Think, Sia… try to remember…
Nothing about her came to me at first, but I knew she existed somewhere in Meredia's previous life.
I pulled the folded paper from my bodice and read it again.
Evelisse Carter, daughter of Rothen Carter. Their family held a small but strategically important stretch of land on Solterra's outer edge, fertile riverbanks and a modest merchant crossing.
Rothen had once been useful to the king, mostly because he knew how to flatter the right people. The king trusted him only with minor diplomatic errands. That was all he was good for.
Why did the Mother write so much about him…?
Then it clicked. Rothen had fallen into cards and dice, horse betting, every foolish temptation he could reach. He gambled far beyond his rank. High nobles let him win at first, drew him in, then dragged him under with debt.
House Carter collapsed, his title was stripped. Rothen couldn't bear the humiliation and ended his own life.
Yes… that part feels familiar.
The memories sharpened. Evelisse was… gentle. People liked her instantly. And what I felt from Meredia's memories toward her was not kindness, it was resentment.
Meredia had disliked her simply because Evelisse's softness made people gravitate toward her. It dimmed Meredia's spotlight.
Evelisse had been bullied and underestimated by nearly everyone, and Meredia had been part of that cruelty… worsening her insecurity instead of easing it.
Oh no…
And then the shock hit me clearly. Evelisse had a connection to the second prince, Ancillin. They loved each other.
They had loved each other deeply. Ancillin had supported her studies at the temple because she wanted to become a healer.
God… Meredia really was a bully.
Their affair had been going on since Evelisse was seventeen.
Her age on the paper said nineteen now. Two years already. Longer than I expected.
The second prince wasn't like Kairan. He was gentle, the kind of man who actually listened when people spoke.
If Meredia had befriended Evelisse instead of tormenting her… maybe she would've gained the second prince's protection. Maybe she wouldn't have died.
Wait.
Meredia hadn't done that. But I could.
I wasn't going to bully Evelisse. I could befriend her. I could put her under my protection and, in return, end up under Ancillin's without it looking suspicious.
I could even name her as my lady-in-waiting.
Then I would help her, shield her and fix what Meredia ruined.
The thought jolted me upright.
"I have to tell Mother… I've made my choice."
I got up so fast my vision tilted, but I didn't care. The idea had sunk its claws in, and now it refused to let go.
I smoothed my dress, shoved the folded paper back into my bodice, and practically speed-walked down the corridor.
I reached her room and pushed the door open without knocking.
Mother looked up, eyebrows lifting. "Feeling better?"
"Yes." I didn't even bother pretending. "And I've decided who will be my lady-in-waiting"
Her whole posture straightened. "Already? That was quick."
"Yes," I said, breathless. "I want Evelisse Carter."
Her expression froze. Then dropped. Then hardened.
"Absolutely not."
I blinked. "What? Why?"
"She is Rothen Carter's daughter," Mother said, each word sharp enough to cut cloth. "A man who gambled away his house, shamed his land, and left behind nothing but debt and humiliation. What if his… tendencies are in her? What if she carries that influence? I will not have a daughter of such a man serving in your personal quarters."
I opened my mouth, but she continued, "And beyond that she is not suitable for a lady's role. She has no training in court etiquette, no experience handling noble circles, and no understanding of the palace structure. Choosing her would be a mistake."
Okay. Ow. But also… no.
I stepped closer. "Mother, I don't want a noble girl with perfect posture and a rehearsed smile. I don't want someone who bows the right angle but gossips behind my back."
Elowen raised a brow. "You want an unpolished girl who has barely stood on her own feet since her father's disgrace?"
"Yes!" I said, louder than intended. "Exactly that! Someone honest. Someone who isn't performing twenty-four seven just to climb the social ladder. I'm tired of every girl smiling at me like I'm a expensive porcelain doll."
She exhaled slowly, clearly trying to keep her patience. "Meredia, the role of a lady-in-waiting is not a charity position."
"I'm not doing charity," I snapped. "I'm choosing someone I can actually trust."
Mother stared at me for a long moment. She wasn't convinced at all but she could see I wasn't budging. My stance, my voice, everything screamed I wasn't letting her choose for me.
Finally, she pressed a hand to her temple. "You are stubborn beyond reason."
"I learned from the best," I muttered.
Her lips twitched, but she suppressed it. "Fine. I will… consider it. But only after I speak with the girl myself. And if I find anything concerning, I will reject her on the spot."
I nodded rapidly. "That's fair."
Mother sighed like she was already regretting this entire conversation. "Go. Before you push my patience further."
I slipped out of the room with a grin I didn't let her see.
Mother was scarily efficient. She summoned Evelisse for an interview the very next day.
Obviously, I planted myself in her room like a decorative cushion that refused to be moved. I needed to see how she spoke to Evelisse, mainly to make sure she didn't terrify the poor girl into fleeing the estate.
Mother eyed me as I tore off a piece of bread dripping with butter that tasted suspiciously like honey. "You've become very strange lately, Eri," she said, narrowing her eyes. "You never eat like this in my room."
Bro, let me breathe.
I swallowed. "I just feel… lighter. Like there's no pressure on my throat anymore. And Kirill told me I should stay like this or he'll get worried."
She groaned into her hand. "That boy is far too gentle with you. Now he's spoiling you as well."
Honestly? True. Ever since I woke up in this body, Kirill had been treating me like I'd crack if he breathed too hard. Meanwhile, the original Meredia and Kirill had always been a little tense with each other, not hostile, but that classic "strict older brother" energy she hated listening to.
She was closest to Father. And once Mother grew stricter in her teenage years, Meredia just… pulled away.
I shrugged. "Yes, Mother. Kirill loves me. He always has."
Mother didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth twitched.
A knock interrupted us.
