Chapter 1

This hunting ground again, this blinding sunlight once more...

I held my goblet, staring intently at William's duplicitous face in the distance. Three years of marriage, two deaths—I knew every expression on this man's face by heart.

The deaths of my past two lives remain vivid in my memory, I sneered inwardly. First life in my chambers, second life in the wilderness... This time, I will never let you succeed again!

The sunlight remained bright, the nobles' laughter still echoed, but to me—

This place was hell.

"Your Majesty, you look rather pale," Anne approached me, that detestable face of hers filled with false concern.

If I didn't know you were William's mistress, didn't know you wore my royal robes while entwined with him, perhaps I might be moved by this care.

"Just some... memories surfacing," I smiled faintly.

Bloody memories.

Suddenly, a flash of steel shot from the forest!

A black-clad assassin lunged toward me like a specter, his sword aimed straight at my chest. The surrounding nobles screamed and scattered.

Trying to kill me again! Wasn't murdering me twice in past lives enough for this beast!

Fury blazed in my chest. But this time, I was prepared.

The assassin's blade struck my chest precisely, yet produced only the dull sound of metal on metal. I deliberately cried out and collapsed to the ground.

"Quickly! Protect Her Majesty!" I called out weakly.

Three hidden guards instantly appeared—loyal protectors I had secretly trained in this life. Their swords sealed off all the assassin's escape routes like lightning.

"What?!" The assassin's eyes widened in disbelief at the suddenly appearing guards.

"Take him alive! I must know who sent him!" I commanded through gritted teeth.

The assassin attempted suicide, but my prepared guards instantly dislocated his jaw. Desperate wails escaped his throat.

"No... impossible... the plan was flawless..."

Flawless? Oh William, do you think I'm still the naive Margaret of my past two lives?

"Margaret!"

William's voice carried from afar, filled with panic and concern. He rushed over, his expression as if doomsday had arrived.

What exquisite acting.

He knelt beside me, trembling as he grasped my hand: "Good God! Are you alright? The blood... so much blood..."

"I'm... I'm alright. Fortunately I wore a breastplate today," I said weakly, inwardly sneering. "Otherwise that blade would have taken my life."

"A breastplate?" A flicker of barely perceptible disappointment crossed William's eyes, quickly masked by deeper concern. "Thank God... thank God you're safe..."

If I didn't know the truth, perhaps I would truly be moved by this devotion.

Anne rushed over as well, her eyes filled with perfectly measured terror: "Your Majesty! Are you injured?"

"I shall survive," I replied coldly, noting the brief disappointment that flashed in her eyes.

You both perform so admirably.

A physician was hastily summoned to bandage my wounds. Though the armor had blocked the fatal blow, the blade's tip had still broken skin, staining my white hunting attire crimson.

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated!" William roared furiously. "Whoever dares assassinate my wife, I shall see them drawn and quartered!"

I watched his reddened eyes, finding only absurdity within.

That evening, in the palace's privy council chamber.

Candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows. I sat regally upon my throne, clad in black mourning dress, the bandages on my chest barely visible.

The assembled dukes and ministers whispered among themselves, shock written across their faces. After all, a royal assassination attempt in broad daylight was unprecedented in our kingdom's history.

"My lords," I began, my voice cold as winter wind. "Today, someone attempted to assassinate royalty. This is not merely an attack upon my person, but a challenge to the stability of our entire realm."

I displayed my torn outer robe, its bloodstains now dried to a dark crimson.

"To thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure the inquiry's impartiality and transparency..." I paused, my gaze sweeping over each person present, "all parties with potential interest in royal succession must temporarily surrender their command authorities."

The hall fell silent as a tomb.

"This includes my husband, William Brown."

CRASH!

Like a thunderbolt in the council chamber, everyone stared at me in shock.

William shot to his feet, his face instantly pale: "Margaret, what do you mean? I am your husband!"

"Precisely because you are my husband, you must avoid suspicion," I replied with terrifying calm. "Should I die, who would benefit most? You, William."

"You suspect me?!" William's voice trembled, anger and disbelief intertwined. "I love you more than my own life!"

Love me? When you killed me in past lives, you showed no hesitation whatsoever.

"I suspect no one," I said icily. "I merely ensure the investigation's objectivity. William, surrender the military seal."

"I refuse!" William slammed his fist on the table. "I will not surrender my rightful authority!"

Finally showing your true nature?

"Then you defy the crown?" I rose slowly, though wounded, my presence undiminished. "William, do not forget—I am this kingdom's sovereign."

Deathly silence.

Everyone could feel the tension crackling in the air. Anne's face went ashen, her fingers clutching her skirts. Other ministers exchanged glances, not daring to speak.

William's face cycled through shades of red and white. Finally, he withdrew the military seal from his robes and slammed it onto the table.

"Excellent," I nodded with satisfaction. "For the kingdom's security, this sacrifice is necessary."

William spoke through clenched teeth: "Margaret... I won't forget this day."

Nor will I forget the grudge of you killing me twice.

After the council ended, I returned alone to my chambers. Moonlight streamed through the latticed windows, casting silver across the floor.

I walked to my mirror, gazing at that face marked by anger and slight haggardness.

"Oh William..." I gently touched the wound on my chest. "Did you think you could succeed so easily this time? Stripping away your military authority is merely the appetizer..."

This life, I will teach you the meaning of despair.

I will make you die in despair, just as you did to me in my past two lives.