Power moves

(Lina)

I want a divorce, I was not going to stop until I got one. Nicholas thought that he could control me, but I had something bigger than he could ever imagine. 

After the meeting with my lawyer and Nicholas hurriedly leaving before I could give him a piece of my mind, I made my way back to my room.

I didn't miss the stares though, the way the people whispered and exchanged glances as I walked by. I knew that it was because they heard Nicholas and Lady Elara but they couldn't say anything about it. 

No one dared to approach me, even when they whisper amongst themselves they had to bow and show their respect for their princess. 

Once in the privacy of my room, I kicked off my shoes and sank into the bed. My heart pounded with both anger and relief.

Nicholas thought he could avoid me, run from the inevitable confrontation, but I would make sure he heard me one way or another. He was going to know exactly what I thought of him and his pathetic attempts at keeping me in line.

But first, I needed to breathe.

'System am I going to be one of those characters that ends up with the worthless male lead?' I asked, wanting to know exactly where this was going. 

'Well, you have stories that have there twists and turns. Say for instance. Isabella Henry, now Lina Carter thought that she was a fierce warrior. She fought the prince at every turn, but in the end she ends up choosing him.' The system replied, making me sit up instantly. 

'Tell me that that's not going to happen!' I shouted. I would give anything to get out of this marriage. Being royalty sucked, I don't know how Isabella dealt with all this bullshit that came with it. 

'If you want out, you can return to Los Angeles.' The system said, which had basically gotten my hopes up. 

'As a dead woman who is already buried and missed by her dear family.' 

I flopped back onto the bed, frustration boiling inside me. 'So, my options are to be stuck in this loveless marriage or return home as a ghost?' I muttered, rolling my eyes at the absurdity of it all. Being a princess had its perks, but this was not the life I wanted.

'Do you even understand how suffocating this life is?' I asked the system. 'Nicholas thinks he can manipulate me because of my title, but he doesn't realize that I have the power to change my fate.'

'Power doesn't always manifest in a crown or a throne,' The system replied gently. 'Sometimes it's about the choices you make.'

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. 'Choices. Right. And I choose to get out of this marriage. But how?'

'By making your intentions clear,' It advised. 'You must confront Nicholas and show him that you will no longer play his game. You are not a pawn in his twisted chess match.'

The thought of facing him sent dread through me, but I knew I couldn't keep avoiding it. I needed to stand my ground. 'Fine. I'll confront him. But what if he tries to manipulate me again?'

'Remember your strength, Lina. You have more power than you realize. Use it to your advantage.'

I nodded, determination rising within me. I could do this. I wouldn't let him control me any longer. 'I'll do it tonight. I'll show him that I'm not afraid anymore.'

'Is this another challenge?' I asked, the corners of my mouth twitching up in a smirk.

'In a way, yes,' The system replied, a hint of amusement in its tone. 'Facing him will require courage and strategy. But remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.'

'Opportunity for growth,' I repeated. This was my chance to reclaim not just my freedom but my identity. I was more than a princess in a gilded cage; I was a woman with dreams and desires that extended beyond the palace walls.

"Alright, let's do this. I need to make a statement." I went to my wardrobe and selected a striking outfit: a tailored navy suit that accentuated my figure while radiating authority. I paired it with a pair of heels that added to my height and made me feel powerful.

As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. I looked ready to take on the world—or at least, Nicholas. I ran a brush through my hair, letting it fall in soft waves around my shoulders. This wasn't just about looking the part; it was about feeling it

'Remember,' The system said, 'the strength you show will resonate beyond this confrontation. Others are watching, and your actions could inspire change.'

I nodded, feeling the weight of those words. "I won't just be fighting for myself. I'll be fighting for anyone else who feels trapped in this life."

I stepped into the hallway, my heels clicking confidently against the marble floor. I felt the eyes of the staff and nobles on me, but this time, their gazes held a mix of surprise and respect. They were witnessing the transformation of their princess, and I refused to let their expectations box me in any longer.

The system was right, this was an opportunity for growth. It was to show them that the once naive Isabella is gone. She won't be running after a man who doesn't want her anymore. 

Now I am here, Lina Carter. The one who makes the rules, the one who fights for the world so that they can live a better life.

I am colonel Lina Carter. 

I served in the army since I was eighteen years old. 

I got a honorable discharge. I wasn't weak or pathetic. 

I was a soldier and a damn good one at that. 

I might be dead in my past life, reincarnated as a princess. 

But in this life, I am going to show them who's boss and they are going to be sorry they ever looked down at me.