The engagement ceremony resumed.
Music filled the hall once more, softer now, cautious—as if even the instruments feared making a mistake. Iris stood beside Ashley, her posture flawless, her expression calm. To the watching court, she looked obedient.
Inside, she was alert.
Ashley leaned slightly toward her, voice low."You don't look nervous."
"I've already died once," Iris replied quietly. "This is nothing."
His emerald eyes flickered.Fascinating, he thought.
Across the hall, Queen Mariana watched them both.
Her fingers tightened around the armrest of her throne.
Arrogant girl, she thought coldly.If she cannot be removed with words, she will be removed with shame.
She turned to a noblewoman beside her and murmured instructions. The woman nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
The priest lifted a jeweled goblet. "As tradition demands, the engaged couple shall share the ceremonial drink—"
Iris's pulse spiked.
Drink.
Her fingers twitched.
No. Not again.
The goblet was brought forward—crystal-clear liquid, innocent-looking.
Queen Mariana's lips curved into a faint smile.
Ashley reached for it.
Eena's voice exploded in Iris's mind.
STOP. DO NOT DRINK.
Iris stiffened.
What?
Hidden Game Rule activated, Eena said quickly.Poison events repeat unless consciously broken. This is a scripted assassination route.
Iris's breath caught.
So this is how I died before.
She moved before anyone could react.
"Wait," Iris said sharply, placing her hand over the goblet.
Gasps echoed.
Ashley turned, surprised—but not angry.
"Care to explain?" he asked.
Iris met his eyes steadily. "This drink is poisoned."
The hall erupted.
Queen Mariana stood. "How dare you—!"
Iris bowed calmly. "Your Majesty, if I am wrong, I will accept any punishment."
Ashley's gaze sharpened.
"Test it," he ordered.
A servant hesitated, then dipped a silver pin into the liquid.
The pin blackened instantly.
Silence fell like a blade.
The queen's face froze.
Ashley's voice dropped, cold and controlled."So this is how you planned to remove her."
Mariana laughed lightly. "Absurd. Anyone could—"
"I said test it," Ashley repeated.
A second servant tested another cup prepared for the queen.
Clear.
Only Iris's was poisoned.
Ashley stepped forward, his presence suddenly heavy.
"The engagement will continue," he said, eyes never leaving the queen."But this matter is not finished."
Eena sighed in relief.Congrats. You just dodged death without screaming.
Iris exhaled slowly.
The ceremony ended quickly after that.
No celebration. No joy.
Only tension.
Later, inside the carriage—
Lily held Iris's hands tightly. "You were brave. Too brave."
William nodded. "But proud. I am proud."
Sehrain sat across from Iris, eyes wide."Lady, you scared the life out of me! I thought my heart would stop before the ceremony ended."
Iris smiled faintly. "Did I ruin the evening?"
Sehrain shook her head. "No, my lady. You survived it. That's better."
Eena's voice echoed warmly.First trap cleared. Many more to come.
The carriage rolled away from the palace.
Behind them, the royal lights dimmed.
Ahead—
Unknown dangers waited.
But Iris was alive.
And this time—
She was playing the game.
To be continued…