MistNovel - Read Web Novel Stories & Fiction Online

The solarium blazed with morning light.

Evelyn paused at the entrance, momentarily blinded by the glass walls that transformed the room into a crystal cage. Sunlight poured through the ceiling in thick golden streams, warming the marble floor and making the breakfast table glitter like something from a fairy tale. Beautiful. Deceptive. Exactly like her brother.

Asher sat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed and welcoming. He looked up as she entered, and his face broke into a smile that would have melted hearts across the empire. Handsome, charming, with their father's strong jaw and their mother's warm brown eyes. Twenty-three years old and already a master of manipulation.

"Evelyn," he said, rising to greet her. "I was beginning to worry. Helen said you were unwell."

The concern in his voice sounded genuine. It always did. That was his particular gift, the ability to lie with his whole body. Even knowing what she knew, Evelyn felt a traitorous part of her want to believe him.

She crushed the impulse ruthlessly.

"Just a bad dream," she said, crossing the room to take her seat. "Nothing to worry about."

Asher's eyes tracked her movement with the focus of a predator watching prey. Looking for weakness. Looking for cracks in her facade. She kept her expression serene, her steps measured and graceful. The perfect princess, unbothered and unthreatening.

He seemed satisfied. He settled back into his chair and gestured to the servants hovering near the walls. They moved forward instantly, laying out plates of fruit, pastries, and delicate breakfast meats. The food looked exquisite. Evelyn's stomach turned.

"You look pale," Asher observed, selecting a strawberry from the platter. "Are you certain you are well enough for court today? I can make your excuses if you need rest."

How kind. How thoughtful. In her first life, she had believed these offers came from genuine concern. Now she recognized them for what they were. Tests. Asher measuring how much control he could exert, how easily she would surrender her autonomy.

"I am perfectly well," Evelyn said, accepting a cup of tea from a servant. "Though I appreciate your concern, brother."

She let the word drip with affection. Let him think she was still the trusting fool who saw him as her protector. The tea burned her tongue, but she sipped it anyway, using the movement to study him over the rim of her cup.

Asher had changed since she last saw him. No, that was wrong. He had not changed at all. She had simply forgotten how young he looked at this point in time. The cruelty had not yet carved permanent lines around his mouth. The paranoia had not yet made his eyes cold. He still wore the mask of the beloved Crown Prince with ease.

But she could see beneath it now. The way his smile never quite reached his eyes. The calculated pauses in his speech. The micro-expressions that flickered across his face when he thought she was not looking. Contempt. Amusement. Satisfaction.

He thought he had already won.

"I wanted to discuss something with you," Asher said, setting down his strawberry. "A matter of your safety."

Evelyn's fingers tightened on her teacup. Here it came. The first move in a game she had already lost once.

"My safety?" she asked, pitching her voice toward curious rather than alarmed.

"The court grows more dangerous every year," Asher said, his tone grave. "Father's health declines, and the noble houses circle like wolves. I worry about you, Evelyn. You are too trusting, too kind. People will use that against you."

In her first life, those words had made her feel protected. Now they made her want to drive a knife through his hand.

"What do you suggest?" She took another sip of tea, hiding her expression.

"I have made arrangements to enhance palace security," Asher said. "The Crimson Guard will be expanded. I am bringing in new commanders, people I trust absolutely to keep our family safe."

The Crimson Guard. Ian Magnus. He was moving the timeline up, bringing in her future executioner earlier than before. Why? What had changed?

Unless nothing had changed at all. Unless this had always been the plan, and she had simply forgotten the exact sequence of events that led to her imprisonment.

"That sounds wise," Evelyn said carefully. "When will these new arrangements take effect?"

"Within the week." Asher's smile widened. "In fact, the new Lord Commander arrives today. Ian Magnus. Perhaps you have heard of him?"

Yes. She had heard of him. She had felt his sword pierce her chest. She had looked into his cold gray eyes and seen nothing but duty as she bled out on the dungeon floor.

"I believe I have read about him," Evelyn said, keeping her voice light. "He has quite the reputation."

"Earned honestly," Asher said. "The man is brilliant. Utterly loyal. Completely ruthless when necessary. Exactly what we need in these uncertain times."

Loyal to you, Evelyn thought. Bound by whatever dark magic or blackmail you used to ensure his obedience.

She set down her teacup with a soft clink. "I am sure I will feel much safer with such capable protection."

"That is my only goal," Asher said. He reached across the table and took her hand, squeezing gently. "You are precious to me, Evelyn. I would do anything to keep you safe."

His touch felt like ice. Evelyn forced herself not to flinch, not to pull away. She squeezed back, painting gratitude across her face like a mask.

"I know," she lied. "Thank you, Asher."

He released her hand and returned to his breakfast, seemingly satisfied. Evelyn watched him eat, memorizing every gesture, every expression. This was her enemy. This was the man she had to destroy

But first, she had to survive long enough to sharpen her claws.