- 12 hours ago
The Selection of Shadows
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My sister and I competed to crown princess.
00:02The day we entered the palace, mother spiked my soup with sweet brew.
00:04My cheeks flushed crimson before their majesties.
00:06I fumbled my words.
00:07The empress frowned slightly.
00:09She's pretty, but her bearing is too flighty, unfit to be crown princess.
00:13My sister Edith was praised for her poise and noble grace.
00:16I hurried home in dismay.
00:18I begged father to intervene.
00:19You brought this on yourself.
00:20Who's to blame?
00:21Edith may be adopted, but she knows her place.
00:24The Shaw family will fully support her.
00:27Half a month later, the decree arrived.
00:28Edith was appointed a secondary consort.
00:31As for me, for my disgrace before the empress, I was betrothed to the prince of Hanum, who'd buried three
00:35wives.
00:36The night before the wedding, I asked my mother why she did this.
00:38She just said,
00:39You've always had it easy.
00:40Edith's life's been hard.
00:41You shouldn't compete with her.
00:42I was married off into Hanum.
00:44The prince was cruel, quick with his whip.
00:46Within three years, I was thrown into a mass grave, just like the three wives before me.
00:50As I took my last breath, I heard a maid whisper,
00:52The crown prince is emperor now.
00:54Madame Edith's pregnant again and made noble consort.
00:57The shahs are heaped with glory.
00:59I opened my eyes.
01:00I was back on selection day.
01:01Mother held a bowl of sweet soup, beaming at me.
01:04Eleanor, drink this.
01:05Put some color in your cheeks before you meet their majesties.
01:08I stared at her.
01:09Willow leaf brows, slender eyes, a small mole on her right cheek.
01:13I got her eyes and brows, but not the mole.
01:15Edith had it.
01:16As a child, I once naively asked,
01:18Why does Edith look more like you, mother?
01:20She's adopted, isn't she?
01:21Her face darkened.
01:22Dilly child.
01:23Upbringing shapes a child.
01:25Edith isn't mined by blood, but she might as well be.
01:27She slapped me.
01:28Never mention the adoption again.
01:30It upsets Edith.
01:32Pushed back the memories.
01:33I took the soup.
01:34Then turned to Edith beside me.
01:36Edith, before we enter the palace,
01:38let me offer you this soup in a tosat.
01:40Whichever one of us was chosen,
01:41may we always support each other and honor our family.
01:44She was startled.
01:45Panic flashed in her eyes.
01:47She knew what was in that soup.
01:49You're too kind.
01:50I've already eaten.
01:52If I ate any more, I would feel bloated.
01:54I might seem improper before the Empress.
01:56I smiled knowingly, then raised my voice.
01:58What's wrong?
01:59You're always telling me to eat more.
02:00Said men prefer women with some meat.
02:02Why won't you take one sip?
02:03The room went silent.
02:05Father frowned, about to speak,
02:07when Mother suddenly gasped.
02:08Her hand brushed the table's edge.
02:10The bowl slipped and shattered.
02:11Shards flew everywhere.
02:13Soup spilled across the floor.
02:14Eleanor.
02:15Mother scolded, feigning annoyance.
02:16You're about to enter the palace.
02:18And still so clumsy.
02:20What if you'd spilled that on your sister's dress
02:22and delayed the procession?
02:23She fussed anxiously over Edith's clothes.
02:26Edith wore a moon-white gown with cloud patterns.
02:28It looked simple,
02:29but the fabric shimmered as she moved.
02:31That was from weaving in western silk.
02:33She wore pearl and kingfisher feathers.
02:35They made her skin look like snow.
02:37Elegant and ethereal.
02:38Those were Mother's most valuable dowry pieces.
02:41Remade by a court jeweler.
02:42But I was.
02:43In garish yellow and green.
02:44Stuck with gold and ruby pins.
02:46Mother picked them herself.
02:47Saying my fair skin could handle bright colors.
02:50She'd caked my face with rouge.
02:52I looked garish.
02:53Like an opera actress.
02:54Last time,
02:55I entered the palace looking just like this.
02:57Among all the elegantly dressed girls,
02:59I was a walking joke.
03:00I heard Eleanor's the capital's beauty.
03:02She's not all that.
03:03Shh.
03:03She is beautiful, actually.
03:05But her mother dresses her in hideous clothes.
03:06Calls it retro chic.
03:08I used to think they were jealous
03:09because my mother did everything for me.
03:11So everyone knew.
03:13She was sabotaging me.
03:14The carriage was ready at the gate.
03:16Edith and I said goodbye to our parents.
03:17Father, Minister Shaw,
03:19glanced at my gaudy outfit.
03:20He frowned slightly,
03:21but only said,
03:22The palace has strict rules.
03:24Mind your words and actions.
03:26He handed me a food container.
03:28Your mother made this soup for you early.
03:30You didn't even touch it.
03:32So willful.
03:33Take it with you.
03:33Finish it all.
03:34To Edith,
03:35he spoke gently.
03:36Edith,
03:37be careful.
03:38Everything's arranged.
03:39Edith was the daughter of father's old friend.
03:41Her parents died young.
03:42She came to us when she was six.
03:44Her name was entered into the family tree.
03:45She became the eldest Shaw daughter.
03:47Father pitied her for being orphaned.
03:49Mother treated her as her own.
03:50And me,
03:51their real daughter,
03:52I was the extra one.
03:53I used to think mother neglected me
03:54only to please father.
03:55But in my past life,
03:56as I lay dying on a broken bed
03:58in a corner of the prince's manor,
04:00Tracy went back to the Shaw house to visit.
04:01And she accidentally overheard them talking.
04:03And she accidentally overheard them talking.
04:05My mother was weeping.
04:06Don't worry, my lord.
04:08Edith is noble consort now and pregnant.
04:10Her future's bright.
04:11My late sister would be pleased.
04:14But about Eleanor...
04:15She laughed coldly.
04:16Her?
04:17The prince has a temper,
04:18but she's his legitimate wife.
04:20If she behaves,
04:21she might still have a good life.
04:23And if not,
04:25that's her fate.
04:26Edith was indeed father's old friend's daughter.
04:29That old friend was mother's sister.
04:30Father was in love with her first.
04:32They were engaged.
04:33But at a banquet,
04:34she was framed.
04:35She spent a night with a groom.
04:36Her reputation was ruined.
04:37To save the family name,
04:38grandfather made mother marry father instead.
04:41That poor aunt was sent to the countryside.
04:43She gave birth to Edith.
04:45A few years later,
04:46she died of despair.
04:47Father, still pining for his lost love,
04:49brought Edith to our home.
04:50Mother's love for Edith was never an act.
04:52She was her niece.
04:53Her late sister's only child.
04:55In my past life,
04:56I heard those words.
04:57My heart turned to ice.
04:59As my last breath rattled,
05:00I stared at the ragged canopy above me.
05:02I swore that if I had another life,
05:03I'd make them pay in blood.
05:05Now,
05:05I'm back.
05:06I don't want this so-called family.
05:08I'll make you wish
05:09you were dead.
05:11Carriage rattled toward the palace.
05:13Inside with me was a matron from the palace.
