Semua Bab Royal Malice: Bab 1 - Bab 10

Regina “A woman was never meant to rule. Be grateful I’m here to take over. It’s time you finally understand that.”Charles’s words echoed in my head as if his shadow still whispered them in my ears in a mocking tone. My Uncle, the Grand Duke’s murderer.Charles had already set foot into the Grand Duke’s residence along with his knights. Claiming a throne that was never meant to be his. Be grateful after everything he has done? The fury inside me could consume the whole world and still remain unquenched.Just a man full of audacity, not merits, who could never have been given the throne as long as the Grand Duke was alive. Because I was the only heir. It was meant to be mine. But they underestimated me, the legitimate heir of the Grand Duchy, just because I was a woman.I gripped the sword in my hand. My Uncle’s last present to me. And today I will use it to send him a gift.I tilted my head up for a brief moment and looked at the storm raging tonight as if heaven itself was shari

ReginaThe morning after Charles’s execution, the grand hall of the palace was eerily quiet, the storm’s remnants still lingering in the air. Faint scent of blood still lingered in the halls. I stood before the mirror, sun rays from the tall arched windows cast a golden glow upon my reflection. Today, I was draped in the deepest shade of black, a stark contrast to the muted grey gown I had worn just the night before, the very night I had bathed in the blood of those who set foot in my territory.My hands were neatly folded before me, fingers gently intertwined, resting with poised elegance. The same hands, once stained crimson, now appeared soft and luminous as if they could never kill a man or handle the weight of a heavy sword. Only light, delicate jewels adorned my fingers.I added a small yet formidable crown on top of my head to remind people I was no longer just an heir of the Anderson Duchy but the Grand Duchess.This title was mine from the moment I was born. It did not depen

ReginaJust the voice of this woman was irritating. But today she is getting on my nerves.I held Margaret’s gaze, my expression unreadable. “Lady Margaret, firstly, I already have the unwavering support of the ministers who served alongside the Grand Duke,” I said calmly. “And secondly, I suggest you tend to your own house’s affairs before concerning yourself with mine. Beyond that, why should I entrust the Duchy’s matters to you over all those who have stood by us for generations, remain steadfast in their loyalty?”Margaret tensed, her lips pressing into a thin line. The gathered ministers, all steadfast allies of the Grand Duke, murmured in agreement. Their support was unwavering. It was a simple, now they know that there is no scope for a marriage alliance, they are just like the rest of the nobles. They no longer stand first in line when it comes to this territory. The favor they once held over others is now gone.Jasper stepped forward, his voice measured yet firm. “Your Grace,

ReginaA disruption at the southern docks, just as I returned to court… the implications were calculated. But it's too simple. There was no doubt Jasper was behind this. He was either testing the water or was too arrogant and underestimated me. By the time the carriage pulled up to the well-lit inn, the moon had begun its slow climb across the sky. Watching the crest of the knights, the innkeepers immediately showed me the way to my chambers.A maid was assigned to assist me with the bath. Once bathed, I slipped into a fresh nightgown.I kept the room dim, curtains parted just enough for moonlight to trickle in. My sword leaned against the wall. I lay in bed with only a thin linen shift, skin still damp. And yet sleep wouldn’t come. My thoughts were still sifting through it when I heard it. A whisper of movement. Not the wind. The kind of sound made by someone trained to erase it from the common room in front of my bed chambers.I swiftly moved and blew out the lantern near the wi

Regina“So tragic. First her guardian, then her fiancé…”“It seems bad luck clings to her. Any man close to her doesn’t survive.”“It's almost scary to imagine when she actually inherits the title. What misfortune would that bring?”Carefully worded insults dressed as concern were all I heard when the Grand Duke’s funeral was held. Many high-ranking nobles came to attend and pay their respects. All dukes, counts, barons, the Northern Duke, and even the King’s right hand, the Chief Minister, who stood in place of the old king, attended.But beneath all the veils and black robes, I had seen nothing but calculation from almost every noble who had attended. They did not come here to grieve, but to weigh their chances.I stood among them, wearing a high-collared black velvet gown, and my hair swept into a sleek bun beneath a sheer lace veil. I was surrounded by whispered condolences and careful glances. They weren’t mourning the Grand Duke. They were here to see who would take the seat of