Chapter 1
[1]
I am the crown prince of Hadrait, but I am a woman.
On the day I was born, my mother inspected me thoroughly, but she couldn't find what she was searching for.
In the end, she gritted her teeth and declared, "Whether you're a boy or a girl, you must live as a boy!"
So, I disguised myself as a man, binding my chest and living as the crown prince for seventeen years.
Despite my wisdom and skills in both literature and martial arts, when my true identity was discovered, I couldn't escape death.
As I faced the once-loyal ministers now seething with anger, I drew my sword defiantly.
"Who says a woman can't rule?"
Later, Landen, who studied with me, and Phil, who taught me martial arts, both vied for my attention.
I wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders and smiled. "Why compete? There will be many more in the palace in the future. You two need to get along!"
[2]
The Prince's Residence had been unusually lively these past few days.
My mother was determined to find me a bride.
She must be out of her mind.
I was a woman. How could she not know that? But she didn't care. She kept presenting me with one portrait after another, insisting I choose at least two.
"You're almost twenty and still not married. Your father will start asking questions!"
The servants had long been dismissed from the hall, leaving only Tonya, the maid who had grown up with me.
I sighed. "Mother, why don't we just tell Father the truth? This can't go on."
Mother's face hardened. "Scarlett, I am destined to become the empress dowager. If you want to ruin yourself, do it alone. Don't drag me down with you."
Was this really something a mother would say?
Seeing her about to lose her temper, I reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Fine, fine. You go back first. I'll take a look myself."
Mother placed the scrolls down and said slowly, "These are all daughters of important officials. They will be beneficial to you in the future."
"As for their looks, they are all quite good. You will definitely like them."
I twitched at the corner of my eye. "Mother, let me remind you again, I do not like women. I like men."
"So what?"
Mother looked at me, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing, exuding an aura of authority without anger.
"You are the crown prince now. You are expected to only like women."
With that, she handed the scrolls to Tonya and stood up slowly.
"I expect to see your choices by the end of next month at the latest."
I had no choice but to respond, "Yes, I will remember. Goodbye, Mother."