05:15She was a trusted attendant to the empress.
05:18I took a deep breath,
05:19took off those heavy gold and ruby pins,
05:21pulled out my handkerchief,
05:22dipped it in my water pouch,
05:24and wiped the thick rouge from my face.
05:26Matron Smith's eyes flickered with surprise.
05:28I pushed the jewelry toward her.
05:30Gaudy as they are,
05:31they're solid gold and real gems.
05:33It's worth a lot.
05:34Thank you for the trouble.
05:35These trinkets are a burden to me now.
05:37If you don't mind,
05:39please take them.
05:40Just a small token.
05:41Matron Smith had seen everything
05:42at the Shaw residence.
05:43She said nothing.
05:45Just watched.
05:45Now she took the jewelry,
05:47waded in her hand,
05:48and tucked it into her sleeve.
05:49You're too kind, Miss Shaw.
05:50She paused.
05:51As if mentioning it casually.
05:52Forgive my boldness,
05:54but the orchid handkerchief in your sleeve
05:56has quite distinctive stitching.
05:58Is it from the Grant School in Riverton?
06:00My heart jolted.
06:01This handkerchief was my grandmother's.
06:03She came from a Riverton embroidery family.
06:05Her embroidery was famed throughout the capital.
06:07I was little when she got sick.
06:09She only had time to leave me
06:10a few handkerchiefs and some garments.
06:11She only had time to leave me
06:13a few handkerchiefs and some garments.
06:14She said,
06:15Eleanor, I have little to leave you.
06:18Keep these embroideries.
06:20If you're ever in trouble,
06:21sell them.
06:22They'll help.
06:23Later, when she passed,
06:25Mother took most of her things.
06:27Said she'd keep them safe for me.
06:29Only these handkerchiefs survived
06:30because I kept them on me.
06:32In my past life,
06:33suffering in the Prince's manner,
06:34I thought of selling them for a doctor.
06:36But the Prince was cruel.
06:38He took even this last comfort
06:39and threw it in the fire.
06:41Matron Smith's sudden mention
06:42made me wonder.
06:43But I kept calm.
06:44You've a sharp eye, Matron.
06:46It's the Grant embroidery.
06:47Matron Smith nodded and said no more,
06:49closing her eyes to rest.
06:51But I filed it away.
06:52The Empress favors Grant embroidery.
06:53In my past life,
06:54after Edith was chosen,
06:55she sought out a Grant embroiderer
06:57to make the Empress a phoenix screen.
06:59It won great praise.
07:00The carriage stopped at the palace gate.
07:02We changed to sedan chairs.
07:03For Elite Palace.
07:04All the way.
07:05Edith sat perfectly poised,
07:06graceful, and composed.
07:07I sat quietly,
07:08my mind racing.
07:09The selection isn't a one-shot deal.
07:11First round,
07:12Family and looks.
07:13Second,
07:13Talent and virtue.
07:14Final,
07:14chosen by the Empress and Crown Prince.
07:15Last time,
07:16I was out in the first round
07:17for my impropriety.
07:18Edith made it all the way
07:19and was betrothed to the Crown Prince.
07:21This time,
07:22step by step,
07:23I'll walk her path
07:24and make it my own.
07:25This time,
07:26step by step,
07:27I'll walk her path
07:27and make it my own.
07:28The first round was at
07:29Elite Palace's main hall.
07:30Over 30 noble girls
07:31stood in three rows
07:32as the Empress and consorts
07:34made their choices.
07:35Edith stood ahead of me,
07:36poised like a lotus.
07:37When her turn came,
07:38she knelt gracefully,
07:39her voice clear.
07:40Greetings,
07:41your majesty
07:43and your highnesses.
07:45The Empress nodded slightly.
07:47Raise your head.
07:47Edith looked up slowly,
07:49respectful,
07:49but not fawning.
07:51Hmm,
07:51pleasing features,
07:52proper bearing.
07:53The Empress turned
07:54to Consort Doris,
07:55smiling.
07:55Minister Shaw's daughter?
07:57Indeed,
07:57Consort Doris smiled.
07:59I hear she excels
08:00at just music painting.
08:02Quite the talented girl.
08:03Yes,
08:04the Empress nodded.
08:05Keep her name.
08:06Edith thanked them
08:06and withdrew.
08:07As she passed me,
08:08a faint smile
08:09tugged at her lips.
08:10My turn came.
08:11I stepped forward steadily.
08:12Knelt as required.
08:13Greetings,
08:14your majesty
08:15and your highnesses.
08:16Raise your head.
08:17Looked up,
08:18my gaze calm.
08:19The Empress studied me a moment,
08:20her brow relaxing.
08:21Your makeup is too plain,
08:22but your natural beauty
08:24shines through.
08:25You remind me of someone
08:26from my youth.
08:28You remind me of someone
08:29from my youth.
08:30She then asked,
08:32You're also a Shaw girl.
08:33Which are you?
08:34The second.
08:35My elder sister is Edith.
08:37Untripping with jewels?
08:39The other,
08:40plain as day.
08:40Do your parents play favorites
08:42and dress only one daughter?
08:44Even fingers
08:44aren't the same length.
08:46A parent's love
08:47is no different.
08:47My sister is so gifted.
08:49No wonder they dote on her.
08:50Even I would gladly give her
08:51the best of everything.
08:53Praising her,
08:54but really,
08:54I was subtly accusing her
08:55of being spoiled
08:56and unkind to her sister.
08:57Keep her name.
08:58Breathed a sigh of relief.
08:59I passed the first round.
09:01Those who pass
09:01must stay at Elite Palace
09:02for a month,
09:03learn court rules,
09:04and undergo further selection.
09:05Edith and I got different rooms,
09:06but shared the same courtyard.
09:08After settling in,
09:09Edith came to find me.
09:11Why did you say those things?
09:14Her tone was gentle,
09:15but her eyes held reproof.
09:17We both made it in.
09:19We should support each other.
09:20Talking like that
09:21might make people think
09:22I'm some kind of tyrant.
09:24You misunderstand,
09:25Edith.
09:25I only spoke the truth.
09:27You are gifted.
09:28I can't compare to you.
09:30She studied me for a moment,
09:32then suddenly smiled.
09:33You've really grown up.
09:35Well,
09:35from now on in the palace,
09:37we must stand together.
09:40You're right,
09:41Edith.
09:41After she left,
09:42I closed the door
09:43and smiled coldly.
09:44That evening,
09:44Matron Smith came by
09:45with a rule book.
09:46I took the chance
09:47to offer her a pouch.
09:48For your trouble, Matron,
09:48just a small token.
09:49She waited in her hand
09:50and felt the gold seeds inside.
09:52You're too kind, Miss Shaw.
09:53Forgive my boldness,
09:54but the final round is coming.
09:56Your talent showcase
09:57will be crucial.
09:58The Empress favors
09:59grant embroidery and music.
10:02The Crown Prince
10:03prefers chess and writing.
10:05Thanks for the guidance.
10:06And,
10:07her voice dropped lower,
10:09your sister has been
10:10visiting consort.
10:11Doris quite often.
