Chapter One


I was the crown princess of the Kingdom of Elansia, heir to the throne. But after the Empress passed away, I was raised under the care of my Aunt - the new Empress, who came from the royal bloodline of the elven clans.


The Emperor favored me, valuing not only me but the ancient alliance behind me from the Dawn Mountains.


From a young age, he often held me on his knee, pointing at the princes and young noble lords saying, "One day, when our little Anna will choose a husband among them, the Church of the Holy Radiance will host your wedding."


"Why  don't you stay in Starlight Palace forever, Anna? That way your Aunt can see you everyday."


In my previous life, I had loved the Crown Prince Reynold. I gave everything I had to help him suppress the feuding lords and ascend the imperial throne.


But after his coronation, he rewarded me with a silver shroud to force me to commit suicide and ordered the slaughter of my beloved Elansia bloodline. Fire pierced the towers. The skies ran red with blood.


Just before I hanged myself, he looked at me with hatred and said, "If not for you, I would never have lost Chara"


"She died from the miasma plague, and I could not even weep for her. She suffered so much. You should repay that tenfold."


"The massacre of Elansia is the punishment you brought upon yourself. You deserved it."


When I was reborn, it was the day the Emperor let me choose my future husband.


I looked up at him and the Empress and pointed towards her son - the Prince Kael. "I wish to marry Prince Kael"


....


The Empress - my aunt - watched me, the motioned for someone to bring forth the moon- silver scepter engraved with divine sigils.

"Anna, give the scepter to the one you love."

The Emperor laughed heartily. "Yes, whoever Anna chooses, I shall grant the marriage myself. Let the entire empire rejoice."

In the Crystal Hall, the crown prince stood on the upper steps beside the several princes. Noble daughters and high ranking officials were all in attendance.

As the princess of Elansia, my future consort symbolized both alliance and strength. All eyes were fixed on me. 

After all, marrying me meant gaining the most powerful in-laws in the realm. Which prince wouldn't desire such a match?

I descended the steps with the scepter in my hand.

Everyone smiled warmly, yet behind their eyes were questions and certainty. Everyone believed I had always loved the Crown Prince Reynold. Choosing him was, to them, the only possible outcome.


Reynold frowned and stepped back. Among the noble girls stood Chara, her eyes brimming with tears, ready to fall at any moment.


I walked slowly past the princes, step by step... The Crown Prince looked utterly repulsed. My cousin, Prince Kael, wore a playful smile, clearly waiting for a spectacle. Just that morning, in the Empress' quarters, he had scoffed: "You really can't read people, can you? Clinging to that cold face like him? With your honor bloodline? Seriously? Even the Prince Sig would be better."


And yet, in my previous life, when news of my execution reached the borderlands, Kael rode through the northern stomlands, changing horses repeatedly to reach the capital. By the time he arrived, my soul had already left my body.


He knelt before my coffin for three days and night, refusing food or rest, murmuring, "Anna.. it was my fault. I should have fought harder to stop you from marrying the Crown Prince.


I watched as his eyes turned red. 


Beside him, the Prince Sig stood with indifference. His mother was merely a concubine, of low rank, He knew well that the throne was beyond his reach, so he had no desire to compete.


I raised the scepter and moved to pass it toward the line of princes.


Suddenly, the Crown Prince stepped forward and dropped to his knees with a loud thud.


"Father, my heart already belong to another woman. Chara and I are deeply in love, I cannot marry anyone else, and she will marry no one but me."



CHAPTER 2

Chara's father was merely at night in the Royal Calvary holding no higher rank. By protocol, she had no right to even step foot into the crystal hall. The only reason she was allowed in today was because of her ties to the crown prince. 


As soon as the crown prince spoke, the entire hall erupted in murmurs. Chara looked demure And bashful, her eyes filled with adoration as she gaze at him. 


She stepped forward gracefully and knelt. 


