Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 49 ==Chances==

"My lady, your grandfather is here to see you."

I turned toward the door just in time to see Grandfather entering my room. Pisces gently closed the door behind him as he stepped inside with his usual calm and commanding presence.

"I'm here to hear your Plan B regarding the situation we're facing," he said without preamble, taking a seat on one of the sofas near my bed.

I sat up straighter, letting out a quiet sigh. "To be honest... there is no Plan B. Unless I marry the King, I won't have access to the Northern Kingdom. That's the only way."

Grandfather nodded thoughtfully, but before he could speak, Pisces chimed in with a cheerful shrug, "Then why don't you just marry His Highness? He is the King, after all. Not the worst option."

Capricorn crossed her arms. "How would we guarantee her safety there? Even if we disguised ourselves as maids, they'd be suspicious."

Aries grinned. "Well, if our Master becomes Queen, she'd have the highest female authority in the entire kingdom. We could just order them to leave us alone."

"That's true, but—"

"Hold it!" I cut them off, eyes wide in disbelief. "Why are we talking like I'm actually going to marry the King?!"

Virgo laughed softly and approached with a hand on her hip. "It's not the real plan, Master. These are just what ifs. We're preparing ourselves for any possible outcome."

I frowned and looked at Grandfather. "Grandpa!"

He looked back at me calmly. "The idea isn't so bad. Considering the King's close ties with our family and his reputation... he would make a fine husband."

I stared at him, betrayed.

Then he smiled gently and added, "But the choice is entirely yours, Alyssa. You're old and wise enough now to know what's best—for yourself, and for all of us."

I blinked, surprised, before my lips curled into a small smile. His trust in me warmed my chest.

"I... I'll think about it. But what's the point of marriage if I don't love the person I'm marrying?" I asked, eyes hopeful.

Grandfather nodded again. "That's a fair point."

"Or..." Pisces suddenly leaned forward, mischief in her eyes. "Why don't we disguise ourselves as noble ladies and seduce the King? Then we'll marry him!"

Everyone turned to stare at her.

Sagittarius rolled her eyes. "He's madly in love with our Master. There's no chance."

The others snorted in agreement, and I buried my face in my hands.

"Let's pause this talk until I'm actually out of bed," I said with finality. "We can't even consider that ridiculous plan unless we have no other choice."

Because deep down... I knew marrying the King would give me everything—power, protection, access. But at what cost?

"It's getting late. You should rest, Master," Virgo said gently, peeking out the window where the sky had turned indigo.

"We'll return to Moonlight. Pisces will stay here with you," Capricorn said, speaking for the others.

They all bowed respectfully before teleporting away, one by one.

"Have a good rest, my child," Grandfather said softly, patting my head before heading out as well.

"Shall I turn off the lights, my lady?" Pisces asked.

I nodded. She smiled and blew out the larger lamps, leaving only the soft glow of a single candle flickering on my nightstand.

"I'll leave you to rest now. See you tomorrow," she said kindly before slipping out and gently closing the door.

Now alone in the soft quiet, I lay back against my pillows and stared at the ceiling.

"Is marrying the King... really the only way?"

I frowned, turning my head toward the open terrace.

"But why did Kian tell me not to accept his proposal?"

That question had been eating at me. What was he not telling me?

Knock. Knock.

A soft knock at the terrace glass startled me.

My eyes widened as I sat up and peeked through the curtain—and there he was.

Kian.

Blue-haired. Annoyingly handsome. Standing outside with a sheepish grin, gesturing for me to open the door.

I stomped over and stared at him through the glass.

He mouthed, "Open the door."

I frowned and mouthed back, "Why are you here?"

"Open it and I'll tell you," he replied.

I rolled my eyes and was about to scoff again when I noticed what he was holding—and gasped.

"A ferret?!" I threw the door open and snatched the little pet carrier from him. "Is this a real ferret? It's so cute!!"

I practically squealed, opening the carrier and carefully petting the snow-white little creature. Its soft fur was like silk between my fingers.

"I thought you'd like it," Kian said, walking into my room uninvited. "It kind of looks like you."

I glanced up and narrowed my eyes. "Excuse me? This ferret is adorable and fluffy. Are you saying I'm—what? Furry?"

He chuckled. "I meant it in a nice way."

I pouted but kept petting the ferret. It climbed up my sleeve and rested on my shoulder like it belonged there.

"How are you feeling? Are you better now?" he asked, the concern on his face genuine.

"I'm fine. Just tired. Especially after receiving visits from both royal highnesses today," I replied with a sarcastic smile.

His brow twitched. "Both?"

"Yep. Back-to-back."

He looked... annoyed. Good. Let him stew in it.

"Look..." he said softly, eyes meeting mine. "I'm sorry for lying before. I know I hurt you. If you want to curse me or hate me, I'll accept it. Just... don't leave. Don't disappear on me."

I paused, fingers still gently stroking the little ferret curled up in my lap. His voice trembled just slightly, like he meant every word.

"...Fine," I said at last. "But one condition."

He looked at me seriously. "Anything."

"If we're going to be friends again, we have to keep some distance. Meaning—we can't fall in love with each other."

The look on his face was priceless. Completely stunned.

I smirked a little. I see through your plan, Kian. Nice try.

He crossed his arms, muttering, "Fine... As long as you stay away from His Highness."

Oh?

Was that jealousy I detected?

I chuckled. "Deal. But if something does happen and it's out of my control... you can't blame me."

He gave me a long look, then sighed with a small smile. "You're impossible."

I grinned, watching the ferret curl up in my lap and let out a soft yawn.

And just for that quiet moment, all the chaos faded—leaving only candlelight, a small fluffy creature, and the warmth of a friendship being stitched back together again.