The most beautiful woman in the world danced in the center of the Grand Hall.
Once the song ended, she raised her hand in greeting. The people around her cheered and spilled wine from their glasses.
“Please dance with me as well, Your Highness!”
“It’s my turn now, Your Highness!”
The woman’s name was Cayena Hill, and she was the first princess of the Eldaim Empire. She was also the elder sister of His Majesty, Emperor Rezef.
“It’s the emperor’s turn now.”
Rezef, who had been watching the hall with his chin on his hand, soon made his way to Cayena. He replaced his cold expression with a smile and placed his lips on the back of her hand.
“Happy birthday, sister. Today, tomorrow, and forever after, please continue to be your beautiful self.”
Cayena laughed at Rezef’s words. “It’s as if you put honey on your lips!” Such middle-class flattery was her favorite sort.
Rezef internally sneered at his sister, who sought validation through these meaningless compliments.
‘You have to stay beautiful so that your usefulness doesn’t decrease.’
Cayena’s only merits were her legitimacy in the Imperial bloodline, her symbol as the most beautiful woman in the Empire, and her status as the one and only princess.
‘My beautiful, foolish doll.’
“Oh, Rezef,” Cayena said. She grabbed him and straightened his collar with her long hands. “You’re still a child.”
In reality, her attitude was nothing short of lèse-majesté. However, Cayena didn’t even realize that it was a problem.
She saw her younger brother as someone below her, someone that she had to take care of. That was a misperception that Rezef had himself slowly encouraged.
“Do you like your gifts?” Rezef asked.
“Very much! I especially like this dress.”
“Since you love roses, I wanted to give you a dress that would remind you of them.”
He tenderly tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, and Cayena casually accepted his touch.
She was used to that sort of kindness because she had been loved by so many.
“Now, will you do me the honor of dancing together?”
“Gladly.”
The music began anew as they got into position.
Today, like all other days, she danced around and around. In the Grand Hall, and in the hands of the emperor.
***
“Rezef!”
Cayena ran into the emperor’s bedroom.
“How could you just—” The court attendants were astonished at her nerve.
Though she was the princess, there were still rules that Cayena had to observe. Even Cayena, no matter how ignorant she was, could not call the emperor by his name or run into his room without his permission.
Her rash behavior only grew worse over time, and it would finally bring her to ruin.
The knights tried to stop her, but Rezef raised his hand to make them back down.
“It’s fine,” he said.
Cayena, teary-eyed, ran into her younger brother’s arms.
“Rezef, this has to be a conspiracy. It’s a plot! Kill that insolent bitch now!”
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THE VILLAINESS IS A MARIONETTE
Ficción históricaCayena, the Imperial Princess, was known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire. She was a woman who knew nothing but evil and luxury. However, she was destined for ruin: she would be used as a chess piece by her younger brother to secure his thr...