"Your majesty, the Crown Prince Should haven't loved me, but my feelings for him are sincere. As long as I can stay by his side, i'm willing to be his mistress - even if I cannot be his wife." 


The crown prints turned to her, took her hand, and looked towards the emperor. 


" Father, I want to give Chara What she deserves. I only want her, and she must be my legitimate wife. I want to spend the rest of my life with only her."


The emperor was stared at him with visible disappointment. 


"Rey, Do you understand what you are doing?" 


The Empress found a Chara. A night daughter Dreaming of marrying the crown prince? It was nothing short of absurd. 


The emperor looked between me and the crown prince before speaking. 


"Today Is Ana's day to choose her concert. We will discuss your matter another time." 


But the crown prince lifted his head. 


" Father, I do not wish to marry Anna. My feelings for her are purely brotherly. If she insists on marrying me, then I will take both Chara and her as my wives. But on Our wedding night, I will only stay in Chara's chambers. 


The emperor was in fury And slammed the table. I quickly stepped forward To cut off the brewing argument. 


" Your majesty, do not be angry." 


I place the silver scepter into Prince Kael's hand. Catching the glimmer Of amusement still lingering in his eyes, I grasp His hand with satisfaction, then turn to the emperor. 


" I have made my choice. I will marry my cousin, Prince Kael."


The prince starred at us, stunned. But he quickly broke into a joyous smile and pulled Chara closer. 


" See, Chara? No one will try to take you from me now. I told you – You are the only one I will ever marry." 


The emperor and empress looked at him with the deep disappointment and sighed. 


" Reynold, do you truly not regret this? The marriage decree has not yet been issued. There is still time to change your mind." 


But the crown prints nodded the resolutely. 


" I want to marry Chara. I will never regret it." 


When I left the Starlight Palace, I encountered the crown print at the Palace gate. He was escorting Chara out. 


He glance at me with a sneer. 


" I have already told you I would never marry you. Today, you finally showed some sense and and gave your self way out." 


" since you have learned your place, perhaps after Chara and I are wed, you can come to starlight Palace as well." 


" but understand this – I will only give you a title. I won't touch you. I promised Chara That she would be the only one to bear my children." 


Chara leaned into him, cheeks flushed. 


" Your highness, do not say that.. We are not married yet." 


Then she glanced at me, Her eyes timid." Princess Anna, I never meant to take Rey from you But I truly love him. This is the first time in my life I have dared to fight for something I want. I hope you won't blame me."


The crown Prince held her close, his voice soothing. 


" silly girl, what are you afraid of? With me protecting you, no one can hurt you. One day, you will be the most revered princess in all Radiance City - even Anna had to bow when she sees you. 




Chapter 3 


I looked at that face – the same face that, in my past life, had slaughtered my kin for Chara's sake and sentenced me to death by silver shroud. The pain of that betrayal was something I could hardly bear to remember. 


But in this life, I would protect everyone I loved and cared for. I would never allow the same tragedy to repeat. 


Chara was granted the title of Princess and instantly became the talk of the radiance city. 


At knight's daughter, rising to such heights – it drove many noble daughters of great houses into a frenzy. 


People whispered in front of me constantly. 


" Your Highness, the crown prince has gone too far. How could he choose an unremarkable knight's daughter?" 


" You two grow up together, Yet he disregarded all those years of affection without a second thought." 


" I heard Chara bullies the week at home. She is selfish and greedy. What could the Crown Prince possibly like her?" 


What did he see in her? He once told me," Chara is pure, like a blank sheet of paper. She is not like you royal girls – Always screaming and fighting over jealousy." 


" that is why I love her She is artless and different from all of you. Not obsessed with power or wealth." 


I smiled faintly. This time, I would watch and see for myself whether they're so called love could truly endure – If they could truly spend a lifetime as one heart, one soul. 


Because I had chosen to marry my cousin, the Empress, my aunt, what's overjoyed. She summoned me to the palace and open the Elven treasury. Letting me choose my magical artifact as a wedding gift. 


