Reroll My Fate

Chapter 7

Elara pointed at me with a bright smile plastered across her face. I could tell why but she looked overly satisfied with herself. “You're his new master."

The idea of Caspian purchasing a slave to get my forgiveness was utterly stupid. Everyone knew I never liked the idea of slaves and bought them just to set them free.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It's almost embarrassing how I never noticed how bad of a partner he was until he poisoned me.

"Your highness?" Elara called out and I turned to her, clearing my throat. From the look she gave me she probably had thought this out completely.

If I accepted this 'gift' Caspian would take it that he's been forgiven. If I don't and set him free I'd probably be reprimanded for setting a criminal free.

"I'll take it," I nodded and Elara did a happy hump placing the rest of his chain in my hand. I stared at her then heavy chain now resting in my palm, cool metal biting into my skin.

Disbelief rippled through me, followed quickly by something warmer. Excitement and maybe hope. This was my chance. In my previous life, Ryan had suffered and died because no one protected him.

Now I could change that. I could keep him safe and get rid of the guilt that's been eating me. I had barely even had time to react when Ryan spoke his voice thick and

“There’s been a mistake,” My lips fell open but he barely spared me a glance, his attention on Elara. “I am supposed to go with you. You were the one who purchased me.”

Elara let out a soft, almost fond laugh, clearly misunderstanding. “Oh, Ryan. You’ve grown attached after all my visits, haven’t you?"

"That’s sweet. But the decision is already made. I bought you for Arwen. This is my way of making up for… everything with Caspian.”

She waved a hand airily. “Accept it and behave yourself. She is your mistress now.” Ryan’s expression darkened, but he had no choice.

. We left the market shortly after, the carriage ride back to the palace heavy with silence.

Ryan sat across from me, body tense, arms crossed over his broad chest. Blood and dirt still streaked his skin from the fight. He looked every bit the dangerous warrior he had proven himself to be, yet his grey eyes kept flicking toward me with clear frustration.

“You should transfer me to the Vane family,” he said after a long stretch of quiet. His voice was rough, controlled. “Someone like me shouldn’t be seen around a princess. Having the son of a traitor in your household could damage your reputation.”

I stayed silent, watching the scenery pass outside the window. He tried again, listing reasons — my safety, the scandal, how unsuitable he was.

Each word made my irritation grow. By the time we reached my side of the palace grounds, I was exhausted from listening.

“Stop talking,” I said quietly as we stepped inside. The door closed behind us. For the first time since the market, we were alone. Ryan immediately turned back to the topic, stepping closer, his presence filling the room.

“What would it take for you to transfer me to the Vane family?” he asked, voice low and urgent.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. “Stop pretending, Ryan. I already know why you want to go there.”

He went completely still. His grey eyes narrowed, studying me with sharp suspicion. I could see the calculations running behind them — wondering if this was a trap, if I was playing some game.

“You want access to the Vane family estate,” I continued, keeping my voice steady. “You want to search for documents, for records.

You believe they were involved in framing your father. You need proof that he was innocent.”

Ryan’s entire body tensed. “How do you know any of this?” His voice dropped dangerously low. “Who told you?”

I hesitated, heart beating faster. This was risky. But I needed him to trust me. I took a slow breath and met his eyes.

“I’ve already lived this life once before.” Ryan stared at me for a long minute and just when I thought he might actually believe he let out a loud chuckle. “You expect me to believe that? I may be a criminal but I don’t appreciate being treated like a fool, Princess.”

I felt my cheeks heat but under his judging gaze and cleared my throat. “I have lived this life before. I know what happens to you if you go to the Vane family."

He scoffed but I kept going, "You get caught sneaking into rooms. You get exposed. You are tortured. Your teeth are pulled out. You are beaten until you break. And eventually… You are killed.”

The laughter faded from his face. He stared at me, something uncertain flickering in his eyes. "And why would I believe you?"

"Because I know why you're here"

"I'm sure you remember but I was gifted?" His eyes glinted with malice and I paused. I had been so invested in saving him that I forgot that he saw me as nothing more than an extension of my father.

Taking a deep breath I walked towards him. "You were hoping to gain access to the Vane's property to prove your father's name."

His eyes widened but I continued pressing my palm on his waist, "You have a birthmark on your hip. A small, crescent-shaped one. How I saw it doesn't matter but I hope that's enough proof."

He froze completely, and the color drained from his face for a second. I could see the internal war playing out behind his eyes; a part of him still wanted to believe I was lying.

“If you truly think I’m lying,” I said quietly, “then prove me wrong right now. Strip. Show me the birthmark isn’t there.”

The suggestion caught him completely off guard. He stared at me, jaw tight, clearly rattled. He didn’t move to undress, but the doubt in his expression cracked.

He may not have fully believed me yet, but he could no longer dismiss everything I was saying. Eventually, his shoulders dropped just a fraction.

“What do you want from me?”

I took in a deep breath, giving him a small smile. “I intend to help you clear your father’s name. I will use my position and influence to do it. I will help you avoid the fate you suffered before."

"And....what do you get from it?"

"In exchange, you work for me. Become my sword. Protect me from Caspian and the Vane family. I want as much distance as possible between myself and Caspian. You would be my personal bodyguard.”

Ryan listened carefully, his grey eyes searching my face and I looked away. My body had always reacted in a strange way whenever he was close.

Before he could respond, the door burst open.

Serena rushed in, her face pale with urgency. “My lady! The king has heard about the auction. He knows you purchased the son of a traitor. He has summoned both of you immediately.”

My stomach dropped. I dismissed Serena with a quick nod, then turned back to Ryan.

“If you want to survive what is about to happen,” I said, meeting his eyes, “you need to do exactly what I say.”

Ryan studied me for a long moment, then gave a single, sharp nod.

We prepared to answer the king’s summons