I widened my eyes in disbelief, staring at her.

Kneeling down to kiss someone’s shoes is an act of utter submission and obedience, something only a slave would do.

Even though I am the lowest of Omega, I am not a slave. In my past life, I worked hard for Alice, but it was all to gain an opportunity to escape the palace. I never sold my dignity.

I raised my head and met Annelle’s mocking gaze. I finally understood: in her eyes, I was nothing more than a toy to amuse herself, with no dignity at all.

Despite being favored by the King now and promoted to his personal maid, to these noble girls, an Omega is still just an Omega, and a servant is still a servant.

“What are you hesitating for?” Annelle said in a low voice, slowly walking toward me. The yellow irises embroidered on her skirt shimmered, while the white leather tips of her shoes peeked out from beneath her dress.

I instinctively took a few steps back, but she relentlessly pursued me, stepping on the hem of my blue dress, leaving dark footprints on the fabric.

Annelle came closer and grabbed my hair, whispering, “What’s wrong? Are you lying to me? Didn’t you say you had no ambition, that you’re just an innocent maid?”

“Kiss the tip of my shoe, become my slave, and I will believe you.”

“Delia!” Lina, trembling, gripped my arm and shook her head, signaling for me not to do this.

I knew that submitting in this way would destroy my self-respect, but at that moment, I had no choice. I gently patted Lina’s hand, trying to offer her some comfort, and slowly bent down.

I was almost on the floor, ready to kiss the tip of her shoe, but suddenly I paused. Looking up at Annelle, who had her chin raised, I cautiously said, “Princess Annelle, I just remembered something.”

I stood up, gently tracing the red rash on my face, and whispered, “The doctor the King sent to care for me told me that the rash on my face might be contagious. So, do you still want me to kiss your shoe?”

“Ah! Damn it! Why didn’t you say this earlier!?”

Annelle shrieked loudly, immediately pulling her foot back. The look on her face was one of disgust, as if she wanted me three meters away from her at all times.

“It’s fine, Princess Annelle, the doctor said it’s just a possibility, and you won’t end up covered in rashes like me.” I feigned reassurance, my eyes glued to the ground, looking guilty.

“Enough! By the Moon Goddess! You should be put to death immediately! I actually slapped you through the veil just now! I hope your ugly rashes didn’t get on my hand!”

Annelle furiously touched her hand, glaring at me, then stomped her foot and turned away quickly, leaving with heavy steps.

“Delia, sister…” Lina quickly helped me up, looking sadly at the rash on my face.

“Let’s go, this lie won’t fool her for long.” I whispered, rubbing my face.

“But what if she finds out next time? What will we do? Are you really going to kiss her shoe?” Lina looked even more upset.

“Lina,” I stared at Annelle’s retreating figure, clenching my fists, “Give me the medicine to remove the rash. I must regain the King’s favor.”

“Wonderful! Delia, you’re finally willing to stop hiding your face!” Lina said, her face brightening as she held my hand.

Yes, even Lina knew that in this palace, a woman like me—without a background and an Omega—would be bullied by everyone if I didn’t have the King’s favor.

At night, I wore a white silk gown. My brown hair flowed freely, and Lina handed me a bright red goose-feathered cloak. I stood in front of the vanity, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

The rash on my face had faded, and my skin had regained its glow. I put on the pearl necklace the King had given me, then sprayed rose perfume all over my body.

“Delia, are you sure this will work?” Lina asked, nervously fixing my clothes.

“Whether it works or not, I have to try.” I applied lipstick to my lips, and the woman in the mirror looked enchanting, like a siren.

It was the beginning of the month again. Alone, I walked to the corner of the palace garden, hanging my cloak on a tree. The surrounding trees were tall, their leaves falling in the wind, casting moving shadows on the ground.

The soft moonlight bathed my white gown, casting a silvery glow. I slowly stretched out my arms and stood barefoot on the fallen leaves. The thin gauze on my upper body outlined my slender waist, and my long legs peeked out beneath the soft silk of my skirt.

I stretched my arms, twisting my waist. I stepped on the leaves, my skirt swaying as my face shone in the moonlight.

With each step of my dance, the moonlight stretched my shadow, which slowly grew longer and was cast onto the window of the room across from me. I knew that room well—it was where the King always stayed alone during the first days of the month to mourn his lost love.

I turned, leaped, and the hem of my gown fluttered like a flower blooming in the night. This dance was something I had been forced to learn in my previous life, under Eric's abuse, to please him. I never thought I’d use this skill to turn my fate around now.

“Who’s there?!” The window to the study was pushed open, and William’s voice echoed through the garden.

“Anna!?” William’s tone rose in disbelief.

I froze mid-step, my gown falling. I smirked and slipped my cloak back on, hanging it on the tree.

“Stop! I order you to stop!” William’s voice became clearer.

“Your Majesty! You promised to attend Duke Eric’s banquet tonight!” That was the voice of the King’s head maid.

“Tell Eric I’m not going tonight!” William’s response was swift and firm.

The hook had been set. I smiled, licking my lips and taking off the pearl necklace from my neck. As I was about to throw it, I paused, leaned down, and kissed the pearls. I looked at the necklace with a satisfied grin, noticing the faint kiss marks left on the pearls, then turned around to leave.

The sound of hurried footsteps approached. Branches were pushed aside forcefully, and William’s tall figure was only a few steps away from me. I knew I didn’t have much time left, so I dropped the necklace on the ground and quickly turned to leave.

Lina stood at the door, her face lighting up with joy as she saw me.

“Delia, sister, how did it go? Did you succeed?” Lina helped me back to the bed, bringing a warm basin of water to soak my feet.

“Haha,” though I was trembling from the cold, I smiled as I touched my bare neck.

“Lina, he will follow me.” I said with certainty.

Lina beamed with joy, wiping my feet dry and helping me put on my shoes.

“Lina,” I grabbed her hand firmly, “Prepare my clothes. I need to put on my makeup and wait for the King.”

“Wait for whom?” A cold voice came from the door.

I was startled and turned to see Alice, dressed up in elegant attire, her red lips curled into a smile full of self-satisfaction. With a group of maids behind her, she stood at the door.

“Delia, where did you go tonight?” Before I could answer, Alice’s smile disappeared, and her eyes narrowed. “Someone said you left your room at night, disheveled, trying to seduce men.”

Alice’s eyes scanned my thin gown and the water basin beside my feet. She raised a finger and pointed at me.

“Seize her!”