"Your Grace," a maid said from the doorway, "Miss Carter has arrived."
Mother straightened, composed and regal in an instant.
I sat up too, my heart suddenly thumping.
Alright, Sia. Time to see the girl who might save your life.
The door swung open, and Evelisse stepped inside.
Oh my god!
She was nothing like what I'd pictured from the memories. Those flashes in my head hadn't done her justice at all. Seeing her in person felt… almost unreal like someone plucked a storybook character and dropped her into the room.
She's adorable. What the hell.
Her hair was a pale, shimmering blonde, almost silver in the light, falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Her eyes were the kind that made you pause...a clear, ocean-blue that looked too bright, too gentle, too honest for this world. Dark lashes framed them, only making them stand out more.
A natural flush warmed her cheeks, like she'd hurried here. She wore a yellow floral dress, simple but so pretty it suited her perfectly. A small side bag rested against her hip, and a floral clip tucked into her hair made her look even softer.
Yeah… okay. I get it now. No wonder the Second Prince lost his mind over her.
Evelisse stepped forward and bowed respectfully, her hands clasped so tightly I thought she might crush her own fingers.
"G-Good morning, Duchess… Lady Meredia," she said, voice barely above a whisper.
Mother didn't soften at all. Her expression stayed stern, chin lifted, eyes assessing her like she was a ledger entry that needed correction. "Miss Carter. Sit."
Evelisse obeyed immediately, perching on the very edge of the chair like she expected it to vanish from beneath her.
Mother folded her hands. "You understand why you are here."
Evelisse nodded too quickly. "Y-Yes, Duchess. For the lady-in-waiting position."
"And you believe yourself suitable for this post?" Mother asked, tone cool enough to freeze the room.
Evelisse's breath hitched. "I—I hope so."
"She hopes so," mother repeated dryly, flicking her eyes at me as if to say See? This is what happens when you insist on choosing someone yourself.
I shot her a tight smile that said Mother, please stop terrifying the girl before she passes out.
Mothet ignored me completely. "Your father," she began, and Evelisse stiffened instantly, "was known for indulging in reckless behavior. Gambling, debts, connections with the wrong nobles. That history is not insignificant."
Evelisse's gaze dropped to her lap. "I… I understand, Duchess."
Her voice trembled.
Tch. I swear, if Mother pushes any harder this girl will dissolve like sugar in tea.
Mother continued mercilessly, "And House Carter has only recently regained minimal stability after the scandal. Why should I entrust my daughter's personal care to someone from such a background?"
Evelisse swallowed, opened her mouth, closed it again. Her fingers twisted in her skirt. "I… I wish to work. I wish to serve properly. I don't have… I mean… I won't be like— I mean, I won't repeat—"
She stopped, cheeks turning red with embarrassment as her words tangled themselves into knots.
She looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
Mother, can you chill for ONE minute? She's shaking like a baby deer.
I couldn't watch it anymore. Evelisse looked one sharp question away from bursting into tears.
I leaned toward Mother and whispered, "Mother, please. Don't scare her like this."
Mothet turned her stern gaze on me. "Can't you see her temperament? She is far too timid. That is not suitable for such a position."
I shook my head firmly. "No. I want her. She's gentle, she'll listen, and she won't make everything dramatic. It's not as if she'll be debating ministers or sparring with knights."
"Mere—"
"Mother," I cut in softly but insistently, "please."
She exhaled through her nose, the look of a woman who'd lost a battle she didn't even agree to fight. "What exactly do you want?"
"Let me speak to her myself," I said. "Alone."
Mother stared at me for a long moment, clearly unhappy but realizing I wasn't backing down. Then, with a stiff nod, she rose.
"Fine. You handle it. I'll be outside."
She walked out. The moment the door clicked shut, Evelisse looked like she finally remembered how to breathe. Her shoulders sagged an inch, and she kept her eyes lowered, fingers twisting nervously in her skirt.
I moved to the chair across from her and softened my voice. "Hey… relax. I'm not going to interrogate you like that."
She blinked up at me, startled. "L-Lady Meredia, I… I apologize if I seemed improper. I wasn't— I didn't mean to—"
"Stop." I lifted a hand gently. "You didn't do anything wrong. Mother is just… Mother."
I offered a small smile. "Talk to me normally. Please."
Evelisse hesitated, then nodded. She still looked like a startled deer, but at least the panic was fading.
I leaned back, keeping things light. "So… your dress is pretty. Yellow suits you."
Her cheeks warmed as she glanced down. "O-oh… thank you. I made the embroidery myself."
"Really?" My brows shot up. "It's beautiful. I can barely thread a needle without stabbing myself."
A small soft and breathy laugh escaped her.
I steered the conversation away from duties. "What do you like doing?"
Another shy smile. "I… I enjoy reading. And learning about medicines. I'm still learning, but I want to help people one day."
There it was. The softness and sincerity.
And instantly, I understood why Meredia had disliked her. Not because Evelisse was annoying, she wasn't. She was just… good. The type of good that made insecure people feel threatened.
But I wasn't that Meredia.
I nodded slowly. "You really are kind, aren't you?"
She blinked, confused. "I… don't know about that."
"Trust me. I've met enough nobles to know when someone's pretending. You're not."
Evelisse's gaze dropped again, but this time it wasn't fear. It was warmth.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.
"Evelisse, I don't want someone perfect. I want someone I can actually talk to. Someone who won't treat me like a trophy or a duty."
She swallowed, still unsure. "Are you saying… you want me?"
"Yes," I said plainly. "I want you."
Her eyes widened, lips parting slightly.
Before she could overthink it, I added, "As my lady-in-waiting. As someone I can rely on. And maybe… as a friend."
Evelisse's breath hitched, and she nodded so quickly it almost made me laugh.
"I… I would be honored," she whispered.
.