The Next Morning
The following morning, they offered me breakfast, and the queen apologized for forgetting to feed me the night before. Apparently, they only eat twice a day to conserve food supplies. That must be why the king is so determined for me to succeed in the competition—perhaps out of pity for the people he rules.
Later that same morning, a carriage arrived to take me to the city of Zenon. I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions—fear that Sebastian might recognize me and anxiety about seeing familiar faces while keeping my identity a secret.
I wore a luxurious yet alluring red dress that accentuated the curve of my hips. It was made of fine silk, making it light and comfortable to wear.
Ares helped me put on a pair of black gloves and red high-heeled sandals. I wasn't surprised by the ensemble—I used to wear similar outfits back when I was working at Billy's pleasure house.
What did surprise me was that this is how the queen dressed. But perhaps I didn't notice her properly yesterday; I was too disoriented to pay attention to my surroundings.
After sitting for hours and passing through several towns, I eventually fell asleep during the ride. When I awoke, I saw the grand gates of Zenon as we peacefully entered the city. I was terrified they might suddenly search the carriage, but to my surprise, the guards bowed respectfully—as if I were a dignitary—welcoming me with warmth.
As we entered the city, I saw my stepmother's house with a "For Sale" sign posted on the door. She must've truly grown rich—especially after confirming that I was the girl she had been looking for all along.
My eyes narrowed at the memory of how she humiliated me in the palace. I will wait for the day we meet again—and when that happens, I'll make sure I get my revenge.
Next, we passed by Xyrone's house. Nothing had changed—it looked just as it always had. I wondered if the house I commissioned for him was already finished. How many days had passed? I couldn't even remember, not with everything that had happened lately.
We also passed by the factory under construction. It wasn't finished yet—only one concrete level had been built—but seeing the ruins of the old pleasure house stirred up memories of why Billy had to leave in the first place.
It's heartbreaking how fast things change. I never thought that the pleasure house I once worked in would be gone so soon.
I still can't believe everything that's happened. Not long ago, I was under my stepmother's control. Then, I got money from a client and made my own plans—unaware that she had her own plans for me too.
I also never expected Sebastian to be so cunning, or that Jared was a spy for the king. And even though I'm no expert at keeping secrets, the king still trusts my capabilities. I have no choice but to follow along.
As we passed through the marketplace, I saw posters plastered everywhere with images of a wanted thief—two portraits of me, one as Rosa and the other as Rowela. Jared was right—I'm being hunted, and there's a reward for whoever captures me.
By late afternoon, we arrived—and there he was: a man surrounded by guards. I noticed the crown on his head; he must be King Henry. No one else would wear such a crown. This was the first time I'd seen him in person. He didn't look old, nor too young. His face was gentle—far from the image of a cruel king.
I walked carefully toward him. The guards stiffened at my sudden approach, but the king remained calm. I bowed in respect.
"And who might you be, young lady?"
"I would like to join the competition," I answered, deflecting his question while still bowed.
"You weren't registered?" he asked.
I raised my head slightly and shook it.
"I come from a distant place. I heard of the competition held in your palace, so I traveled all this way to join. I didn't know I needed an invitation."
"Then you may join," he replied at once.
"Is that allowed?"
He looked into my eyes and offered a quiet smile. I couldn't help but smile back at his swift decision. He granted me permission to compete, even without an invitation.
"I can't ignore the effort you've made to come here. As a reward for your perseverance, you may participate."
He assigned three important palace guards to accompany me. When we arrived at the palace, the receptionist didn't even question my lack of an invitation—likely because of the guards. She simply told me which room would be mine and which areas I could visit.
When I entered my new room, it was nothing like the one I was given before. This one was elegant, with fine clothing prepared in the wardrobe. Was this really the correct room?
I unpacked my belongings—the ones the guards had carefully placed in my trunk. From this point on, I knew my life was about to change, even though it had already been gradually shifting thanks to the people around me.
The king never asked my name or where I came from. My identity remains a mystery—just as I intended, by carefully avoiding his question earlier.
As night fell, I left my room and headed to the palace restaurant. The memory of Sebastian's invitation resurfaced—how easily I had fallen into his trap.
My blood boiled again when I saw the extravagant table on the balcony. He had gone out of his way to flaunt his wealth.
I chose a simple table instead and waited for a server to ask what I wanted. After the long journey, I was starving. But when the server arrived, he brought an entire meal—multiple dishes, complete with sides and condiments.
"You've made a mistake. I haven't ordered anything yet," I told him as he calmly served the food from his trolley.
"Young lady, I was instructed to bring you this meal."
"By whom?"
"By Sir Lucio."
Could he mean that older widower? I didn't expect someone to take an interest in me so soon.
A man approached my table, gently placing a rose before me and kissing my hand.
He wasn't old at all—tall, with delicate features. His eyes were narrow, skin porcelain, and hair as black as ink.
What could he want from me?
"I'm Lucio De Alfonso, Prince of Garboza."
I wasn't interested.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Diana," I replied politely.
He sat across from me, smiling from ear to ear as he stared.
"This is the first time I've seen you in the palace."
"I just arrived today. It was a long journey."
"Where exactly are you from?"
My hand clenched at the question.
"I'm from…"
"Pardon me, miss, but someone is looking for you."
I turned to see Jared in his uniform, his face composed and formal. I quickly averted my gaze—my cheeks burned every time I saw him.
Was something wrong?
I glanced back at Lucio, who looked visibly annoyed at Jared.
"Excuse me, sir. I'll return shortly."
Lucio only nodded, forcing a smile.
Jared led me to the palace garden, where no one else was present.
"Rowela."
"Is something wrong? Did someone recognize me?" I asked nervously, fixing my hair.
"Before I left, I made sure I could still recognize your appearance easily."
"Why did you call me out here? Who was asking for me?"
"I just wanted to remind you of your mission."
"Did I do something wrong?"
"You shouldn't be getting close to Lucio. It could damage your reputation."
"W-why?"
"His father is the king's enemy. If you get caught between them, you'll be dragged into their conflict. Besides, you're not allowed to get close to any man. Do you understand?"
"I do. But why is he even allowed to join the competition if he's the enemy's son?"
"It would be a scandal for the king if neighboring countries found out he discriminated against Garboza's royal family." I looked down, touching my chin. I hadn't realized how deep the palace's intrigues ran.
The king is the one who's supposed to take interest in me. Jared's only here to keep me focused on my role.
"You can't speak to me openly. We'll only meet in secret from now on," he added.
"I understand," I answered sadly, glancing at his lips without meaning to.
"Wear something more decent."
Wasn't this decent enough? It was his mother's dress, after all. What did he mean by not decent?
He scanned me from head to toe, then looked away, his eyes resting on the moonlit sea.
"Go back to your room. I'll tell Lucio you won't be returning. I'll have food sent to your quarters."