-VICTORIA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY-

BOTH THE aristocratic faction and noble faction surrounded Queen Aurina soon after the introduction. Everyone already understood that the queen walking side by side with the celebrant meant that Victoria Rozenreff was the selected noble lady to be sponsored by the queen.

Duke Rozenref did not know how to react to his daughter's sponsor. In high society, it was to be expected that his eldest daughter would inherit the Duchy, but Sabina's appearance stopped him from formally announcing Victoria as the official Rozenref's heir apparent. Many nobles from the Empire were expecting him to make the announcement today, but he stalled until next year's coming-of-age ceremonies of his two daughters.

But now he was being forced to make a decision sooner than he thought. He both loved his daughters, but he was just feeling guilty that he was too late to act as a father to Sabina, who suffered so much in the slums. He did not want to deprive her of her right to the Duchy, but he also did not want Victoria to feel that was abandoning her. After all, Victoria was his child from his beloved wife.

The Duke's inner conflict as he was observing the joyous birthday celebration of his eldest daughter did not get unnoticed by Tori, who was busy greeting her guests and well-wishers.

Oh, Father.

Tori excused herself from her guests to go to his father. "Father." She hugged him lovingly in front of everyone, but Tori saw how the queen's brows rose. Yeah, yeah, I am a superb actress.

"Why did you leave your gifts unattended?" The Duke patted her back and looked at her straight to her eyes when they distanced from each other.

Because I can't help but laugh in my mind whenever I see you so torn between me and that wench.

"Because I thought I saw how Father is looking at me, you seem tired." Worry laced in Tori's voice.

The Duke forced a smile to hide his problem, "I am just thinking of something else from my work. You must not mind me, Victoria. This is your day, you must enjoy this."

Of course. You don't have to tell me, father dear. Plus, you must remember, that I am the legitimate daughter of House Rozenreff. I am the heir to the Duchy and not your bastard.

Tori saw the House Lords of the noble factions coming closer. So when Tori thought they were near enough, she uttered the words that would shake Sabina the most. Where's Sabina, anyway? She's probably throwing a fit. After all, that dear sister of mine should check her head or something. She's kinda not right in the head.

"Are you proud of me, father? Am I worthy of being the legitimate heir of the Duchy?" Tori's words shocked the Duke. He did not know that her innocent and hopeful eyes were hiding a serpent all along.

Simply put, will you announce me as the official heir father? And gain the respect of the majority. Or will you decline? And put Sabina at the disadvantage when the queen is my ally. After all, I intend to use the queen.

Duke Allaister Von Castaña, who came later than his daughter and the Duchess, butted in when he heard Tori. It immediately put Duke Luwen in a tight spot. "Who wouldn't be proud of you, Lady Victoria? I, Duke Castaña, recognized your achievement in the Trifecta Academy."

"Thank you, Duke Castaña. But I fear that I am always lacking. I just wished that my mother is here with me. She could have guided me as the proper heir apparent."

Red eyes met another set of red eyes, wary ones met hopeful ones, and a father's gaze met his daughter's stare. It took a couple of minutes for the Duke to answer his daughter. "Your mother will also be proud of you, Victoria. And I am proud of you too. I will announce the official heir when you both will come of age."

Tori beamed from her father's answer, but the queen knew that behind that smiling face was a brewing rage. The queen understood why the young lady of Rozenreff Duchy came to her; it was for this purpose. Being the legitimate daughter meant nothing to the Duke. Queen Aurina knew that she must be ready for the first of the many favors that the cunning Lady Victoria would ask her.

"Being proud of me is the best gift, Father," Tori hugged her father before she faced the lords of the noble faction. With a smiling face, Tori walked away from her the Duke.

Hah! Just like the original plot of the Thorny Crown Series, your sick devotion to that wench always makes me sick to the bones.

The seat to this Duchy is mine to hold and mine to destroy. If you are not giving this to me the easy way, then you give me no choice, but I will use the hard way. You will regret this, father. I gave you the one-time chance to save your beloved Sabina. Now, I will destroy her in front of you and I will enjoy every second of it.

"Lady Tori!" The cheery voice of Marchioness Susana made Tori turn to the part where the voice came from. And standing just a few feet from the assembly hall's entrance, Marchioness Susana came in with Marquess Zoliel. On her hand was a gift that Tori knew what was inside.

Tori knew the Marchioness would come late because of the Jewel Eyes of Rhea. It was so easy for her to use the Marchioness. The incident with Mia made Tori's attempt to earn the Marchioness' good graces so simple.

They believed the Jewel Eyes of Rhea to be the Goddess Gaia's gift to her daughter Rhea. It was said that those who possessed this would have the protection of the goddess. The jewel came in a brooch form.

