Chapter 2

We'd just arrived at the manor today, and I wouldn't go into labor until the third day.

There was still time.

Without a sound, I crushed the jade pendant Kaelen had given me. It held a wisp of his spiritual essence; crushing it would alert him to my distress.

In my previous life, when my labor began, I should have sent for Kaelen. Because as the flames of birth flared around me, I finally knew: I was carrying a golden Phoenix.

A golden Phoenix born to an outsider like me required the Phoenix Clan's divine power for protection, lest the mother's body be scorched by the egg's fierce flames.

But Seraphina and Queen Regina wouldn't allow me to send for anyone.

They earnestly pleaded, "The Second Prince is at a crucial point, fighting back the Demonkin! We can't distract him. Just set up a screen, and let the First Prince protect you with his magic."

Kaelen's mother had been an unremarkable concubine.

His current standing was solely built on his hard-won military achievements, earned through countless battles.

If my labor forced him to withdraw from the battlefield, it would indeed damage his reputation.

So, I foolishly trusted their words and didn't send for my husband.

This meant I was surrounded only by Queen Regina's maids and midwives.

During labor, Queen Regina seized full control, silently swapping out my egg.

This life, I wouldn't let them have their way!

With the jade pendant crushed, I ordered my maids to pack our things. I needed to get out of there, back to the Royal Palace, *now*.

The palace was my territory. There, I could contact other Phoenix Clan royals who supported Kaelen.

Kaelen could arrive by the next day. By then, no matter how Queen Regina tried to interfere, it would be futile.

Seraphina saw me packing and instantly panicked.

She rushed to block my path. "Little sister, you just arrived! Why the hurry to leave?"

I subtly pushed her hand away, smiling. "I just remembered, Kaelen's mother has a medical consultation today. She hasn't been well lately, and as her daughter-in-law, it's my duty to be there for her. It saves Kaelen from worrying about domestic matters while he's on the battlefield."

Seraphina tried to dissuade me. "Just a day or two won't hurt! Queen Regina herself is here. Is Kaelen's mother more important than the Queen?"

Queen Regina being here only meant one thing: she was planning to swap my egg!

A cold sneer twisted my lips. I signaled my maids to guard me, ignored Seraphina, and headed straight for the carriage.

Just then, Queen Regina's enraged voice bellowed from behind us.

"Second Princess, what's with the sudden rush to leave? Are you perhaps tired of an old mother like me?"

I suppressed my rising anxiety, offering a polite smile. "Your Majesty, you're overthinking things."

Despite her words, I persisted in leaving.

Everyone in the Phoenix Clan knew Queen Regina and the Second Prince were at odds. King Theron, due to the Second Prince's immense military achievements, simply turned a blind eye to it.

As my maids helped me, just as I was about to step into the carriage, Valerius rushed up, breathless.

He called out loudly, "Sister-in-law, wait! There's a demon uprising ahead. It's too dangerous to leave!"

My fists clenched. My chest heaved with fury.

In my past life, there had been no such "demon uprising." They actually *instigated* a demon disturbance within the Phoenix Clan's borders, just to stop me!

Despicable!

"Ah!" Seraphina shrieked, clamping a hand over her mouth. Her other hand trembled as she pointed at my abdomen.

"Blood-fire..."

I followed her gaze, and my breath caught in my throat.

It was time. I was going into labor!

Perhaps my intense emotional upheaval had triggered premature labor.

Seeing this, all three of their faces lit up with malicious glee.

Queen Regina's expression instantly softened, becoming sickly sweet. She personally came forward to support me, intending to lead me back to the manor.

But I refused.

I'd been granted this second chance! How could I possibly let my child fall into their hands again?

I *had* to go back.

I *had* to wait for Kaelen.

"Your Majesty, I cannot give birth in a strange place! I must return to the palace! A mere demon horde is no match for my guards!"

I grit my teeth against the pain, gesturing for my maids and guards to protect me.

Seraphina and Valerius exchanged a look, then subtly signaled Queen Regina.

Queen Regina's voice turned sharp and menacing. "Don't listen to the Second Princess! She's about to give birth. If anything happens on the road, not only will I not spare you, but even King Theron will hold you accountable!"