Arch 6: Maids of Thorns.

The palace shifted.

Small things, at first.

Doors opened for Aris without her asking.

Maids lowered their eyes when she passed.

Guards bowed.

And the Crown Prince... he stopped calling her servant.

Now it was "Aris."

Then "beloved."

And once, when he thought no one heard—"mine."

She didn't correct him.

They met in the library again—his favorite hiding place. He dismissed the guards. Closed the door himself.

His hands were shaking when he reached for hers.

"I know what they say about you."

Aris blinked slowly. "What do they say?"

"That you've bewitched me. That you're dangerous."

"Are you afraid of me?"

He hesitated. "No. But I think everyone else is."

She smiled.

"Then they're smarter than you."

He laughed, nervous and wild.

And kissed her.

Just once.

Just long enough to seal everything.

> System: And there it is. Emotional Hostage Acquired.

Congrats, you've officially stolen the heir's brain.

Should I prep for a wedding or a war?

The Knight found her in the garden the next morning.

He didn't speak at first. Just stood in the shade, watching her feed the koi like she wasn't a threat.

"You kissed him," he said flatly.

"You're very observant."

"You want power."

She didn't answer.

"I've seen women like you," he said. "You destroy things. You call it strategy. But all you do is burn everything down."

"Then walk away."

He didn't.

That was the problem.

> System: Wow. He hates you so much he's starting to want you. Classic.

> Aris: "He'll break eventually."

> System: They always do. But he's going to fight first. I like this one. He might even stab you.

> Aris: "If he aims for the heart, he'll miss."

The Saintess cracked.

In the high garden, where the nobles met for morning prayer, she finally snapped.

"She's a snake," the Saintess said aloud. "A parasite. She's ruined the Prince."

Gasps. Murmurs. A few turned to stare.

But Aris?

She didn't defend herself. Didn't even look up from where she was pouring tea for the older nobles.

She smiled. Sweet. Empty.

And said, without even lifting her voice:

"If I've ruined him, then what does that make you, Saintess?"

Silence.

That night, the Prince sent for her again.

Not to talk.

Not to kiss.

But to stay.

She stood in his chambers, the door closed behind her, the fire casting long shadows on his face.

"Do you want to leave?" he asked, trembling.

"No."

"Do you want me?"

"I want everything."

He swallowed hard.

And then he gave her everything.

> System: Girl. You did not just seal the deal with the future Emperor and walk out with his ring on a chain.

Oh wait—you absolutely did. Wow.

> Aris: "I said I wanted everything."

> System: You really weren't kidding. I don't know whether to worship or uninstall you.