Samantha (Crown Princess) Point of View 
"Heavenly punishment?" I muttered, my eyes fixed on Lady Jasmine, who was being relentlessly struck by lightning bolts.
Cia had mentioned it before. When a mage committed a crime that threatened the world, nature itself would mete out punishment. It was like the Ancient Great Mage’s enemy who died by Heavenly punishment after the Ancient Great Mage perished defending the empire.
"Her sin is far greater than casting forbidden magic. I can’t believe this," I said, my gaze shifting towards William, who was rushing to Cia’s side.
She was unconscious, the punishment brutal. I knelt before the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, please forgive Lady Gracia. Even though she cast forbidden magic, she did nothing wrong. She saved the Imperial family. Moreover, the magic she used was created by the Ancient Great Mage. To cast Soul Sacrifice without dying makes her a genius, a worthy successor to the Ancient Great Mage. Please, Your Majesty," I pleaded, my voice laced with urgency. The Emperor helped me to my feet.
"Don't worry, I understand Cia's intentions. I won’t punish her," he replied, his words a balm to my anxious heart. His expression as he looked at Jasmine, however, was unsettling.
"Heavenly Punishment," he murmured.
He must know the reason for Jasmine’s punishment. "What did she do to deserve this?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion.
As the lightning subsided, the Emperor ordered Jasmine’s imprisonment. Mathias was powerless to stop it.
"Your Majesty, I did nothing to endanger the empire! It’s all a misunderstanding! Please!" he yelled, his voice filled with desperation as he was dragged away.
A huge weight lifted from my chest; it was finally over. Her wickedness had brought her downfall. Despite manipulating everyone around her, many people knew Cia’s true character; they would stand by her. "I’m one of them."
The chaotic banquet ended early, and I headed to the White Jade Palace, the crown prince’s residence. But I paused outside William’s room, the door slightly ajar.
Cia lay unconscious inside, while William watched over her.
"They’re meant to be. It’s time to return the title of Crown Princess to its rightful owner," I murmured to myself before turning away.
I was merely Cia’s lady-in-waiting, a knight’s daughter who rose through the ranks thanks to Cia’s influence. I knew her heart; she never judged people based on their social standing. She treated the poor and the powerful with the same kindness, secretly helping those in need.
She believed that good deeds were most powerful when done in secret.
She remained unchanged as she matured. She excelled in every field, but she had no interest in power or fame. Everyone expected her to be Crown Princess—she had all the qualities of royalty. But everyone was shocked when she chose a knight from a minor order. I thought her kindness extended to love, too. She saw the potential in a humble knight, helped him establish relief funds, and guided him through the war, ultimately leading him to become a hero. She was behind all of it, but she never took credit. Even when Mathias arrived, a hero in his own right, Uncle refused to accept him because Cia was already promised to William. Who could have guessed that Cia would return pregnant, her life a brutal struggle since then?
"It’s my fault. If I hadn’t indulged her, if I hadn’t agreed to her suggestions about becoming Crown Princess, none of this would have happened. William truly loves her, and if he were to take my position, I would gladly step down," I said, looking into the mirror, removing my tiara.
Cia Point of View 
I regained consciousness slowly, my vision blurring as I opened my eyes. William sat beside me, his hand clasped in mine. I quickly withdrew my hand, causing him to jolt awake.
"Cia!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. He pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Thank goodness you're alright," he murmured.
I broke free from his embrace and rose from the bed. "Thank you, Your Highness, for taking care of me. I apologize for the trouble. I’m leaving now," I said, turning to leave, but he snaked his arm around my waist.
“Cia, please, don’t talk to me like that. I missed you so much. When I saw you lying lifeless on the floor, I almost lost myself. I can’t bear to lose you. I can’t live without you,” he pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. I tried to pry his arm away and turned to face him.
"Your Highness, I apologize for worrying you, but it’s best if we maintain some distance. Things can’t go back to the way they were. Please, stop treating me like you used to. So much has changed,” I said, my voice formal and distant. He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze intense.
I was unprepared for his next move. He pulled me towards him, his lips brushing against mine. I quickly covered his mouth with my hand and pushed him away.
“Cia, is my affection really so obvious that you don’t understand? I still love you! I’m willing to divorce Samantha to be with you. I’m waiting for you!” he shouted.
I couldn’t hold back anymore. I slapped him hard across the face. "William, are you insane? Is it still not clear to you that I don’t have any feelings for you? And if you ever try to hurt my friend again, I’ll make sure you live in hell,” I threatened, my voice laced with anger.
“Why? You can tolerate being with someone who doesn’t love you, but you can’t tolerate me? Cia, we’ve known each other for so long! We were childhood sweethearts!”
I let out a small laugh, my disbelief palpable.
“William, you’re the only one who thinks that. We’ve known each other for years, but I’ve always seen you as a brother. I feel disgusted every time you try to force us together. I always changed the subject because I had some respect for you. Please, respect me. I made a mistake in the past, but even if Mathias wasn’t in the picture, you wouldn’t be a potential partner. Samantha is the only one who cares about you, so treat her right before you lose everything,” I explained before leaving him to process my words.
As I opened the door, Samantha stood there, eavesdropping on our conversation.
“S-Samantha…”
She quickly turned away. “I didn’t hear anything,” she lied.
“Samantha, wait.”
“Cia, I know my position. Honestly, our marriage is a contract. I could be replaced at any time. I’m aware of that. Also, there’s been no marital intimacy between us. William’s been waiting for you, so please, give him a chance,” Samantha pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. I frowned, confused.
“Samantha, we’re talking about your husband here.”
“Cia, I’m not fit to be Crown Princess. You know that!”
“What are you saying? So many people appreciate what you do, and I’m one of them! There’s no substitute or competition between us. You have that position because you deserve it. It won’t change!” I reminded her.
She shook her head. “No. I’m just your maid. Nothing else!” For the first time, I saw genuine emotion in Samantha’s eyes.
Yeah. Just like me, she tried to be perfect, to see herself as a substitute.
“Samantha, you’re the Crown Princess. You’re next to the Empress. You’re not a maid. I don’t have a lady-in-waiting. I have a friend. A close friend. She’s so kind that she was given the highest position in the empire,” I said, my voice filled with pride. I pulled her into a hug.
“Through all the pain you’ve endured, I’ve been absent. You’ve been through it all. Stop seeing yourself as a substitute,” I added.
She sobbed against my shoulder, her cries muffled by my embrace. It would be embarrassing if anyone saw her like this.
“But if you become Crown Princess, you won’t have to endure their insults in the palace. You’ll be free, powerful,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. I laughed.
“You’ve forgotten that I have no interest in that gilded cage. I don’t need a title to achieve what I want. I’ll rise to the top without stepping on anyone,” I explained.