As I left the palace, my arms full of treasures, I run into Chara, who had just finished paying her respects to the Empress. Her eyes were red, and she was wiping away tears, her expression sour. 


When she saw me And the handmaiden behind me carrying on our way of treasurers, a flash of jealousy gleam in her eyes. 


" Princess Anna." 


" How fortunate you are. Her Majesty has gifted you so many jewels." 


I looked at her and reached for the top most accessories. 


" Chara, this magic crystal suits your eye color. How about I give it to you – as a congratulatory gift for becoming princess?" 


Before she could speak, the Crown Prince appeared. 


" What need does Chara have for gifts from you? Ask my wife, I can give her everything she want." 


He looked at her with concern. 


" why are you crying?" 


Then his gaze shifted to the entourage behind me, his expression darkening." Anna, Chara Has no interest in such Gaudy things. Take the magic crystal back." 


" You know the Empress does not like her. What are you trying to do by flaunting the treasures she gave you in front of Chara?" 


" She is my wife. Even without a dowry, she will still be the most in with woman in radiance city." 


How amusing. A bride whose only elders would not even bestow blessing her wedding blessing? 


I could hardly wait to witness the farce that would be the royal wedding. 


Chara's stepmother had only prepared a few trinkets for her. Her father, being a low ranking knight, had no means to procure crystals or jewelries. Where could such wealth possibly come from?




Chapter 4


In radiance city, when a royal daughter married, it was customary for her to receive hundreds of magical treasures from across the world a wedding gifts. Search this place were not just tradition – they were necessary. Without them, the brides status would be called in the question, and whispers would inevitably follow. 


I was not sure what Chara had cried to the crown Prince about, but the very next day, he came to my castle himself. The moment he saw me, he got straight to the point. 


" Anna, If you still wish to marry into starlight Palace, I gave my word and will honor it. But you must respect Chara first." 


" she only received a few dozen gifts, while you have over 100. How can you possibly outshine her like this?" 


" Chara has a gentle heart. She suggested we pretend your wedding gifts us hers and carry them into starlight Palace under her name. He will take 80 of them. We could make things right." 


" once inside the starlight Palace, the store that gets in your Private vault. This way, her dignity are preserved, and no one will accuse Chara of coming into the Royal House empty hand." 


I nearly laughed. How could Chara came up with something so brazen. She wanted 80 of my gifts, to keep her reputation intact and her image pure, all while claiming my treasures for herself and still appearing magnanimous. 


I shook my head. 


"Your highness, these gifts were blessings from the emperor and the empress for my future life. They are symbols of their goodwill. Giving them away would be disrespecting that kindness." 


" Besides, you and Chara Are deeply in love. Why we lie on material things to validate that band? Chara has always claimed to disdain worldly possession. If you insist on using my gifts to elevate her, won't she feel insulted, as though you are ashamed of her humble background.?" 


The crown princw let out a cold laugh. 


"Anna, you have said all this just because you do not want to learn the gifts to Chara." 


" Let me tell you: If you agree to lend them, I will keep my promise. Once you enter starlight Palace, I will let you bear my children. But if you refuse, do not expect anything more than a decorative title. I wont set foot in your chambers." 


I looked at him calmly. 


"Your highness, I never said I wanted to marry you." 


His face darkened as he stood up and glared at me. 


"Fine, since you are stubborn do not blame me for what comes next. Your wedding carriage will enter starlight Palace through the side gate - No formal procession, honor." 


Just then, I made from Chas household step forward, holding a gown. 


"Your Highness, this is the princess wedding Dress. We found it in her wardrobe as you instructed. Take a look." 


I stood up sharply. 


" what are you doing with my wedding dress?" 


The crowned Prince with his hand. 


" pack it up and send it to Chara's house." 


Then he turned to me and said, 


" You are not worthy to be my bride. This gown is far too exquisite – it will only make people laugh my family. Only Chara can wear things like this in our wedding. 


