Marked by the Ruthless Princess

Cold sweat trickled down Lina Riley's back as countless terrifying outcomes flashed through her mind. They said a sovereign's heart was unfathomable, but the Crown Princess's thoughts were even more inscrutable.

Lucille Everard just stared, no movement, no expression.

Based on past patterns, Lucille might have considered deposing the emperor, but she'd never favored Victoria Ashwood. Victoria had ascended in Lina's previous life solely due to Lina's desperate struggle.

A sudden inspiration struck Lina. Another possibility emerged in her mind.

Before speaking, she demonstrated her humility, bowing with a startled look: "I'm too dull-witted to presume upon matters of state."

Lucille tapped the table, sounding impatient: "I dislike liars. Did you forget? That false courtesy your father toys with is enough. You won't do the same, hm?"

The emphasis on "hm?" made Lina tense. Raising her eyes, she saw Lucille's slight displeasure between her brows. Lina dared not pretend further. Straightening her spine, she spoke solemnly, "Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness, but Victoria Ashwood cannot surpass the current Emperor."

Lucille responded with a cryptic "Oh." After a pause, she smiled, "Why do you think so? You're not close to either of them."

Lina's heart leapt. She realized her face betrayed alarm, and she quickly lowered her head. Most of her knowledge came from her previous life. In this one, she'd barely met the Emperor or Victoria. Was Lucille deliberately testing her?

Sweat soaked her back, her inner garments clinging uncomfortably. How could she answer without lying or revealing her reincarnation? Such an absurd truth would be more unbelievable than any lie.

Lucille waited, suspecting there was something odd about Lina and Victoria's connection. Lucille once considered deposing the Emperor when her health waned. Now her body might heal, so no need for hasty changes. Bringing it up now was mainly due to Victoria's attempt to pull Lina to her side, which annoyed Lucille.

Beatrice Byrd tried to ease the tension: "She wouldn't know. She's just guessing. Don't overthink it."

Lucille shot Beatrice a sideways glance, and Beatrice shut up.

Turning back, Lucille pressed, "Can't answer?"

Lina sighed inwardly, then met Lucille's eyes without fear. "Your Highness, I know neither the Emperor nor the princess well. But I know you. As long as you exist, it matters little who sits on the throne. You're more familiar with the current Emperor, so I answered as I did."

Lucille snorted, "Don't you think I'm a monstrous 'witch' who harms the realm?"

Lina sensed a hint of loneliness in Lucille's voice. Rumors had long labeled the Crown Princess a calamity, a witch who rose to power by slaying her siblings. Though those whispers had waned, they never fully ceased.

Seeing Lucille's weary gaze, Lina felt pity. "I grew up hearing tales of Your Highness's deeds. You're no witch."

Lina's sincerity was so intense that Lucille couldn't tell if she lied. Lucille approached, pinching Lina's chin. The sweet plum fragrance intensified. Lina tensed, fearing she'd slipped up. Yet if she panicked now, her earlier words would seem like lies. So she stood firm, returning Lucille's gaze bravely.

In the background, Beatrice covered her mouth—then realized that was odd and covered her eyes instead.

Lina's unflinching stare intrigued Lucille. She relaxed, chuckling softly. If Lina wasn't lying, then she was a kindhearted girl. Despite her fear, she'd offered words of comfort. Lucille secretly admired that.

Not that Lucille cared about gossip—she rather liked being called a witch. Releasing Lina's chin, Lucille returned to her seat. Spotting Beatrice peeking through her fingers, Lucille smirked coldly, "If you don't want your eyes, I can oblige."

Beatrice dropped her hands instantly, sitting upright. "No need. Back to the issue: We can't depose the Emperor. And Victoria Ashwood is not a suitable alternative."

Lucille turned an empty teacup upside-down. "Why?"

Beatrice wore a complicated look, "I've roamed widely, met countless people. That girl, Victoria, gives me an immediate impression of cunning and malice."

Lucille narrowed her eyes, "Didn't you say the same about me when we first met?"

Caught off guard, Beatrice blushed, "That was ages ago."

Restoring the cup to normal, Lucille spoke calmly, "I have a good memory."

She added pointedly, "I remember even the child who stumbled in here long ago."

Lina noticed Lucille's gaze shift to her as if that last line was meant for her. Stunned, Lina's confusion disappointed Lucille, who sighed wearily before shrugging it off.

"Then we'll leave things as they are," Lucille concluded.

Lina's sweat cooled. They were discussing such sensitive matters in her presence. She feared for her head. Enough excitement for today, could it end now?

Just as she dared hope, Lucille spoke again, "Lina, join us for a meal."

A royal guard normally wouldn't dine with royalty. Lina's heart rose into her throat. She prayed silently that Lucille wouldn't pose more impossible questions.

Perhaps the gods heard her. The meal passed peacefully. Lina, who'd endured hardship her entire life, found the feast unbelievably sumptuous. She thought of Daisy Harper back home, who'd never tasted such delicacies. But Lina dared not ask if she could share the bounty. She only glanced repeatedly at the braised pork.

After eating, Lina glanced at Lucille, only to find her smiling, eyes fixed on Lina. Embarrassed, Lina realized Lucille liked to watch her intently.

The dishes were cleared away. Lina felt guilty—this was too comfortable for a royal guard. She'd never known duty to be so cozy.

Once they finished dining, Lucille began reviewing palace documents. Lina moved to stand at the door, as a guard should. But at the slightest motion, Lucille looked up from the papers.

"Stand behind me," Lucille commanded.

Lina stiffened and obeyed. From here, she could see every document Lucille examined. Terrified, she realized her life hung by a thread each time she glimpsed state secrets.

Then a familiar name caught her eye: Xavier Harrington. In her previous life, Xavier was the greatest threat to Ravenwell. He started off as a dismissed foreign prince, overlooked and ridiculed. Only later did he rise, his legendary ambush costing Lana Warren her life.

Lina's anger flared. For a moment, all fear vanished. She wanted to examine the document more closely. But Lucille suddenly closed the papers.

Lucille had watched Lina's shifting emotions—fear turning to fury. She still couldn't decipher this girl. She had investigated Lina's upbringing. It was simple and sheltered. So what caused such fierce reactions?

Lucille's curiosity kindled anew. But this time, she wouldn't probe. Let Lina struggle with her secrets.

Lina was fit to burst. She desperately wanted to say, "This man—Xavier Harrington—must be eliminated!" But on what grounds? In this timeline, he hadn't shown his threat yet. She had no excuse.

Leaving the palace, Lina's mind churned. She paced beside her horse at the gate, frowning.

"Hey! Lina!" a familiar brash voice called. Lina turned wearily, "Miss Warren."

Lana Warren startled at Lina's dead-eyed gaze. "I heard you serve at the Crown Princess's side now. If you can't handle it, run away."

Lina shook her head, giving Lana a complicated look, then glanced at Winifred Falkner standing beside her. Lina's anger softened slightly. The two seemed friendly, though Lina didn't understand how. "This is…?"

Lana shrugged. "She found out we're going the same way and followed me. I don't know why."

Winifred blushed, looking shy and embarrassed, mouthing silently to Lina, "Don't mention it."

Though speechless, Lina respected Winifred's pride and stayed silent. Lana leaned in conspiratorially, "I think she might like me."

Lina: "…"

Lana, brimming with confidence, tapped her chin. "No need to say anything. She must be smitten with me."