Standing in front of the window, Cynthia gazed at the blue sky, the brilliant sun blinding her sight.
Taking a deep breath, she hurried to her closet, yanked open the last drawer, and sifted through her clothes. When her fingers brushed against a cold metal object, she retrieved the round pendant.
She carefully rubbed it, whispering a few words and then returned to her place by the window.
"You should properly call me from now on. I'm not your servant, you know," a deep manly voice spoke, an eagle appearing from through a violet portal.
"Sure, sure. But first business," Cynthia extended her head towards the bird who flapped its wings.
The animal had a brown body with white wings and it held a bag in its claws.
Within the blink of an eye, the animal transformed itself into a young man with tan skin, sharp blue eyes and white hair.
The man jumped through the window before putting the container in Cynthia's hand.
The silver-haired young woman rustled in the plastic and a smile formed on her lips.
"Perfect! Oh, before that, did you bring the potion I asked for before?" Cynthia demanded.
With a nod, the white-haired man extended a small transparent bottle containing green liquid inside it.
"It took me a while to make this. But... why did you need this?"
"We made a deal, Arlot. No questions," Cynthia's gaze intensified as she glared at him.
Rolling his eyes, Arlot sat on Cynthia's bed.
"Right. Also, your dress is not that pretty."
Cynthia scoffed, ignoring his remark.
Arlot was a man she saved on the battlefield. He was a magician who travelled around but was harmed during the war between Selvarys and Eldoria.
When he came back to his consciousness, he vowed to serve Cynthia and remain loyal to her for life. After all, she owned his life by saving him.
Although reluctant at first, Cynthia gradually agreed. She needed someone who would wield magic as she, herself, could not.
"You make a perfect errand boy. It's a shame that you manage a magic academy," Cynthia bit on the piece of bread in her hand, taking a seat beside Arlot.
"Hah! Just because you saved my life doesn't mean you could mock me, Your Highness," the white-haired man sighed.
A knock on the door and Cynthia rushed to hide the packet of food under her bed.
"Hurry up and leave. And don't forget what I instructed you to do!" She whispered.
A violet light appeared and the man disappeared right before the door creaked open.
"Your Highness, the Duke is waiting for you. The crown prince is in the audience hall," a maid spoke.
"Alright. Lead the way," Cynthia clenched the bottle in her hand, grasping it tightly so the maid wouldn't notice it.
With a nod, the maid walked ahead, followed by the grand duchess.
Cynthia carefully watched her surroundings. The hallway was empty, unlike in her past life. Was it before the Duke was present in the mansion?
Perhaps, they are preparing proper food for the crown prince and the grand duke.
As she thought so, she opened the lid of the bottle and drank the liquid in it. Then, she threw the container through the window.
Hearing no sound from the hall of the glass, her lips curled into a tiny smile.
Well done, Arlot.
As she reached closer to the audience room, Cynthia's heartbeat increased.
Nervous? Strange... I thought I had forgotten this feeling.
"We've arrived," the maid announced, stepping aside, and giving room for the young woman to enter.
The doors were left wide open, and although faintly, Cynthia could make out a glimpse of her husband's face and the back of the crown prince and his deep blue hair.
Inhaling deeply, Cynthia stepped in.
"Greetings, Your Royal Highness," she bowed, keeping a soft tone once she stood before the crown prince.
"Oh my. You truly are a beauty," Valen smiled brightly, raising his hand at her.
Cynthia sat on the couch across from the crown prince, sitting beside her husband.
Lucian flinched and quickly pulled himself away from her, making sure there was enough space between them.
The silver-haired young woman glanced at her husband who made their distant relationship obvious to an outsider.
"I'm glad to see that my brother has gotten such an elegant lady such as yourself, Duchess," Valen said, glancing at Lucian.
His words were filled with mockery. No one was unaware of Cynthia's notorious reputation throughout the country after her marriage to Prince Lucian.
Always trying to act as if he means well.
Lucian took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. He knew his half-brother was here to mock him, however, he couldn't understand how he planned to do so. Perhaps, by humiliating him before his newlywed wife?
Not that I care what she thinks about me.
As he was lost in thoughts, he watched Cynthia closely. She appeared rather different than earlier.
The woman who looked fearless was stiff, her muscles barely moved although she smiled.
"Shall we have lunch?" Lucian suggested, rising from his seat.
"Absolutely! I have brought some food from the palace for both of you. The Queen specially sent me here to give you all some gifts," Valen rose from the couch and turned towards the exit, following Lucian.
Lucian stiffened upon hearing the queen being mentioned. If she were the one who prepared a gift for him, surely it wasn't out of goodwill.
However, why would she do so?
Lucian told her repeatedly that he wasn't aiming to be king, and that he would never come in Valen's path. So why was she bothering him now that he was away from the royal family and all their politics?
Before Lucian realized it, he was seated on a chair beside Cynthia at the dining table.
Crown Prince Valen faced them with a bright smile and grabbed the fork placed on the table.
"Let's eat then."
Just as Lucian was about to take a bit of his meat, Cynthia grabbed his hand, interrupting him.
Frowning his eyebrows, Lucian glared at her. He tried to sway away from his grip, but she held it tightly, confusing him. He wasn't trying too hard to not hurt her, but how dare she touch him without his permission?
"Your Highness, let me have a bite first. You should feed your wife by your own hands sometimes, you know," Cynthia said with a smile.
"What in the—" Lucian was interrupted when she pulled his hand to her mouth and ate the piece of meat.
Lucian shoved her hand away and glared at her.
However, the woman beside him was blood spilling from her mouth.
His emerald eyes widened in shock. He was unable to think. What just happened?! Why was there blood dripping from her mouth?
Although her body burned, Cynthia looked at the dark-haired young man beside her. A soft smile formed on her lips as she watched his confused expression.
Right. It's this look of yours…
Before she could think of anything, everything faded to black.