UNWELCOME GUEST

Day by day, the castle was changing. Once a gloomy and eerie place, it was now filled with laughter, warmth, and joy. Sophie had brought something inexplicable – not only had she changed Darian, but the entire castle as well.

The servants adored her. The guards, instead of their usual stern faces, now smiled when she walked through the halls. She often teased them, sometimes even challenging them to small duels with wooden swords, though she knew she had no chance against them. The cook regularly showered her with cookies, and the gardeners showed her how to care for the flowers she decided to plant under the window of her room.

And Darian? He was a different man. He no longer wore gloves, no longer avoided mirrors. Every time Sophie passed by him, he couldn't resist stealing a kiss.

But that day... that day everything changed.

The sound of hooves on the stone driveway of the castle broke the silence of the midday sun. Through the large gates came a luxurious coach, red and gold in color, with royal court symbols.

Sophie was in the garden at that moment, sitting on a stone wall, trying to teach one of the maids how to properly throw a knife at a target.

"No, no, you're holding the handle too tight! You need to let go lightly—"

But she didn't finish the sentence. The castle gates slammed open, and the guards quickly took their positions. The servant who had been on duty hurried inside, and then, almost at the same moment, appeared again, this time accompanied by a woman radiating arrogance.

Princess Elara.

Sophie stood up from the stone, feeling her heart tighten. She knew who she was. She knew that this woman was the reason she had ended up here.

But why had she returned?

Elara walked through the courtyard, her rich gown rustling as she moved, and the servants instinctively stepped aside from her path. Her face was a mask of cold superiority, but Sophie could see something beneath that mask – nervousness.

Sophie crossed her arms, trying to appear calm.

"Well, well, Princess," Sophie said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I didn't expect us to meet again."

Elara shot her a look.

"Neither did I expect to find you here... alive."

Sophie clenched her jaw but maintained her relaxed posture.

"Well, you know what they say – fortune favors the fools."

Elara sighed and looked over the gathered servants, the guards, and then the castle behind them.

"I've heard the curse has lifted," she finally said, as if carefully choosing each word.

Sophie felt her heart beat faster.

"And?"

Elara smiled, but there was no warmth in that smile.

"And that means things are different now. I was originally promised to King Darian. Your arrival here was... necessary while the curse lasted. But now..." She lifted her chin. "Now it's time for me to take my place as his future wife."

Sophie blinked, then burst into laughter.

"You? Married to Darian? Have you even spent one day with him?"

Elara flinched, as if Sophie's behavior was beneath her dignity.

"No need for your tasteless jokes," she said coldly. "I've already arranged everything. Darian isn't here, but when he returns, he'll know what's right."

Sophie placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes.

"I don't know how to tell you this, Princess, but I think you're too late. Darian isn't interested."

Elara looked at her as if she had been pricked by a needle.

"You really think the king will choose someone like you over me?"

"Well... he already has."

Elara clenched her fists.

"We'll see about that."

She raised her hand and signaled to her servants. Sophie barely had time to realize what was happening when two strong men appeared behind her and grabbed her by the arms.

"Hey!" she shouted, trying to break free.

Elara smiled with satisfaction.

"Take her back to my coach. Far from here."

Sophie struggled, but the men were too strong.

"Elara, you can't be serious! This is crazy!"

Elara stepped closer, leaning in so that only Sophie could hear her next words.

"You're irrelevant. Darian will forget about you the moment he sees me. You were just a substitute."

Sophie freed one hand and swung it. Elara didn't expect the hit. Sophie's palm struck her right across the face, leaving a red mark.

"You little—!"

But Elara didn't get to finish her sentence. The servant beside her quickly pulled her back, while the others continued to drag Sophie towards the coach.

"Let go of me, you cursed—!" But it was too late. Her hands were tied, and the next thing she knew, they were pushing her into the coach.