After the debacle at the Riverlilies mansion, I was charged with attempted murder against the Riverlilies family. A one-day imprisonment was swiftly followed by my father's dramatic rescue, but the damage was done. The scandal was splashed across the newspapers: “Former Duchess Implicated in Bandit Conspiracy, Attempts to Murder Husband's New Family.”
The article was a masterpiece of sensationalism, painting me as a scorned wife driven to madness. Perfect, I thought, a wry smile twisting my lips. This will expedite the divorce.
"Cia, please, don’t be reckless," Mom pleaded, her voice laced with worry. "You were always so calm, so controlled. Let this go, start over." I shook my head, the words a dull ache in my ears.
“I was perfect, and they shattered me. Mom, I don't want revenge; I want my children back. If I can't be his ideal wife, let me at least be their mother. She stole everything—my husband, my home—but she won't take my children,” I choked out, tears streaming down my face. Mom’s shoulders slumped; she knew she couldn't stop me.
"It's because they're influential, isn't it? If I gain power, I can get my children back. That's why he took everything. I hate politics, but fate is shoving me into it,” I muttered, the realization a cold fist in my gut.
"Cia, please stop," Mom begged, her voice trembling. "While there's still time, while things can still be changed… live a normal life. It breaks my heart to see you like this. I can't bear to see you come home half-dead again." Her desperation was palpable, but my resolve was unshakeable.
"Mom, I'm a mother. That’s all that matters,” I said, turning to leave. At the gate, I collided with William, the crown prince.
"Cia?" he exclaimed, his brow furrowed as he read the newspaper article in his hand.
"Greetings, Your Highness," I said curtly, attempting to move past him. He grasped my arm, his touch firm.
"Cia, I think it's best you stay inside for a while,” he said, his voice laced with concern.
“Because of the article? You believe it? It’s true. I sided with bandits and returned to kill them. Now, release me, Your Highness,” I stated, my voice devoid of emotion.
My father appeared, his face a mask of fury, and backhanded me across the face. "Since marrying that man, you’ve lost all respect!” he roared, ordering my confinement to my room.
"You think I'll be silenced here?!" I screamed, pounding on the magically reinforced window. It held firm. "Damn it!"
I settled at my study table, my diary open. I began rewriting the original plot, searching for a weakness. I focused on Lady Lime, Mathias’s mistress, a woman whose life had, until recently, mirrored my own.
"Lady Lime, you are my pawn," I whispered, slicing my finger. A small magic circle bloomed on the page.
"Art of Magic: Blood Sacrifice Subconscious Travel."
My consciousness detached, drifting unseen into Lady Lime's mind. I found her in a squalid room above a red-light district tavern. The ruin of her reputation was reflected in the cheap mirrors lining the walls.
“This is all Jasmine's fault! I'll get revenge!” she raged, staring at her reflection.
I slithered closer, whispering, my voice a chilling caress. "Don't you think it's odd? You both cheated, but she thrives while you're rotting here? Society forgave her, but not you."
Her eyes widened. "Who—" she spun around, but only my voice echoed.
“Want to be like her? I have a way. You'll be stronger, more powerful."
"How?"
"Become the Emperor's concubine," I said. A cruel smile spread across her face.
"The Emperor is old and devoted to his empress. Think I've got a chance?" she asked, scoffing.
"In two days, the Emperor will venture out disguised as a commoner. His enemies are aware. Go near the Riverlilies mansion at dusk. Help an old man—it’s a ruse. Then use your considerable charm on the Emperor. Your destiny awaits," I hissed, my words echoing before the spell's grip faded.
“Cia? May I enter?” William's voice cut through the silence. I remained silent. He entered with the nannies carrying a tray of food.
“Your Highness, unless it’s a matter of life and death, you may leave,” I said, my voice cold. William smiled faintly and sat down.
“Cia, you’ve changed since choosing that general. Before, we were inseparable; I was always in your room—”
Before he could finish, I grabbed his collar, pressing a dagger to his throat. “Your Highness, that was then. Samantha was always with me. Whatever that was is over—we're just friends. Now, I'm a divorced wife, and you're married. I'm fueled by their betrayal; the thought of killing you is quite appealing, frankly. So, unless you value your life, leave my room, " I snarled, shoving him away.
“Cia, I'll wait for you to heal; allow your heart to open again, one day…” he said, departing. I sneered.
My heart will never heal because of a man like him. Never.
Days later, the news of the Emperor's new imperial concubine was plastered everywhere; his vows to his empress shattered. I almost laughed aloud.
"So, that's love's pattern: feign sacrifice, manipulate sympathy, and—voila!—you snare a man," I mused, examining my diary.
"This empire should be renamed 'The Land of Cheaters'," I muttered, smirking. A new magic circle formed beneath my pen. It was time to secure my reward.
I found Concubine Lime, a smug expression on her face. "Well done, you followed instructions."
“Now I can get my revenge,” she said.
I shook my head. “Not yet. Jasmine’s cousin is the Empress, and your charm fooled the Emperor. If you attack now, who will have your back? A position as Imperial Concubine requires more than charm; it demands power. You need a foundation. You need me.”