Chapter 2

I was thrown to the ground, staring up at my mom in helpless frustration. "And what about me? Ever since I was a kid, you always made me step aside for her. Whenever something new came, she got first pick. She could sleep in your room, but I never could. Whenever we fought, you always took her side. I..."

She suddenly slapped me hard across the face. "Enough! That's your place. You're meant to step aside for her."

Magnus, standing off to the side, scoffed, "Always got an answer for everything, huh? I said it before, you're just jealous. Still hung up on petty stuff like this?"

I stared at them, lost and confused, pointing at Pearl, who wore that innocent look. "How much more do I have to put up with? She doesn't even have to say a word, and you're all ready to defend her. But me? I'm always on my own."

Pearl's mother and mine were lifelong friends. When Pearl was born, her mom passed away from complications during childbirth. Just a month later, her father married the new lady of the house.

Out of compassion, my mom took Pearl into her own home and raised her herself.

My father, sitting at the center of the room, rose to his feet. "Enough. You're going to the palace, whether you like it or not. Someone, drag that old crone out and have her flogged," he barked.

I watched, devastated, as Eda was hauled away.

Outside, Eda's anguished screams rang out, echoing through the halls.

I collapsed onto the floor, completely drained. To them, Eda was nothing but a servant, a tool they used to threaten me.

But to me, Eda was the only one in this family who ever showed me real kindness.

"Release Eda, and I'll go to the palace," I said weakly, my voice barely above a whisper, but loud enough for them to hear.

*****

That night, I was locked in my room.

Eda was hurt so badly, and they didn't even bother to get her any help. She died that very night.

The night before I was sent off to the palace, they finally let me out. My face was blank as I stood before the grave where Eda now rested.

My hands clenched so tight my knuckles turned white, my throat tight with suppressed sobs. Tears kept streaming down my cheeks, and my shoulders trembled, unable to stop.

After putting the final touches on my hair and lips, I looked in the mirror—the woman staring back had never looked more stunning.

I rose slowly, approaching Pearl with measured steps.

Pearl curled her lips into a sly smile. "You really could topple kingdoms, Alice. I bet His Majesty will fall head over heels for you."

I didn't respond, but just addressed my mother. "Mother, I said I'd be taking half of the Howell family's assets to the palace. Have you prepared it?"

"Half? That's out of the question. Pearl's getting married in a few days. I have to set aside something for her as well," my mother replied.

I kept my eyes locked on Pearl, her provocation getting harder and harder to ignore.

I casually flicked my nails. "So, you really don't want to, huh?"

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm just—" my mother started.

Before she could finish, I ripped the hairpin from the back of my head and jabbed the sharp end straight at Pearl's face.

"Ah!" I cried out.

She couldn't dodge in time. A nasty slash opened up across her cheek.

Blood spurted from the wound like a fountain.

Pearl clutched her face, staring at me like I'd lost my mind. "Alice, are you crazy? How could you actually hurt me!"

My mother rushed over, panic all over her face when she saw the bloody wound. She shrieked, "No! My Pearl!"

'Pearl,' I sneered inwardly. 'That's the name she chose—her precious little treasure.'

She shot me a vicious glare, her hand already swinging up to strike my face.

I didn't even flinch, just stared at her palm hovering in front of me. "Go ahead. Hit me. Do it for your darling Pearl."

I gave her a cold, mocking smile. "I told you already. I want half of the Howell family's wealth. Get it ready, and I'll go."

She gritted her teeth. "The attendant of the King is already waiting outside. Are you really going to throw the whole family to the wolves over this?"

I just gave her a dismissive glance and refused to respond.

She gave Pearl a worried look as Pearl sobbed, then rushed to help her up. "Get a doctor. Don't let it leave a mark."

'No way that's happening. I went all in with that stab—she's not getting off without a scar,' I sneered to myself.

It didn't take long before everything was ready.

More than a dozen chests stuffed with gold and silver, plus a fat stack of deeds for houses and shops, were piled up right in front of me.

Magnus, who'd hauled it all over, shot me a glare and snapped, "Are you done? Can you go now?"

I looked around and said, "Where's Judy? I want her to come with me."