. "Chloe, have them clean out the grandest guest room in the East Wing for Lyra. And send over a few of my dresses."

Chloe looked reluctant, but she did as she was told.

Lyra knelt on the floor, bowing over and over in gratitude. But the moment she lowered her head, I caught the unmistakable flash of pure greed in her eyes.

Enjoy it, Lyra.

Every ounce of luxury you revel in now will be the very thing that signs your death warrant.

The next morning, Lyra walked in carrying a silver goblet.

She had changed into the silk gown I gifted her, looking like a completely different person.

"My Queen, this is your favorite wine. I have always remembered," she smiled sweetly, offering the cup with both hands.

I smiled back. "You are still so thoughtful, Lyra."

In my past life, I drank this wine and slept through the entire day.

While I was unconscious, she sneaked into the hot springs and accidentally ran into Kaelen.

I reached out calmly, but the moment my fingers brushed the goblet, my wrist jerked.

The silver cup hit the floor with a clatter. Red wine splashed all over Lyra, ruining her expensive silk dress.

"Oh no!" I gasped, feigning absolute dismay. "I am so sorry, Lyra. My hand slipped."

The smile froze on Lyras face.

"It... it is fine," she took a deep breath, forcing her smile back into place. "I will go pour you another."

"No need," I interrupted, pointing out the window. "Lyra, the irises on the back mountain are blooming. Go pick some for me. I would like them by my bed."

Lyra froze. "The back mountain?"

"What, you do not want to?" My face hardened.

"No! I will go right now!" She gritted her teeth, turned, and hurried out.

Yet, it did not take long before I heard the whispers. King Kaelen had run into a flower-picking maiden on the back mountain. They had a lovely chat, and Kaelen had not stopped singing her praises, even calling her as enchanting as a woodland nymph.

I let out a cold laugh.

It seemed that even when I ruined her original plan, she would still use every trick in the book to seduce him.

That afternoon, Lyra came to me, looking absolutely terrified.

"My Queen! Please punish me! I... when I was picking flowers, I accidentally ran into His Majesty..."

She looked up, her eyes red, tears welling perfectly. "I swear I did not mean to! I did not know the King would be there! Please believe me!"

I watched her masterful acting without a single ripple of emotion.

"Silly girl, get up." I stepped forward and helped her up myself, my eyes full of nothing but trust and comfort. "Why would I blame you? It was just an accident. You are my most trusted handmaid. Why would anything ever happen between you and my husband?"

Lyra stiffened, clearly struck a nerve. "Of course not..."

Over the next few days, Lyra played her greatest hits.

She accidentally dropped her handkerchief in the hallways; she carelessly spooked Kaelens horse in the gardens; she even unintentionally showed off her divine singing voice at a banquet.

Instead of punishing her, I used my authority as queen to secretly orchestrate even more run-ins for them.

Soon, the palace rumor mill was working overtime about Lyra and the King.

The staff started looking at me with pity.

But I played the fool perfectly, acting like the blissfully ignorant wife.

Take your time and play, Lyra. This is only the beginning.