Marked by the Ruthless Princess

From the moment Lina Riley first met Lucille Everard, she could never truly understand her, not even after living a second life.

The force pressing down on Lina's weapon was immense. She struggled to hold her ground, for Lucille was clearly giving it her all. Without using her full strength, Lina risked being killed on the spot.

A cracking sound echoed as the spear's shaft began to splinter under Lucille's pressure. The Crown Princess's smile widened with the fracture. Lina dared not lose focus. She pushed hard to create distance, but Lucille allowed no respite—her next attack followed instantly.

Lucille showed no mercy, every move lethal. Lina had no choice but to defend. One misstep sent Lina tumbling off the platform. Lucille chased after her without pause, leaping down to continue the assault.

Lina rolled swiftly, a sword tip grazing her cheek with ruthless precision but leaving no wound. Above, Lana Warren stared, stunned. She staggered to the edge of the platform, watching the deadly duel below. The sheer ferocity of their exchanges left her trembling. She only wanted a rematch, not this bloodbath! Lucille's infamous cruelty made it likely that Lina would perish today. Lana's face paled. Guilt pricked at her heart.

At first, Lina managed to parry, but soon her weapon failed. It broke into two pieces, and Lucille's blade neared her shoulder. Just when Lina thought she'd be wounded, Lucille abruptly withdrew her sword and delivered a swift kick, sending Lina rolling across the ground again.

"Cough, cough!" Lina clutched the broken spear half, using it as a crutch to stand. During this brief lull, Lucille did not attack.

The audience was silent. All eyes were locked on the two of them, the other contestants reduced to unimportant extras. Until now, everyone had looked down on the Riley family's second daughter. She'd always seemed timid and insignificant. Even her earlier display of decent archery had garnered only mild surprise.

But now they were genuinely shocked. Lina Riley could exchange blows with the Crown Princess herself—albeit at a disadvantage. Who would have imagined such skill from a girl presumed spineless?

Lucille Everard's reputation was terrifying. She had once single-handedly slaughtered a bandit fortress of a hundred men without a scratch. And Lina could face her, however briefly?

Pity. Now that Lucille had intervened, Lina was doomed.

Wiping blood from her mouth, Lina tasted the familiar bitterness of combat. Her right hand, gripping the broken spear, trembled with rage and fear. She locked eyes with Lucille. "Is this still not enough to prove myself to Your Highness?"

If anything, Lucille seemed more exhilarated. She raised her sword, smiling brightly. "Come then, prove it to me."

Lina sighed softly. She quietly shifted the broken spear from her right hand to her left. The spectators didn't understand her intent, guessing perhaps her right hand was injured or that she'd gone mad from terror. Only Lina knew she intended to face this challenge more earnestly.

Though the spear was broken, the section with the spearhead remained long enough to be used effectively.

Her demeanor changed, recalling the days of her youthful valor. Calmly, she said, "Then, Your Highness, please guide me."

A spark of admiration flickered in Lucille's eyes along with mounting excitement. She felt a long-lost pressure and welcomed it.

Soon, only the clash of steel rang out. Both fighters unleashed their full might, no holding back. Lana, closest to the action, realized a crucial detail: Lina was left-handed. In the previous match, Lina had deliberately fought with her right hand, effectively handicapping herself. Lana fumed at the thought that Lina never considered her a worthy opponent, yet she couldn't deny Lina's prowess.

In Lina's first life, she had often crossed paths with Lucille—mostly while fleeing. Rarely had she confronted the Crown Princess head-on like this. She knew she still couldn't win.

She smirked bitterly. Survival mattered more than victory. She'd been reborn and wouldn't die the same way again. Steeling herself, Lina planned a desperate move. She wouldn't block the next strike. Instead, she'd break off another piece of the spear's shaft and thrust directly at Lucille, aiming for mutual harm.

As blade and spear rushed towards a deadly stalemate, Lucille showed no fear. Her eyes shone with intoxicating excitement. Many among the crowd shut their eyes, dreading the gruesome result.

Yet the expected outcome never came. Lina underestimated Lucille. In that critical moment, Lucille tossed aside her sword and poked sharply at Lina's wrist, forcing the spear fragment from her grasp. Without her weapon, Lina's forward momentum carried her straight into Lucille's arms.

