The news spread through the Imperial Palace like wildfire.
Within hours, every minister had been summoned to an emergency council.
No one could remember the last time the ruler of the Northern Empire had personally visited another nation.
Inside the council chamber, the atmosphere was unusually tense.
"The Emperor of the North wishes to visit Terraina?"
"Could this be a declaration of war?"
Another minister shook his head.
"If it were, they wouldn't have sent an official envoy."
The Chancellor remained silent, listening to the discussion with narrowed eyes.
Emperor Hans finally raised his hand.
The room immediately fell quiet.
"The envoy informed us that His Imperial Majesty wishes to strengthen diplomatic relations between our two Empires."
"He will arrive in one month's time."
A murmur spread across the chamber.
One month.
That left them little time to prepare.
"The Imperial Palace will host a welcoming banquet."
"The entire capital must be ready."
The ministers bowed.
"As Your Majesty commands."
Only the Chancellor remained deep in thought.
The Northern Empire had never involved itself in the affairs of Terraina.
Why now?
Meanwhile…
Several hundred kilometers beyond Terraina's northern border.
An enormous procession slowly advanced across the vast plains.
Hundreds of knights in black armor rode in perfect formation.
Behind them followed luxurious carriages bearing the crest of a silver eagle.
The imperial banner fluttered proudly beneath the clear blue sky.
At the center of the procession rode a man upon a black stallion.
Unlike the nobles around him, he wore no extravagant robes.
Only a fitted black military uniform embroidered with silver thread.
His silver hair swayed gently with the wind.
Cold steel-blue eyes calmly observed the distant mountains ahead.
A knight approached before lowering his head.
"Your Majesty."
The man shifted his gaze.
"What is it?"
"We have received another report from Terraina."
The knight handed over a folded document.
The Emperor read it without changing his expression.
After a moment, the corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly.
"'Lady Marbella Petrovic rescued a child from a runaway carriage…'"
He quietly repeated the sentence.
Standing beside him, his aide smiled.
"You've read that report three times already."
The Emperor folded the paper.
"It caught my attention."
His aide chuckled.
"Because she acted bravely?"
"No."
The Emperor looked toward the horizon.
"Because someone in her position usually wouldn't."
"A daughter of the Grand Duke risking her own life for a common child?"
"It doesn't fit."
His aide tilted his head.
"You think she was pretending?"
"I don't know."
"But…"
The Emperor recalled the brief moment their eyes had met in the market.
Those violet eyes.
Calm.
Watchful.
Far too composed for a sixteen-year-old noble lady.
"She interests me."
His aide laughed.
"I've served Your Majesty for nearly ten years."
"This may be the first time I've heard you say that about a woman."
The Emperor said nothing.
Instead, he urged his horse forward.
The conversation was over.
Back in Terraina…
Marbella was enjoying a quiet afternoon in the mansion's library.
She had spent the last several days searching through every medical book House Petrovic possessed.
Still…
Nothing.
Not a single illness matched Wilbert's symptoms.
A knock came at the door.
"My Lady."
"Come in."
Mia entered carrying another letter.
"This one arrived from Count Ashford's estate."
Marbella accepted it.
The elegant handwriting on the envelope was instantly familiar.
Suzanna.
She unfolded the letter.
Dear Marbella,
Thank you for joining us at Lady Rosenthal's tea party.
It has been far too long since we last spent time together.
If you are available this weekend, would you accompany me to the Royal Conservatory?
I've heard the roses are beginning to bloom.
Your friend,
Suzanna Ashford
Marbella stared silently at the final two words.
Your friend.
How many times had she read those words in her previous life?
Too many to count.
She slowly folded the letter.
"Mia."
"Yes, My Lady?"
"Prepare a reply."
"I'll accept the invitation."
Mia smiled.
"I'll have it delivered immediately."
After Mia left, Marbella walked toward the window.
The conservatory…
In her previous life, Suzanna had loved flowers.
Especially white roses.
Julian often brought them to her after…
Marbella closed her eyes.
"No."
She exhaled slowly.
That hadn't happened yet.
She couldn't allow memories of the future to cloud her judgment.
If Suzanna truly had changed later…
Marbella needed to know why.
And if she had always been hiding behind that gentle smile…
Marbella intended to uncover the truth long before history had a chance to repeat itself.