Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me
The Romenian envoy was arrogant and spoke bluntly."Stanley, if you don't withdraw your troops, you'll only be receiving Kennedy's corpse. Even if you win this war, you'll lose your father—what's the point of life then? Allow me to say something harsh. The land you conquer is not meant for you alone."Jocelyn put on her mask, exuding a presence reminiscent of Jane's past demeanor. She stood tall, her eyes radiating a murderous intensity."The king has decreed that Nidora must fight to the end," she declared. "Envoy, please leave. I cannot withdraw troops just to save my father!"The soldiers admired her resolve but also couldn't bear the thought of sacrificing Kennedy and the captured soldiers. Yet, in front of the Romenian envoy, they all stood firm behind Jocelyn."Fight to the death! No retreat!""That's right! No retreat!"Seeing their determination, the envoy laughed mockingly. He gave Jocelyn a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm."Stanley, you truly are a filial child!"Af
"Commander Foster, I bring dire news! Your sister was raped and committed suicide. Your mother wants you to swiftly return and take your sister’s place in the royal wedding!"At the border of Nidora, several horses' hooves thundered across freshly melted snow. Water splashed in all directions.Jane Foster's horse was in the lead. She wore a tight-fitting, plain dark battle robe. Her black hair was pulled into a ponytail that left loose ends which danced in the wind along with the hem of her dress. She looked aggressive and intimidating.Although Jane and her sister Wendy were twins, she had been raised away from her family due to a superstition that twins brought bad luck.Wendy was kind, gentle, and had never held a grudge against anyone.Jane couldn’t figure out who would hurt someone as pure and kind as Wendy. She wanted to skin that person alive.The royal guard soon realized he couldn’t keep pace with the speed she was setting."Commander Foster, two of our horses have alre
Inside the house, Jane narrowed her eyes.Regardless of the examination's outcome, the Foster family would lose. Helena Larson must have definite evidence that the Foster family’ daughter was no longer a virgin, and was now using it to cause trouble.If Jane, her sister's substitute, was found to be a virgin, it might help stop Helena's plot. However, it would definitely arouse her suspicion. Once it was discovered that Jane was a substitute and not Wendy, she would be convicted for deceiving the king. That would bring disaster to the Foster family!Jane looked ahead. She calmly applied makeup to her face using the hand that was used to holding a spear.Her master had taught her the art of war and the ways of government.Her master's wife had taught her a woman's role in the family, including necessary household skills. Although she had learned it all, she had never thought these skills would come in handy.She had aspirations and didn’t want to be trapped in a house as an obed
Serene Palace was where Dina Augustus, the queen dowager, lived.After hearing about the incident at Foster Mansion, Dina seemed somewhat joyful. She turned to look at her maid, Laurel."I met Wendy last year during my birthday celebration. She seemed too docile in nature. I felt then that it would be hard for her to become the queen. I've changed my mind about her. I'm impressed."Laurel had served the queen dowager for a very long time. She knew all about the struggles of living in the palace. She poured her mistress a cup of coffee."But based on the king's favoritism towards Lady Helena, the queen won't stand a chance against that woman from the Cloud Palace, no matter how smart or brave she is," Laurel said. "We can't be sure Lady Helena won't make her suffer tonight."It was clear that she didn’t think the new queen would be capable.The smile on Dina's face faded."You're right. I still remember the day Wilhelmina entered the palace. George was all set to go and pamper he
Since the tyrant king was coming, Jane had to ask Lily to redo her hair so she could put the crown and veil back on. However, Lily's hands were shaking. Jane guessed she was afraid of the tyrant king.With her hands shaking, it was inevitable that Lily would make a mistake.After losing her third strand of hair, Jane couldn’t bear it anymore."Stop. I'll do it myself," Jane said coldly.She was a master of disguise. It was necessary for her to be proficient in tying her hair into various styles. In a matter of seconds, she managed to restore her hair to its original state. Lily was shocked to witness this."Your Majesty, you're so skillful!"However, by the time they were ready to welcome the king, they received news from a royal servant."Your Majesty, Lady Helena had a headache. The king has gone to Cloud Palace."Lily opened her mouth. She was angry but dared not speak.Helena must have pretended to have a headache. There was no way it could have been a coincidence. She mus
