Morning arrived far too soon.
I knew this because Selene and the twins were standing over me like executioners at dawn.
"Five more minutes," I groaned, rolling over dramatically. "This body is still recovering from yesterday's emotional trauma."
"Miss!" Annie said brightly, which was already suspicious. "You're visiting the Imperial Castle today!"
That sentence slapped me harder than cold water.
"…The what castle?"
The Imperial.
As in emperor.
As in crown.
As in future death flag headquarters.
"Hurry up!" Annie chirped. "We have to make you look absolutely stunning!"
Marie and Selene, traitors that they were, merely nodded calmly like this was a normal Tuesday activity and not the beginning of my villain arc.
I bathed while internally mourning my peaceful estate life. Scented oils were used. Towels were fluffed. Hair was brushed until it shone like a shampoo commercial.
Marie chose my outfit—a knee-length emerald dress adorned with pearls and a white ribbon. Elegant. Regal. Completely unnecessary for a child who wanted to stay home and pet driftlings.
Annie attempted makeup.
I vetoed it.
She sulked.
Selene styled my hair into a neat half-bun with a white bow, and when I looked into the mirror—
…Okay.
I looked dangerously adorable.
This body was unfairly cute.
Downstairs, Mother and Father were already dressed in formal attire. Theo stood beside them, looking calm and annoyingly composed.
Outside waited the family carriage, bearing our crest: a silver shield framed by white lilies.
"Ready?" Father asked.
Theo nodded.
I nodded too, though internally I was screaming.
The carriage ride was… enlightening.
Forests turned into towns. Towns filled with life—and poverty. Children ran barefoot through streets. Vendors shouted. Bakeries steamed with warmth.
Fantasy world or not, reality still hurt.
Then I saw it.
A hooded figure on a rooftop.
Staring.
Directly at me.
I closed the curtain so fast I nearly broke it.
Nope.
Absolutely not.
When we arrived at the castle gates, my breath hitched.
The castle was—how do I put this—ridiculous.
White stone, floating towers, glowing runes, and a massive luminous tree entwined around one wing like it owned the place.
I was not hallucinating.
Mother chuckled at my face.
Inside, warmth replaced my dread. The interior looked less medieval fortress and more luxury palace designed by someone with taste and magic.
The emperor awaited us.
Greetings were exchanged.
I survived.
Barely.
Soon, the children were escorted out by a butler named Sebastian to the gardens.
And what a garden it was.
Five times larger than ours, filled with creatures that looked like they escaped from a fantasy art book.
Driftlings floated lazily through the air—round, translucent creatures shaped like jellyfish crossed with clouds, glowing softly.
There were Velhorns, deer-like beasts with crystal antlers and feathered tails.
And Cinibuns—small, round creatures resembling chinchillas with oversized ears and leaf-shaped markings.
Then came him.
The Crown Prince.
"Let's play over there," he said.
Crown Prince Cassian.
Silver-gold hair, sharp eyes, polite smile.
Future execution orderer.
My anxiety spiked.
Theo handled it smoothly. "Lead the way."
Cassian smiled—but his eyes were cold.
Ah. Yes.
That familiar male-lead charm.
A Velhorn approached me, nudging my leg with its nose. I knelt instinctively, brushing its shimmering fur.
More creatures followed.
Driftlings hovered closer. A Cinibun climbed into my lap.
Cassian paused.
"…They're usually skittish," he said.
"I'm very approachable," I replied solemnly. "Clearly."
The princess—Lady Seraphina—ran over, eyes sparkling.
"It likes you?!" she gasped. "It never comes near me!"
I gently guided her hand to the creature's fur.
Her gasp turned into a delighted squeal.
Cassian watched me carefully.
Too carefully.
"You're different from before," he said.
I stiffened.
"Before?"
He smiled. "You used to avoid me."
Ah.
So Original Evelyn was already collecting bad impressions.
The emperor later called Cassian and me aside.
Danger. Danger. Danger.
"You two seem closer now," the emperor said casually. "So I'd like your opinion."
Opinion.
That word never brings good news.
"How would you feel about an engagement… at a young age?"
My soul left my body.
Excuse me?
Engagement?
Absolutely not.
Over my dead body.