It had been a long time since the day I fought Count Jennife and defeated her. A dirty victory was still a victory. And I am victorious in the duel.
I knew exactly how I had won, and I wasn't foolish enough to pretend otherwise. I had used every unfair edge I could get my hands on. I had lied, baited, cornered, and struck when she least expected it. But I was an assassin. I had never promised honesty. In my world, the only thing that mattered was surviving.
It was either me, or her.
And I had chosen her.
Omegas in this world were treated as lesser beings, as if they had no thoughts worth hearing and no will worth respecting. Even though I was a crown princess, the court still looked at me like my only purpose was to bear heirs and smile prettily while others made decisions for me.
At least my parents didn't treat me that way.
And Elaine...
Elaine behaved well enough with me lately. Too well, sometimes. That was exactly what made it hard to trust her.
