The room was decorated majestically; the big bed at the centre looked small, highlighting how spacious the room was.

“Marian, prepare a bath and a change of clothes for me,” Lily said, turning to her ladies-in-waiting. She flicked her hand, dismissing them, then sighed deeply, sitting on the bed and looking at Liora.

“I need to get out of these clothes,” she said, pointing at the splash of dried blood at the hem of her dress. “It was too chaotic, I forgot all about it,” she added.

When she was a mere baron’s daughter, she had always wished for a mother. But once, she wondered how it would have been if she had been born into a family of higher standing. Now that she was in the princess’s body, she came to understand that despite all the glamour and power, she was just a woman being used as a tool for political purposes by both her father and the emperor she was to marry. Despite the guards surrounding her, her life was at risk every moment. But none of that could compare to what she had experienced at the hands of her father and former husband, and for that, she was grateful for this second chance.

Liora stared at the absent-minded Lily, who was gazing vacantly into nothing.

“Lily,” she said softly, pulling her out of her reverie. “We’ll be in the capital in the next few days, and things will be even more chaotic than this. But know that every step of the way, I’ll be there for you,” she said, holding out her hand.

Lily sighed, this time in relief and reached out toward Liora’s extended hand. But her hand passed right through Liora’s, prompting Liora to laugh heartily as Lily scratched her nose, moving awkwardly on the bed.

“Why?” Liora said. “You forgot I’m a ghost?” she asked, amusement still in her voice. “I do sometimes forget about it too until someone passes through me,” she said with a smile.

Then she stopped smiling, and her grin widened as she moved closer to Lily. Lily knew Liora was up to no good by that grin and shivered, looking down at her arm to see imaginary goosebumps.

“What’s wrong?” Lily asked.

“Lily, if you had an opportunity to change your groom from the emperor to the archduke, would you take it?” Liora asked.

Lily’s jaw dropped at the absurd question. “What type of question is that?” she asked, stammering, her eyes wide.

“I mean, he’s very handsome, rich, and powerful. I’m sure he lacks nothing compared to the emperor. Plus, he’s the most eligible bachelor in the capital and popular even among the female ghosts,” she said, shrugging.

Lily jumped from the bed. “Marian! Thank God you’re here,” she said, running to the gate as she spotted Marian entering with the other maids. Liora burst into laughter, and Marian stopped in her tracks, surprised by the princess’s sudden enthusiasm.

“I just need a wash,” Lily said, scratching her nose. “Let’s go,” she added, entering the bathroom. She sighed in relief. “Why does she always create scenarios in her head?” Lily muttered under her breath as Marian moved to unbraid her hair and help her undress.

Meanwhile, Liora left the bedroom, swishing through the air and humming a tune.

“It’s so fun to tease her,” she said to herself. “And there’s the man of the hour,” she added, spotting Lucien outside the hall. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed him putting on his body armour.

“Tonight is going to be difficult,” Lucien said to his guard, who was helping him with his body armour. His voice was solemn.

“It looks like everyone in the capital is out to get her,” he added, glancing in the direction of Lily’s bedroom. Liora followed his gaze.

“Your Highness,” the guard said, “at first the plan was to watch and do nothing. What changed?” he asked, and Liora’s ears perked up.

Lucien kept his eyes forward. “I don’t know what changed now, but we can figure that out later,” he said, his voice weary. “But I’m not going to let her die, not just yet.”

“Dispatch some guards to stay in the villa,” he ordered. “Protect her at all costs.” He looked toward the butler. “Serve her dinner in her room. She’s had quite a scare today, so make sure she hears nothing about this,” he added.

The butler and maids nodded.

“Aaaaw,” Liora said, looking at Lucien. “I’ll be sure to advocate for you. Team Lucien!” she added, throwing her fist into the air.

“Your Highness!” came a voice from outside. “The guards and His Highness Prince Evander are here.”

Lucien nodded and motioned to the butler before exiting the hall, Liora following close behind.