10:13You must be careful,
10:15Miss Shaw.
10:15You must be careful,
10:17Miss Shaw.
10:18Alarm bells went off
10:19in my head.
10:20Consort Doris is
10:20Prince Julian's mother.
10:21He and the Crown Prince
10:22don't get along.
10:23Everyone knows it.
10:24Edith has already
10:24aligned herself with her.
10:26After Matron Smith left,
10:27I thought back to my past life.
10:28Of course.
10:29Soon after,
10:29Edith was chosen.
10:31Consort Doris' family
10:32was promoted.
10:33Prince Julian's power grew.
10:34The Prince of Hanum,
10:35who beat me to death,
10:36was one of his men.
10:37So, from the very beginning,
10:38the Shaws played both sides.
10:40They wanted the Crown Prince,
10:41but didn't want to offend
10:42Prince Julian either.
10:43Quite a scheme.
10:43Ten days before the final round,
10:45Elite Palace held a talent preview.
10:46The girls showed their skills,
10:48competing in music,
10:49chess,
10:49and dance.
10:50It was dazzling.
10:50Edith performed a masterpiece,
10:52her playing exquisite and ethereal.
10:54She won everyone's praise.
10:55When my turn came,
10:56I chose embroidery.
10:57On a plain white silk handkerchief,
10:59using the grant technique,
10:59I embroidered a cluster of orchids.
11:01The stitches were fine.
11:02The colors subtle.
11:03The best part was the dewdrops.
11:04I used special silk threads.
11:05When light hit them,
11:06they glistened like real water.
11:08When light hit them,
11:08they glistened like real water.
11:10The matron in charge saw it
11:11and nodded repeatedly.
11:12This grand embroidery takes
11:14at least ten years to master,
11:17for someone so young
11:19to reach such a level.
11:21Plus then,
11:21the Empress came to observe.
11:23She walked over to me,
11:24took the handkerchief,
11:25and studied it closely.
11:26Her eyes showed approval.
11:27Exquisite work.
11:28This dewdrop stitch
11:29was thought to be lost.
11:32Sharp eye,
11:32Your Majesty.
11:33My grandmother taught me.
11:35I'm clumsy and barely learned it.
11:36Your grandmother was...
11:38Sandra Grant of Riverton.
11:40The Empress's eyes flickered with surprise.
11:41Sandra's own granddaughter.
11:43When I was young,
11:45she taught me embroidery herself.
11:47But that's ancient history now.
11:49But that's ancient history now.
11:51She set the handkerchief down
11:52and said warmly,
11:53Prepare well.
11:54I look forward to your performance.
11:56Thank you, Your Majesty.
11:58After the Empress left,
11:59Edith's face visibly darkened.
12:00That evening,
12:01she came to find me.
12:03When did you learn Grant embroidery?
12:05I had no idea.
12:06Grandmother taught me
12:07before she passed.
12:08In my spare time over the years,
12:10I've just played with it.
12:11Edith said it off-handedly.
12:12Back then,
12:13Edith was still living
12:14at the country estate.
12:15Quite the hidden talent.
12:17She smiled,
12:18without warmth.
12:20Still,
12:21in Elite Palace,
12:22showing off too much
12:23might not be wise.
12:24You should remember.
12:25The tallest tree
12:27catches the most wind.
12:29You're right,
12:30Edith,
12:30replied meekly.
12:31But inwardly,
12:32I smiled coldly.
12:33Already rattled?
12:34The best is yet to come.
12:35Already rattled?
12:36The best is yet to come.
12:37Three days before the final round,
12:39something happened
12:40at Elite Palace.
12:41Consort Doris gifted each girl
12:43a palace flower
12:43as encouragement.
12:44Mine was a begonia silk flower,
12:46delicate and pretty.
12:47But Edith's peony silk flower
12:49went missing.
12:50And at the bottom
12:51of my jewelry box,
12:52an identical flower
12:53was found.
12:54Her eyes instantly welled up.
12:56She told the investigating matron,
12:57Don't know how it got there.
12:59If you wanted it,
13:01Eleanor,
13:01you only had to ask.
13:03Why do this?
13:04Suddenly,
13:05all eyes were on me.
13:07Stealing a gift from the palace
13:08is a serious offense.
13:09At best,
13:10you're expelled.
13:11At worst,
13:11your family pays too.
13:12In my past life,
13:13Edith pulled similar tricks,
13:14accusing me of stealing
13:15her jade pendant.
13:16I was sentenced to kneel
13:17for three days.
13:18Now she's using the same play.
13:19Quite the pro.
13:19Now she's using the same trick.
13:21Quite the pro.
13:22I stared calmly
13:23at the silk flower,
13:24then said,
13:24Edith,
13:25may I take a closer look?
13:26She hesitated,
13:27then handed it over.
13:28I took it,
13:28studied it carefully,
13:29and smiled.
13:30Edith,
13:31this flower isn't the one
13:32Consort Doris gave you.
13:34What are you talking about?
13:35She snapped.
13:37They're identical.
13:39Similar, maybe.
13:40I held it up to the light.
13:42The flowers
13:43Consort Doris gave us
13:44have gold threads
13:45along the petals.
13:46They glint in sunlight.
13:48This one doesn't.
13:49Edith had indeed hidden
13:50the real flower
13:51in my things.
13:52But after being framed
13:53by her so many times,
13:54I knew all her tricks.
13:55At home,
13:56with our parents so partial,
13:57no matter how obvious the lie,
13:59they'd take her side.
14:00But this is the palace.
14:01No one here will play along.
14:02This is the palace.
14:03No one here will play along.
14:04The others leaned in to look.
14:06Sure enough,
14:06Edith's face went pale.
14:07And the flowers
14:08Consort Doris gave
14:10all have a tiny
14:11Doris
14:11stitched in the center.
14:13This one doesn't.
14:14How did you know
14:15it was yours
14:15without even looking?
14:17Do you think only you
14:18deserve a peony flower?
14:19The head matron
14:20took the flower,
14:21examined it,
14:22and said firmly,
14:22It's not there.
14:24How can this be?
14:26Someone must have set this up
14:28to drive us apart.
14:30Please see the truth.
14:32The matron's eyes turned cold.
14:34I hear you've always been
14:35the favored one at home,
14:36taking all your sister's clothes
14:37and jewelry.
14:39And now in the palace,
14:40you pull the same stunt.
14:42You lose something,
14:43won't take responsibility,
14:44and try to blame someone else.
14:46How virtuous.
14:48I'll report exactly
14:50what I saw to Her Majesty.
14:52That was harsh.
14:53Edith's face went
14:54completely white.
14:55That night,
14:55she burst into my room,
14:56all pretense of gentleness gone.
14:58Eleanor Shaw,
14:59you did this on purpose.
15:00She burst into my room,
15:02all pretense of gentleness gone.
15:03Eleanor Shaw,
15:04you did this on purpose.
15:05Kept embroidering,
15:07not even looking up.
15:08What are you talking about?
15:09I don't follow.
15:10You knew I'd pull
15:11something like this,
15:12so you planted
15:13that fig flower beforehand.
15:16Her teeth were clenched.
15:17How long have you been
15:19plotting against me?
