The feeling of the warm bath water washes away the dirty skin off me. After the talk with Cornelius, Francis ushered me to my room. It was late, and everyone was asleep. Grandfather wanted to surprise me on his birthday in front of everyone. The reaction is what I'm anticipating, especially Rebecca. As I bathed, I closed my eyes and recalled the stories about my grandmother, Seraphina, the Archmage of Whithold. Grandfather continue to reminisce about their childhood together. Sera wasn't a beauty, as my Grandfather told me. She had a boyish look and always got into fights with other kids. Grandfather would be her older brother and protect her. As many years went by, their friendship grew, even their appearances changed, and Cornelius fell in love with Sera. But before Cornelius could confess to Sera, his brother made it difficult and made my grandmother leave the Rozen estate to become the most powerful mage. Sera's reputation was known 50 years ago till this day. Her sacrifice s
I let out a quick yawn as I have four maids to get me ready for the birthday party tonight. I slept late reading Sera's journal filled with entries about her daily life and information involving magic. It is a thick book, and I haven't finished it. I fell asleep with the journal on my chest. I continued to read after waking up and then took a nap. Since I couldn't leave the room without my family noticing me, they wouldn't want a woman in a white gown walking down the hallway like a wondering ghost. I mean, I won't mind and haunt them, but I'm too lazy to call Prisca maybe to give them a scare. I know she would love to pull on pranks. That would be a grand sight to see. But I don't want to bring any more of my people here and scare off the guest. People wouldn't like me to get monsters to attend the party. Thinking of my friends made me miss home, and I wanted to get this done and over with. I yawned again. "My lady, would you like a cup of tea?" One maid, Lucy offered. I reac
I inhaled slowly and was a bit nervous as I squeezed my hand. A warm hand is placed over mine as I glance at Grandpa. "Relax," he says and reaches to touch my face. "You will ruin your makeup."I softly giggle. "It's normal for me to be nervous, Grandpa. After all, it's been a while since people have seen my face."His hand over mine clenched. "Alice, whoever tried to kill you five years ago, let me handle this case."I closed my eyes and then opened them. I know Cornelius was furious to learn about the assassination attempt. I'm glad he wants to track down the villain who killed me, but he doesn't know what the killer is, none other than his other granddaughter. If Grandpa knew his blood was the culprit, family punishment would be more severe than servants. The rule in this family is never to hurt any family members, including death. Rebecca knew the rules, yet she still killed this Alice. But now I've taken over this body. Once she sees her older half-sister alive and well, it wi
"Lady Rozen?" I glance up, looking to find a man who seems nervous, approaching me with an unknown motive. I glare at him as I try to read him. "Would you mind having a dance with me?" He extends his hand. I arch a brow. Every since Grandfather announced his missing eldest granddaughter had returned, the look on everyone's face was shocking. Francis had mentioned to me that there were rumors. Rumors about this body. Some say I broke up with the Crown Prince and eloped with a commoner. Others say because the Crown Prince and my sister are in love, I ran away in sadness. People sure love the gossip and never want the truth. No one wants a boring truth, but if everyone here knew what my sister did to me, what would they say about her? The look on Rebecca's face was indeed priceless. As I stepped next to Grandfather, the first thing I did was look for her. I found her immediately and could read her facial expression. She was pale and troubled that I was still alive. Daniel,
"Becky," using her nickname affectionately as I smile. I sense Zayn close by recording. "Y-You...You..." she's trembling not of fear but anger. I can catch on with her emotions, and it's overwhelming. I wanted to laugh. "Are you happy that I'm alive?" I asked her.I watched her fist unhooked as she inhaled deeply before showing off that fake innocent look. "I'm sorry, sister. I was just shocked to see you alive and well."Then Rebecca threw her arms around me. "I'm so happy," her body trembles again as she pulls away to watch fake tears forming in her eyes—such an award-winning actress. "I'm so happy you are alive. I've heard you were poisoned and taken away by the assassins. I tried to look for you, but I couldn't find you. I even asked Crown Prince Daniel to help with the search."My body flinched as my eyes twitched. Does she think I would be affected by the mention of Crown Prince Daniel like she expects me to be jealous and show off her love for the man this Alice was supposed
Distant away from Rebecca, I made a left and hid. Peeking at my sister, who seemed frustrated and panicked, I left the hall. I place my hand over my beating heart. "My Lady," Zayn appeared from the shadows. "Did you get it?""Captured the whole thing," he states, then hands me the A-Phone. "But she didn't reveal anything that you anticipated."I look down at the crystalized object in my hand. Touching the screen to unravel the video, I smirk once my sister's stupid face is on. I paused the video. "No, but it riled her up." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Nagini."I called my familiar as he slithered around my neck. I reach over to rub his tiny head. "Nagini, follow my innocent sister. Be my eyes and ears." The black snake slithered down from my neck to the ground and made his way in the direction where Rebecca had left. "Once Nagini implant himself on Rebecca, we can use this to hear the conversation on whoever she will be with.""You're brilliant, Lady Alice," Zayn gleamed as
I avoided my father until I entered the garden. It was the garden Francis showed me as a tribute to my grandmother, Sera. Francis said Grandfather built this garden because it was the day he fell in love with her. Her presence here is what made his heart skip a beat. He also says these are her favorite flowers.While I waited for Zayn to grab my coat, I insisted on using magic, but he warned me that I would be found out by anyone, maybe my father, Rebecca or Daniel. And it won't look pretty if the people from the Magic Tower find out. I don't want to deal with them and become the savior. I want a peaceful life in my castle and with the people around me.Speaking of Daniel, I noticed his presence when I stopped to sit at the fountain. I pretend not to know, dip my fingers in the water, and use magic to turn ice cold. "Alice."I looked at his reflection in the water and ignored him. Hopefully, my cold attitude would make him leave but appearing on his face tells me he had somethi
"My Lady?"I stared blankly at Zayn until Daniel called out, almost catching me off guard that I'd been staring at Zayn."Alice, please, I need to.""You mustn't get close to my Lady," Zayn growls, standing between the prince and me. He's bold to bare his teeth at Daniel but keeps his canines hidden. "You…how dare you to block a prince's path," Daniel says in his authoritative tone. I didn't want Zayn to meet the crown prince like this. He had heard of my broken heart because of Daniel and vowed to rip his head off even though he was a prince. But right now, Zayn is trying to stand his ground and not cause me trouble."You may be my Lady's betrothed, but if my Lady doesn't want to see you, then you should respect her wishes," Zayn says."Alice, would you mind telling your slave to mind his business? This is between you and me."I glare at Daniel. Everyone knew Zayn was a servant of mine besides being my escort. Grandfather made sure not to reveal his identity as a beastman. The g