The first thing I felt… was warmth.
Not blood.
Not the blade.
Not the cold stone beneath my knees.
Just sunlight.
Gentle, golden sunlight spilling across my face.
I opened my eyes to the pale marble ceiling of my bedchamber. The morning breeze carried the scent of roses—not blood-soaked, not burned, just… clean.
My fingers curled against the silk sheets.
Alive.
I was alive.
I sat up too fast. My vision spun. My throat tightened.
The window was open, and beyond it, the magnolia trees hadn't yet bloomed. The courtyard below was still bare, still untouched by spring.
"Five months," I whispered. "Before the engagement announcement."
Before the wedding.
Before the betrayal.
Before Serina stood in the trial court, weeping for my crimes.
Before Auren said he loved me… and killed me.
I stumbled toward the mirror. My reflection stared back.
No scars. No bruises. No iron collar.
Just me.
Younger. Softer. Too trusting.
Not anymore.
---
Knock knock.
The sharp rap at the door dragged me from my thoughts.
I turned slowly. My heart thudded once, twice.
"Lady Elara," came a voice. Calm. Low. Male. "Permission to enter?"
I frowned. That wasn't a servant's voice.
"Enter."
The door opened. A tall man stepped in, clad in polished navy and steel. His eyes—cool gray. His posture—military sharp.
Cladus Rhain.
I recognized him instantly.
A distant noble's son. Appointed as my personal knight shortly after the engagement. In the past… he had tried to defend me during the trial.
He was ignored.
Later, I heard he'd been sent to the border on false charges. Or maybe assassinated. I never found out.
But now—he was here. On day one.
"Lady Elara," he said with a bow. "As ordered by the Crown, I am to serve as your personal guard effective immediately."
A gift from Auren. One meant to impress.
How poetic. The man who would protect me… until he couldn't.
I let my silence stretch.
He straightened. "Have I come at a poor time?"
"No," I said. "You've come at the exact time I needed."
He raised an eyebrow—barely.
I walked past him, brushing the sleeves of my nightdress.
"Your name is Cladus Rhain," I said, testing him. "House Rhain. Fourth son. Scholar-knight. Fought at the western border two years ago. Returned with a commendation from General Orel himself."
His brows lifted further. "You've done your reading."
"I always do."
He hesitated, then gave a slight nod. "That will serve you well, my lady. This court is full of people who count on ignorance."
I turned back toward the mirror, watching his reflection behind me.
"Good. I'm not nearly as ignorant as I used to be."
And he—he didn't flinch. He just looked at me like he already knew there was more to my silence than met the eye.
---
Later that morning, Tessa, my maid, arrived.
Her hands trembled slightly as she poured my tea.
"You're pale today, my lady. You didn't call me to dress you—are you feeling unwell?"
"No, Tessa," I said with a soft smile. "But thank you."
Her concern was genuine. She had cried the day of my arrest. She was one of the few who hadn't abandoned me.
"Do you know when Lady Serina is expected to return?" I asked, voice light.
Tessa blinked. "Tomorrow, I believe. She wrote to the Duke yesterday. She's been away for her health."
Health. Right.
In the last life, Serina returned full of tears and gentle smiles. Within weeks, I was engaged to Auren and framed for treason.
This time… I'd be ready.
---
That evening, Cladus escorted me to the west garden.
We walked in silence at first, his steps always measured. His eyes—always scanning.
"Are you looking for assassins?" I asked dryly.
"Always," he said. "I'd be a poor knight if I wasn't."
I paused beside the roses.
"Tell me, Cladus. Are you loyal to the crown?"
He met my gaze. "To the one who wears it? Or the one who deserves it?"
My breath caught.
He didn't flinch.
I smiled, just slightly.
"Good answer."
He looked forward again. "Then I'll ask you something, my lady."
"Go ahead."
"What is it you're preparing for?"
I turned back toward the roses, breathing in the scent.
"A funeral."