Are you rush forward to grab it, but he shove  me back. 


"Enough!. There are limits to your tantrums. You won't lend the wedding treasures, and you have no right to wear this dress. What is the point of snatching it back?" 


"How could the Crown Prince stealing my brides wedding gown?"



Chapter 5 


Kael stepped forward and caught me then look coldly at the Crown Prince. 


"Anna Is my wife. This is our wedding. Should she not wear A beautiful gown?" 


"Pressuring my bride for her thrashers and stealing her wedding dress. Things like that are disgraceful. Do you not fear damaging your own reputation?" 


The crown Prince starred blankly at the two of us, his voice a murmur. 



" What? Your wedding?" 


That was just something Anna said in a fit of anger to provoke me. She never meant it." 


I smiled. 


"Your highness, I made myself clear in the great hall. The man I wish to marry is Kael. He just did not believe me." 


Kael gently pulled me into his arms. 


"Come, My mother sent many gifts to welcome you into the family. See if there is anything you like. These are treasures rarely seen even in 1000 years – Make sure to show them off. Let the other nobles envy you." 


As he spoke, the Crown Prince suddenly grabbed my hand from behind. 


"Anna, do not marry him." 

"Why are you doing this? Haven't You always wanted to marry me?" 


"You you told me you loved only me – didn't you?" 


Kael stepped in, pushing his hand away. 


" Brother, she is my wife now. She is no longer someone you can claim to." 


"Besides, his Majesty has set our wedding date. It will be held on the same days I see yours – Let us make it a grand celebration." 


Without another glance at his brother, he took my hand and walked away. 


On the day of already, the Empress – my aunt – Send a royal officiant to oversee every detail of my departure from the palace. 


A grand wedding gown, a beautiful heavy crown, and then the officiant  handed me scepter. 


"Princess, this is a gift Kael specifically arrange. You are to hold this scepter throughout the procession. May you be blessed by the light forever and find eternal happiness." 


Under the veil, I smiled. In my previous life, I had only realized Kael's feelings for me after death. Thankfully, in this life, it was not too late. 


As the carriage  was lifted amid joyful music, Kael road ahead on horseback, radiant and confident. 


"Anna!" 


The carriage was suddenly stopped. 


"Anna, do not marry Kael! Anna! It was the crown prince. 


Kael dismounted in one swift motion. 


"Your highness, today is my wedding day with Anna. It is also your wedding day with Chara. Instead of attending your own ceremony, why are you here causing a scene?" 


By his side, an entire entourage knelt on the ground – Servants, officiants, maids and members of Gwen's household. 


Yet the crown prince ignored them, trying to rush to my carriage. 


"Let me Speak to her. She is only marrying you out of spite, not love. Kael, you know she never truly liked you." 


Kael snapped sharply. 


"Do you  not understand basic decorum? Today is your wedding day. If you ruin the auspicious hour, are you prepared to face the emperor's wrath?" 


He was also a Prince – When he truly got angry, no one dare to defy him. The servants trembled and scrambled to restrain the crown prince. 


"Your highness, The hour is upon us! You must change and prepared to receive your bride. If we miss the time, and the emperor and empress blames us, we are all doomed!" 



The crown Prince broke free, shouting. 


" anna!" 


I lifted the curtain and my veil, looking down at him coldly. 


" Your highness, today is Kael's and my wedding day. We choose this time carefully, so please do not delay our ceremony." 


" I was young and naïve once, mistaking admiration for love. But I have grown up. The one I truly love is Kael, not you." 


"Kathy, we returned the box to his highness." 


I gave the order to my maid . 


Kathy gestured, and the servants brought forth a large box. I looked directly at the Crown Prince. " These are the old gifts you gave me. I now returned them all. From this moment on, we are even." 


He stood frozen, let me in disbelief. 


