Fated to the Crown

In the world of aristocratic manors, young women were not born to dream; they were born to be the ornament and pride of the house. From their earliest years, one truth was hammered into their heads: a woman’s worth is measured by the position of the husband she secures at the altar. Elizabeth and Rose’s parents considered themselves lucky. They had two daughters, which meant both could make brilliant matches and cement the family's standing.

The home of their childhood was steeped in the scent of beeswax and polished furniture, filled with books from which they learned how to be magnificent women. They practiced flawless table manners, impeccable posture, and the piano. From a very young age, they knew precisely what they were created for—to aim as high as possible and enchant future suitors.

Yet, fate had gifted the sisters with entirely different souls. Elizabeth accepted these rules with natural gentleness; her heart was full of empathy, and in obedience, she saw an opportunity to do good. Rose, on the other hand, looked at the world with a cold, calculating gaze. For her, aristocratic glitter was not just a game—it was an end in itself, a window to the power she craved above all else.

Now, on the eve of the most important day of their lives, the house was buzzing with feverish preparations. Tomorrow, Edward was due to arrive—a wealthy, influential nobleman whose name opened every door, and whose hand had been promised to the elder sister.

A tooth of the bone comb caught in Elizabeth’s thick, chestnut hair. The sharp pain made the girl flinch, but she did not raise her voice. She only turned slightly and placed her hand over her sister’s.

"Don't be nervous, Rose," she said softly, looking up with a soft smile. "I'm nervous too. Tomorrow is the day I've waited for my whole life."

She looked into the brass mirror, smoothing her silk gown. She knew her role perfectly and what her family name demanded of her—she would be obedient, diligent, and would stand proudly by her husband's side, just as she had been taught since childhood.

"Don't worry, Rose," she added with trusting concern. "As soon as I settle into his estate, I will speak with father. I’ll make sure you get an equally good match. I won't let you stay here alone. You deserve someone wonderful."

Rose held her breath. Elizabeth’s words were entirely sincere, and that hurt the most. She knew her sister meant well, but she was hopelessly naive. Rose had carefully analyzed her options and knew that Edward was the only young suitor in their circle. Aside from him, there were only wealthy elderly men, and her parents would likely marry her off to one of them just to be rid of the burden. Instead of status and luxury, she would face the duty of caring for a sickly husband and wasting away in the shadow of someone else’s estate.

"I know I shouldn't have expectations," Elizabeth continued with a light, uncertain smile. "But I would so love for us to fall in love. It would be easier for me to spend my whole life with him."

Fall in love... Rose thought bitterly, her fingers gripping the bone comb so tightly her knuckles turned white. You won't get a fairytale life if I have to rot in this nightmare.

Envy struck her with such force that it made her vision blur.

In her mind, a plan began to take shape—cold, calculating, and ruthless, destined to change both their fates by the very next morning.