Chrysanthemum's Downfall

In a world of royal intrigue, Wendy, a maid turned empress, seeks revenge against her childhood friend, Sarah, who wronged her. Betrayal, rebirth, and relentless ambition drive Wendy to outmaneuver enemies and reclaim what was stolen. Will she rise as the queen of hearts or fall to darkness?

Prologue
Sarah Lynch stood there, as serene as a chrysanthemum. She hadn't shed a tear when her father passed, yet she wailed inconsolably when her childhood friend, the Guard, was injured.
The King suspected an affair between them, but she merely pouted softly:
'Your servant has no words to defend herself.'
To prove Big Sis's innocence, I voluntarily killed the Guard, only to be reproached by her:
'The King is my childhood sweetheart. He would believe me without such underhanded methods.'
'You're just a maid who came with my dowry. How dare you overstep and kill Brother Liam? You deserve punishment.'
She locked me in the Dungeon, justifying it with:
'The Dungeon loves to torture people, but they won't seriously injure or kill you. Once you've atoned, I'll have you released.'
I waited for five years, tortured to death without ever seeing her come. I could only die with resentment.
When I opened my eyes again, I sneered at Big Sis's pouty, innocent face.
Since she couldn't defend herself, let her rot in the Cold Palace.
The Queen's position shall be mine, the illegitimate daughter!