15:20Set down my needle,
15:21looked up at her.
15:22That's an odd thing to say,
15:23Edith.
15:24I didn't take anything from you.
15:25My flower's right where it belongs.
15:27How is that plotting?
15:28He glared at me,
15:29then suddenly smiled.
15:30Fine, fine.
15:31I underestimated you.
15:33But Eleanor,
15:34you think this means you'll win?
15:36Don't forget
15:36whose side our parents are on.
15:40Every resource the Shaw's have
15:41will be mine.
15:43You're a cast-off.
15:44What do you have
15:46to fight me with?
15:47You're a cast-off.
15:48What do you have
15:49to fight me with?
15:50Don't compete,
15:51I said evenly.
15:52I'm just taking back
15:53what's mine.
15:53What's yours?
15:55She scoffed.
15:56What in this word
15:57is yours?
15:58A father's love?
16:00A mother's care?
16:02The family's resources?
16:04Eleanor Shaw?
16:05Wake up.
16:06It stung,
16:07but I kept my face calm.
16:09It's late.
16:09Good night.
16:10The final round arrived
16:11on a clear, cloudless day.
16:13Of the 30 noble girls,
16:14only 10 remained.
16:15The empress sat at the center,
16:16the crown prince beside her.
16:17It was my first time seeing him,
16:18Cyrus Vance.
16:19He wore a golden robe.
16:20His features were refined,
16:21his manner gentle,
16:22but his eyes held distance,
16:23as if he couldn't care less.
16:24The performances began.
16:26Edith played a man's pursuit.
16:27Her music was tender,
16:28full of longing.
16:29Edith played a man's pursuit.
16:31Her music was tender,
16:32full of longing.
16:32The crown prince nodded slightly,
16:34but seemed unmoved.
16:35My turn came.
16:36I presented an embroidered piece,
16:37not a handkerchief,
16:38but a small folding screen.
16:40It depicted a scene
16:40from a famous painting.
16:42Scholars feasting,
16:43robes flowing,
16:43every detail.
16:44Even the food and wine
16:45was vivid.
16:46The special part
16:47was the double-sided embroidery.
16:48One side showed
16:49the lively banquet,
16:50the other,
16:50a lone fisherman in the cold.
16:52Celebration versus solitude.
16:53The empress was delighted.
16:55Even your grandmother
16:56never quite mastered
16:57this technique.
16:59And you're so young,
17:01yet has achieved so much.
17:02As crown prince looked over.
17:04Studied it a moment,
17:05then spoke two sides,
17:07two moods,
17:08why this subject missed Shaw.
17:10I lowered my eyes.
17:11Your highness,
17:12I believe life
17:13is like embroidery.
17:15One side you show the world,
17:16one side you keep for yourself.
17:17Feasts end.
17:18Solitude remains.
17:19To see stillness in the revelry,
17:21that is clarity.
17:21Life is like embroidery.
17:23One side you show the world,
17:24one side you keep for yourself.
17:25Feasts end.
17:26Solitude remains.
17:27To see stillness in the revelry,
17:28that is clarity.
17:29A flicker of surprise
17:30crossed his face.
17:31He held my gaze a moment.
17:32Clarity.
17:33He murmured.
17:34Then turned to the empress.
17:35Mother,
17:36I find her promising.
17:37The empress smiled and nodded.
17:38When the final results came,
17:40both Edith and I made the list,
17:41along with three others.
17:42The Duke of Ashfold's daughter,
17:44the Minister of Rights' daughter,
17:45and a prince's daughter.
17:47Back at Elite Palace,
17:48Edith's face was thunderous.
17:49The night before the final selection,
17:52a fire broke out near my room.
17:54Thick smoke jolted me awake.
17:55I rushed out in a panic.
17:56In the chaos,
17:57someone shoved me from behind.
17:58I stumbled forward,
18:00about to fall into the flames,
18:01when an arm yanked me back.
18:02About to fall into the flames,
18:04when an arm yanked me back.
18:05I looked up into cold,
18:07distant eyes.
18:07It was the crown prince.
18:08He was in casual clothes,
18:10as if just passing by.
18:11Your highness.
18:11I gasped, shaken.
18:12Watch out.
18:13He released me,
18:14his tone flat.
18:15A fire in the palace
18:16is no small matter.
18:18Wait somewhere safe.
18:19Thank you, your highness.
18:20He nodded,
18:21then directed others
18:22fighting the fire.
18:23I stepped aside,
18:24my heart cold.
18:25That shove was meant to kill me.
18:27Who else but Edith?
18:28The fire was quickly put out.
18:30An investigation
18:31found a knocked over lamp
18:32caused it,
18:32but my lamp hadn't been lit that night.
18:34The empress was furious
18:36and ordered a full inquiry.
18:37In the end,
18:38a young eunuch took the blame,
18:39claiming he'd knocked it over
18:40by accident.
18:41But I knew the truth.
18:42Edith, humiliated twice now,
18:43must hate me.
18:44Edith, humiliated twice now,
18:46must hate me.
18:47The final was pushed back three days.
18:48I was moved to another
18:49courtyard temporarily.
18:51That night,
18:51Matron Smith came to see me.
18:53Miss Shaw,
18:53I found something.
18:55She lowered her voice.
18:56The eunuch who took the blame
18:57had a dying mother.
18:59Yesterday,
18:59he got a large sum
19:00for her treatment
19:01from a manager
19:02with the surname Shaw.
19:04Shaw?
19:05That's my parents
19:05cleaning up Edith's mess.
19:07I understood.
19:08Three days later,
19:09the final was held
19:09at Serene Palace.
19:10The empress and crown prince
19:11sat at the head,
19:12the five of us in a row.
19:13The empress asked questions
19:14about virtue,
19:15conduct,
19:15and household management.
19:17Edith answered smoothly,
19:18citing classics.
19:19Quite the scholar.
19:20My turn came.
19:20The empress asked,
19:21If chosen,
19:22how would you support
19:23the crown prince?
19:24I paused,
19:25then answered,
19:26In my view,
19:27supporting the crown prince
19:28means knowing when not to.
19:29At this,
19:29the room went silent.
19:30In my view,
19:31supporting the crown prince
19:32means knowing when not to.
19:34At this,
19:34the room went silent.
19:35Even the crown prince
19:36looked up,
19:37stunned.
19:37Oh,
19:38explain.
19:38The empress seemed intrigued.
19:40The crown prince is the nation's future.
19:42He has mentors and advisors for that.
19:44A wife who meddles only complicates things,
19:47I believe.
19:48The crown princess's duty
19:50is to run the household,
19:52raise heirs,
19:52and give him peace at home.
19:54So he has nothing to worry about.
19:56State affairs are not for palace women to touch.
19:58Approval flickered in the empress's eyes.
20:01Clear-headed,
20:01the crown prince nodded slightly.
20:03Finally,
20:03they withdrew to deliberate.
20:05We waited outside.
20:07Quite the novel answer,
20:08Eleanor.
20:10But does his highness want a wife
20:12who won't support him?
20:14Whether he does or not
20:15is for him to decide,
20:17said calmly.
20:18Why concern yourself?
