The woman stood before dozens of soldiers surrounding her, fearless. The sword in her grasp had become a spear of conviction, her burning spirit streaked with the dried crimson of battle.

Her eyes roamed like a predator, scanning for any potential threat, making anyone who dared step forward think twice—they knew she was not to be underestimated.

Her face was stern, unwavering as she faced her opponents, yet her charm remained, even with dust and dirt smudging her features.

Then, she raised her sword high, as if giving a command. She let out a loud battle cry, and the fight began.

What had led to this?

It all started with a decision she had made six months ago…

...Beauty On The Battlefield...

.......

.......

That morning, Serah walked alone down the corridor leading to the palace garden. It was still very early, yet she had already prepared herself to greet the day with a bright face and a gentle smile.

However, as she passed Louis’s work place room—the man she loved and was engaged to—Serah heard something that immediately made her feels uneasy.

A soft moan slipped through the walls, stirring a strange anxiety and curious in her heart.

Why is there a woman’s voice coming from Louis’s workplace room? She whispered to herself.

Guided by instinct, Serah stopped her steps toward the garden and quietly moved closer to the study door.

The sound grew louder, more distinct, and she could hear the deep breathing of a man from within.

"Helena, are you teasing me on purpose?"

Serah froze. She recognized the voice—it was Louis.

"No…, this can’t be...," she muttered, covering her mouth with one hand.

Slowly, she bent down to the level of the keyhole, peeking inside to confirm what she feared.

"Louis, how long must we play this game with Serah? I’m tired of always giving in," Helena purred, her voice teasing, almost intoxicating.

"Patience, Helena," Louis replied, pinching her chin affectionately. "Once I control her kingdom, I will announce to the world that you are to be the Queen!"

Serah’s heart sank. So all along, Louis had only used her. She had never been meant to be the Queen—just a pawn in his plan.

"Really?" Helena’s eyes sparkled, and she pressed closer to Louis’s chest, a smile stretching across her face.

"Of course. You will be the only Queen of this kingdom," Louis said, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it.

"Ah, you!" Helena blushed, her face turning red. "But what about Serah? You can’t claim her kingdom without marrying her, right?"

"Don’t worry," Louis said, embracing Helena. "I will marry her only because it’s required, but she will be nothing more than a consort. The title of Queen belongs to you."

Helena tightened her embrace. "You’re the best. I love you even more."

Meanwhile, Serah listened from outside, her hands clenched into fists, teeth grinding, shoulders tense. She longed to burst in and strike them both, yet she held herself back.

Do you think your plan will succeed, Louis? I will not let Regina fall into your hands, she swore in her heart. From that moment, she vowed never to rely on a man for protection again.

.

.

.

Afterward, Serah continued her stroll in the garden, breathing in the fresh morning air and gazing at the open sky. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for Regina.

"Good morning, Your Highness Serah," greeted a young knight passing through the garden, a place beloved for its morning beauty, full of blooming flowers.

"Good morning, Glen," Serah replied with a bright smile, though her heart still ached from what she had just witnessed before.

The young knight froze, astonished that the princess knew his name. His cheeks flushed in the sunlight that bathed the garden.

"You…, you know my name?" He asked, his gaze immediately shifting to the red flowers swaying gently in the morning breeze below him.

"Of course," Serah said with a small, teasing smile. "You pass here every day, and people greet you. How could I not know your name?"

Glen’s embarrassment deepened, but a small warmth blossomed in his chest. He absentmindedly plucked a few leaves from nearby.

"I feel so foolish," he chuckled, scratching his head as leaves fell from his hands.

Serah laughed softly at his awkward charm. For a brief moment, the morning felt lighter, almost serene.

They are talked quietly for a while, sharing thoughts about the palace and their favorite places in the palace to hanging out around.

But the peaceful atmosphere shattered when a booming voice echoed through the garden.

"Serah, what are you doing there?!"

The man strode confidently, his presence commanding as he made his way out toward the garden.

Everyone immediately bowed in respect as he passed, including Glen, the young knight, who followed suit.

He moved along the winding garden path, flanked by rows of crimson roses swaying gently in the morning breeze. When he reached the center, a decorative fountain came into view, crowned with a statue of a celestial maiden. Around its base, asters danced softly with the wind, their delicate petals glowing under the soft sunlight, adding a serene contrast to the commanding presence of the man.

"We were enjoying the morning and the beauty of the garden. Care to join us, Your Highness?" Serah replied calmly, a faint edge of irony in her voice.

"Nonsense," Louis snorted. "Come inside. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Serah did not reply, bowing slightly instead. "If you don’t mind, I will have breakfast in my room today."

Louis froze mid-step, then turned back, noticing something different in her. Her dark eyes shone with a sense of freedom he had never seen before.

