The Crimson Throne

The entire Capital knew the Crown Prince was an incompetent womanizer, unfit to ascend to the throne. Estella regrettably had no other options. Determined to become Empress at all costs, she and her family committed unimaginable atrocities to support the Crown Prince, including initiating a war between Étoile and the Léonas empire. To everyone's fortune, the clever male protagonist, always two steps ahead, sabotaged most of their attempts. 

Relating to wealth and power, the two dukedoms, Geris and Lévis, had been on an equal footing since their founding. But, because of the male protagonist, the tipping of power accelerated toward Lévis. 

Ultimately, the Crown Prince attempted a failed coup and was banished to a wasteland far north. For its supporting role, the House of Croix received the death penalty. 

Estella achieved her goal and became the Crown Princess, but never lived to see the coronation. Never was one to yield. Estella invited the male protagonist to her prison cell, declaring it a last farewell to old enemies. She conceded her loss but regretted nothing and vowed to repeat the same sins if given the opportunity. Her lip curled into a wry smile as blood dripped from the corner of her mouth. Estella had bitten her tongue and committed suicide. She will die on her terms, even in death. 

Estella died guarding a secret, a secret she took to her grave. No one, not even the male protagonist, noticed. Only she and the omnipotent audience knew. Estella never loved the Crown Prince, for he was a pawn, a mere stepping stone to achieving her aim. Her genuine affection belonged to the male protagonist. Through their many encounters, Estella came to resent and love him simultaneously. Yet, known as sworn enemies, they could not stand on the same side. She watched as he achieved prestige and glory from afar and continued to watch when he fell in love with another woman. She never confessed. Her pride would not allow it, and she kept her feelings hidden until the last moment.

The tale continued even as Estella's story ended—a suitable conclusion for a woman known for her beauty and wickedness.

Elaine stared at the ceiling while reorganizing all the information she remembered about Estella from the book. She heaved a deep sigh. 

Estella perfectly defined medieval nobility, prideful, manipulative, and regarded all life other than hers as worthless. In her opinion, Estella deserved her conclusion. Sadly for Elaine, she now inhabited her body. 

"What a mess!" she mumbled. The story was entertaining for a reader, but not when she transformed into a character herself. Why could she not become the female protagonist or an unrelated bystander instead?

Based on her recollection, Estella died halfway through the story. 

In the current situation, the original Estella was already dead. What changed?

One step at a time. Let's first see my new appearance.

Elaine exhaled and sprung from her bed, startling the young girl nearby.

"Milady, you are still weak. Please continue to rest." The girl ran toward her.

Imitating Estella's demeanor, Elaine glared back, frightening the young girl and freezing her in place. Her legs wobbled, and she collapsed to the ground, begging for forgiveness. 

"Ple..please for..forgive me, milady. I, I, I was out of line," the young maid stuttered as her head repeatedly hit the marble tiles.

Elaine sighed. It seemed Estella's reputation within her family was far from esteemed.

"Leave me," she ordered.

"Y..yes, milady." The girl crawled up and hurried outside, closing the door behind her.

Elaine proceeded toward the mirror. The reflection of a beautiful young girl stared back at her. She looked about twelve or thirteen years of age. The bandages wrapped around her forehead were enveloped by light brown hair flowing down her waist, ivory skin with a hint of blush on her cheeks, a small button nose, cherry blossom lips, and a pair of bright silvery eyes hidden under long dark lashes.

Silver eyes symbolized the House of Croix, a trait all its ruling members possessed. Through generations, legends passed down in the family considered themselves direct descendants of the mystical grey wolf's spirit, ruler of the northern mountain, Canus. It would explain the house of Croix's strong affinity for ice magic, though no one can confirm the facts.

Elaine stared enchantingly at herself. No wonder Estella was renowned as the rose of Geris. But she was a rose with razor-sharp thorns, a femme fatale. 

Snap out of it, Elaine!

It was not time for self-admiration. Elaine reminded herself—not until she figured out how to untangle the body's original owner's predicament.