20:19She snorted and turned away,
20:21said calmly.
20:22Why concern yourself?
20:23She snorted and turned away.
20:25Half an hour later,
20:26the results came.
20:26The eunuch's voice echoed
20:28through serene palace.
20:29Matilda Hayes,
20:30daughter of the Duke of Ashfold,
20:32dignified and virtuous,
20:33may she be crown princess.
20:35Eleanor Shaw,
20:36daughter of the Minister of Rights,
20:37gentle and wise,
20:39shall be secondary consort.
20:40Edith Shaw shall be lady.
20:42Lady is the lowest rank,
20:43just above concubine.
20:45Edith's face went deathly pale.
20:47She swayed,
20:48barely able to stand.
20:49As for me,
20:50I didn't feel much.
20:51Secondary consort?
20:52It's enough.
20:52This time,
20:53I seek no love,
20:54no high rank,
20:55just a solid base
20:56to settle every debt
20:57from my past life.
20:58I heard this outcome
20:59was pushed by consort Doris.
21:01She said with Edith's talent
21:02and reputation,
21:02sending her out
21:03would shame her,
21:04better to keep her,
21:05and save face for the Shaw's.
21:06It was pushed by consort Doris.
21:08She said with Edith's talent
21:09and reputation,
21:10sending her out
21:10would shame her,
21:11better to keep her,
21:12and save face for the Shaw's.
21:14What a joke.
21:14My wonderful parents
21:16must be celebrating
21:16at home right now.
21:18They think now that Edith's
21:19in the crown palace,
21:20with her talent
21:21and the family's backing,
21:22she'll rise again.
21:23Little do they know,
21:24in this place,
21:25one misstep means doom.
21:27The wedding was
21:27three months later.
21:28A crown princess's marriage
21:29requires a full ceremony,
21:30but for secondary consorts
21:32and ladies,
21:32the rights were much simpler.
21:33I was assigned
21:34to Cedar Court,
21:35a small courtyard,
21:35quiet and elegant.
21:36An old plum tree
21:37stood there
21:38in full winter bloom,
21:39its buds about to open.
21:40On my first day here,
21:41I went to visit
21:41the crown princess Matilda.
21:43She was the Duke of Ashfold's
21:44only daughter
21:44from a military family.
21:46Tall with a natural boldness,
21:47unlike any noble girl I'd met,
21:48knelt as required.
21:50Greetings,
21:50your highness.
21:51She was the Duke of Ashfold's
21:52daughter from a military family.
21:53Tall with a natural boldness,
21:55unlike any noble girl I'd met,
21:56I knelt as required.
21:58Greetings,
21:58your highness.
21:59Eyes.
21:59Her voice was clear
22:00and warm.
22:01I've heard your grand embroidery
22:03is exquisite.
22:04Now I see you're as lovely
22:05as your work.
22:06You flatter me.
22:07No need for formality.
22:08She helped me up herself.
22:09The crown palace is small.
22:11We're more like sisters here.
22:13I'm two years older.
22:14Call me Matilda if you like.
22:16It warmed me,
22:17but I kept my place.
22:18Propriety matters,
22:19your highness.
22:20As you wish.
22:21Come visit often.
22:22I get lonely here.
22:24She noticed my thin clothes
22:25and frowned.
22:26Why so little?
22:27Your hands are ice cold.
22:29Are the servants neglecting you?
22:31I've always run cold.
22:32I'm used to it.
22:33Your hands are ice cold.
22:34Are the servants neglecting you?
22:35I've always run cold.
22:36I'm used to it.
22:37She turned and ordered her maid.
22:39Fetch my silver fox cape
22:41for Madame Eleanor
22:42and have the kitchen
22:44send her daily tonic.
22:46Your highness,
22:47this is too much.
22:48Just take it.
22:49She wouldn't take no for an answer.
22:51Draping the cape over my shoulder.
22:52You only get one body.
22:53Take care of it.
22:54I ruined my knees
22:55as a child on the frontier.
22:57Now they ache
22:58every time it rains.
22:59Wish I'd known better.
23:00Her concern was genuine,
23:01without pretense.
23:02Next day,
23:03at the Empress's morning audience,
23:04she saw me in the cape
23:05and smiled warmly.
23:06But
23:07Tudas always been kind-hearted.
23:10I'm glad you two get along.
23:12Presented the headband
23:13I'd prepared.
23:14Made of fine black velvet,
23:15lined with soft cotton,
23:17edges embroidered with clouds
23:18in Grant style.
23:19A small jade was set in the center.
23:20I heard your majesty
23:21suffers winter headaches,
23:22so I made this headband
23:23with calming herbs inside.
23:24The jade soothes the mind.
23:25I hope it brings some relief.
23:26A small jade was set in the center.
23:28I heard your majesty
23:29suffers winter headaches,
23:30so I made this headband
23:30with calming herbs inside.
23:32The jade soothes the mind.
23:33I hope it brings some relief.
23:34The Empress took it,
23:35feeling its warmth.
23:35She examined the embroidery
23:36and praised
23:37such clever work.
23:39How thoughtful of you.
23:41Only wish to show my devotion.
23:42Sweet child.
23:43She had me sit beside her,
23:44asking if I'd settled in well,
23:46then shared recipes
23:47to warm my constitution.
23:48A woman's vitality
23:49starts with good blood.
23:51You're young.
23:52Take care of yourself.
23:53Remembered every word,
23:54my heart aching yet warm.
23:56My own mother
23:56never cared like this.
23:57The Empress and Crown Princess
23:59felt like destiny's gift.
24:00The mother figures I never had.
24:01Life at the Crown Palace
24:02flowed quietly.
24:03Each day I paid respects
24:04to the Crown Princess,
24:05sometimes summoned for tea
24:06with the Empress.
24:06Mostly I stayed in Cedar Court,
24:08focusing on my embroidery.
24:09I made the Empress
24:10a muff and knee warmers,
24:11and for the Crown Princess,
24:13riding gloves and wrist guards.
24:14Even married,
24:15she still rode every month
24:16at the Capitol's stables.
24:18She still rode every month
24:20at the Capitol's stables.
24:21When she received the gloves,
24:23her eyes lit up.
24:24Eleanor,
24:25how did you know I needed these?
24:26The palace embroiderers
24:28always make them too bulky.
24:29They never fit right.
24:30She tried them on.
24:31Perfect fit.
24:32Fingers moved freely,
24:33and the edges
24:34had her favorite pattern.
24:35Perfect.
24:36She grabbed my hand happily.
24:38Eleanor,
24:38you really get me.
24:40Few days later,
24:40she came to Cedar Court.
24:42A maid behind her
24:42carried a set of clothes.
24:44Try this on.
24:44She unfolded it.
24:45It was a moon white men's robe.
24:47Fine fabric.
24:48Simple cut.
24:48I was confused.
24:50You're always cooped up inside,
24:51getting paler by the day.
24:53She smiled.
24:54Sometimes leave the palace
24:55in men's clothes.
24:56Freer that way.
24:57I had one made for you too.
24:59One day,
24:59we'll go riding together
25:00as brothers.