"Very well, as you wish," he said, trying to mask his surprise.

The man tried to act as if nothing had happened, maintaining a composed expression, even though Serah’s request was the first time anyone had ever refused to have breakfast with the king.

After Louis retreated into the palace, Serah waited a few steps, then followed him discreetly.

I will not be trapped in your political games, Louis. I will prove that not everything can be controlled or orchestrated by you!

Serah stared sharply at his back. Her hands clenched into fists again as she recalled the man’s words, his intention to seize control of her small kingdom.

She would protect her kingdom, her people, and herself. But first, she had to leave the palace.

Leaving would not be simple. It could risk lives if attempted carelessly.

She couldn’t just leave the palace and return to Regina without a clear and reasonable excuse. The only plan that came to her mind at that moment was to make Louis himself drive her out of the palace. Serah intended to annoy and frustrate him every single day until he grew tired of her—and in the end, he would send her back to Regina. Only then would she immediately end their engagement.

Would her plan succeed?

.

.

.

To be continued…

A/N : Um hi, hope you guys enjoying the story, English is not my main, i hope i am doing best here.

Thank you for read ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

She sat alone in her spacious and magnificent room, quietly enjoying her breakfast. The sunlight poured in gently, filling the room with a warm, soft glow. She had deliberately opened the large windows, wanting to take in the clear expanse of the blue sky, where birds flitted gracefully back and forth in the morning air.

Serah gazed out, a faint, composed smile playing on her lips. Everything was silent, yet imbued with a sense of peace. The only sound came from the gentle clinking of the knife and fork as they met her plate. There was no need for her to witness the false display that Louis had put on today.

Ah, Louis. Just the thought of him caused a subtle shift in her mood, stirring a quiet tension within her as she considered the mysteries surrounding that man. A single, pressing question lingered in her mind ever since she had discovered the truth: Louis maintained a secret relationship with Helena, one of the palace servants. How long had this special connection existed? Had they grown close only recently, or had they perhaps shared a bond even before she had entered the palace?

Serah remained composed, yet internally, a small unrest gnawed at her. She could not allow herself to accept the possibility that she might have been regarded merely as a tool.

As her thoughts drifted while contemplating Louis, a sudden knock echoed at the door of her chamber.

“Come in.”

With a firm and composed voice, Serah granted permission to whoever stood outside to enter her room.

“Good morning, Your Highness.”

Several servants stepped inside while pushing a food trolley plated in gold.

“We have brought the dessert.”

The golden trolley was wheeled further into the room, revealing its splendor—an assortment of exquisite cakes accompanied by beverages that looked refreshing and carefully prepared.

The servants immediately began transferring the contents of the trolley, arranging everything neatly upon the table.

“Did you enjoy the breakfast that was prepared for you this morning?”

A tall man with a solid build and a commanding presence stepped inside without hesitation. At once, everyone bowed deeply in respect.

“Your Majesty Louis,” the servants spoke in unison.

Serah, who had been calmly enjoying her meal, rose from her seat and offered a slight bow to King Louis.

“Your Majesty, everything you have provided is truly exceptional,” she said gently, offering polite praise for the king’s consideration.

“That is enough. Please, sit back down,” Louis said, motioning for Serah not to be so formal with him.

“Thank you, Your Majesty…”

Serah returned to her seat at the dining table.

Louis pulled the chair across from her and sat down without delay. A servant immediately poured tea into a high-quality ceramic cup bearing the royal insignia for Louis.

“I hope my visit has not disturbed you, Princess Serah,” he said while lifting the teacup in his hand.

“No, on the contrary, I feel honored by your presence,” Serah replied.

The man observed Serah as she continued eating her breakfast with calm composure, as though all her attention was focused solely on the plate before her. She did not even glance in his direction, and such behavior was unusual. Serah would normally devote her entire attention to the king, gazing at him with eyes filled with admiration and brilliance. For reasons unknown to him, her demeanor had changed this morning.

“Would you care to accompany me for a walk in the garden later?” Louis asked, his eyes never leaving her, as though testing an unspoken suspicion.

“I regret that I cannot, Your Majesty,” Serah answered politely, without hesitation.

“Oh?” Louis paused, surprised, though he quickly masked it. “And may I ask why?”

“I plan to finish several books I am currently reading today.” Serah glanced toward the large wooden bookshelf behind Louis, polished to a flawless sheen and standing solidly against the wall.

“I see. I was unaware that Princess Serah had taken up a new hobby,” Louis remarked, feigning mild surprise. In truth, he knew she had never been fond of reading and assumed she was merely offering an excuse.

Serah met his gaze with a serene smile. She carefully placed her fork and knife beside her plate, resting them upon a clean white napkin.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and Germania by Tacitus.