" how could this be? All I did was marry Chara. Why must you leave me for another? Does the title of Princess really matter that much? 


"You a Royal daughter of Elansia. Even if you were not my rightful wife, once you entered starlight Palace, who would dare disrespect you? I never would. So I go to such lengths?" 


I give him a look of contempt and lower the curtain. 


" move out." 


Kael swung onto his horse. 


" let's go!" 





Chapter 6 


As the music played again, the wedding procession passed the crown Prince and slowly move on, him standing alone in the middle of the street. 


My wedding with Kael had gone perfectly, while chaos reportedly erupted in a starlight palace during his own ceremony. 


The Crown Prince had arrived too late. Although Chara was not happy about it, the lure of becoming a princess was simply too great. In the end, she still got into the ceremonial carriage With a smile. 


But the meager blessings and gifts offered by her families stirred up another wave of gossip in the Radiance City. 


" Are you kidding? Is the Gwen family really this poor? She is marrying into the starlight Palace, and this is all they brought? 


"The Gwen family Is run by her stepmother now. Chara is lucky to get anything at all from her birth mother." 


" did you see how small that Crystal box of blessing was? Nothing like the hefty chest the  princess and Prince Kael receive before her wedding." 


" Come on,Kael's bride is a princess from Elansia. Chara's just a knight's daughter. It is not even a comparison." 


" What was the crown Prince thinking? Giving up the Elansian princess for a mere knight's daughter?" 


" girls from such low born families Can they really handle royal life life? Honestly, she already looks so petty and provincial." 


" The Crown Prince must be regretting it. He even tried to block princess Anna wedding carriage This morning. Cost a whole scene and Ended up late to his own wedding. 


This whispers grow louder and eventually reach the years of both crown prince and Chara. 


That night, Chara waited in the bridal chamber but the crown prince never came. When she finally lifted her own veil, She realized he had gone off to drink alone in the study. 


The room was a mess, filled with the gifts I had once given him – all thrown aside. 


Drunk and slurring, he mumbled. 


"I always thought Anna would never marry anyone but me. I only meant to marry you first to humble her a little, and once she softened, I'd bring her in as well.." 


" Who knew she wouldn't wait even a single day... She actually went through with it. She married my younger brother..."


"She always said she loved me the most..."


Chara could no longer hold back her tears and burst into sobs.


"Your highness, I am your wife, your crown princess. Tonight should have been our special moment, yet here you are thinking about another woman."


"If words of this gets out, how am I to face anyone tomorrow?"

" You told me you only loved me! You said you hated how spoiled and willful Anna was, you said you did not want a pampered Royal like her. And now, on the night of our wedding, you drown your sorrows over her?" 


" it is too late. No matter what you do, she is already your brother's wife." 


The next day, news that the Crown Prince and his bride had not consummated their marriage reached the emperor and empress – And soon spread across radiance city. 


When Kael and I Went to the palace to greet them, we run into the crown Prince and Chara. 


" I have already heard what happened last night in the starlight Palace. Even if the crown prints was being reckless, as his wife, you should have counselled him calmly. Instead, you cause a scene. Is this how a crown princess should behave?" 


" the Royal consort I want is someone poise, intelligent and dignified. You are none of these things." 


" I was against your marriage from the beginning. Ray insisted on marrying you. Now look at the result – You are simply unfit to be his wife." 



" you are no better than a foolish woman, crying, fighting, jealous will be on reason. What a joke." 


" From today, the mistress of ceremonies from my palace will return with you to the starlight Palace undefined she will stay by your side and teach you court etiquette and rules." 


" If after a period of time, you still failed to improve and when back The Crown Prince favor, then you would not be able to keep your title any longer. 


Chara collapse weakly  to the floor." Yes. I understand.." 


As we left the empress chamber chara glance at me, her eyes breaming with unshed tears. 


" You must be so pleased with yourself. I married a crown prince and lost his favor, while  you married and he treasures you like a gem.