25:01I tried to refuse,
25:02but she talked me into it.
25:03She circled me twice,
25:05clapped and laughed.
25:06What a handsome young gentleman.
25:08Too delicate though.
25:09That's fine.
25:10You look like a scholar
25:11from the South.
25:12She pinched my waist,
25:13teasing.
25:14This waist is so tiny.
25:16Eleanor,
25:16I'm teaching you to box.
25:18Build some strength.
25:19Eleanor,
25:20I'm teaching you to box.
25:21Build some strength.
25:22And she actually started right there,
25:23showing me Tai Chi moves.
25:25I'd never trained before.
25:26Clumsy and uncoordinated,
25:27I could barely keep my balance.
25:29During one turn,
25:29I stumbled and started falling back.
25:31Watch out.
25:31She lunged forward,
25:33caught me around the waist,
25:34and pulled me back.
25:36Still shaken,
25:37I leaned against her,
25:38catching a whiff of fresh soap
25:39mixed with warm sunlight.
25:41She steadied me,
25:42her hand lingering a moment,
25:44teasing.
25:44So tiny,
25:45but I caught you.
25:46Didn't let my pretty boy fall.
25:48My cheeks warmed.
25:49I loved being with her.
25:51She was bright and free,
25:52like winter sun melting the chill
25:54I'd carried for two lifetimes.
25:55I gave back as best I could.
25:57Knowing her knees troubled her,
25:58I took the softest cotton and fur
26:00and made her a pair of knee warmers,
26:02infused with herbs to ease the pain.
26:04When she got them,
26:05her eyes glistened.
26:06She hugged me.
26:07Nobody's cared about this old injury
26:08since my mother died.
26:09Thank you, Eleanor.
26:11Nobody's cared about this old injury
26:12since my mother died.
26:14Thank you, Eleanor.
26:15As for the crown prince,
26:16I rarely saw him.
26:16He was busy with state affairs.
26:18When he came here,
26:19it was usually to dine
26:20with the crown princess.
26:21To me,
26:21he was polite,
26:22but distant.
26:23Like his words at Serene Palace
26:24were just casual.
26:25Fine by me.
26:26I had no feelings for him.
26:27If anything,
26:27my past life had killed
26:28any hope of love.
26:30Life was good now.
26:31I had the empress
26:32and crown princess who cared
26:33and my quiet,
26:34peaceful cedar court.
26:35But I hadn't forgotten
26:36the snake in the crown palace.
26:37Edith had kept a low profile
26:39since becoming lady.
26:40She lived in the remote
26:41Verdant Pavilion.
26:42With such low rank,
26:43she couldn't even visit
26:44the crown princess
26:45without summons.
26:45But I knew she'd never stay still.
26:47And sure enough,
26:48my informants
26:48in Verdant Pavilion
26:49reported back.
26:50Using money smuggled in
26:51by the family,
26:52she'd bought off
26:53a young eunuch
26:53from the gardening crew
26:54and a maid in the laundry hall.
26:56Consort Doris
26:56had also secretly
26:57sent gifts twice.
26:58She was gathering strength,
26:59biding her time.
27:00And I was waiting
27:01for her to strike.
27:02I had my maid
27:03send my men's clothes,
27:04mixed in with my robes,
27:05to the laundry hall.
27:06Make sure Edith's maid
27:07sees them.
27:08Then act flustered.
27:09Grab the clothes and run.
27:10But drop this pouch.
27:12Edith wanted her moment.
27:13I'd hand it to her.
27:15It was early spring
27:16during the palace banquet.
27:17Nobles, officials,
27:18and their families
27:18filled Lyric Pavilion.
27:20I sat with the crown princess.
27:21Edith, as a mere lady,
27:23was seated far back,
27:24nearly invisible.
27:25Halfway through,
27:26music played,
27:27dancers performed.
27:28The emperor, unwell,
27:29had already left.
27:29The empress stayed a while,
27:30then rose to go.
27:31Suddenly, Edith stood.
27:33She walked to the center
27:33and knelt.
27:35Your majesty,
27:37your highness,
27:38I have something to report.
27:41The hall fell silent.
27:42The empress frowned.
27:44What is it?
27:44Edith looked up,
27:45pointed at me,
27:46her voice trembling but clear.
27:48Madam Eleanor has hidden
27:50a man's clothing.
27:52It's improper.
27:54It could taint
27:55the royal bloodline.
27:56Gasps rippled through the hall.
27:58All eyes locked onto me.
28:00The crown princess's face hardened,
28:02her grip tightening on her cup.
28:03The crown prince
28:04set down his chopsticks,
28:05his gaze sweeping calmly
28:06over Edith and me.
28:07The empress's voice turned cold.
28:09Lady Edith,
28:10do you know the penalty
28:11for slandering
28:12a secondary consort?
28:14Have proof.
28:15Edith bowed her head
28:16to the floor.
28:17I saw with my own eyes
28:19a man's pouch
28:20in her chambers.
28:21New style,
28:22not from the palace.
28:24A man's pouch
28:25in her chambers.
28:26New style,
28:28not from the palace.
28:29I've seen similar fabric
28:31and pattern
28:32on off-duty guards before.
28:33She pulled the pouch
28:34from her sleeve.
28:35Brown leather base
28:36with a pagoda
28:38embroidered on it.
28:39Palace pouches
28:40follow strict patterns
28:41like clouds
28:42or dragon motifs.
28:43This pouch
28:43was definitely not
28:45palace issue.
28:46She spoke with such certainty
28:47as if it were all true.
28:48Then whispers erupted.
28:49Madam Eleanor
28:50looks so demure,
28:51but how bold.
28:52No wonder
28:52his highness rarely visits.
28:54It's a real scandal.
28:55Set down my tea lid,
28:56stood,
28:57walked to the center
28:58and knelt beside Edith.
28:59Calm and composed.
29:00Your majesty,
29:01your highnesses,
29:02let me explain this.
29:03My voice was steady.
29:04The pouch Lady Edith mentioned
29:05did come from my chambers.
29:07Another wave of gasps.
29:08Edith's eyes flashed
29:09with triumph.
29:10But I continued.
29:11This pouch
29:11wasn't hidden away.
29:12A month ago,
29:13the crown princess
29:14gave me a piece of fabric
29:15and asked me to use it
29:17as a model
29:17to embroider a pouch
29:18for his highness.
29:20It's a birthday surprise.
29:22The crown princess
29:23can confirm this.
29:24To embroider a pouch
29:26for his highness.
29:27It's a birthday surprise.
29:29The crown princess
29:30can confirm this.
29:31All eyes turn to her.
29:33Matilda rose slowly,
29:34walked to my side,
29:36bowed to the empress
29:36and crown prince,
29:37then spoke clearly.
29:39Your majesty,
29:39your highness,
29:40it's true.
29:41The fabric came from my family,
29:43newly arrived from the west.
29:45I thought his highness
29:45would like it,
29:46so I asked Madam Eleanor
29:47to embroider it.
29:48We kept it quiet
29:49to surprise him.
29:50I never imagined
29:51Lady Edith would misunderstand
29:53and cause today's scene.
29:54She looked at Edith,
29:55her gaze cutting like a blade.
