My heart throbbed and my head pounded.

How could this happen? I had devoted my whole life to him! My very purpose and existence is for him! So… How… Did things end like this.

I was led by a guard, who did not want to touch me, for my filth. I was getting executed

“Elizabeth Masrques is executed due to an attempt to assassinate a royal member of the family, Prince Archer!

For her jealousy, greed and envy, this execution shall rid this filth landed upon this empire!

Glory to the Victorious Empire!”

I had no more tears left in me. I am so tired. Of everything....

The only crime I have committed is loving the Prince.

The hand dropped down.

The knife dropped, it was a clean cut.

If I was born again, I would never fall in love.

Before the execution

Elizabeth Masrques, a well known name. From a young age, she studied hard, learnt her manners and was distanced from others.

She fell in love with the Prince, only for himself, not for his wealth or rank.

She enjoyed her peaceful times with the Prince, memorizing the things he favoured, but he remained indifferent to her. Occasionally, he spoke in a soft tone.

Elizabeth preserved these memories, holding them dear to her heart. The Prince was the only person who made her feel good.  Her life was like picking flowers out of a massive garden.

She tried her best to please Prince Archer. But nothing worked. All her life, she had received no warmth. Her parents were both deceased. She grasped on to any happiness and was desperate for anyone’s love.

She became frustrated, her love became an obsession, she had expected too much.

But one day, all the flowers she had carefully picked, fell to the ground.

A mysterious girl suddenly fell from the sky, landing into the Prince’s arms. The Prince fell in love immediately.

The mysterious girl had wavy blonde hair, as if it was precious gold shining in the sunlight. Her pure red eyes were alluring and would make any man fall in love.

Her name is Chloe Ignat, a girl who came from another universe.

Elizabeth was lowered to a concubine and Chloe became the empress. Elizabeth hated each moment. The way the Prince smiled softly at Chloe but scowled towards her.

As she was finishing reports that the empress could not do, her pen broke. From her frustration.

“Dammit!” She mumbled under her breath.

What was the point in her life now?

Chloe entered the room, innocently.

“Your highness, what can I do for you?” Elizabeth asked, giving a bow

“Thank you for your hard work” Chloe said sweetly, her eyes shining

“It’s alright…”

The silence was filled with scribbling

“I never wanted to be an empress to be honest but it is overwhelming. I want to go back to my original country.” Chloe gloomily said

“Your highness! That is not something to say so lightly! The role of an empress is so important! As the mother of the la-” Elizabeth stopped herself.

She had gone too far.

Tears welled up in Chloe’s eyes.

“Your highness, I apologiz-”

Chloe ran out of the room, covering her face with one hand.

Tsk. You have everything I ever wanted. No, you took everything away from me. My love, my purpose, my life, my destiny!

Elizabeth continued with her work, working through the mountain of papers.

The Prince suddenly entered, slamming the door

“What have you said to Chloe!” He shouted

“I have done nothing-”

The Prince slapped Elizabeth.

“You disgust me.”

“Your majesty, I truly love you-”

“Take your clothes off then”

“But-”

“Isn’t this what you want?”

And yeah.

Elizabeth got pregnant. Rumors spread in the castle like wildfire

‘Oh my! Have you heard? The concubine is pregnant before the empress!’

‘I know! I’ve never seen the Prince go to the Empress’s room…’

The once innocent Chloe’s eyes were now murderous. She became cold towards Elizabeth drastically while remaining a sweet person in front of the Prince.

But… Tragedy struck.

Elizabeth was stabbed and lost too much blood along with her child. She grieved for a long time.

Soon, the empress was also pregnant, and the Prince held a massive celebration.

When Elizabeth heard of the news she laughed hysterically. Of course… When she was pregnant, the Prince did not care. She was delusional, to think of expecting too much, once again.

But the empress’s child was also murdered.

And Elizabeth’s father was accused.

Elizabeth was granted an audience with the Prince. She did not wear the tiara she was given. She hated everything.

