Chapter 2: A Future She Knows

Sapphira sat by the tall window of her chamber, her hands resting lightly on the silk fabric of her gown. The morning sun streamed in, casting a golden glow on the elegant furniture and polished marble floor. Outside, the estate grounds stretched far and wide—lush gardens filled with roses, well-trimmed hedges, and the distant view of the training grounds where knights practiced their swordplay.

It was a beautiful sight, one she had once taken for granted.

But now, everything looked different.

Because she knew the future.

Sapphira’s sapphire-blue eyes reflected the distant past—or rather, the cruel fate that had once awaited her. She could still remember the cold iron of the prison chains, the laughter of the nobles as they watched her downfall, and the sharp pain when the executioner’s blade fell.

Her fingers curled into a fist.

Not this time.

She had been granted another life. And she would not let history repeat itself.

The betrayals would come, she knew that well. But now, she had something she didn’t before—knowledge.

She had time.

And she had power.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"My lady, may I enter?"

It was Marie again.

Sapphira took a deep breath, pushing away the haunting memories. "Come in."

The door opened, and Marie stepped inside, carrying a tray of fresh tea and pastries. The scent of warm honey and lavender filled the room. "I brought your favorites, my lady."

Sapphira’s gaze softened. Marie had always been thoughtful. She had remained loyal, even when everyone else abandoned her.

She had died for her loyalty.

Sapphira would not let that happen again.

"Thank you, Marie," she said sincerely. She took the teacup and sipped the warm liquid, savoring the taste.

Marie, unaware of her lady’s inner turmoil, gave a small smile. "My lady, I heard that Duke Ravenshade is expected to return today from the capital."

Sapphira stilled. Her father.

Duke Julius Ravenshade. A powerful man, respected by the nobility and feared by his enemies. He had once been a great protector, a strong presence in her life.

Yet, in the past, she had trusted the wrong people instead of listening to him.

And by the time she had realized the truth, it had been too late.

This time, she would make sure she had her father’s full support. She would not let Selena twist his opinions against her.

"Marie," she said, setting down her teacup. "Prepare a suitable dress for me. I wish to greet my father personally upon his return."

Marie blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. "Of course, my lady."

Sapphira gazed out the window once more.

Her first move would begin today.

---

Later That Day

The grand gates of the Ravenshade estate creaked open, and a row of carriages rolled into the courtyard. Horses neighed, their hooves clattering against the stone pavement. Soldiers and knights lined up in disciplined formation, ready to greet their master.

Sapphira stood at the entrance of the grand estate, dressed in an elegant navy-blue gown embroidered with silver threads. Her raven-black hair was neatly styled, adorned with a delicate sapphire pin. She stood tall, poised, the very image of a noble daughter.

The first carriage door opened, and Duke Julius Ravenshade stepped out.

A towering man with sharp features, storm-gray eyes, and hair the same deep black as Sapphira’s. His presence was imposing—not just because of his status but because of the sheer power he carried.

This was a man feared on the battlefield. A man who commanded loyalty with just a glance.

And this was the man Sapphira had foolishly distanced herself from in the past.

Her father’s gaze swept over the gathered servants, then landed on her.

For a moment, he simply stared.

Sapphira held her ground.

In the past, she had never greeted him like this. She had been too blinded by her love for Cedric, too absorbed in petty noble affairs to truly appreciate her father’s role in her life.

She would not make that mistake again.

The duke finally spoke. "Sapphira." His deep voice carried across the courtyard.

A faint smile formed on her lips. "Welcome home, Father."

There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He was not a man easily shaken, but Sapphira could tell—this was not what he had expected.

He took slow steps toward her, his heavy cloak billowing slightly with the wind. "I did not expect you to greet me."

"In the past, I have been careless," she admitted smoothly. "But I wish to change that."

A sharp glint flickered in the duke’s gray eyes. He was a man who had spent years in court politics, dealing with manipulative nobles and power-hungry factions. He could smell deceit.

But Sapphira wasn’t lying. She meant every word.

And he knew it.

"Hm," he muttered, his expression unreadable. "Let’s talk inside."

Sapphira nodded and followed him into the grand estate.

The moment they stepped into his private study, the air grew heavy.

The duke turned to her, arms crossed. "Tell me the truth."

Sapphira met his gaze, unwavering. "What truth, Father?"

"You’ve changed." His voice was sharp. "Your usual arrogance, your childish temper, your obsession with the Crown Prince—all of it is gone. I’ve only been away for two months. What happened?"

Sapphira inhaled slowly.

She couldn’t tell him the truth.

She couldn’t say, I was executed, betrayed, and abandoned. I was reborn and given another chance to correct my mistakes.

But she could use this opportunity to win his trust.

She lowered her gaze slightly. "I’ve come to realize how naive I was, Father."

The duke’s brows furrowed.

"I have been reckless. I thought love was enough to protect me, that the prince’s affection meant safety," she continued. "But I was wrong. Power, reputation, and strength—that is what truly matters."