Back in Jane's room, the older maid, Maya, who had previously been unfriendly and stern, immediately ordered a bath for Jane. She pushed Lily out of the way while smiling at Jane."Your Majesty, the king has never favored another concubine other than Lady Helena all these years. You're the first one!"Lily stood nearby. She was rather critical of this old maid. Maya hadn’t been behaving so attentively earlier. It was an obvious case of worshiping the powerful and crushing the weak.The status of women in the palace depended on the king's favor. Even someone as high-ranking as the queen would be neglected without his favor.Maya said a lot, but Jane wasn’t paying attention to her."All of you may leave. Lily will be sufficient," she instructed coldly.-After the chamber had cleared, Lily began to speak, worried."Your Majesty, it's a good thing that the king is willing to come. But aren’t you starting a difficult situation with Lady Helena? Your mother told us to keep a low pro
Lily heard the commotion and immediately ran into the bedroom."Your Majesty, what happened-?" “Get lost.”Lily halted at the words. They came from the bed, and it was a man's voice.She knew something was wrong and cried for help. A chamberlain rushed in and quickly stopped her, angrily reprimanding her."You blind fool! That's the king!"Lily was dumbfounded. The king? The tyrant king who murdered people? Why had he suddenly come so late at night?On the bed, George pressed on Jane's shoulder with one hand while grabbing her dagger-wielding hand by the wrist with the other. He towered over her like a lion that was about to slaughter its prey.Jane could try to set herself free, but she stopped moving after discovering who he was. She could not see his face clearly in the dark. However, she could feel he was a deadly threat."My queen, do you care to explain?"His harsh tone was intimidating. An ordinary girl would have begun stuttering helplessly a long time ago. Jane rema
The Romenian envoy was arrogant and spoke bluntly."Stanley, if you don't withdraw your troops, you'll only be receiving Kennedy's corpse. Even if you win this war, you'll lose your father—what's the point of life then? Allow me to say something harsh. The land you conquer is not meant for you alone."Jocelyn put on her mask, exuding a presence reminiscent of Jane's past demeanor. She stood tall, her eyes radiating a murderous intensity."The king has decreed that Nidora must fight to the end," she declared. "Envoy, please leave. I cannot withdraw troops just to save my father!"The soldiers admired her resolve but also couldn't bear the thought of sacrificing Kennedy and the captured soldiers. Yet, in front of the Romenian envoy, they all stood firm behind Jocelyn."Fight to the death! No retreat!""That's right! No retreat!"Seeing their determination, the envoy laughed mockingly. He gave Jocelyn a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm."Stanley, you truly are a filial child!"Af
Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me
Jane's expression turned sullen.When she had returned to the Royal City this time, she had brought only a few weapons including a dagger, a collapsible spear, and a nine-section whip. All of them were stored in a single box.She wasn't short on weapons. The ones she carried with her included a set of silver needles and a concealed weapon. So Lily forgetting to bring the box wasn't too big of an issue.But the palace was full of people who snooped around. If someone with ulterior motives discovered the box, things could get troublesome."Where did you leave the box?" Jane asked in a low voice.Lily thought for a moment and replied with certainty, "I forgot to take it with me. It should still be where it was originally placed."Hearing this, Jane's tense eyes relaxed.She picked up her cup and said calmly, "Then there's no issue."The box had been hidden in a concealed spot, one she was confident no one would find.-Radiant Sanctuary was bustling with worshippers, its candles
George suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a predatory gleam."You really are shameless!"Though it sounded like a rebuke, there was no anger in his gaze. Jane could tell that her words had struck a chord with him; he was eager, ready to spring into action.She respectfully lowered her head."The northern army is invincible. With just a command, they will surely conquer a large vassal state for you!""Well said!" George replied, clearly pleased. He immediately gave an order, "Summon the commanders for a meeting!"Only military officers were summoned, which meant that the issue of peace was no longer under discussion—plans had already been set, and it was only a matter of execution.At this point, Jane had achieved her goal and could leave.But she still had something to say."Your Majesty, this war is of great importance. I wish to go to Radiant Sanctuary to pray for Nidora's soldiers until the war ends."George looked at her for a moment, his chin slightly lowered."I
