Episode 2

In the realm of fiction, wizards were held in high esteem, and thus the one who rose to King was expected to wield formidable magical might. The King's marriage to Livia was not out of affection or compulsion, but rather because Livia descended from the great wizards of the temple. Her bloodline pulsed with significant magical potential, and while Livia herself did not practice magic, the King took her as his bride because a child born of them would hold immense magical power. It was advantageous for Livia to become Queen, as any children they might bear would be rightful heirs to the throne.

To the King, the loss of his son inflicted no personal sorrow; it was the loss of a potent magical asset that stung. And with the poison rendering Livia barren, he had also lost his golden goose.

Livia sat on the bed, arms crossed, contemplating an escape from the marriage. What if something were taken to induce barrenness? That might lead to the King's dethronement. No, that was too risky, for it could lead to accusations of deceit or pretense about the ability to beget children.

What folly!

Noise at the door interrupted the thoughts—servants’ voices whispering reverently, "Your Majesty." Had the King come to see Livia? What an annoyance. Livia tousled hair to feign a disheveled appearance, preparing to confront the foolish King. Upon the doors' opening, the King entered; a man with blond hair and eyes like rubies, undeniably handsome.

A woman accompanied him, undeniably beautiful too. Livia instantly recognized her; so the game of disposing of her started now. Once Livia's gaze fixed on Rita, the rise in tension was palpable, and Livia clutched the sheet close, feigning fear.

"No, no...help...it's her..."

The King was taken aback by such display, noticing Livia's unceasing focus on Rita. Rita, while remaining stoic, stepped forward offering a bow to Livia, convinced the green-haired young man would remain silent. To her surprise, he leapt from the bed, running toward the chambermaids who had already filed in.

"Save me, she's going to kill me!"

"What is going on here?"

The King's voice rose, concerned by Livia's behavior and the evasion from Rita.

"The Queen must still be suffering from the shock of recent events. Your Highness should rest and recover," one suggested.

Rita’s smile was thinly veiled, but Livia dodged behind the chambermaids.

"Your Majesty, what have I done to warrant such fear from the Queen? This is unjust."

"Livia, what is happening? Stop this display; I took time to come to you, and you…"

"I won’t approach Your Majesty, I can't, but please, no harm... she's all yours."

Livia continued the act as though the King was invisible, pretending still to be in shock from the ordeal.

"Pardon the Queen, Your Majesty, for she does not feel well."

The chambermaids curtsied, and Livia pretended to just then notice the King and showed even more fright.

"No, I didn't ask for you… forgive me, but do not harm me."

Livia knelt before Rita, gripping her dress, which made Rita visibly uneasy.

"Don't hurt me, regarding the wine, I didn't summon it... it's all yours but let me live, don't push..."

Livia's façade of nervousness and tears continued, while the King looked to Rita for an explanation.

"What is this all about, Rita?"

"Haha… The Queen surely feels ill; perhaps we should give her space. Your Highness, please rest."

Rita tried to lift Livia's hands, but he resisted, scratching her, leaving visible marks as he then cowers away.

"Believe me, please, I didn’t call for it, the wine… don’t harm me…"

Livia wailed, showing his scratched hands while Rita noted the King's growing anger.

"I've done nothing, Your Majesty, the Queen just recoiled from me…"

"I hope this is due to her state. You know the consequences if you caused harm."

"I swear, I haven’t touched her, Your Majesty…"

"Leave us! The Queen needs to calm down."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

Rita cast a glare toward Livia but glimpsed a smirk on Livia's lips. Once she exited, the chambermaids assisted Livia to recline once more.

"My apologies on behalf of Her Highness, she’s still rather unsettled."

"Leave us," the King ordered.

Both girls departed, leaving the King to sit at the bedside, reaching for Livia’s hand with the mark, but he jerked it away sharply.

"No, no! Don’t come closer… she will kill me…"

"Who will kill you?"

"I cannot say… you wouldn’t believe me… you never do…"

"Why wouldn't I? You are my spouse."

The King tenderly stroked Livia's cheek and brushed a lock of hair behind an ear. Livia saw kindness in the King's gaze but suspected deception and averted his eyes.

"I'm just a tool to you…"

Shocked at Livia's frank remark, the King recalled that despite three months of marriage, the young omega had always been reserved. It was the first time hearing such an assertion.

"You’re not a tool. That’s why I…"

"No… better you leave. I don’t want to die."

Livia clutched the sheet and buried himself under it, hoping it would compel the King to leave. After a quiet moment, the King departed but told the maids he'd return another day once Livia was better. Upon their re-entrance, Livia uncovered himself, laughing.

"Did you see the look on the tart's face? I think she lost a point…"

"Your Highness! You shouldn’t have... Madam Rita... she’ll be furious… you know she has…"

"The King’s favor, I know. But even that can be lost.”

Seated upright against the headboard and twirling a hair strand with a finger, Livia wore a sly smile.

"Girls, bring water. I want to bathe and visit the garden."

The chambermaids were puzzled but swiftly obeyed the Queen's command.

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