The faint scent of plum blossoms filled Lina's nose. Overcome by a sense of loss and weakness, her knees threatened to buckle. A hand slid around her waist, steadying her.

All murderous intent vanished. Lina heard Lucille's gentle laugh, "Now is not the time to sleep."

Lina's body went rigid. She tried to push away, but Lucille's arm was like a steel chain. Realizing Lucille had stopped attacking, Lina ceased struggling. Still, their closeness was outrageous. In full view of everyone, they stood nearly embracing. Lina lowered her head. "I concede, Your Highness. Do as you will."

In truth, Lina wanted to live, so she risked a glance now and then to gauge Lucille's mood. She felt a light touch on her neck, like that fateful night. Lucille's hand found a tiny wound there—so small Lina hadn't noticed. Lina tried to touch it and brushed Lucille's fingers. So cold, inhumanly so. She quickly pulled back her hand, apologizing, "Sorry."

No reply. Lina lifted her eyes and found Lucille's gaze on her, seemingly filled with concern. Lina almost laughed at herself. The Crown Princess feeling concern for her? Impossible.

She dismissed the thought. Their closeness violated all decorum. Lina quietly said, "Your Highness?" hoping Lucille would release her.

At last, Lucille let go. Lina's hands still trembled; this second life proved more stimulating than the first.

Lucille cast a glance at the broken spear lying in three pieces, then walked toward Lana. The once-arrogant warrior now knelt, trembling and silent.

With a cold voice, Lucille declared, "I believe she (Lina) deserves first place. Any objections?"

Head bowed, Lana dared not challenge her. After witnessing that duel, she knew she stood no chance. "No objections."

Lucille's gaze swept the crowd. "Anyone else dissatisfied?"

A chorus responded, "Long live the Crown Princess's wisdom!" Someone started it, and the entire crowd followed, their voices halting instantly as Lucille raised her right hand.

Lina watched Lucille's poised back, marveling at how fate blessed this woman with beauty, absolute power, and remarkable talent. Self-doubt gnawed at Lina's heart. In her previous life, she'd opposed this perfect ruler, but now that she thought about it, was Lucille ever truly wrong?

Lucille knew nothing of Lina's changing perspective. She announced, "Lina Riley shall be champion."

All eyes turned to Lina. Once ignored, she now stood openly recognized. Lina accepted the result quietly, her heart calmer than expected.

Lucille turned and met Lina's gaze, stepping closer to pat her shoulder. "This was an exception. Next time, don't risk your life against me."

As Lucille began to leave, Lina called out, "Your Highness, have I earned your approval?"

Lucille paused, as though amused, and shook her head without turning around. "I acknowledged you from the start."

Lina's heart skipped a beat. She watched the princess's back vanish from sight, silent and thoughtful.

On her journey home, Lina drifted in her thoughts, letting the horse guide her aimlessly.

"Riley! Stop right there!"

Lana Warren's furious shout shattered her reverie. Lana's injuries still plagued her, but she forced herself to ride after Lina, eyes blazing.

Lina worried for Lana's health, but Lana's nostrils flared. Though less insulting than before, she still demanded answers: "Why did you hide your true strength?"

Lina smiled wryly. "There were many reasons."

Lana sneered, "You have such ability, yet you lurk in the shadows while the kingdom faces peril. Without the Crown Princess's involvement, would you hide forever?"

Lina was silent. She had indeed planned to remain hidden if not forced otherwise.

Snorting, Lana whipped her reins and galloped away.

Lina shook her head, grinning. "She hasn't changed at all."

In her previous life, Lana never returned after storming off like this. But Lina sensed that this time, they would meet again.

Her spirits lifted, Lina resolved to embrace her fate as a general.

As for marriage or love? Best to forget it.

Why did Lucille's face flash in her mind at that thought? Lina quickly banished the notion.

She mockingly scolded herself: "Your courage grows too bold, Lina Riley, daring to covet what you cannot have."

Softly, she murmured, "Don't overstep, Lina. One must remember their place—subject and sovereign must remain as they are."