Chapter 2

2

“Stop! Do you have any idea who my mistress is?”

Elise screamed desperately in the distance, struggling against the servants holding her down.

Penelope raised an eyebrow, lifting her foot slightly while staring at Elise. My fingers were already crushed, bleeding and mangled under her weight.

“Oh? Tell me, who is your so-called mistress?”

“My lady is the First Princess of this empire, married three years ago to the Western Emperor! How dare you disrespect her and slander her as a common whore?”

Hearing those words, the maids’ grips loosened slightly. Even the matron who had struck me glanced nervously at Penelope.

Just as I thought the madness would end, Penelope threw her head back and burst into mocking laughter.

“How ridiculous! His Majesty informed me just yesterday that the Princess’s carriage wouldn’t arrive until late afternoon. You dare use the Princess’s sacred title to save your own skin?”

“Besides, what royal princess would dress so plain and wear almost no jewels? If people heard this, they’d laugh until their teeth fell out!”

Seeing that Penelope dismissed the claim entirely, the servants lost their hesitation and grew even more aggressive.

Rage burned in my chest.

My carriage had made good time and arrived before noon under my orders. I had always preferred comfortable, modest clothes over flashy gowns, especially when traveling.

I never imagined my personal preference would become the excuse for my torture.

“Tell me, little bitch, are you really a princess?”

The matron hooked the tip of her shoe under my chin, lifting my face. Her wrinkled grin made my stomach churn with disgust.

Even pinned to the dirt, I glared at them with fiery authority.

“I am the Princess. The Queen’s judgment based purely on clothing is laughably shallow. If you don’t believe me, summon my brother here right now!”

“Ptui!” The vile matron spat a thick glob of spit right onto my face, ignoring my words completely.

“Your Majesty, look at how stubborn this little tramp and her servant are! We need to show her some real pain so she learns who rules this palace!”

My eyes turned bloodshot with fury as I locked eyes with Penelope.

Since the day I was born, I had never suffered such humiliation. My royal brother had spoiled me endlessly, and my husband, the Western Emperor, cherished me above all else. Neither had ever let me shed a single tear.

I had heard rumors that the new Queen was dangerously jealous and cruel. I hadn't believed it at first, but now, the nightmare was real.