Chapter 3

Plans swiftly turned into action. Deep in the night, candlelight flickered in the Queen's private study as I sat alone at the solid wood desk, William's personal belongings spread before me.

On the surface, this appeared to be a "search," but in reality, I was using memories from my past life to precisely locate those fatal pieces of evidence.

"Your Majesty, are you still reviewing these documents?" my trusted maid Bella inquired softly.

My fingers traced over a hidden compartment in a rosewood box, and I smirked inwardly. In my previous life, William had used these very letters to frame me for treason. Now it's your turn to taste your own medicine.

The compartment clicked open, revealing several wax-sealed letters lying quietly within. I feigned surprise: "Look at these... Oh my God, these letters..."

Bella leaned closer and her face turned ashen: "Your Majesty, these seals... Isn't this the emblem of Princess Catherine from the neighboring kingdom?"

"Exactly." I opened the letters, pretending to see them for the first time, while inwardly savoring these pieces of evidence that had once destroyed me.

These letters contained detailed records of William's secret negotiations with the neighboring kingdom, including his promises to overthrow my reign in exchange for military support.

"Your Majesty, this... this is evidence of treason!" Bella gasped, speechless.

I closed the letters, my gaze turning dangerous: "Bella, this must remain absolutely confidential. William still has accomplices in the palace. I need to eliminate these traitors first, then deal with him."

William, did you think I didn't know your secrets? This evidence, the very thing that killed me in my past life, now it's your turn to face it.

I locked the letters away again, feeling an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

Having secured William's fatal weakness, it was time to eliminate his allies within the palace. And the most obvious target was Anne.

The next morning, I deliberately "strolled" through the palace corridors, actually observing the whispered conversations among the ladies-in-waiting.

Sure enough, Anne was spreading rumors among several young court ladies.

"The Queen might be traumatized, which is why she suspects His Lordship..." Anne lowered her voice but made sure it carried far enough. "Think about it, His Lordship has been so loyal to the royal family. How could he possibly be involved in an assassination?"

"Yes," a young lady-in-waiting agreed. "His Lordship cares so much for Her Majesty. The Queen is being too harsh."

I hid behind a pillar, sneering inwardly: Little woman, still trying to save your lover? How naive.

Anne continued her manipulation: "I think the Queen should quickly clear His Lordship's name, otherwise it's bad for the royal family's reputation..."

"Anne, you're absolutely right!"

Listening to these ladies-in-waiting being swayed by Anne, a murderous glint flashed in my eyes.

Perfect. Since you're so eager to save William, I'll give you a chance—a chance to die.

I turned and left, already formulating the perfect plan.

In the afternoon, I arranged a "private" conversation in the reception hall. I deliberately chose an area near where Anne was on duty, ensuring she could overhear our discussion.

"Bella, is tomorrow night's arrangement ready?" I deliberately raised my voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty. As you commanded, we will secretly execute that assassin tomorrow at midnight." Bella played her part in the performance.

I said with feigned concern: "We absolutely cannot let him speak, or it will implicate more people. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will arrange for the most reliable people to carry it out."

I heard extremely faint footsteps outside the door, and I felt triumphant: You took the bait, Anne.

"Remember, this must be kept absolutely secret. Apart from our core personnel, no one else must know." I continued to bait the trap.

The footsteps gradually faded away. I knew Anne had heard the "intelligence" she wanted.

Bella looked at me puzzledly: "Your Majesty, are we really going to...?"

"Of course not." I sneered. "We're simply setting a trap for a certain traitor."

As night fell, I brought carefully selected guards to quietly position ourselves at the entrance to the palace's secret passage. This tunnel led directly to William's residence and was Anne's inevitable route.

While waiting, I recalled how Anne had cooperated with William in my past life to gradually push me toward the abyss.

Back then, I was too naive, actually treating her as a trustworthy sister.

"Your Majesty, someone's coming!" the captain of guards whispered.

A shadowy figure crept furtively toward the tunnel entrance. By moonlight, I could clearly see Anne's panicked face. She clutched something to her chest, obviously going to report to William.

I raised my hand in signal, and the guards immediately surrounded her from all directions.

"Halt!" the captain barked.

Anne was scared out of her wits, dropping the items in her hands—detailed "intelligence" about the "execution of the assassin."

I slowly emerged from the shadows, my voice ice-cold: "Anne, wandering in forbidden areas at night while carrying classified information—that's a capital offense."

Anne's face turned deathly pale as she trembled: "Your Majesty! I... I was just..."

"Just what?" I cut her off. "Obstructing judicial investigation, attempting to leak information—the evidence is clear. The proof is right there on the ground. What excuse could you possibly have?"

The guards picked up the "intelligence" from the ground, which contained detailed records of the fake execution plan.

Anne was completely desperate. She knew she had walked straight into my trap.

"Take her away!" I commanded coldly.

Watching Anne being dragged to the dungeon, I returned to my chambers with complete satisfaction. The sweet taste of revenge made me sleep like a baby.

The next morning, the palace square was crowded with onlookers. Anne was bound hand and foot, being dragged toward a hastily erected judgment platform. Her dress was disheveled, her hair in disarray—she no longer possessed the dignity of the head lady-in-waiting.

"Margaret!" Anne suddenly looked up and screamed at me. "You'll regret this! You crazy woman! William won't let you get away with this!"

The crowd gasped in shock, never expecting the usually gentle Lady Anne to lose control so completely.

I stood on the elevated platform, looking down at her hysteria, feeling an intense surge of pleasure.

Threaten me? Who do you think you are?

William, your most capable pawn is gone.

"Do you see?" I announced loudly to the gathered crowd. "This is the traitor who was hiding among us! She attempted to leak classified intelligence and sabotage the investigation into the assassination!"

"I see now!"

"No wonder the investigation hasn't been making progress!"

"Well caught! Your Majesty is wise!"

The crowd's support gave me unprecedented satisfaction.

Anne continued struggling and cursing: "You don't understand! She set me up! William is innocent!"

"Take her away!" I waved my hand, and the guards immediately dragged Anne off.

Watching Anne being hauled toward the dungeon, a cold smile played at the corners of my lips.

A mere lady-in-waiting thinks she can challenge me?

That evening, I sat alone on the throne, playing with William's correspondence in my hands.

In the flickering candlelight, every line seemed to mock his stupidity.

Anne had been eliminated. Now, it was time for the mastermind himself.

I slowly closed the letters, a bloodthirsty gleam flashing in my eyes.

William, enjoy this final moment of peace.

In three days, your complete downfall will begin.