A long silence followed.

Then, slowly, Duke Ravenshade smirked.

"Good," he said.

Sapphira blinked, caught off guard.

Her father chuckled, a deep, amused sound. "I was beginning to think you were a lost cause." He stepped closer, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "But it seems my daughter has finally grown up."

Sapphira’s heart clenched.

She had wasted so much of her past life chasing illusions. But now, she had a second chance.

And she would not waste it.

Sapphira walked through the grand halls of the Ravenshade estate, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. Servants bowed as she passed, but she paid them little mind.

Her conversation with her father had gone better than expected. Duke Ravenshade was no fool. He saw her change and, rather than questioning it, he approved.

Good.

In her past life, she had distanced herself from her father, believing that love—Cedric’s love—would be enough to protect her.

What a fool she had been.

This time, she would not be some lovesick girl blindly throwing away her power.

This time, she would be the one holding the knife.

And the first people to fall on that blade would be the very ones who had betrayed her.

Her sister and her best friend.

Sapphira made her way to the grand sitting room, where a servant had informed her that Lady Selena had returned from her afternoon stroll.

Selena Ravenshade. Her beloved younger sister.

The same sister who had smiled sweetly while seducing the Crown Prince. The same sister who had pretended to weep at Sapphira’s execution, only to steal everything from her the moment she was gone.

A viper in silk and lace.

But this time, Sapphira was ready for her bite.

She stepped into the sitting room, her expression calm, her posture poised.

Selena sat gracefully on the velvet chaise, sipping tea as though she were a princess. Her golden-blonde hair gleamed under the light, and her emerald-green eyes sparkled with artificial innocence. She had the delicate beauty of an angel—one that had deceived even Sapphira in the past.

But now, all Sapphira saw was a liar.

"Sister!" Selena’s voice was as sweet as honey. She set down her teacup and smiled brightly. "I heard you greeted Father today. How unusual for you."

Sapphira tilted her head slightly, a small, knowing smile forming on her lips. "Is it?"

Selena’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second—so quick that anyone else would have missed it.

But Sapphira saw everything.

"Oh, no, of course not," Selena said, laughing lightly. "It’s just that you’ve never been so… dutiful before."

There it was.

The first test.

In her past life, Sapphira would have scoffed or ignored Selena’s words, unknowingly walking into her traps.

But now?

Now, she would play along.

Sapphira gracefully sat across from her sister, picking up a teacup but not drinking. She studied Selena carefully—her posture, the way her fingers tapped against the china, the way her eyes flickered to Sapphira’s dress.

She was calculating.

Waiting to see if Sapphira was still the fool she had once been.

Sapphira met her gaze with a soft chuckle. "You’re right, Selena. I suppose I’ve been… childish before."

Selena’s eyes narrowed—just for a second.

She had not expected that.

"But people change," Sapphira continued smoothly, setting her cup down with delicate precision. "And I’ve realized that family is the most important thing."

Selena’s lips parted slightly, caught off guard. Then, just as quickly, she masked her surprise.

"Oh, sister," she said, reaching out to touch Sapphira’s hand. "I’m so glad to hear that."

Sapphira’s fingers tightened around hers. Not too much—just enough to make her feel a slight pressure.

Enough to remind Selena that she was not the same naive girl anymore.

Selena stiffened.

Sapphira smiled.

Let the game begin.

---

Selena was dangerous, but there was another snake waiting in the shadows.

Genevieve Aldrin.

Sapphira’s childhood best friend. A girl with soft brown curls and warm brown eyes—eyes that had once glowed with fake kindness.

Genevieve had been her most trusted confidante. She had been there through everything—laughing at Sapphira’s jokes, listening to her secrets, whispering sweet words of comfort.

And all the while, she had been selling those secrets to the Crown Prince.

To Cedric.

To Selena.

The pain of that betrayal had been a dagger to Sapphira’s heart.

But this time?

This time, she would not let Genevieve fool her.

She sent a servant to summon her. A few moments later, Genevieve arrived, entering the grand hall with the same bright, cheerful smile she had always worn.

"Sapphira!" Genevieve rushed forward, her voice filled with warmth. "I haven’t seen you in days! Have you been unwell?"

Sapphira smiled. "Not at all. I was simply reflecting on some things."

Genevieve tilted her head, curious. "Reflecting?"

"Yes," Sapphira said lightly. "About my true friends."

For just a moment, Genevieve’s fingers twitched.

Interesting.

Sapphira gestured to the seat beside her. "Come, Genevieve. Sit with me. We have much to talk about."

Genevieve hesitated—but only for a fraction of a second. Then, she beamed and gracefully took her seat. "Of course! You know you can talk to me about anything."

Sapphira smiled, tilting her head slightly.

"Yes," she murmured. "I know."

Genevieve didn’t realize it yet.

But the trap was already set.

---

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***