In the royal study, after the court session, George kept a few key ministers behind for a discussion.The battle at Frost Ridge had been initiated by the Romenian army, and Nidora had had no choice but to fight back. Now, Romenia was resorting to the same tactic again, requesting peace talks. Most of Nidora's officials believed that such behavior was untrustworthy.However, not everyone agreed."Your Majesty, the Romenian army's reversal earlier was due to Commander Morris being severely wounded. They thought they could recover the cities they lost. "Now, I've heard that Commander Morris has recovered. Romenia is unlikely to stir up any more trouble. Perhaps we should stop here, rest, and focus on recuperation."George's expression was cold as he listened to the discussion, saying nothing.It wasn't until Steven entered and whispered into his ear that he responded."Your Majesty, Queen Wendy requests an audience."Seeing that the time was nearly up, George dismissed the minist
"What? Commander Foster, what happened on the northern borders?"Wallace, like Jane, had been in the Royal City for months and knew very little about the northern border situation. Hearing that something had happened there, he became tense and anxious.Jane's eyes filled with cold rage as her fists clenched, trembling slightly."Charlie Carter and the Drakonas Squadron he led were ambushed by Romenian forces at Frost Ridge. Three hundred and twenty-four men—the entire squadron was wiped out."Wallace felt as though he had been doused with cold ice, his blood freezing. His eyes widened, and then, overwhelmed by sudden grief and fury, his body shook.Bang!He turned, slamming his fist into the wall. He faced the wall, lowering his head, his shoulders trembling, then lifted his hand to wipe his eyes before looking up at the ceiling, biting his own palm, letting out a muffled cry."Mmm—"Jane remained seated, her face shadowed by the oil lamp's dim light. Her eyes were cold, an eer
When Steven saw the king lost in thought, he immediately gestured for the other chamberlains to step back."Ahh!" Suddenly, the tennis ball was struck unusually high by Rachel's opponent, and everyone gasped. The ball seemed impossible to catch, but Rachel leapt and struck it perfectly."Lady Rachel has sharp eyes!" The palace attendants praised.Just as Rachel was about to respond to the next ball, she saw the king standing on the long corridor not far away, looking extraordinarily handsome.She immediately reined in her lively demeanor, her face turned pale, and she stopped. Then, she forced out a gentle and dignified smile and curtsied."Greetings, Your Majesty."The tennis ball fell to the ground, and the attendants quickly bowed as well."Greetings, Your Majesty!"Steven, having heard Teressa's words, felt some sympathy for Rachel. She was originally such a lively and active person, but now she had been forced to become quiet and reserved.George looked at Rachel intens
Richard seemed unfazed by the pain of a dislocated joint. His face carried a warm and gentle smile as he sighed and said, "Your Majesty may not remember. "Seven years ago, when I came to the Royal City, I was ambushed near Hemlock Lake. My attendants were all killed, and I almost lost my life. At the time, you happened to pass by and ordered your guards to save me. That's the only reason I survived."Seven years ago, at Hemlock Lake.Jane recalled the event—it had indeed happened!It was during her and Wendy's eleventh birthday. Her master had given her a few days off, so she traveled to the Royal City to visit Wendy. They had gone to the secluded Hemlock Lake to release lanterns.She had worn a mask her master had gifted her, disguised as a young boy, pretending to be Wendy's little guard.On their way back, they had encountered a young man being chased down.Jane had wanted to take Wendy and leave quickly, but Wendy had insisted on helping.So the young man they rescued bac
The weapon flew through the air at her without warning. Caught off guard, Jane instinctively dodged out of the way.The weapon fell into the water moments later. Then, a figure appeared."Your Majesty truly has remarkable reflexes."It was Richard—again.He stood beneath the shade of a tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.Jane's gaze turned icy. Without a word, her eyes focused on him, she made a swift movement and a sharp blade slid from her sleeve. Since she'd been exposed, she might as well...Richard's expression remained gentle, his voice calm as he spoke with a smile."Recently, someone has been sneaking into my residence, as if trying to investigate something. Your Majesty, are you aware of this?"Jane, of course, knew. Since she suspected Richard, she had naturally ordered an investigation into his residence. But for him to be so certain it was her, and to confront her here in the palace?Richard took a step