Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Tonya had been my confidante for so many years that she could understand my intentions with just a glance. As soon as our eyes met, she dropped to her knees with a thud.

"Your Highness, please have mercy. I am not worthy."

I sat calmly on the stool, sipping my tea, my voice low and steady.

"What is so dreadful about marrying me? Once I ascend to the throne, I will grant you freedom from the palace."

Tonya trembled all over. "Your Highness, please don't jest with me. I am terrified."

I set down my teacup and said, "Bring me the scroll."

Tonya, as if given a reprieve, quickly retrieved the scroll from the table and handed it to me. I examined it for a long time before finally selecting one person: Ryann, the sister of Landen, with whom I had studied.

In the painting, Ryann's smile was enchanting, her beauty unmatched. I was very pleased. Even if I were to marry her just to keep her near, she had to be someone pleasing to the eye.

After putting away the painting, I instructed, "Send a message to Landen, asking him to bring his sister to the Royal Palace tomorrow."

Landen, the prime minister's legitimate son, was well-educated, handsome, and as gentle as jade. If I were to revert to my female identity, he would actually be a suitable match. What a pity. Since he couldn't be mine, I hoped his sister could be of some use.

The next day, Landen brought Ryann with him. Our friendship since childhood had long dispensed with formalities, but he still bowed to me before sitting down after receiving my permission. He was a scholar, with an inherent gentleness, speaking neither too fast nor too slow.

"Your Highness, what is the reason you have summoned my sister and me?"

I looked at Ryann. Her face was so delicate it looked like it could melt, and her light yellow dress made her look even more beautiful. As a young lady who had not yet married, she rarely appeared in public, so this was my first time meeting her. When she saw me, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. It took her a moment to remember to bow.

"Greetings, Crown Prince."

Her voice was pleasant too. I looked her up and down, satisfied.

"No need for formalities. Your brother and I are as close as siblings ourselves. You can treat me as an elder brother."

"Sit down."

With my command, Ryann moved gracefully to a nearby stool and sat down slowly, her every movement exuding the elegance of a noble lady. But my next words nearly made her slide off the stool in fright.

"You are beautiful, and your figure is graceful. Become a part of the Royal Palace."

As soon as I finished speaking, Ryann's face turned pale, and she looked at me with a strange expression. Even the always gentle and refined Landen's face darkened.

"Scarlett, what madness is this? You've only met my sister once."

"How dare you!"

I raised my voice slightly, and the maids and servants immediately knelt down. But Landen, with his brows slightly furrowed, was not afraid and instead looked at me unflinchingly. Our gazes locked in the air for a long time before I finally conceded.

"Is it so wrong to fall in love at first sight?"

He snorted coldly. "Your Highness, your affection comes too late. Ryann already has someone she admires."

"Who?" I immediately asked. "Tell me quickly, and I'll deal with him."

Ryann knelt down. "Crown Prince, please spare me. I am terrified!"

"Become a part of the Royal Palace, and you will be the future empress. What, you are unwilling?"

She trembled like a leaf, her head hanging low.

"I am not worthy to serve Your Highness. Please, Your Highness, choose someone else."

"Alright." I was silent for a long time before speaking. "I do not wish to make things difficult for you. You can stand up now."

Ryann let out a huge sigh of relief and sat back down on the stool, but this time, she wouldn't even look at me. Landen's expression also improved, but just as he was about to speak, I interrupted him.

"Landen, since Ryann is unwilling to marry me, do you have any other sisters?"