You were a princess—hated by the entire kingdom. They whispered behind your back, called you a murderer, accused you of killing the queen, your own mother. But you never did. No one believed you.

Three days later, the royal court sentenced you to death. You still remembered the cold steel of the executioner’s blade against your neck, the cheers of the people as your world faded into darkness.

But then… you woke up.

Small hands. A tiny body. A child’s voice.

You were alive—but not as the princess about to be executed. You were seven years old again.

Confused, scared, but determined, you swore you would change your fate. This time, you wouldn’t be weak. This time, you would find out who truly killed the queen.

But before you could do anything, a boy appeared in front of you.

“You…” His voice was filled with shock. He had deep golden eyes and jet-black hair—just like the future Emperor Lucian. The same man who had once stood in judgment, sentencing you to death with a cold gaze.

Yet now, he was the same age as you. Seven years old.

You stared at him in disbelief. “Lucian?”

He let out a shaky breath, his expression unreadable. “So, it happened to you too…”

Your eyes widened. “You… turned back time too?”

He nodded, his gaze filled with something you had never seen before—guilt.

“In the past, I failed you,” he admitted. “I believed the lies. I let them execute you.” His hands clenched into fists. “But this time, I won’t make the same mistake.”

You were speechless. The same boy who once condemned you was now saying he would save you.

Lucian took a step closer, determination burning in his young eyes.

“This time, I’ll protect you,” he whispered. “No matter what it takes. This time... i'll save you.”