29:56Lady Edith,
29:57when you saw the pouch,
29:58why didn't you come to me
30:00or Madam Eleanor first?
30:01Instead,
30:02at a palace banquet,
30:03before all the nobles,
30:04you made accusations
30:05that destroy a reputation.
30:07Was this an honest mistake
30:08or deliberate slander
30:09that destroy a reputation?
30:10Was this an honest mistake
30:12or deliberate slander?
30:13I only feared for
30:15the royal family's honor.
30:17Such concern for honor.
30:19I continued,
30:20my voice still calm
30:21but edged with cold doubt.
30:23I have one more question.
30:25Guards are on duty
30:26only in the outer court.
30:27Unless it's the crown princess,
30:28who by regulation
30:30may inspect defenses
30:31at specific hours
30:32or in emergencies,
30:34no palace woman
30:35can set foot
30:35in the outer court,
30:36let alone encounter
30:37guards changing shifts.
30:39So tell me,
30:40Lady Edith,
30:40where and when
30:42and for what reason
30:43did you see
30:43off-duty guards
30:44outside the palace
30:45and get close enough
30:47to study the pouch
30:48at their waist?
30:49Edith trembled violently.
30:51Her lips quivered
30:51but no words came.
30:52Her eyes darted instinctively
30:54toward Consort Doris
30:55and Prince Julian.
30:56Her eyes darted instinctively
30:57toward Consort Doris
30:59and Prince Julian.
31:00Consort Doris sat regally
31:01but her knuckles
31:02had gone white
31:03around her handkerchief.
31:04Prince Julian looked down,
31:05toying with his wine cup
31:06as if he had nothing
31:07to do with it.
31:08Their affair forgotten.
31:10I...
31:10Sweat beaded on
31:11Edith's forehead.
31:13Maybe...
31:14Maybe I misremembered.
31:16Perhaps I just glimpsed it
31:17from a palace path.
31:19Palace path?
31:20I interrupted softly,
31:21still calm.
31:22Witch guard.
31:23Name.
31:23Rank.
31:25Patrol area.
31:26You saw it clearly enough
31:27to describe the pattern.
31:29You must have been close.
31:30Surely you remember
31:31some detail.
31:32Or perhaps someone else
31:33was there
31:33who can verify your claim?
31:35Or perhaps someone else
31:37was there
31:37who can verify your claim?
31:39Each question
31:40sliced through her lies
31:41like a cold blade.
31:42She couldn't recall
31:43any guard's name or face.
31:45She'd glimpsed a guard
31:46while meeting Prince Julian.
31:49Admitting that
31:49would destroy her.
31:51I...
31:52She stammered.
31:53Her face draining of color.
31:55Her body trembling.
31:57Consort Doris
31:57cut in smoothly,
31:58trying to diffuse the tension.
32:00Oh dear.
32:01The banquet's been lively.
32:03She must have had
32:04too much wine.
32:05A bit tipsy.
32:06Just rambling now.
32:08She turned to the Empress.
32:09Forgive her,
32:10your majesty.
32:11She's young.
32:12Can't hold her liquor.
32:13Tipsy.
32:14I smiled slightly,
32:15looking at Consort Doris.
32:16My eyes clear.
32:17Your Highness,
32:18I helped arrange
32:19tonight's banquet.
32:20Knowing my sister
32:21can't hold her wine,
32:22I made sure her cup
32:23held soup.
32:25Not wine.
32:25Since when does soup
32:26make someone drunk?
32:27Knowing my sister
32:28can't hold her wine,
32:29I made sure her cup
32:30held soup.
32:31Not wine.
32:32Since when does soup
32:33make someone drunk?
32:34Consort Doris's smile froze.
32:36My father,
32:36who'd kept silent,
32:37could no longer stay seated.
32:39He knelt before the Empress.
32:40My daughter,
32:41Edith,
32:41has always been gentle,
32:43never hurt a soul.
32:45Today,
32:46she must have been mistaken,
32:47misidentified the item.
32:49She meant no harm.
32:51She was just worried
32:52her sister might slip
32:53and shame the royal family.
32:55My mother rushed to kneel,
32:56tears streaming.
32:57Your Majesty,
32:58please see clearly.
32:59Edith is the most thoughtful child.
33:01It was a misunderstanding.
33:03Eleanor,
33:03she's your sister.
33:04Why are you so relentless
33:06trying to destroy her?
33:07Their voices dipped
33:09with anguish.
33:09Each word an accusation.
33:11I'd lived this scene
33:12countless times before.
33:13Every time I gave in,
33:14admitted fault,
33:15and took the blame.
33:16Every time I gave in,
33:18admitted fault,
33:19and took the blame.
33:20I watched them,
33:21all worry and pain,
33:22but felt nothing.
33:23I simply looked toward
33:24the Empress
33:25and the Crown Prince.
33:26The Empress's eyes narrowed.
33:28She exchanged a glance with him.
33:29The Crown Prince spoke,
33:31his voice flat,
33:31but with quiet finality.
33:33Lady Edith,
33:34I'll ask you once more,
33:35where were you
33:36and who did you see
33:37wearing that pouch?
33:38If you can't answer,
33:39you deliberately framed
33:40a consort,
33:41disrupted this banquet,
33:42and trespassed
33:43where you shouldn't.
33:44If you can answer,
33:45he paused,
33:45his gaze flickering
33:46toward Prince Julian.
33:48Then you'd better
33:48explain thoroughly.
33:49I don't know.
33:50I truly don't.
33:52I must have been mistaken.
33:54It was a mistake.
33:55So you can't explain.
33:56The Crown Prince's tone
33:57gave nothing away.
33:58Mother,
33:59this touches on security
34:00and a consort's honor.
34:01It's no small matter.
34:02Lady Edith's story
34:03makes no sense.
34:04Too many questions.
34:05Send her to the
34:06Court of Inquiry
34:07and investigate
34:07any servants involved as well.
34:09Mother,
34:09this touches on security
34:10and a consort's honor.
34:12It's no small matter.
34:13Lady Edith's story
34:14makes no sense.
34:15Too many questions.
34:15Send her to the
34:16Court of Inquiry
34:17and investigate
34:18any servants involved as well.
34:19The Empress nodded,
34:20her authority absolute.
34:21Granted.
34:22Guards,
34:22take Lady Edith away.
34:24Keep her under watch.
34:25Minister Shaw,
34:27Madam Shaw,
34:27until this is resolved,
34:29watch your words.
34:30Two sturdy matrons
34:32grabbed Edith
34:33and dragged her up.
34:34Father,
34:34Mother,
34:35help me.
34:36Your Highness.
34:37She screamed and thrashed,
34:39all pretense of grace gone.
34:41The banquet ended coldly.
34:43I rose with the Crown Princess.
34:45Passing my parents,
34:46my father lowered his voice
34:47and gritted out a few words.
34:49Ungrateful girl,
34:50you'll pay.
34:51My mother shot me an icy stare,
34:53silently forming two words.
34:54Wretched child.
34:55My mother shot me an icy stare,
34:57silently forming two words.
34:58Wretched child.
