I Have A Plan.

The moment the king kissed her forehead and pulled her into an embrace, my heart clenched. I had never seen him hold anyone like that—except me. But what was I thinking? That I could have him all to myself? He was a king, a man with a wife and countless concubines. I was merely the last among them.

"When did you arrive?" he asked as they stepped apart.

Her smile was radiant, full of warmth and familiarity. It was clear—they cared for each other deeply. A sharp pain twisted inside me. How foolish I had been to think I meant something more.

"A few minutes ago," she replied. "I heard you were in a meeting, so I went to see Mother." Her gaze flickered toward me, curiosity in her eyes. She was wondering about me just as much as I was about her.

"Where is Rania?" the king asked, scanning the room. But before she could answer, Queen Fortuna appeared at the door. At that moment, I knew—she had sent Rosalind after us. Of course, she wouldn't give up so easily.

"I left her with Mother," Rosalind replied before turning to the king with a teasing smile. "Won't you introduce me to your new concubine? It's obvious she's wondering who I am."

She laughed lightly, but when her gaze fell on me, it was laced with disdain. "What is her name?"

The king hesitated, clearing his throat before turning to me. His glance was brief, distant. "Princess Katrina… you know where she is from, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Rosalind said, rolling her eyes. "She's the debtor's daughter."

Her words stung, filled with unspoken judgment. It was clear—she despised my father. And she despised me just as much.

"Katrina, meet my sister, Rosalind," the king finally said.

His sister? I stared at him, stunned. I knew he had two sisters who had been away, but I had no idea they had returned.

If he had just said so earlier, I wouldn't have spent the last few minutes drowning in jealousy, imagining her as someone more. The weight on my chest lifted slightly, but another thought replaced it—I had yet another rival in this palace. Queen Fortuna was already enough to handle.

"Nice to meet you," Rosalind said politely.

I nodded instead of speaking. I didn't know what to say. My silence must have disappointed her because I saw the flicker of something in her eyes before she turned back to her brother.

"I'm sorry for interrupting," she said. "I was just eager to see you."

"I'm not angry, Rosalind," the king assured her. His expression softened, filled with warmth. I could see how much he cared for her. It made me think of my own life—how I only had Anne, a sister who had never once accepted me, never once treated me as family. That pain never truly left me.

"I'll leave you now," Rosalind said with a graceful bow. Then, turning to me, she added, "We will see each other tomorrow, Princess."

Again, I only nodded, even though I wanted to say something in return. But the words wouldn't come.

"Katrina isn't feeling well," the king said suddenly. "I will stay with her tonight and see you all tomorrow."

Rosalind's brows lifted in concern. "What's wrong with her?"

The king's expression darkened. "You should ask Fortuna. She would know better."

His voice was sharp, laced with anger. Anyone could see—he was furious with his queen.

"Fine. Goodnight, Your Highness," Rosalind said before leaving the room.

Queen Fortuna, who had been standing there in silence, turned to me with a glare full of hatred.

"Goodnight, Your Highness," she said with a forced bow before walking out. The door closed behind her, and the king let out a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Without thinking, I blurted out, "I thought she was your concubine."

The moment the words left my lips, I regretted them. Just minutes ago, I couldn't even speak to Rosalind, and now this?

The king's lips curled into a smile as he sat on the bed, his gaze fixed on me. "That's interesting," he mused, his smile never fading. "I see…"

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. "It's not what you think, Karl. The way you left me to meet her was… alarming."

He tilted his head slightly. "You were jealous?"

I shook my head, smiling, but the warmth in my cheeks betrayed me. Oh no… he caught me. And now, I wished I could vanish, but there was nowhere to run.

Flustered, I pulled the blanket over my face, but it didn't help.

The king moved closer, gently pulling the blanket away. My breath hitched as I slowly looked up, only to find his eyes locked onto mine.

He was lying beside me now, so close I could feel his warmth. I was only in my nightwear—thin, delicate fabric that left little to the imagination. His gaze wasn't on my face anymore. It roamed over me, dark and intense, like a hunter watching his prey.

My heart pounded wildly.

The first night he was in my bed, I had wanted to drive a knife through him. But tonight?

Tonight, I wanted him to touch me, to claim me, to make me his forever.

I wanted to be his.

**

"You didn't do anything in there! You just left him! You should have at least dragged him out, Rosa!" I kept ranting, my voice rising with frustration.

Rosalind barely acknowledged me. Ever since she met my brother, she seemed less concerned about anything else. I had expected Karl to leave with us, but instead, he was staying in her room tonight.

Katrina.

Even though she was sick, the thought of them alone together made my stomach twist. It would be their first night. And Karl… he was irresistible. He took what he wanted, when he wanted.

"You don't understand, Rosa! They're going to spend the night together!" I nearly screamed as we walked to my room.

The women nearby, who had been gossiping, fell silent.

Rosalind stopped abruptly and turned to face me. "Why don't you just announce to the entire palace that your husband is about to have sex?" she said, exasperated.

Guilt washed over me. I hadn't meant to embarrass myself—or her.

"What were you expecting, huh?" she continued. "My brother is with his concubine. You know why he keeps them."

"Are you taking their side now?" I snapped, my anger mixed with hurt.

Rosalind clenched her jaw but didn't lash out. Instead, she walked into my room and waited for me to follow. When I did, she shut the door behind us.

"Who are you, Fortuna?" she asked firmly. "You are King Karl's wife. The only wife. He has concubines, yes, but did he marry any of them?"

I shook my head.

"Exactly. They don't matter to him. He's only trying to solve his problem, and you won't stand in his way. Either you stand beside him and support him, or you walk away. And if you do, another woman will take your place."

I swallowed hard. She was right, and I hated that she was right. Rosalind loved her brother fiercely. It was foolish of me to lash out at Karl.

"I'm sorry," I sighed, sinking onto the sofa. "I got emotional."

"I understand," Rosalind said, her voice softer now. She poured some water and handed me a cup. It was almost humbling—to have the princess of Xylonia taking care of me.

I took a few sips before setting the cup down. "Katrina is slowly taking your brother away from me," I whispered.

Rosalind's expression darkened. "That girl looks innocent and beautiful, but my brother won't know if she's a serpent or not." She leaned in slightly. "But don't worry. We'll find out her secret and use it to keep her under control."

A slow smile spread across my lips. That was the spirit.

"We need a plan," I said.

Rosalind's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You don't have to worry about that. I already have one."