Elisabetha.

She quickly checked behind her, heart hammering in her chest. No one was there. Still, paranoia clung to her like a second skin.

Sleep had become a distant memory, haunted by the gruesome image of Maria's butchered body. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it—lifeless, cold, discarded like trash.

She had made her decision. Staying in the palace meant waiting for her own execution. The princess would kill her eventually—but when? That was the question. And she had no intention of sticking around to find out.

Three days.

Three long, suffocating days since the princess had dragged Maria from the garden to her death. And now, it was only a matter of time before her own fate was sealed.

Her mother had been a palace maid once—had suffered unimaginable brutality at the hands of the queen. She had stared death in the face too many times to count, yet she had never cowered. She had been a warrior in spirit, a woman who refused to take the coward's way out.

But she was not her mother.

The weight of fear had become unbearable, pressing down on her chest until she could hardly breathe. She only saw one way out. And if that made her a coward, so be it.

The princess had moved her from the garden to serve in her chambers right after killing Maria. The message had been clear: You're next. She had barely survived a single day under Elisabetha's watchful, merciless gaze.

So, she ran.

She didn't care what her mother's spirit would think of her now. She wasn't strong enough to face her problems head-on. She wasn't courageous enough to die with dignity.

A dry branch snapped somewhere behind her.

She froze, breath catching in her throat.

Silence.

Her frantic gaze swept the darkness, but she saw nothing. No figures lurking in the shadows. No sign of pursuit.

Still, she picked up her pace, her feet crunching against the forest floor.

She was a coward.

And tonight, she would survive.

~~~~

"You know, I'm starting to think you enjoy annoying Elisa."

Blair scoffed, crossing her arms. "And why would I waste my time on that? I have far more relevant things to do than mess with an arrogant brat."

"Watch your tone, Blair," Juliana warned, a slight edge creeping into her voice. "She's still our friend."

"You think I don't know that?" Blair rolled her eyes. "But she needs to get her shit together. We're all princesses in our own right, not her servants. And besides, the prince isn't her possession."

Juliana sighed, torn between reason and loyalty. She knew Blair was right. But at the same time, she couldn't help but sympathize with Elisabetha.

The vampire princess had spent her entire life believing she would be the future Empress of Arthandica. Then, out of nowhere, that position was being handed to her illegitimate sister. No one would want to be in her place.

"I know you're right, Blair," Juliana admitted, choosing her words carefully. "But can't you at least try to understand—"

"Understand what, exactly?" Blair cut her off, eyes flashing with frustration. "Prince Alaric was never promised to her—or anyone, for that matter. Her arrogance is destroying this friendship, and you know that. So before you start preaching to me about understanding, go tell her to drop that foul attitude of hers."

The sarcasm in her tone wasn't lost on Juliana, but as the peacemaker, she chose to let it slide.

For now.

"I don't think talking about Elisa while you're in this mood is a good idea," Juliana said firmly, crossing her arms. "But trust me, Blair—we're not done with this conversation."

Blair exhaled sharply, clearly irritated, but before she could respond, their moment of peace was shattered.

"Blair, Blair, Blair—I need to talk to you. Alone."

Blair's mood instantly shifted, darkening at the sound of the voice. Her jaw tightened. "Larissa?"

Her older sister stood there, expression cold and unreadable. But her words carried weight. "Don't disappoint him this time. Or I'll come for your head myself."

Blair said nothing as Larissa walked away. She'd heard those words before. Expectations, orders, threats. It never changed.

Juliana hesitated. "What's her problem this time?"

Blair was quick to mask any emotion, slipping on her usual indifferent expression. Her friends knew about her strained relationship with Larissa, but she hated the way they looked at her whenever it was brought up. Like she was fragile. Like they pitied her.

"Nothing. She was just being her usual self." Blair shrugged, her voice cool and detached. "But she did bring important news."

"Important news?" Juliana asked, glancing at her warily.

"Yeah. We have to be in the capital in three days."

"For what? It's not like they haven't already shoved the 'good news' down our throats."

Blair let out a humourless laugh. "Yeah. Having an illegitimate child from the Bathory bloodline is definitely great news."

__

"Elisa, don't you dare ignore me. Did you kill the maid or not?"

Victoria had been making her usual rounds when she overheard the hushed whispers of the servants. They spoke of how the princess had killed an innocent maid, forcing another to flee. A royal taking the life of a lowly servant was nothing new—but at a time when they needed the people's genuine respect and support, such an act was dangerous. Murder was no way to earn loyalty.

"Hmm, I did, Mother. And before you scold me, I didn't mean to. I was just angry, and I suppose I took it out on the poor thing," Elisa admitted, her tone laced with a remorse the queen knew was nothing but a facade.

Getting angry wouldn't change anything. It wouldn't bring Maria back to life, nor would it chase down the foolish girl who had escaped.

"The other one got away. We need to find her and handle this discreetly," the queen said coolly. "I'll have someone take care of the mess—but this will be the last time I clean up after you."

Victoria was furious. All Elisa ever did was create problems she couldn't solve.

Elisa, however, hadn't expected her mother's words. "Mother, are you abandoning me too?"

"I would never, Elisabetha. But if you want to be empress, you need to grow up and take responsibility. That seat is no joke. I trained you better than this."

Elisa knew her mother was right, but the way she spoke made it sound as if she were some reckless child.

"Mother, I understand your concern, but I do not appreciate your tone. Please—I will handle this myself. There is no need for you to interfere.

"Well, if you say so. But make it quick—word has reached me that all the noble young ladies are to report to the imperial palace. You can't afford to delay."

"Why? Are they holding the Sponsa Eligens now?"

Victoria heard the anger in her daughter's voice. Now was not the time for outbursts—Elisa needed to control her emotions.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the details yet, but I'll find out and let you know. Also, I heard the prince is coming home."

That got Elisa's attention. She sat up straighter, absentmindedly tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Alaric is coming home?"

"Yes, my little girl. So get up and fight for what's yours."

Despite her usual regal composure, the queen couldn't help but show affection. She might always wear her queenly mask, but she hadn't forgotten how to be a mother.

---

They stepped out of the car and boarded his private jet. After the necessary procedures, the plane took off without delay. It had been a long time since he left his homeland, and returning felt… right.

Except now, he was engaged.