The letter arrived sealed in black wax, the imperial emblem scorched into the envelope.
Evelyne opened it alone in her study, half-expecting more riddles.
But this was no riddle—it was her first official task.
> Escort the visiting envoy from the Eastern Empire. Ensure peace. Earn the court's favor.
Simple on paper.
Dangerous in practice.
---
The Envoy's Arrival
The palace gates opened to reveal a procession of warriors clad in white-gold armor. Their leader stepped forward: General Ren Kaien—young, charismatic, and rumored to have slain a wyvern bare-handed.
He bowed respectfully. "Empress Candidate Evelyne. An honor."
Evelyne smiled politely. "Let's ensure it remains one."
They walked through the garden side by side, followed by guards. Tension bloomed between courtiers watching from the windows.
Too many eyes.
Too much silence.
---
The Assassination Attempt
That night, Evelyne hosted a dinner for the envoy. Everything was perfect—until her wineglass shattered in her hand.
A single needle had been tucked inside the stem.
Poisoned.
Kaien stood immediately, drawing his blade. "Guards!"
Chaos erupted.
Zayne and Arven appeared within seconds. Caleb wasn't far behind, having stormed through the back entrance.
Someone had tried to kill her.
Again.
But this time—she wasn't powerless.
---
The Aftermath
As the court scattered and the would-be assassin was dragged off, Evelyne sat in her chair, blood trickling from her palm, expression calm.
"I'm alive," she whispered.
But inside, she was boiling.
They're still trying to erase me.
But this time, she would strike back.
With all the grace of an empress…
…and the fury of a villainess.
---