34:59I walked out of Lyric Pavilion,
35:01back straight,
35:01as if I hadn't heard.
35:02The next day,
35:03the Crown Princess
35:04sent gifts to calm my nerves.
35:05She said the Emperor
35:06had ordered a probe.
35:07That afternoon,
35:08I claimed illness and rested.
35:09At dusk,
35:10a letter from my father
35:11slid under my door.
35:12It harshly accused me
35:13of attacking my sister
35:13and demanded I plead for her
35:15with the Empress.
35:15If not,
35:16he'd cut off my palace funds.
35:17I held the letter,
35:18seeing my past life.
35:19Dying in the Prince's Manor,
35:20their silence cold
35:21as I begged for help.
35:21I lit a candle,
35:22the paper burned.
35:23This time,
35:23I'd already paid back
35:24my debt of life.
35:25Only enmity remained.
35:26The dungeon was dank and dark.
35:28In just days,
35:29Edith was gaunt,
35:30filthy,
35:31her fingers marked by torture.
35:32When she saw me,
35:33she screamed curses.
35:34I'm here to offer you a way out.
35:35I stood calmly
35:36outside the bars.
35:37She laughed,
35:38not believing.
35:38I passed her a forged letter from father.
35:40I'm here to offer you a way out.
35:41I stood calmly outside the bars.
35:43She laughed,
35:43not believing.
35:44I passed her a forged letter from father,
35:46saying the shawes would cut ties
35:47to save themselves.
35:48She read it,
35:49trembling,
35:49then lashed out.
35:50You're lying.
35:51Father and mother would never...
35:53Was the calming tea
35:54consort Doris sent you
35:55also a lie?
35:56I said slowly,
35:57if the crown princess
35:58hadn't swapped it,
35:59you'd already be dead.
36:00They sacrificed me.
36:01They can sacrifice you too.
36:03Consort Doris and Prince Julian
36:04will cover their tracks.
36:06No one's left
36:06who cares if you live or die.
36:08Edith collapsed,
36:09the letter fluttering down.
36:10She wept,
36:11hugging her knees.
36:12Later,
36:12she looked up,
36:13tear streaked,
36:14desperation in her eyes.
36:15What do you want to know?
36:17If it means living,
36:18I'll tell you everything.
36:19Prince Julian
36:20and consort Doris' plans,
36:21your spies in the crown palace,
36:23their allies at court.
36:24Her gaze wavered.
36:25Prince Julian
36:25and consort Doris' plans,
36:27your spies in the crown palace,
36:29their allies at court.
36:30Her eyes wavered.
36:31I told her
36:31I couldn't guarantee her life,
36:32but if she gave enough,
36:33maybe just life in prison,
36:34better than dying here or worse.
36:36With no way out,
36:37she broke.
36:38Besides the known ones,
36:40they planted a spy
36:41in the tea room years ago.
36:44Their allies and contacts
36:45are in a ledger I kept.
36:47She named a few.
36:49The Prince of Hanum was one.
36:51It's hidden in the archive hall,
36:53inside a book on the third shelf,
36:55seventh column,
36:57top.
36:58Eleanor Shaw,
36:59I concede.
37:00Her gaze was heavy.
37:03But consort Doris
37:04and Prince Julian
37:05won't stop.
37:06And when our parents
37:07learn you did this,
37:09they'll know soon enough.
37:10And when our parents
37:11learn you did this,
37:12they'll know soon enough.
37:14I turned and left.
37:15I didn't look back.
37:16The ledger was retrieved.
37:17It listed in detail
37:18their palace spies,
37:19bribed officials,
37:20and secret plots.
37:21Next to the Prince of Hanum's name
37:23were his oath
37:24and lavish tributes.
37:25The crown princess
37:25took me to the crown prince.
37:27He read it silently,
37:28then asked how we should proceed.
37:29She suggested questioning the servants
37:31and letting the emperor
37:32handle the officials.
37:33He turned to me.
37:34This started with you.
37:35What do you think?
37:36I lowered my eyes.
37:37My parents are in that ledger.
37:39I dare not speak.
37:41I only ask that the law decide,
37:43with no leniency for my sake.
37:44The law?
37:45He studied me a moment,
37:46then tucked the ledger away.
37:47I understand.
37:48After that,
37:49several servants
37:49quietly vanished from the palace.
37:51After that,
37:52several servants
37:52quietly vanished from the palace.
37:54In the court,
37:55a storm erupted.
37:56The Prince of Hanum fell first.
37:57They found weapons
37:58and proof of treason.
37:59He was sentenced to die.
38:00His family was exiled.
38:02When I heard,
38:03it was embroidering.
38:04My hands steady.
38:05I sent the man
38:06who destroyed me
38:06in my past life
38:07to his death.
38:08Next, the shahs.
38:09My father sold offices
38:10and leaked exam questions.
38:12My mother took bribes
38:13and brokered deals.
38:14Proof in hand.
38:15Our home was seized.
38:16Both parents jailed.
38:17The empress held my hand
38:18and sighed.
38:19I rested my head on her knee.
38:20I just don't understand,
38:22I whispered.
38:23How blood can be so cold.
38:24My mother screamed curses
38:26like a madwoman
38:26as they dragged her out.
38:27My father just kept muttering,
38:28Monsters.
38:29Bought monsters.
38:30Edith handed in the evidence
38:31and was spared death,
38:32but stripped of her rank
38:33and forced to become a nun
38:34to live out her days in prayer.
38:36Consort Doris was sent
38:36to the cold palace.
38:37Prince Julian was confined.
38:38His guards stripped away.
38:39The storm passed.
38:40Consort Doris was sent
38:41to the cold palace.
38:42Prince Julian was confined.
38:43His guards stripped away.
38:44The storm passed.
38:45It was autumn.
38:46The crown princess
38:46invited me riding.
38:47She wore her riding clothes
38:48breathtakingly bold.
38:49I wore the men's outfit
38:50she'd given me,
38:51cloaked like a fragile scholar.
38:52On horseback,
38:53she asked.
38:53Feeling any lighter?
38:55Looked at the clouds overhead.
38:56Not lighter, really.
38:57Just what needed doing
38:58is done.
38:59The scores settled.
39:01Time to move on.
39:01She reined in her horse
39:02and turned to me,
39:03her gaze warm and steady.
39:05Eleanor,
39:05I know you don't love
39:07His Highness,
39:07but here in the crown palace,
39:09a child might give you
39:10more security.
39:11And he's not indifferent to you.
39:13She smiled faintly.
39:14He often loses himself
39:15in thought,
39:16looking at your
39:16double-sided screen.
39:17He even asked
39:18how you embroidered
39:19the headband
39:20you made the Empress.
39:20He's a guarded man,
39:22but not cold.
39:23Looked down,
39:24silent.
39:25No rush,
39:26let things unfold.
39:27She squeezed my hand.
39:28Whatever you choose,
39:29I'm with you.
39:30In this palace,
39:31we'll watch out
39:32for each other
39:33as sisters.
39:34Sister?
39:35From her,
39:36the word felt real.
39:38I looked up and smiled.
39:39She gave her life.
39:40She felt real.
39:40She knew that she meant
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