Crown Prince Alaric froze upon hearing those words. “She’s still alive? My mother said she must have drowned long ago! Even if she survived, there’s no way she could be Autumn Myles!”

  I was momentarily stunned. Duke Rowan slowly regained his composure and spoke in a measured tone. “Thinking back… perhaps Consort Thorne recognized Autumn after all. That’s why she gave her the jade token meant for the lost princess before she passed.”

  Crown Prince Alaric tightened his grip on his sword, keeping it pressed against me. His furious gaze darted between Duke Rowan and Duke of Braedon, his voice trembling with rage. “You… all of you… you’ve been scheming against me.”

  I took a step back, leaning slightly toward his ear and whispering, my voice dripping like honey:

  “Your Highness, you conspired with Spring Myles to murder the late king, yet she has now turned against you without hesitation. At this moment, you have no escape. If you kill me now, it will be your own downfall—and she will be the one to reap all the benefits.”

  I let my gaze fall, my tone turning cold. “At the very least, I can guarantee your life.”

  Spring Myles stepped forward to stand before Duke of Braedon and Duke Rowan. She glanced at Crown Prince Alaric and me, then curled her lips into a triumphant smile.

  “Alaric, you poisoned the late king, then tried to kill me to cover your tracks. You deserve to be executed immediately! Even if you hold my sister hostage, I bear the emperor’s grace and will sacrifice myself to eliminate you!”

  Crown Prince Alaric gritted his teeth so hard I could hear it. He shoved me forward, letting go of his grip, then cast his sword onto the ground.

  With empty hands, he stepped forward, facing everyone.

  “I never harmed my father, and I am willing to be investigated! But I will not let her get what she wants!”

  He raised his hand and pointed directly at Spring Myles. “She has no title, no status—who knows whose child she is carrying?”

  As if suddenly realizing something, he let out a sharp, mocking laugh. He turned to the gathered officials and declared, “And let’s not forget—Lady Myles once had a husband. Who’s to say that’s not Elias’s child?”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Spring Myles’s face turned pale. She rushed forward, grabbing Alaric’s collar, her chest rising and falling violently with anger.

  “You—you’re despicable!” she shouted, shoving him with all her strength. “Why won’t you just die already?!”

  Crown Prince Alaric straightened his clothes, lifted his chin, and smirked coldly.

  From this moment on, there was no turning back.

  The ties between Crown Prince Alaric and Spring Myles were completely severed.

  One was accused of regicide.

  The other had a questionable royal bloodline.

  Neither was fit to rule.

  And that left only one option.

  Me.

  Without spilling a single drop of blood, Duke Rowan and Duke of Braedon had maneuvered me onto the throne.

  Right there in the grand hall, I issued my first decree as emperor.

  I ordered Crown Prince Alaric to be imprisoned in the Eastern Palace. Until the truth of the late king’s death was revealed, he would remain alive—but powerless.

  As for Spring Myles, she would remain in the palace under watch. Only after giving birth would we determine what to do with her.

  The late king’s body was sent to the royal mausoleum for burial.

  After the court dismissed and the palace grew quiet, I sat on the throne, gazing down at the jade token in my palm. An inexplicable feeling settled in my heart.

  Liam interrupted my thoughts. “Your Majesty, the general has sent another letter.”

  He hesitated before adding, “You’ve had me send false messages, delaying the army’s advance. Now that Elias has heard of your ascension… he has sent you a letter of severance.”

  The letter brimmed with fury.

  ‘I have heard of your rise to the throne, your cunning manipulations, and your deceit. You toyed with me like a fool. You must be pleased with yourself, having long forgotten me. The next time we meet, it will be on the battlefield. I will never trust you again.’

  The meaning was clear.

  He congratulated me for my ruthless climb to power.

  He cursed me for deceiving him.

  And he swore that, from now on, we were enemies.

  I read his words over and over. Then, picking up my brush, I wrote a response.

  My husband.

  Hearing the first two words, Liam coughed awkwardly. I shot him a cold glare, and he wisely excused himself.

  I continued writing.

  My husband, how could you believe mere rumors and slander me so? Since we parted, I have longed for you day and night, unable to eat or sleep in peace. My body has withered with longing. I was forced into Corwin’s grasp against my will. Everything I did was for survival. Now that the capital is clear of all obstacles, I only await your return.

  I cut a lock of my hair, tied it with a red thread, and sealed it inside the letter.

  Liam picked up the envelope and frowned. “Do you think this will work?”

  “Let’s find out,” I replied.

  Three days later, a reply arrived.

  I opened the envelope—only to find no letter.

  Instead, a single strand of hair, intertwined with another, fell into my palm.

  ‘To bind our fates as husband and wife. Our love shall never waver.’

  Liam smirked. “Wow. Guess it worked.”