Chapter 1
By the third time Wesley Sinner had me locked up, I was exhausted.
Fine, I was done running.
The emperor was deep affection. What an honor. I should feel grateful, shouldn't I?
After that, I started acting just the way he liked: downcast eyes, quiet and obedient, accepting the coffee he offered, and on sunny days, unrolling a scroll to read aloud for him.
As time passed, it seemed Wesley had finally grown bored with me.
One day, he brought along a willful, spoiled girl, just like I once was.
Hiding in the shadows, I watched them flirt and banter, tears streaming down my face.
Maybe, just maybe, this time I could finally go home.
*****
This was the fifth year Wesley had me imprisoned. All told, it had been fifteen years. Because of days like these, I'd lived through two lifetimes.
In both lifetimes, by the fifth year, I couldn't take it anymore and chose to die with him.
This time, though, something felt just a bit different.
Now, Wesley had another woman by his side.
Watching her, I was so overwhelmed with relief and happiness that I nearly burst into tears.
I would finally get my freedom!
The system cut me off: [Host, don't get too excited yet.]
Yeah.
After all, in my last two lives, Wesley kept testing me over and over.
He'd take me to pray at the church, out for the Spring Outing Festival, and on the annual spring hunt.
He gave me countless chances to escape, but every single time, I ended up getting caught and hauled right back.
He seemed to enjoy playing this endless cat-and-mouse game with me.
He'd give me hope, only to shatter it without mercy.
I was already conditioned to flinch whenever he pulled these stunts.
Could it be happening again this time?
I hid behind the rocks, watching that girl bantering with him.
She was lively and brash. She reminded me so much of my younger self.
The system suddenly had a revelation: [I think I get it now. You were too well-behaved, so much so that he got bored with you.]
[Looks like Wesley is tired of you.]
I watched the girl from a distance and couldn't help but curve my lips into a smile.
Seriously, I'd waited forever for this day.
She wore a blazing red dress, like the roses in full bloom, bold and impossible to ignore.
She pulled herself out of Wesley's hands with force.
"Let go, you tyrant! I'm not one of those fragile vines in your harem," she said.
She was the first girl who ever dared call him a tyrant to his face.
But Wesley didn't get mad. He grabbed her chin, his grin all charm and mischief.
"Oh? But Sarah, it's that fiery temper of yours I like best," he said.
Her voice shook. "You already have the Noble Consort. Why bring me into the palace? Everyone knows I look just like her.
"She's still around, so why do you need me here, too?
"I, Sarah Sanchez, will never be anyone's stand-in."
As they drew closer, I had nowhere left to hide. I straightened my clothes, stepped out, and bowed.
"Your Majesty," I said, bowing low. "Wishing Your Majesty peace and prosperity."
When Wesley loved me most, he told me I didn't need to bow to him.
Back then, I'd meet him with a cold glare, but he never got angry. Instead, he indulged me even more.
Years later, I finally realized. The more defiant I became, the more he wanted to conquer me.
Sure enough, seeing me so respectful now, he subtly furrowed his brow, keeping his expression composed.
"The wind's strong here. You shouldn't be out," Wesley said, his voice cool and distant.
I slipped the kite behind my back without a word, putting on my best obedient act. "Yes, Your Majesty."
As I turned to leave, the girl sized me up from head to toe, a flicker of disdain in her eyes and a proud, almost haughty edge to her voice.
"Who doesn't know the emperor snatched a minister's wife for himself? Nicola Cannon's a weakling, hungry for power. But me, Sarah Sanchez? I'd never let myself be anyone's substitute," she scoffed.
One of the maids immediately snapped, "Watch your mouth! Who said you could call the Noble Consort by her name?"
I waved my hand, motioning for her to leave.
Honestly, after she called Wesley a tyrant, calling my name didn't seem like such a big deal.
I tugged at the corner of my lips. Her malicious words didn't faze me at all.
"Your Majesty rules the world. For me to be drawn to him is only natural," I replied.
Sarah said, "Nicola, you disappoint me. I used to idolize you, but now I see you were never worthy of it.
"If you want to grovel at that tyrant's feet, be my guest, but I sure as hell won't!"
Wesley wasn't offended in the slightest. He replied, clearly entertained by her defiance.
"Sarah, seems you've forgotten. " Your father and brother are still locked up in prison.
"But I have to admit, I'm curious how much backbone you really have?"
Just those two sentences made Sarah go pale instantly.
I'd always known how cruel Wesley could be.
Watching Sarah tremble like that, I actually felt sorry for her.
After a brief hesitation, I stepped forward and gently grabbed her hand.