Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 48 =Visits==

"Your brother went to see Mr. Kian, my lady."

I let out a long, exaggerated sigh as Pisces' voice echoed in my room. It had only been two days since I'd awakened—since I practically saved my father's life—and ever since, my entire family had been acting... strange. Too sweet. Too caring. Suspiciously so.

Not that I cared about what they were up to, but the more they involved themselves in things they didn't understand, the harder it became for me to do what actually mattered—like running my company, investigating Queen Lilith, and finding out if she was truly connected to Kahli.

"I see. Just let them be," I muttered, waving it off. "Kian doesn't know anything useful. Even if they manage to squeeze some info out of him, it won't help them at all."

As if on cue, Virgo marched into my room like a drill sergeant, holding a tray full of health food, bitter medicine, and—ugh—cold porridge.

I grimaced. "Oh no..."

"Don't you dare," she warned me sternly, setting the tray down. "You're still recovering."

"I'm not sick! I feel perfectly fine!" I protested, sitting up. "And I'm not a child anymore, Virgo—I can feed myse—"

I choked mid-sentence as she shoved a spoonful of cold porridge into my mouth with zero hesitation.

"Virgo!!!" I cried, cheeks puffed from the gross bite.

"Now, now, my lady," she said cheerily. "You need to eat if you want to grow strong again. And you'll always be a child to us!"

I pouted like a kicked puppy but stopped resisting. Before I knew it, the bowl was empty, and she handed me a glass of water, a bitter pill, and—thank goodness—a banana. Virgo knew I couldn't take that disgusting medicine without something sweet, and since she refused to let me have cake, a banana was my only hope for survival.

Once I finished, Virgo gave a satisfied nod and turned to leave—

POOF.

Aries, Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Capricorn suddenly teleported into the room with faces full of panic like they just saw a dragon eat our economy.

"My lady, bad news!" Aries announced, all four of them dropping to one knee dramatically. I was still in bed, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito.

"What now?" I asked, raising a brow.

"We tried investigating the Northern Kingdom," Capricorn explained, "but... something is blocking our entry. We can't teleport in unless we go through the main gates."

I blinked. "Then just go through the main gate? Fake an identity or something? You're spies, aren't you?"

"We tried!" Sagittarius said. "But everyone entering the Northern Kingdom is being monitored twenty-four-seven. And the worst part? Magic doesn't work inside."

I sighed loudly, dragging a pillow over my face.

"Queen Lilith must've noticed something. She's reinforcing her barriers," I muttered.

"We can send Scorpio on a business trip there?" Pisces offered with a hopeful grin.

Virgo gave her the most unimpressed look. "Are you willing to do Scorpio's shift at Moonlight?"

Pisces shrank like a deflated balloon. "...No."

Knock knock.

All heads turned sharply toward the door.

"His Majesty, King Frederick, is here to visit her ladyship."

My eyes widened. No. No. Not now.

Immediately, every Zodiac in the room turned invisible—except Virgo and Pisces.

Pisces quickly opened the door and welcomed the King with an elegant bow, while Virgo gave me a soft smile and curtsied before exiting gracefully—only to sneak back in invisible.

I'm surrounded by drama and chaos.

"Your Highness," I greeted with my best court smile, ignoring the panic rising in my chest. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The King smiled and offered me a bouquet of deep red roses. I blinked. What is this, a dating sim?

"I heard you were ill, my lady. I came to check on your health."

Fake-smiling like a pro, I replied, "As you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Grandfather's just being overprotective. He won't let me leave my room until I'm fully healed."

"He only worries for your wellbeing, Lady Alyssa," he said with genuine concern. "Even I worry, though I am merely a friend of the family."

"Just a friend?"

"He could've just said he's in love with you!"

"Someone hand him a script!"

The Zodiacs' invisible commentary nearly made me choke on air. I pressed my lips together to stop from laughing.

"I appreciate your concern, Your Highness. I'm sure I'll be fully recovered in a day or two," I assured him.

"You're beau—"

"His Imperial Highness, Prince Benjamin," the butler announced suddenly.

The King and I turned just as Prince Ben entered the room... carrying an entire mountain of wrapped gift boxes.

"Lady Alyssa, are you feeling well now?" he asked, eyes full of concern.

"I am. Thank you, Your Highness," I said politely.

"I brought gifts. I thought these might cheer you up," he said, setting the boxes down with a smile.

I stared at the pile and gave him my best 'thank-you-but-oh-god-why' smile. "That's very thoughtful. Thank you, truly."

Ben glanced briefly at the King—and glared.

Oh no.

He then looked back at me with the fakest innocent smile in the entire kingdom.

Oh dear heavens, help me. I don't need this royal love triangle today.

I subtly gestured to Pisces to do something—anything.

"My lords," Pisces said with her signature grace, "I believe Lady Alyssa still requires more rest. If you please, she should not be overly fatigued."

Both royals hesitated, looking at each other like roosters ready to fight. Then finally—

"I understand. I look forward to seeing you at the summer ball, Lady Alyssa," King Frederick said with a graceful bow.

"Until next time, I hope to see you fully recovered," Prince Benjamin added smoothly before exiting as well.

As soon as the door clicked shut—

POP!

The invisible zodiacs all reappeared at once.

"Well. That was entertaining," Virgo said, arms crossed with a smug grin.

"Oh, absolutely. Five stars. A royal drama with roses and rivalry!" Aquarius laughed.

"I think I need popcorn for the next one," Aries added.

I buried my face in my blanket with a groan. "Why is my life like this..."

The Zodiacs burst into laughter again, and I could only shake my head in exhausted defeat.