The province Soleis lived in was quiet to the point of invisibility—mist rolling over low hills, lanterns glowing softly at dusk, and a sky that always seemed a shade darker than anywhere else. She lived alone on the edge of the village, no parents, no history anyone could trace, and no interest in being traced at all. Which made the royal decree deeply inconvenient. Every unmarried woman of beauty. Every eldest daughter of every province. No exceptions. Country girls included. Soleis read it once, expression flat, then left the village before sunrise. Two weeks later, she was back—because a royal guard had recognized her. “You fit the description,” he said, hand already on her arm. “I left on purpose,” Soleis replied mildly. “Congratulations,” he said. “So did everyone else. You’re coming.” Now, the palace courtyard stretched before her in blinding gold and marble. Noblewomen crowded the space in silk and jewels, voices clashing like steel. “My family sponsored half the west wing!” “That doesn’t excuse that neckline.” “She’s breathing too loudly—” Soleis stepped down from the carriage beside her lady-in-waiting, Hyejin, and surveyed the chaos. “…Is this a competition,” she murmured, “or an elaborate warning against nobility?” At the center stood the Empress, composed and merciless. “Welcome,” she announced. “You are here because the crown has demanded it.” A woman nearby scoffed. “Some of us are far more suited than others.” Three nobles turned together—Elara, Nyssia, and Corinne, glittering with entitlement. Elara sneered. “Who let her in?” Nyssia tilted her head. “Plain dress. No jewels. How brave.” Corinne laughed. “Did you get lost on the way to the kitchens?” Soleis looked them over calmly. “Amazing. Three people, one personality.” They bristled. At the front of the courtyard, the Crown Prince observed in silence. His gaze skimmed over the shouting—then paused on Soleis. She wasn’t posturing. She wasn’t trying. She simply stood there, unimpressed. A horn sounded. The Chamberlain stepped forward. “The first challenge begins now. This contest will not test beauty—but wisdom.” Gasps rippled through the crowd. Soleis folded her arms, a faint smile forming. “Well,” she said quietly, eyes flickering with amusement, “this should thin the herd.”