“Have you ever heard of these books?” she asked, her voice light, as though answering his unspoken doubt.

“I have heard their names, but I am not truly familiar with them,” Louis admitted, a faint tension slipping into his tone. He had not expected her to mention such renowned works on warfare. He himself had never read them—only heard of them through others.

“They are remarkable books,” Serah replied. “You might consider reading them as well. They may prove useful in the future.”

A faint smile touched her lips as she noticed the subtle shift in Louis’s expression.

I must be cautious. Something is not right about her, Louis thought. This was not defiance—this was a quiet, deliberate challenge.

“In that case, I shall take my leave, Princess Serah,” he said at last, realizing there was nothing more to gain from staying.

Louis rose from his seat. The attendants bowed once more. Serah inclined her head deeply in respect, remaining seated.

“Thank you for your visit, Your Majesty Louis,” she said as she watched him depart.

After he left, Serah allowed herself a faint, knowing smile. She would no longer play the role of his admirer. Instead, she would focus on strengthening herself and preparing for what lay ahead. Sooner or later, Louis would inevitably grow weary of her.

After Louis had left and the servants had cleared out of the room, Serah closed the door behind her and locked it tightly. She walked toward the window, still wide open, and gazed out at the vast expanse of blue sky above. A gentle breeze brushed against her face, and for a moment, Serah closed her eyes, savoring the caress of the wind.

“Regina, I will return soon…,” she whispered softly to the wind, her voice carrying a quiet determination.

......................

Meanwhile, Louis walked through the palace corridor, radiating a dark aura. He truly felt challenged by Serah’s demeanor earlier. He strode toward his study, irritation written across his face. The two guards on duty exchanged uneasy glances.

Upon entering his study, he immediately vented his frustration by pounding his fist heavily on the desk.

“How dare she underestimate me!” he exclaimed, breathing heavily. “What exactly is she trying to do?” Louis struggled to control his emotions. His gaze shifted to his own bookcase.

“Damn it!” he muttered in frustration, yanking open the glass-covered wooden cabinet with such force that the sound echoed through the room.

He pulled out several books and began searching through them.

“Nothing…,” he said after checking the volumes he had taken out.

He continued to pull out more books, stacking them on the desk. “Still nothing!!” he shouted again, his annoyance growing.

After several books were removed and piled high on the desk, the object of his search was still nowhere to be found.

“Arghh, damn it!!” he groaned, flinging the remaining books from the cabinet to the floor.

“GUARDS!” he called loudly, summoning the men stationed at his door.

“At your service, Your Majesty!!” The two guards quickly opened the door, entering and bowing in respect.

“Call Sir William here immediately!!” he barked, an outburst of his pent-up emotion.

“Yes, Your Majesty!!” the guards responded instantly, moving swiftly to carry out his command.

“Serah…, don’t think you’re clever in front of me…!” he muttered, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Louis paced back and forth in the room, books scattered across the floor and piled on the table.

The door then opened. A man, older than him, with short, wavy dark brown hair and matching eyes, stepped inside and walked directly toward the king.

"Your Majesty Louis," he said respectfully, bowing. "Is there anything I can assist you with?" He raised his head, surveying the unusually chaotic room, his gaze fixed on Louis as if silently questioning the state of the room.

"William, do you know of the books The Art of War and Germania?" Louis asked, unable to restrain his curiosity any longer.

"Ah, yes, I am familiar with both," replied the advisor, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "But why do you ask?"

"Can you find these books?" the king asked seriously, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "I have many volumes, but it seems my collection is lacking, and I want these two. Is it possible?" He stood amidst the disordered stacks of books.

William fell silent, as if he now understood what had caused the room’s chaos.

"I apologize, Your Majesty. But you should know, these books are extremely difficult to acquire," William replied politely, not intending to disappoint the king.

"What do you mean? You cannot get them for me?" Louis seemed unable to accept the answer. His breath grew harsh as he stepped closer to William, who bowed his head instinctively. "Did you not hear me? I want these two books," he repeated, leaning in near the advisor’s ear.

"The books you seek are very rare, owned only by a few kingdoms. But I will make every effort to obtain them for you," William stammered slightly. He knew better than to upset Louis; a wrong move could cost him dearly.

"Good. Now go quickly," Louis commanded, his tone still firm and unwavering.

"Yes, Your Majesty," William replied, bowing once more before leaving the room.

Still feeling irritated, Louis finally sat at his desk, now buried under piles of books. He leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to control his emotions.

The man paused, as if contemplating something. The irritation on his face slowly twisted into a faint, knowing smirk. He rose from his seat and left the room.

Outside, he addressed the two guards stationed at his door.

“Clean up everything inside,” he ordered coldly.

“I want the room completely restored before I return.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” the guards replied in unison, immediately entering the room.

