Chapter 3

I quickly bowed, voice humble as I spoke. "You flatter me, Harlen. I'm just a woman. I don't understand politics, and I certainly don't know how to lead troops or plan strategies.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not capable of helping Father with his worries."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Father's eyes.

Harlen, meanwhile, had a satisfied, almost triumphant smile tugging at his lips.

Now that he'd lived through this once before, Harlen knew exactly how to take out the Duke of Trudington.

He strode forward, brimming with confidence. "Father, next month is the Duke of Trudington's fortieth birthday. You should attend the party at his estate. He won't miss such a golden chance to make his move."

"You want me to be the bait?" Father shot back, clearly pissed.

"Don't worry, Father. I'll keep you safe," Harlen said, laying out his plan. "There's still a month until the Duke of Trudington's birthday.

"I'll send word to General Woodham right away, have him quietly bring his men back to Olisson City and stand by. If the duke tries anything that day, the general will storm his estate and finish him off."

"How can you guarantee my safety?" Father shot back, not keen on risking his own neck.

"When you attend the birthday party, you just need to make an appearance so the duke thinks you're there.

"Before he makes his move, I'll arrange for a double to take your place and sneak you out ahead of time. By the time he tries anything, you'll already be back in the palace, safe and sound," Harlen explained.

Father paused to think, then asked, "It's a clever plan, but how do we fool his spies into thinking I never left the duke's estate?"

"As long as Maria and I stay at the duke's estate, the duke will be convinced," Harlen said, his tone firm.

Father hesitated. "What if something happens to you and Maria?"

Harlen replied, "As the crown prince, it's my job to help you through these troubles, Father.

"The whole court's a mess right now, and the duke and his faction are acting superior and arrogant. There's no way I can just sit back and watch.

"I'm ready to step up myself, risk it all if I have to, and take down every last traitor."

Harlen spoke with a bold, unwavering resolve.

In that moment, I could clearly see pride and reassurance shining in Father's eyes.

Harlen added, "If Maria's scared, she can leave with you, Father. She shouldn't have to worry about all this political mess anyway."

Father turned to look at me.

I quickly said, "Even though I'm a woman, I'm still a princess of this kingdom. It's my duty to help you and our country. I'm willing to stand with Harlen and help rid of these rebels."

"Excellent." Father was clearly delighted. "Then I'll entrust the task of eliminating the Duke of Trudington to you, Harlen."

"I won't let you down, Father," Harlen declared, brimming with determination.

Harlen wore a look of triumph, certain of his success.

What he didn't realize was that everything he was doing was already playing right into my hands.

As we left Father's chambers, Harlen looked genuinely satisfied with how I handled things today.

"Maria, you're very obedient today. You're my only sibling and Father is getting old. Soon, it'll be my job to keep you safe," Harlen said.

"You're right, Harlen," I answered meekly, playing the obedient sister.

"I don't want what went down in our previous lives to happen again. Back then, it was hard for me to see you go through all that," Harlen said, acting all regretful.

Of course, I didn't believe a word of it.

We were only putting on a show for mutual benefit, nothing more.

"I'll do whatever you say in this life, Harlen," I said.

Harlen nodded, his tone firm. "I trust you."

"Thank you, Harlen," I replied, flashing him a look of heartfelt gratitude.

"So now, I won't hide anything from you, Maria," Harlen said, his expression all earnest.

I knew it. He was scheming again.

As I expected, he wanted me to back him up.

"You know Ursula doesn't come from a respectable family. Even though you've been covering for me and keeping her a secret, I know people will find out sooner or later.

"Once that happens, Father will never let her stay by my side. And I don't want Ursula to suffer anymore. I want to make her crown princess," Harlen admitted.

I listened, barely managing to keep a straight face.

I couldn't believe he actually wanted Ursula Royston to be the crown princess.

Did he forget that Shonda's grandfather was the high counselor, and her uncle was General Woodham, the famous general holding the border?

He was even counting on General Woodham to take down the Duke of Trudington.

How did he dare to get rid of Shonda?

Not only did he fail to learn his lesson after travelling back in time, he'd gotten even worse, acting reckless to the point of stupidity.

Harlen said, "Ursula once risked her life for me. She's the only person in this world who's ever truly cared about me.

"Even if Shonda puts on all that devotion, it's just because I'm the crown prince. She's only chasing power and prestige.

"Ursula's the only one whose feelings for me are real, with nothing to gain. How could I not be genuine with her?"