Chapter 2

2

I had only just arrived at the villa, and in my past life, I didn't go into labor until the third day.

I still had time.

Without a sound, I crushed the jade pendant Fenris had given me. It held a shard of his consciousness; as soon as it shattered, he would know I was in danger.

In my past life, I had begged them to send for Fenris, but they refused, claiming the war against the demons was at a critical point.

They had urged me, "Don't distract him. Let your brother-in-law, Fendall, guard you instead."

Fenris's mother was a low-ranking concubine. His status was earned through his own blood and sweat on the battlefield.

I didn't want to be the reason he lost his hard-earned reputation, so I had listened to them.

That decision left me surrounded only by the Queen's maids and midwives.

During the delivery, the Queen had taken control and quietly swapped my egg.

Not this time!

Once the pendant was crushed, I told my maids to pack our things. I needed to get back to the royal estate immediately.

The estate was my territory, and I could reach out to the other royals who stood by Fenris.

He would be able to return by the next day, and by then, the Queen wouldn't be able to touch me.

Seeing me pack, my sister panicked.

She tried to stop me, "Why are you in such a rush to leave, sister?"

I brushed her hand away with a cold smile. "I suddenly remembered that Fenris's mother needs a check-up today. She hasn't been well, and as her daughter-in-law, I should be there. I don't want Fenris worrying about the household while he's on the front lines."

She tried to persuade me, "It's just a day or two. The Queen is right here, surely she's enough?"

The Queen was here to ensure she could swap my egg!

I sneered internally, keeping my guards close as I headed toward the carriage.

But then, the Queen's sharp, irritated voice rang out behind me.

"The Second Princess is in such a hurry to leave―is my presence not good enough for you?"

I suppressed my anxiety and smiled. "The Queen is overthinking it."

I insisted on leaving. Everyone knew the Queen and the Second Prince were at odds; the King usually turned a blind eye due to Fenris's military achievements.

Just as my maid helped me toward the carriage, Fendall rushed over.

He shouted, "Wait! There's a disturbance near the demon border. It's too dangerous for you to leave!"

I clenched my fists, my heart hammering.

In my past life, there was no 'demon disturbance.' They were willing to unleash chaos just to stop me!

Shameless!

"Ah!" My sister shrieked, covering her mouth and pointing trembling fingers at my stomach.

"Blood… fire…"

I looked down and my breath hitched.

I was going into labor!

Perhaps the stress had triggered it early.

The three of them exchanged looks of delight. The Queen immediately turned 'caring' and hurried forward to help me, intent on dragging me back to the villa.

But I wouldn't have it.

I had worked too hard for this second chance. I wouldn't let my child fall into their hands again.

I had to get back. I had to wait for Fenris.

"Queen, I won't give birth in a strange place! I'm going back! My guards can handle a few demons!"

I gritted my teeth through the pain, signaling my people to surround me.

My sister and Fendall exchanged a look and signaled the Queen.

The Queen glared at my guards, hissing, "Don't listen to her! If anything happens to her or the baby on the road, you'll pay with your heads, and the King will have your lives!"