“Your Highness…” Elizabeth curtsied

“My father was not involved in this matter! He would never do such a thing! Also, the Masrques family is loyal to the Royal family!” Elizabeth reasoned

The Prince was silent for some time

“Come here” He beckoned

“Hmph. Lick my shoes and I will consider pardoning your father.”

Elizabeth had no choice. Although she grew apart from her father, he was still her father. Elizabeth obeyed the Prince

A laugh rang in the empty room

“I never expected you. But desperation… Your father has already been beheaded” The Prince laughed, walking out of the room

Elizabeth grabbed a knife and stabbed the Prince

After stabbing the Prince her eyes widened, not realizing what she had done.

- Back to the present -

“Elizabeth Masrques is executed due to an attempt to assassinate a royal member of the family,!

For her jealousy, greed and envy, this execution shall rid this filth landed upon this empire!

Glory to the Victorious Empire!”

I had no more tears left in me. I am so tired. Of everything....

The only crime I have committed is loving the Prince.

The person let his hand down

The knife dropped, it was a clean cut.

If I was born again, I would never fall in love.

These were the last thoughts in me.

But I saw darkness. Where was this? Hell?

The only crime I have committed is loving someone. Tsk.

‘Fate can not be changed

But actions may change this

The events will happen again

So be careful

For betrayal, friendship and darkness awaits

Your actions may have a small impact on your destiny

But the result may not change 

Wander carefully,

For you have been given a second chance

Love is powerful,

But when it becomes and obsession,

Things take a turn

Fate awaits you

Tread carefully, 

My child.’

A voice rang out in the emptiness.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

Time passed but only silence filled the room before I woke up suddenly.

I was in bed and appeared to look much younger!

Is this some kind of joke?

“My lady! You have awoken!” A maid said, clapping her hands together in joy

“How old am I?”

The maid put her head to one side

“Are you alright? You are 10 of course!” She cheerfully spoke

10? That means… 6 years backward.

Another chance in this life. To make things right.

“Oh dear Eliza, was it a bad dream?” He asked sweetly, his eyes widening after seeing such emotion from his own child.

That night, I couldn’t fall asleep. Was this another lie? Another dream? I couldn’t define what reality and dream is by this point.

What could I do that would change my fate? But first, I need to do something about my weak body.

I spent the whole night thinking about what to do. I needed to train, become the heir of the Masrques family. I must bring honour. How about becoming a knight? Being able to handle a sword would be a huge advantage. I must absolutely become the successor of the Masrques family, it is the only way!

The next day came

“My lady, we must get ready for the audience with the King!”

And so we got ready. I changed into a simple blue dress with white mixed in. All the clothes I own are elegant and fashionable. My hair was let down, with braids.

We arrived at the palace and were escorted to the Emperor.

“Glory to the Victorious Kingdom, your majesty” I curtsied.

I felt relieved to have my father beside me. I held his hand tightly, never wanting to let go.

“Hello Elizabeth, have you been well?” The King smiled

“Thank you for asking your majesty, I am well” I politely replied

“Thank you for coming here even though your health isn’t very good Elizabeth. Would you like to wander in the garden? Your father and I need to discuss some… Matters”

“Then I shall take my leave” I bowed

I walked around in the garden. In my past life, I enjoyed the peace here. The gentle breeze and the never-ending warm sun. It made me feel slightly better…

I was deep in my thoughts, I didn’t know what to do. I have around 6 years until Chloe comes, and I need to prepare to become the heir of the Marsques family… Anything, to cancel the engagement with the Prince.

I walked silently when I looked up.

It was a sight I had not expected to see so soon. His very existence made me remember what happened.

Tears welled in my eyes as my body froze

The same blue hair, the same icy glare. The indifferent and expressionless person.

Cameron Archer!

“Don’t you know who I am?” He scowled

My body shook.

“Tsk. How rude and impudent. Who are you to wander in the Royal Gardens?” He viciously asked.

My heart hurt from the sight of him. I had made a grave mistake, fooling myself that I had fallen in love with him.