Chapter 5
Cassian continued coldly, "Since you have fully recovered, you should show the grace expected of a Crown Princess.
"From today onwards, Isolde will live in the guest room, and you'll be the one to look after her. Make sure you don't slack off."
It was a command, and a humiliation.
He wanted me, his official wife, to personally care for the woman he loves.
He wanted to do it this way to break my spirit, to put me in my place.
Back then, I might have cried, made a scene, or been heartbroken.
But now, I just found it ridiculous.
I replied, "Alright."
I smiled, agreeing with a bright, almost mocking ease.
"As you command, Your Highness," I added.
My compliance surprised Cassian again.
He gave me a deep, probing gaze, as if searching for something beneath my calm face.
But I didn't give him a chance.
I turned to Liora and instructed, "Go and tidy up the Moonlit Room in the west for Isolde.
"Be sure to use only the finest fabrics and the most exquisite furnishings.
"She must not be made to feel even the slightest discomfort. Otherwise, it would ruin His Highness's reputation."
My words left no room for argument, perfectly accepting the task while slipping in a subtle jab at Cassian.
His face grew even colder.
He took Isolde by the hand and, with a cold sweep of his sleeve, walked away.
"Cassian." Isolde's voice was soft, still carrying a hint of hurt.
As I watched them leave, my smile slowly faded, turning cold.
Did Cassian really think he could break me like this?
He was wrong. He had just put the sharpest weapon right into my hands.
Isolde lived in the Crown Prince's Palace.
This was the best chance for me to keep a close eye on her and uncover her weaknesses.
I was going to make her life a living hell. She wouldn't even be able to beg for death.
Isolde settled down in the Moonlit Room in no time.
Cassian treated her like she was the apple of his eye.
Luxury treats, rare silks, and all kinds of fancy gifts poured into the Moonlit Room nonstop, as if there was no end to his generosity.
The servants in the Crown Prince's Palace were all fair-weather followers. They knew how to play the game and switched loyalties the moment the wind changed.
Watching Isolde become Cassian's new favorite while I was left behind, they scrambled to cozy up to her, eager to please their rising mistress.
The Moonlit Room was suddenly swarming with people, even busier than my own main hall.
I didn't care about it.
Every day, I just kept to myself, reading, writing, and praying.
It was like I'd really become a patient who'd retreated to heal, quietly minding my own business.
Cassian had visited me twice.
Seeing me act so docile, he gradually let down his guard.
He thought I'd finally resigned myself to my fate.
He thought I was still the same Seraphina he could toy with whenever he pleased.
He didn't know that while he basked in his false sense of control, the invisible web I'd woven was already quietly tightening around him, out of sight, beyond his reach.
That day, I got up from my so-called sickbed and headed straight to the Moonlit Room myself.
On the surface, I was just there to "visit" Isolde.
When Isolde saw me, a hint of triumph flashed in her eyes.
She probably thought I was here to admit defeat.
She asked, "What brings you here, Seraphina? Are you feeling any better?"
She said words of concern, but stayed firmly planted in the main seat, acting like the mistress of the place, not even bothering to stand up.
She didn't lift a finger to serve me coffee, just waved for a servant to do it.
I remained unfazed. I just smiled and sat down in the chair opposite her.
I said, "Thanks for worrying about me, Isolde. I'm feeling much better now.
"As the Crown Princess, I came here today to see if there's anything you still need. His Highness insisted you mustn't be made uncomfortable, not even for a moment."
I deliberately lingered on the words "Crown Princess," making sure she heard every ounce of condescension in it.
Isolde's expression flickered for a second.
That was the one thing she couldn't stand. Being reminded she was beneath me.
What she truly longed for was the Crown Princess's title.
Isolde replied, "Don't worry, Seraphina. Cassian treats me so well. I couldn't ask for more."
She deliberately used that syrupy, intimate tone when she said "Cassian," making sure I caught every bit of their closeness.
I picked up my cup and gently blew at the foam on top.
"Good," I replied.
Then I changed the topic.
I added, "But, this Moonlit Room feels almost too quiet, doesn't it?
"Staying here all alone, sometimes you must feel pretty lonely, right?"
Isolde looked at me in confusion.
I put down the cup and took out a snow-white Persian cat.
The cat stretched lazily and yawned, its eyes blue as sapphires, utterly adorable.
I continued, "This is a gift from overseas, named Snowball. It's gentle and calm, perfect for keeping you entertained.
"My health isn't great, so I can't keep it myself. I thought I'd give her to you as a companion, Isolde."
The instant Isolde saw the cat, her eyes sparkled with delight.
Seriously, what girl didn't like something this cute?
"This is way too precious," she protested, pretending to refuse, but her gaze never left the cat for a moment.
I said, "Come on, Isolde, we're friends. No need to stand on ceremony."