Are you all right?" Ilyss asked as she held Dannep by the waist so she wouldn't fall.
Her cold eyes focused on Dannep's pink ones with curiosity. Dannep was already used to this, but she couldn't help feeling nervous.
"Ah, forgive me, Your Great Excellency, I didn't realize what I was doing and ended up bumping into you. I'm truly sorry."
Dannep replied as she regained her balance and then bowed.
"She didn't see my tears, right?" she asked herself while keeping her head lowered.
"Don't worry, neither of us got hurt. Try to watch where you're going next time," Ilyss said, still looking at Dannep with curiosity. "Hey, could I perhaps know—?"
"Ma'am, they are waiting for you upstairs to show you the castle," interrupted an old man in a suit. It was Marsh, Ilyss's advisor.
"Ah, sorry, it seems I'll have to go." After saying those words, Ilyss went up the stairs, leaving Dannep alone.
"Oh my God, it was her, it was her, right? I'm still alive, right?" Dannep couldn't help becoming euphoric over the situation.
She had tried to keep it discreet, but her heart was pounding uncontrollably. She had just run into the most feared woman in the entire world—and she had collided with her!
She was sure Ilyss would use one of her draconic abilities to kill her, but she was unharmed.
"But… she seemed quite nice, didn't she?" Dannep said to herself while staring at the steps.
"No, no, Dannep. She's the same woman who destroyed an entire kingdom just because she didn't like the food. You can't be fooled by appearances."
Dannep decided to return to her room, this time trying not to cry.
Upon entering, she found her belongings dirty and disorganized. Every time she was taken to the dungeon, the other maids made sure to leave everything a complete mess.
"Luckily they don't know where the photo is," Dannep muttered as she climbed onto the bed and retrieved a photograph hidden behind the window.
In it, a younger Dannep could be seen next to a beautiful woman with brown hair.
"Remember this, Dannep. You don't matter. You're doing all of this for your sister Layla."
Dannep gazed at the photo for a few more minutes before putting it back in its place and beginning to search through her wardrobe.
She knew that if she wore something flashy like last time, Cynthia would punish her. Whenever Dannep looked even a little nice, she would slap her and scold her for trying to attract a man.
She needed to wear something casual—no jewelry, nothing eye-catching—but she needed something that would hide her scars.
Finally settling on a slightly worn navy blue dress, it was a gift Princess Cynthia had given her to match a red one she owned.
She liked seeing Dannep wear it, even though Dannep hated it. She didn't like blue at all, but it was best to keep Cynthia happy. She didn't know how badly that party might go.
"Although I don't think anything bad will happen," she reminded herself while still thinking about the woman who was so different from the rumors.
Once fully changed, Dannep waited for Cynthia for half an hour in front of her door. Normally she wouldn't, but Cynthia punished her if she wasn't waiting there every time she went out.
According to the princess, her companion must always wait for her.
"Sweetie!"
Those were Cynthia's first words when she opened the door.
The princess of Viremont looked radiant as always, wearing a pastel pink dress that reached her ankles and crystal heels of the highest quality in the kingdom.
Jewelry that demonstrated her superiority, and freshly washed hair ready to dazzle—this was the princess of the great castle.
"Aww, you wore the dress I bought you!" the princess exclaimed as she hugged Dannep.
"That one's a bit worn, but I'll give you another one next week. It'll be my birthday, and I have something to tell you that day. It's very important. Come on, let's go."
Dannep bowed to the two maids who were laughing at her and followed Cynthia downstairs.
"Okay, sweetie, tonight we're having dinner with the most dangerous woman in the world. We must eat, stay quiet, laugh when she laughs, and criticize what she criticizes."
"Your Highness, I believe the word 'we' is unnecessary. After all, you alone are the one who will be dining with Queen Ilyss," Dannep said respectfully.
"Huh? Didn't I tell you? I demanded my father give you a chair right next to mine so you could accompany me."
Dannep couldn't hide her surprise at Cynthia's words.
Wasn't it enough to display her like a pet in front of everyone? Now she would use her as the center of attention at dinner?
"Hey… sweetie, what's with that expression? Don't you want to?" Cynthia shouted.
"Shit, I was obvious," she thought as she saw the hand rise in front of her.
The princess slapped Dannep.
"Look at this. I, the great princess of Viremont, give you a place beside me at a grand dinner, and you make that face."
Slap!
Another slap landed on her other cheek. Dannep knew what she had to do to stop her, or she would be a red apple upon entering the party.
"I'm sorry, dear. It won't happen again," Dannep said as she hugged Cynthia.
The princess calmed down instantly and even caressed Dannep's cheeks.
"All right, all right. I won't punish you tonight. Let's go."
They both headed toward the grand banquet hall. Dannep noticed that more effort had been put into it than usual.
Dragon decorations on the food and desserts were evident. The table had a red tablecloth instead of the usual white, and the name Ilyss was engraved on the serving platter.
"Sorry for the delay. Dannep took a little while getting changed," Cynthia said as she entered the table.
At the head of the table sat Ilyss, with a completely different expression than before: cold eyes, not a trace of a smile, and arms positioned dominantly.
"Yes, she's the demon woman," Dannep thought as she took her seat.
Dinner began shortly after, and everything happened just as planned. The king of Viremont and Ilyss negotiated the arms agreement they had in mind.
Ilyss offered help to some of the kingdom's farms and was even invited to Cynthia's birthday the following week.
The hours flew by, and Dannep only spoke to Cynthia when she was asked to. The princess didn't seem to care much about politics.
"Very well, I believe that's everything we needed to discuss today. Bring the royal wine!" the king demanded of one of his servants.
Royal wine was a tradition in the kingdom of Viremont. Whenever an important guest was invited, the most expensive wine in the kingdom—consumed only by the king—was served at the end.
It was a sign that the kingdom would uphold the promises made that night.
The large golden bottle was placed at the center of the table, and the king of Viremont looked at Cynthia expectantly.
It was customary for the princess or the firstborn son to serve the wine to the guest, showing commitment.
But Cynthia did not stand up, as always, and instead looked at Dannep.
"I'm sorry, Father, but I think I drank too much wine during dinner and don't feel capable. But don't worry—my Dannep will take care of it, right, sweetie?"
The king frowned but did not object to his daughter. It was well known that he never contradicted Cynthia unless it concerned marriage matters. It was an unspoken rule between them.
Dannep wanted to refuse, but she knew she wasn't in a position to do so.
"If you'll allow me," she said as she stood up and bowed.
She had poured wine for the princess many times before; it wasn't difficult. She took the bottle and stood before Ilyss, who raised her goblet.
She began to pour the liquid, but she felt something strange—something pushing her hands outward. She was not controlling her body.
All the liquid spilled onto the demon queen's dress, who looked at Dannep and smiled for the first time that night.
She had controlled her body!