Louis cast one last glance inside, ensuring they moved swiftly, before turning away and leaving.

.

.

Louis made his way to one of the chambers where female servants were trained under Beatrice, the head lady-in-waiting of the palace—a woman of forty-two years who oversaw the education and discipline of new servants, particularly those selected to serve the future Queen.

He stood at the doorway, his eyes scanning the room, when they caught sight of Helena practicing her walk.

She moved stiffly, her steps lacking grace and fluidity, despite having once been a noblewoman before arriving at the palace as a servant.

Yet Louis was not focused on her posture.

His attention lingered instead on her as a woman.

Helena was undeniably beautiful—golden hair, flawless skin, softly curved lips, and an ideal figure. She knew how to choose dresses that accentuated her body’s strengths, unlike Serah, who favored modest gowns in solid colors, devoid of excessive ornamentation.

Louis’s gaze halted when Helena turned around.

She startled upon seeing him standing at the doorway.

“Y–Your Majesty, Louis!” she exclaimed reflexively, bowing deeply.

“Your Majesty!” the other servants, including Beatrice herself, followed suit at once, lowering their heads in unison.

Louis smiled, seemingly pleased by how swiftly the servants reacted upon noticing his presence. He raised his right hand slightly—a silent gesture acknowledging the respect shown to him.

The King then walked toward Beatrice. Instinctively, the younger servants stepped back, pressing closer to the walls. Helena did the same, retreating to the far right corner of the room.

For a brief moment, as everyone else kept their heads lowered, Louis and Helena exchanged a glance.

The King’s blue eyes met Helena’s green ones in an intimate pause—her lips curving into a faint, alluring smile.

But the exchange lasted only a heartbeat.

“Lady Beatrice,” Louis spoke at last,

“how is their progress?”

“They are all doing remarkably well, Your Majesty,” Beatrice replied, still keeping her head bowed as she addressed the King.

“What about Helena?” Louis lowered his voice slightly, making sure the question would not carry, ensuring that only Beatrice could hear him clearly.

The head lady-in-waiting fell silent for a moment. Her posture stiffened, discomfort clearly written in her body language. Slowly, she lifted her head halfway.

“Your Majesty,” she said, bowing slightly once more.

Louis seemed to understand that Beatrice had something she wished to explain, and he said calmly, “Come with me, Lady Beatrice.”

Louis walked ahead toward the exit, with Beatrice following close behind.

They stopped at the doorway, speaking quietly while keeping an eye on the room behind them, making sure none of the servants approached close enough to overhear their conversation.

“Tell me, Lady Beatrice,” Louis said, pressing the matter that had been left unanswered. “What is wrong with Helena?”

“Helena is still very inexperienced and far from understanding the full etiquette of the court. I fear that… she may not be able to take part in the offering for the future Queen,” Beatrice answered hesitantly. She was simply trying to be honest. She feared Helena’s service would be unsatisfactory in the eyes of the future Queen.

“What do you mean by that? She cannot participate?” Louis’s voice sharpened. “She is a special offering from me. How could a gift personally chosen by the King himself be deemed unfit to take part?”

His gaze was sharp, almost threatening, as though daring the head lady-in-waiting to stand by her judgment.

“Your Majesty, I would never dare,” Beatrice bowed deeply, fully aware of the King’s displeasure at her assessment.

“I don’t care,” Louis said firmly. “Include Helena in today’s offering of attendants. And you will be responsible for educating her until she improves. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty Louis. I will prepare Helena to participate today,” Beatrice replied. She had no choice but to comply, even though Helena was utterly unfit. This was a direct order from the King.

“Good. Prepare them at once. After that, we will go to meet the future Queen.”

Louis left without another word, having given Beatrice an order that weighed heavily on her shoulders. Helena was extremely difficult to manage—too young, not yet twenty, willful, undisciplined, and fond of acting on her own whims. She constantly broke rules. She should have started as a junior servant or worked in the kitchens, not been sent directly to serve a Queen.

Beatrice let out a quiet sigh and straightened herself once Louis had disappeared from view. She returned to the room, her gaze sweeping over the fifteen young servant girls gathered there, her expression dark.

“This afternoon, I will take you before the Queen. Seven of you will be chosen. And Helena—especially you—you will also take part as a special offering.”

A wide smile immediately spread across Helena’s face. She stood tall and arrogant, as though she had already surpassed the other, more senior servants. Several pairs of eyes turned toward Beatrice, silently questioning the fairness of this decision.

“Prepare yourselves. This is a direct order from King Louis. No one is allowed to object,” Beatrice said in a firm, authoritative tone. Her eyes flicked toward Helena, who was still standing proudly. “Even if that person is a useless girl,” she muttered quietly. “I am certain she will cause trouble someday.”