Chapter 3

Grievous harm to the imperial bloodline warrants death, but I held the key to my own pardon.

And so I carried the bitter draught of endings myself, serving it bowl after bowl to every favored consort.

By the time Edward rushed in, not a drop remained.

The palace echoed with screams of agony.

Resting my chin upon my hand, I offered him a tender, brilliant smile. "Edward, you came."

He had always been enchanted by my face, especially when I played the sweet and gentle role for him alone.

And so, though his heirs were erased in a single day,…