Sorry to burst your bubble, guys. But I saw the Goddess herself. So I have no particular interest in this jewel, but that prince did the end of our deal, so it is time for me to do so.

And the previous owner of the Jewel Eyes of Rhea was no other than Queen Aurina before she was crowned. She gave this brooch to the Marquess as a symbol of her love, but the Marchioness betrayed the queen and won over the affection of the dashing Marquess. The Marquess giving the Jewel Eyes of Rhea to his future wife was also an act to show the queen that he did not love the queen anymore. Prince Corean might know of this, so he reacted when she mentioned the jewel from the secret meeting.

"Happy birthday, Lady Tori. I got late because I tried to find the best ribbon for this gift box. Here, open it."

The Marchioness' late arrival drew the attention she wanted. Tori wanted the spies from the aristocratic faction to see that she won the wager.

To add suspense, Tori slowly reached out for the box. And when she had the small box in her palm, she slowly opened it. Tori could feel the eyes of the nobles in her. The gasps of those who recognized the jewel overshadowed the fake gasp from Tori. Even Tori's father was already by her side. "The Jewel Eyes of Rhea! Marchioness Susana, won't the future Marchioness of House Zoliel will have this splendid gift?"

The Marchioness gently shook her head. "I cannot find any fine young lady that could have this better than Lady Tori."

Of course, you don't treasure this. After all, you remember your betrayal to Queen Aurina every time you see this jewel. And giving this to me will be the perfect excuse to dispose of this.

"Thank you so much, Marchioness Susana! I will treasure this forever."

Hah, treasure this, my ass.

"Can I put it on?"

The Marchioness immediately agreed, "Of course. Come, let me put this on."

The whole time, Tori could feel the gaze of the nobles. With her being supported by the Queen and the Marchioness, the Duke would be questioned if he would not let Tori be the official heir. But there's still a year before the announcement, and that wench could still gain favor.

The bright emerald shone splendidly on the ribbon on her neck. It was a delightful contrast to her dress. And when her eyes met the envious eyes of Sabina, a small smirk slipped from Tori's lips.

I will pluck your wings before you can even learn to fly, dearest sister.

Tori's red eyes shone with promise as she held Sabina's sapphire eyes.

THE ENDLESS gifts of well-wishers were almost non-stop. So when Tori found a way to take a break, she immediately excused herself towards the powder room. Walking away from the crowd, she saw in her peripheral vision Sabina was with the Duchess and Elisa. The queen, on the other hand, had left already after the commotion with the Jewel Eyes of Rhea. But Tori saw a familiar pair of golden eyes behind the countryside nobles. And Tori intended to speak with him.

The moment she opened the powder room that was exclusively for the birthday celebrant, Tori found herself face to face with Prince Corean. His golden eyes still amazed her.

"Blessings to Empire's star, Prince Corean." Tori curtsied even if she just wanted to stare at him. She felt guilty that the recipient of her horny thoughts was the shy second prince.

His stare landed on her neck where the Jewel Eyes of Rhea was pinned. Of course, he's here for the jewel.

"You got it. You keep on surprising me, Lady Victoria." He strolled toward her and since he's so tall, Tori was now looking up at him every time he took a step forward.

"You know that you're not supposed to be here, right? I will just deliver this to the Turvy."

Prince Corean kept on walking toward her one step at a time. On instinct, Tori also stepped backward until her back hit the wall of the powder room. "What the hell are you doing, Your Highness?"

Her harsh glare did not stop the mischievous prince. He only stopped a foot away from her that Tor could practically smell his minty smell. Oh, I love mint-flavored ice creams. Please do stay away from me or I'll eat you instead, Corean dear.

"Happy seventeenth birthday, Lady Victoria," Prince Corean whispered, which made his voice come out sensually. Tori had to press her thighs together. Now I'm horny!

But the torture did not stop from his voice. The moment Prince Corean took the loose tendrils of her golden hair from her bun and twirled it around his forefinger, Tori audibly gulped. And the craziest thing happened, Prince Corean kissed the tendril of her hair while his golden eyes were looking at her.

Now you've done it!

Gripping his nape, which was almost impossible for Tori, she pushed the startled Corean to the wall and kissed his neck. She was aiming for his jaws, but she could not reach them.

Why am I stuck with this girlish body?

"Thank you for greeting me, Your Highness." Tori collectedly walked away from him, leaving the second prince speechless and wide-eyed.

She was almost out of the door when she looked back at him, "I preferred it on my skin, Your Highness."

Tori left the shocked prince with a wicked wink.

Damn, I'm horny!