"How could he think that I was trying to trap him? I might have done that in my previous life, but now things are different." Taya thought as she stared out at the high buildings before them.
They were approaching the borders of the Tulip Lands. If they were lucky, they would arrive by evening, but Taya was not focused on the time. Her thoughts were consumed by the memories of her past life—the life that had been filled with betrayal, pain, and regret.
"And all my tragedy started in this area," she whispered to herself. "I have to make those who caused me pain pay the price. And the first of them is you, Orig." She closed her eyes, her head tilting toward the window of the carriage as the landscape blurred past.
The Tulip Lands were known for their harsh winters, lasting six months out of the year. The snow-covered mountains on both the southern and northern sides of the kingdom, combined with the rugged hills that made it difficult to enter from the west, gave it a remote and isolated feel. In the middle of the kingdom stood the Prince Orig's palace, located near the massive battlefield. His palace was colossal compared to the Supreme Ruler's palace in the capital. It had numerous beautiful gardens, offering a stark contrast to the harsh environment outside.
"The first prince of the Tulip Lands has arrived," a guard announced as their convoy approached the palace. News of Prince Orig's marriage to a beautiful woman from the capital had spread throughout the kingdom, making their arrival an event of great interest.
When Taya stepped out of the carriage, Orig immediately bent down and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. Her heart skipped two beats at the swift motion, surprised by his ease and strength. She instinctively locked her arms around his neck, not wanting to be left behind.
"I can walk on my own," she muttered, her voice cold.
Orig didn't respond to her words. Instead, he began to carry her up the fifty steps leading to the main entrance of the palace. Taya, still distracted by his scent, didn't realize that they had already entered the palace until Orig set her down in a large room. The door closed softly behind them.
"There's no need for you to meet anyone just yet," Orig said, his tone neutral. "Rest for the night until your ankle heals. Tomorrow is a new day."
Taya didn't pay much attention to his words. She was lost in thought, contemplating the plans she had already set in motion. Only when Orig left the room and closed the door behind him did she realize she was alone. She stood still for a moment, taking in the cold, empty space. It felt as though the room itself was a tomb to her love for him—a love that had once burned brightly, only to be extinguished by betrayal.
In her previous life, Orig had spent every night with his mistress, Meral, leaving Taya in the servants' quarters to suffer alone. The memories of those days were ones she could never forget, and she hated even thinking about them.
She stopped by a large window, gazing out at the garden below. She could see Orig talking to some of his men, but she couldn't make out their words. Her grip on the curtain tightened as a dark thought crossed her mind.
"I can't let you repeat your damned sins, Orig. You're no longer allowed to be with anyone but me." Taya bit her lower lip, staring at him through the window as though he could hear her thoughts.
She was determined now. "I know you didn't start a relationship with her until after we were married, so I have to destroy any feelings you may still have for anyone else. From this moment on, you'll spend every night here with me. I won't let that woman take you from me."
Her fingers brushed her hair back as she spoke the words, her voice filled with a quiet rage. Taya was ready to claim what she believed was hers.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She straightened up, masking her emotions behind a calm expression. "Come in," she called out, her voice carrying an air of authority.
A young maid entered, bowing low in respect. "Greetings, Your Grace. I am..."
Before the maid could finish her sentence, Taya interrupted her with a sharp tone. "You're Evail, aren't you?"
Evail's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded nervously. "Yes, Your Grace. That's my name. Prince Orig appointed me to take care of you."
Taya's gaze sharpened. She remembered Evail from her time in prison, when she had secretly provided her with food and water despite the risks. Taya's expression softened just slightly as she regarded the maid, but there was still a coldness in her eyes.
"Has Prince Orig told you my name?" Evail wondered silently, glancing up at the beautiful woman before her. She had always known that the prince had exquisite taste in women, and Taya was no exception. The rumors of her beauty were true. She was more than just charming—she was captivating.
Taya's voice broke through Evail's thoughts. "By the way, I can help you get rid of the second prince, Dollyo. I know he's been harassing you and imposing himself on you."
Evail froze, her heart racing. The fact that Taya knew about Dollyo's advances terrified her. How much did this woman know? Her breath quickened, and her palms became clammy.
"I won't tell anyone about this. I'll leave it up to you to decide," Taya continued, her voice dripping with authority. "But I have to warn you, if you're loyal to me, I will make sure that Dollyo stays away from you."
Evail stood still, processing the unexpected offer. Taya wasn't the type to show kindness without expecting something in return. But Evail couldn't deny that she had been suffering under Dollyo's attentions for far too long.
"Don't be afraid," Taya said, her tone softening just a fraction. "I'm here to repay the favor you once did for me. I haven't forgotten what you did when I was locked away."
Evail's mind raced as she tried to understand Taya's intentions. She had helped her before, but now she seemed to be offering something more—something that could change her life. But Evail couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. What favor was Taya truly offering?
"I want to change the décor of this room," Taya whispered, her eyes locking onto Evail's. "Everything here bothers me. Get rid of it all."
Evail nodded, unsure of what to do next. She knew she had to act quickly. If she didn't, she risked losing her position, and the last thing she wanted was to anger Prince Orig. He had ordered that all of Taya's requests be fulfilled, and Evail was keen to stay in his favor.
As she hurried down the stairs, her thoughts were jumbled. Should she tell Prince Orig about Taya's demands? No, she couldn't risk angering the woman who held so much power in this house. She had to do what was asked of her, even if it meant going against her better judgment.
She didn't notice the Queen standing nearby, watching her every move.
Taya had married Orig, and despite the grandeur of their wedding, the prince hadn't even bothered to introduce her to his family. That was a slight she wouldn't easily forgive.
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