-Chapter 3-
Lianne sat gracefully on the plush bed in the guest room of the Emerald Palace, her back straight yet relaxed as the royal physician, Dr. Delvin, examined her condition with utmost care. His fingers were gentle and precise, as though he were tending to the most delicate glass sculpture. The cool touch of his hands contrasted against the warmth of the golden light filtering in from the tall windows, casting a soft glow on the ornate room's rich green and gold decor.
After a final inspection, Dr. Delvin stepped back and gave a small nod of satisfaction.
"All done," he announced, his eyes lingering on the fresh bandage wrapped around Lianne's head. The crisp white fabric contrasted starkly with her silver hair, which had been neatly brushed to the side.
The princess offered him a sweet smile, her golden eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Dr. Delvin," she said, her voice light and pleasant, carrying a warmth that made her seem even more endearing.
The physician felt his heart lurch at the sight. He had treated countless nobles before, but few possessed the effortless charm that Princess Lianne exuded. Bowing respectfully, he replied, "You are most welcome, Your Highness."
Then, after a brief pause, he added with a note of concern, "Please do be careful not to fall down the stairs next time." His tone was gentle but firm as he packed up his medical kit, preparing to take his leave.
Lianne nodded, her smile unwavering. "Okay, Dr. Delvin," she replied, watching as he turned and walked toward the door.
As soon as he disappeared down the hallway, the smile on her lips faded ever so slightly.
Falling down the stairs, huh?
That was the excuse she had given the maids, instructing them to remain silent about what had truly happened. They had exchanged hesitant glances, their loyalty wavering between duty and secrecy, but in the end, they had complied. She knew they were reluctant—perhaps even troubled—but their silence was necessary.
If word of the incident reached the King, there was a chance her stepsister's grand debut would be delayed again, just like last time. The thought was tempting. Lianne could already imagine the look of despair on her stepsister's face, the way her pretty smile would twist into horror as the reality of yet another delay sank in.
But Lianne wasn't that generous.
No, she had far greater plans in store for the coming-of-age ceremony. Plans that required everything to proceed exactly as scheduled.
As she reached up to touch the bandage on her head, her fingers brushed against the soft fabric, a reminder of the moment that had just passed. Her expression remained composed, her golden eyes unreadable as she sat in the quiet of the guest room, the gears of her mind turning with careful precision.
A sharp knock on the door jolted Lianne from her thoughts, pulling her back to reality.
"Knock, knock."
The familiar voice was smooth and composed, carrying an air of detached authority. Elliot, her eldest brother, stood leaning against the doorframe, his posture effortlessly elegant. His expression was as calm and unreadable as ever, his icy blue eyes mirroring the cold stillness of Everfrost Lake. With his pristine uniform and well-groomed silver hair, he was the perfect image of a crown prince—stoic, untouchable, and dangerously intelligent.
Lianne turned to face him, her golden eyes gleaming in amusement.
"I thought you said you'd keep a low profile, Lotus," Elliot murmured, the nickname rolling off his tongue with the same composed indifference he always carried.
A slow smile spread across Lianne's lips as she rose gracefully from her seat, making her way toward him. Her golden eyes danced with mischief as she tilted her head playfully.
"Come now, brother, you know keeping a low profile isn't my style."
She clasped her hands behind her back, swaying slightly as she continued,
"Besides, Annette has only herself to blame. If she hadn't been so bold as to flirt with my butler, I wouldn't have had to teach her a lesson. And really, she should have known better than to fall so easily into my little trap. She could have just not attacked me~"
Her voice carried a singsong lilt, her amusement barely concealed.
Elliot let out a soft sigh, stepping fully into the room and shutting the door behind him. He observed his younger sister with a measured gaze, taking in the fresh bandages wrapped around her head, the subtle satisfaction in her smirk, and the undeniable glimmer of cunning in her eyes.
Despite his usual detachment, there was something about Lianne's mischief that never failed to entertain him. She was ruthless in her own way, calculating yet whimsical, a perfect blend of charm and cunning. And most importantly—she was his sister. The true princess.
The only one who truly mattered.
"You're reckless," Elliot finally said, though his tone lacked any real admonishment. Instead, there was an undercurrent of amusement in his voice, as though he had long since accepted that Lianne would always be like this.
"And yet, I always get away with it," Lianne replied smoothly, her golden eyes locking onto his with unwavering confidence.
Elliot exhaled softly, shaking his head. "Only because I allow it," he said, though they both knew that wasn't entirely true.
Lianne's presence alone ensured that she would never face true consequences. She was the golden-eyed princess, the one destined for the throne. As long as she remained at Elliot's side, their father, the Emperor, would never question his position as Crown Prince. No matter how reckless Lianne was, she was indispensable to him.
More than that—she was his blood sibling. The only one he could trust.
Lianne knew this well, which was why she never feared Elliot's disapproval. He would always take her side. Always.
She took another step toward him, standing close enough to see the way the dim light reflected in his icy gaze.
"So," she purred, "are you here to scold me, or are you here to help me prepare for what comes next?"
Elliot regarded her in silence for a moment before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Tell me what you have planned, Lotus."
Lianne's smile widened.
Oh, she had plans indeed. Plans that would ensure Annette never dared to challenge her again. Plans that would solidify her place at Elliot's side forever.
And Elliot, as always, would be there to make sure she succeeded.