The beggars leered, their obscene smiles twisting across filthy faces as they advanced step by step. Their rancid stench rolled over me, choking the air.

My back pressed hard against the counter, nails digging so deep into the wood grain that splinters cut my skin. Cold sweat traced a path down my spine, yet I forced myself to stand tall.

"Get out!"

I snatched up the bronze mirror from the counter and hurled it at them.

"Touch me, and by tomorrow, Prince Carlson will see your entire family buried with you!"

For a heartbeat, the beggars faltered… then burst into raucous laughter.

"Prince Carlson? He wouldn't want a ruined face like yours."

One, yellow-toothed and foul, ripped open his filthy tunic.

"Tonight, I'll see what a noble lady tastes like…"

But before he could finish, a shadow flashed across my vision. A scream tore through the air, raw and piercing.

I stared, stunned. A man in a silver mask stood before me, sword dripping scarlet.

That beggar writhed on the ground, clutching the hand that no longer bore its fingers. The others, shrieking in terror, scattered like startled rats.

The masked man inclined his head to me. Before I could speak a word of thanks, he turned to leave, vanishing into the night.

Only a single royal gold token remained where he had stood.

…

The days slipped quickly by, and at last, my wedding day arrived.

I wore my bridal gown, my adornments few and plain.

My mom clutched my hand with feigned tenderness.

"Alicia, once you enter the prince's household, serve him well. Do not bring shame upon the Barden family."

I pulled my hand free, my voice cold.

"Mom, do you remember what you promised me? On the day of my marriage, Maggie would confess before everyone that she ruined my face."

Her expression changed in an instant, panic flickering in her eyes.

"Alicia darling, why say such things on a day of joy?"

She forced a brittle smile, reaching for me again.

"Maggie is still young and ignorant…"

Whatever faint hope I had for my parents crumbled to dust.

I shoved her hand aside.

"If she doesn't confess, I will not marry."

Just then, Maggie swept in, her arm entwined with Nicholas's.

The moment Nicholas's gaze fell on me in my bridal gown, his brows furrowed in displeasure.

"Alicia, what nonsense is this now? Today is Maggie's homecoming, and you dress like this to humiliate me?"

I let out a cold laugh.

"Nicholas, you think far too highly of yourself."

His face darkened. He seized my wrist in a punishing grip, his strength enough to crush bone.

"Alicia, don't be ungrateful."

His voice dropped, eyes gleaming with menace.

"Those beggars failed by mere chance. I'll give you one last opportunity…"

Maggie swayed toward me, her waist twisting like a snake. From her sleeve, she drew that all-too-familiar porcelain vial, her painted lips curling into a venomous smile.

"Alicia, just drink this. Then kneel before Nicholas and admit your wrongs…"

She shook the vial lightly. "Perhaps, if he's feeling merciful, he'll even let you serve as a chambermaid."

Disgust flared hot in my chest as I looked at the shameless pair. "I said I will not drink it. And I will never be your concubine."

Nicholas's face turned storm-dark. With a sharp bark, he roared, "Men! Since she refuses, strip off her dress and send her to the beggars' den!"

The household guards surged forward, forcing me down by the shoulders. I struggled with all my strength, but it was useless.

Silk tore under rough hands…

Suddenly, came the crash of armored boots.

A squad of black-clad guards swept into the hall, felling the Barden family's men with ruthless precision.

At their head strode the silver-masked man, now clad in robes of unmistakable wealth. His eyes locked onto Nicholas, his gaze colder than a thousand winters.

"My princess consort is not yours to touch!"