Are You Seducing the King?!
Ella had been invited to a flower party at the General’s residence.
The gathering was hosted by his wife and attended only by women.
Noble ladies from across the kingdom had been invited to participate in a ritual meant to purify the household.
Since those blessed with Spring Power naturally cherished flowers, such gatherings had become a long-standing tradition.
At first, Ella wondered why she had been invited.
Did they consider her a noble because of her connection to the king?
Or were they simply curious about the bold girl who had dared to approach him?
Whatever the reason, she was prepared for anything.
The carriage stopped before the General’s estate.
Though elegant, it was nothing compared to the royal courtyard where she now lived.
A small flower garden surrounded the mansion, accompanied by a crystal-clear spring pond and a spacious yard.
The head maid guided her to the garden where the other ladies had gathered.
Some were younger than her, yet every one of them was dressed extravagantly as if they were competing in a grand fashion contest.
Ella glanced down at her own simple attire and quietly took her seat.
An elderly woman soon arrived, supported by two beautiful ladies whom Ella assumed were her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
The old woman carried herself with dignity despite her frail appearance.
Unlike the others, Ella wore no jewelry and no makeup.
She sat quietly at the back, enjoying the cakes being served while observing the crowd.
The old woman smiled warmly.
“It is an honor to have all of you here today,” she said slowly.
Her voice was gentle, but it was obvious she was unwell.
“I love flowers,” one lady replied with a graceful bow.
“Being here to admire them and learn more about them is my honor.”
The speaker was exceptionally beautiful.
Her calm demeanor and gentle smile gave her an almost divine appearance.
She was Nora, the daughter of one of the kingdom’s elders and Selena’s greatest rival.
“Thank you, Nora,” the old woman said.
“You may all admire the flowers. The peach blossoms have not yet bloomed, but the lilies and sunflowers are at their finest.”
The stern-looking woman standing beside the old lady spoke as though she were overseeing the entire event.
Ella knew almost nothing about flowers.
To avoid drawing attention to herself, she quietly listened as the ladies discussed petals, scents, and blooming seasons.
Everything was going smoothly.
Then Selena arrived.
Only then did Ella realize Selena had not been present from the beginning.
Her heart sank.
Trouble had arrived.
Selena was admired by nearly every young woman in the kingdom.
Her beauty and closeness to the king had earned her fame, respect, and countless admirers.
She had even openly declared that she would one day become queen.
Most of the women present looked up to her.
If Selena decided to cause trouble today, they would undoubtedly support her.
Ella would have to be careful.
As always, Selena was dazzling.
Her crimson gown shimmered beneath the sunlight while golden jewelry adorned her neck and wrists.
The moment she appeared, several ladies immediately began praising her beauty.
“Good day, Lady Smith,” Selena greeted with a polite bow.
“Selena truly deserves the title of Moon Beauty.”
“Look at her.”
“No wonder the king favors her.”
“She surpasses Nora in every way.”
The compliments echoed throughout the garden.
The tension between Nora and Selena instantly became noticeable.
Both women were regarded as the kingdom’s greatest beauties, and neither was willing to surrender the title.
“Hmph. Selena only threw herself at the king,” one of Nora’s supporters scoffed.
“She’s nothing more than a temporary favorite.”
“You dare!”
“I heard the king already married another woman.”
“If he truly loved Selena, why hasn’t he married her?”
The argument quickly escalated.
“Speaking of the king’s wife,” Nora suddenly said, “wasn’t she invited?”
Everyone looked around.
Their eyes landed on Ella.
She was calmly eating cake while listening to their argument.
“Hmph. This is the woman the king married?” one of Selena’s supporters mocked.
“She looks like a beggar.”
Nora leaned closer and whispered softly.
“Just introduce yourself as the king’s wife.”
Before Ella could respond, Selena spoke.
“The king has never acknowledged her as his wife. Besides, she’s powerless.”
Laughter erupted.
“A powerless woman belongs among servants.”
“Perhaps she should become a maid instead.”
Ella remained silent.
Not because their words hurt her.
But because she was surrounded by powerful women who could easily overwhelm her if things turned violent.
More importantly, she didn’t want to disturb the elderly hostess.
Then another lady spoke.
“I heard you’ve been approaching the king every day, asking him to marry you off.”
The garden fell silent.
The rumor had spread that far?
Ella nearly laughed.
Everyone knew she wanted nothing to do with the king.
Yet somehow they had convinced themselves she was secretly trying to seduce him.
Selena stepped closer.
Her eyes darkened.
“Are you seducing the king?”