Marked by the Ruthless Princess

After the uninvited guest left, Lina Riley once again admired her newly acquired weapon. Daisy Harper was already asleep, and Lina, unwilling to disturb her, fetched water herself, washed up, and prepared for bed.

But in the stillness of the night, unusual sounds were impossible to hide. Lina's ears twitched at a faint noise. She lightened her steps and waited beneath the courtyard wall.

Sure enough, before long, a figure appeared at the top of the wall and jumped down with practiced ease. Lina expected a graceful landing, but instead, the person fell flat on their face.

"Ouch! Good thing no one saw that."

By the moonlight, Lina recognized her visitor—Lana Warren. Lina sighed inwardly. She spoke without emotion: "Miss Warren, what business brings you here so late?"

Lana startled, then flushed with humiliation and anger. She flipped herself upright but, in doing so, aggravated her injuries and winced in pain. Lina sighed again, guessing her night's rest would be further delayed. "If you don't mind the humble surroundings, please come in and sit."

Despite the cold sweat of pain, Lana still carried herself with arrogant pride, nose in the air. She followed Lina inside and took a seat, surveying the room.

"You live in a place like this? How shabby," she scoffed.

This was not the first time someone had called Lina's home poor or shabby. Although it was true, hearing it repeatedly stung just a bit. In her previous life, Lina's battlefield achievements had brought wealth and prestige. Yet she spent most of it on caring for her weapons, armor, and the families of fallen comrades. She never bothered adorning herself or improving her surroundings.

Her mind drifted before she remembered her purpose. "Miss Warren, what brings you here?"

After her initial contempt, Lana raised her chin proudly. "Why hide your strength? Revealing it would only benefit you."

She continued, "Earlier today, you avoided meeting anyone's gaze. Now, in the dark of night, with no one watching…"

Lina, deciding more light might help, rose and brightened the lamp. Glancing back, she noticed a fresh wound near Lana's ear. Lina frowned. "Your injury—?"

Lana covered it hastily. "Don't ask. My mother hit me."

Lina raised a brow. So Lady Wang Fu had given her daughter a beating. "Why?"

Lana's lips quivered with grievance. "All because of you! Everyone knows about your father. I suggested my mother recruit you, and she thrashed me for it."

Then she grew smug. "She forbade me from seeking you out, but who am I to obey?"

Lina couldn't resist a retort: "A reckless noble who gallops through the streets, perhaps?"

Lana's eyes widened as though Lina had slapped her. "What nonsense! I got beaten for your sake, can't you be a bit grateful? Look how your father treats you. Wouldn't you rather change your name and join me and my mother? Life would be better."

Coming here in the dead of night to poach her—only Lana Warren could attempt such a thing. Lina shook her head firmly. "I serve only one person."

Lana looked disappointed. She had suspected this outcome. After all, the Crown Princess hadn't killed Lina during their duel. Lana had been close enough to overhear Lucille's words: "The one I choose cannot merely win by chance."

It was clear enough.

But the Crown Princess was infamous—ruthless enough to slaughter her siblings and nieces and nephews. Working under someone like that meant always guarding one's neck.

A strange thought occurred to Lana as she studied Lina's face in the warm lamplight. Simple red garments broke through the cold night's darkness. Lina's gentle features carried a determined edge, exerting subtle pressure on those who met her gaze.

Lana softened, feeling oddly envious. "You're so good-looking. Be careful."

Lina was puzzled. "Careful of what?"

Lana leaned in, voice low and wary: "Careful that the Crown Princess doesn't take a fancy to you."

Horrified by such words, Lina quickly pressed a hand over Lana's mouth. Such talk was dangerous! "Mind what you say."

Lana, intimidated by Lina's sternness, nodded dumbly. Once freed, Lana shrugged and tried to regain composure, but Lina's next question tumbled out timidly: "Am I…am I truly good-looking?"

Shocked, Lana sneered, "Not good-looking? Are you blind? Compared to you, what am I? Don't show off. If you're just pretending to be modest, I'll knock some sense into you!"

Misunderstanding Lina's uncertainty, Lana's tirade poured forth. Lina tried to clarify, "You misunderstand—"

"Where did I misunderstand?" Lana challenged.

Lina grew somber. "Someone once told me I look ordinary."

"Who said that? They must be blind!" Lana erupted, outraged on Lina's behalf.

Lina didn't answer. That someone had been Victoria Ashwood. No matter how high her status rose, there were always more beautiful Heavenblessed noblewomen in the royal courts. Lina, scarred by battle and never polished, always felt lacking. Victoria's evasive words had only deepened her self-doubt.

Remembering that emptiness, Lina let out a bitter laugh. "Let's not talk about the past."

Lana sensed Lina's vulnerability, a mix of pity and frustration welling inside her. She sprang up, planting a foot on the table. Unfortunately, the table cracked under the pressure. Teapot and cups crashed to the floor. Lana slipped, nearly tumbling onto the sharp shards.

At the last second, Lina kicked Lana back onto the chair, saving her from serious injury.

Lana clutched her chest, furious. "Why such a hard kick?!"

Lina reined in her sorrow over her ruined table. "I was in a rush," she replied dryly.

Rubbing her chest, Lana realized she must leave before her mother discovered her absence. Forcing bravado, she declared, "Don't be so timid. Learn from me. Now, I'm off."

She limped away, but before stepping out, Lina halted her. "Wait."

Lana spun, impatient. "What now?"

Lina offered a vial of medicine. "This will help heal your wounds."

Surprised by Lina's kindness, considering how poorly Lana had treated her, Lana hesitated. She snatched the vial and huffed, unwilling to admit gratitude, then vaulted over the wall and vanished.

Lina patted her hands together, gazing at the moon. "Beautiful night."

She longed for sleep, but fate had other ideas. Footsteps again! Lina, half-closing her door, seethed. Who now, in the dead of night?

Stalking toward another section of the courtyard wall, she prepared to catch this new intruder. A figure landed gracefully this time—no clumsy fall. Lina aimed a low sweep, tripping the newcomer.

"Ah!" the startled cry was oddly familiar. Lina, irritated but curious, refrained from further assault.

Moonlight revealed Winifred Falkner's face. Lina sighed—did these two share a brain?

"I ask again: what business do you have here?" Lina demanded. Winifred was cunning and wouldn't visit without reason, especially at midnight. Lina's sleep was forfeit either way.

Winifred propped herself up, blinking in confusion. "Miss Lina, what are you doing here?"

Lina's anger soared. "I live here. Of course I'm here!"

Winifred looked around, realization dawning. "This is your home?"

Lina glowered as Winifred scratched her head sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I got lost. Could you tell me the way to the Fuluke Tavern?"

Lina's face darkened further. The Fuluke Tavern was at the other end of Nymor Avenue. How long had Winifred wandered?

She sighed, heart softening, "Return the way you came and head west to the end."

Winifred repeated, "Oh, west. Thank you. I'll treat you another time!"

She climbed back over the wall. Lina, concerned, leaped onto the wall and shouted after her, "That's east!"