{Talia}
Talia rolled the vial between her fingers, staring at the clear liquid.
One day until the play. One day until she'd have to kiss Aegis Starcaller on stage in front of the entire academy, her mother, and who knew how many other nobles.
[It would be so easy.]
Just a few drops in Aegis's water during today's final rehearsal. By evening, the commoner would be too sick to perform. Liora would step in. Problem solved.
No one would ever know.
Talia slipped the vial into her pocket as a knock sounded at her door.
"Enter."
A servant poked his head in.
"Princess, they're waiting for you in the rehearsal hall."
"I'll be right there."
She gathered her script and notes, checking her reflection one last time before heading out. The vial weighed heavy in her pocket, like a stone.
[I haven't decided yet,] she told herself. [I'm just keeping my options open.]
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