The Dragon Prince's wedding outshone our mate-choosing ritual a hundredfold.

Marina and I were brought to the Dragon Palace, forbidden to wander outside.

I prepared for her wedding meticulously, touching the gem Horace had given me in my past life. It stirred nothing in me. Beautiful as it was, to me, it was a cursed trinket and a harbinger of doom.

My glory had far outstripped Marina's. My every word and deed had been copied by women across the realms.

But only I knew the agony of birthing that child.

Before I could dwell on it, a maid rushed to me. "Miss, Lady Marina requests your presence."

I was puzzled.

Marina should have been busy with her wedding gown. I didn't get why she suddenly wanted to see me, an insignificant person in her mind.

Doubts swirled, but as the Dragon Prince's concubine, her word was law. I couldn't refuse.

Arriving at the chamber, I saw Horace striding out. His shirt hung open, exuding smug satisfaction.

I quickly bowed my head, but he didn't spare me a glance.

The dragon musk, thick after passion, lingered, proof Marina had already lain with him.

Serpent women, once of age, couldn't resist a man's touch. It was our merit and curse as well.

Marina lounged on her bed, a thin sheet barely covering her flawless figure. Her smile vanished when she saw me.

She pointed lazily at an embroidered cloth on the table. "You made this? It's not bad."

I paused, sensing a trap.

Marina never praised me. Her usual temper was all slaps and curses. The memory of her pushing me off that cliff was still vivid.

When I didn't move, she sat up, grabbing a jade scepter and smashing it against my head.

Blood blurred my vision, but I stifled my rage and knelt.

Pleased with my humbleness, she spoke lazily. "I called you here to show you how I'll climb to that throne. Don't get any ideas about cozying up to the prince, or else..."

I looked up at her. "I wouldn't dare defy your order, Your Highness."

Something in my eyes startled her.

She stepped forward, yanking my hair. "Don't play dumb. You're reborn too, aren't you?"

My eyes darkened at her words.

She sneered, throwing the embroidery at my face. "A serpent girl like you, stitching a dragon queen's pattern? You think you can fool me?"

I sighed, standing slowly. "I've never wanted to compete with you. I'll stay clear of him."

She scoffed, her fingers brushing my cheek. "You think I'd lose to an ugly thing like you? Even if you tried, you'd never win."

I didn't argue with her.

Some things weren't worth fighting for, not at the cost of my life. Only a fool would chase such trash.

The dragon clan spared no expense, even for a concubine's wedding.

Rare beasts attended, offering priceless treasures. They gave Marina every honor.

In a crimson gown, she walked hand in hand with Horace, glowing with joy.

She'd finally won the role she craved. Her happiness was undeniable. When she saw me, she tilted her head, mouthing, "Loser!"

She was right. I had lost.

But she was stepping into a nightmare, and I pitied her.

Horace handed her a goblet. "Drink this, and you're my concubine, fair and square."

Marina took it, but a sharp scent hit her. She recoiled, tossing the goblet away. "Juniper berries?"

Juniper berries were poisonous to serpents. Even those ancient beasts among us couldn't withstand a single sip.

It wouldn't kill, but it'd leave us bedridden for months, in agony.

In my past life, I had faced the same test and hadn't even dared refuse.

My life was just nothing compared to the dragon clan's pride. Defying Horace in public would have ruined me.

I had drunk it, and my head had spun through the ceremony.

Horace hadn't cared. To him, I was just a tool and a toy that had no feelings.

Unaware, Marina pouted and threw herself into Horace's arms. "I'm not drinking that stuff."

She missed his darkening expression, but with so many guests watching, he had to coax her. "Come on, it's tradition. Don't make a scene in front of everyone."

Normally, that plea would have been enough. Marina should have backed down.

But that day, she pushed her luck. "I hate this stupid tradition. Serpents can't stand juniper berries, and I don't want them around me ever."

Her words offended the dragons. Juniper berries were their sacred symbol, and she had just slapped their pride.

The nobles began whispering, calling her insolent and Horace a fool.

The murmurs reached Horace's ears, and his patience finally snapped. "Drink it, or you're done!"

His angry voice startled her. She hadn't expected that side of him.

Scrambling, she downed the wine, but it was too late.

The crowd's mood had soured.

Horace stormed off after the rites, not sparing her a glance. Marina stood there, lost.

They had been all lovey-dovey just yesterday, but today, a cup of wine had ruined everything.

I smirked at her naivety.

Dragon pride trumped everything. In their minds, a concubine was just a glorified broodmare.

Marina was foolish enough to think she'd become someone noble, having no idea that this was just the beginning. The real troubles were yet to come.