The wine glass slipped from her fingers like a fading dream.
Liora's vision blurred as the world tilted, the sound of laughter at the royal banquet warping into distorted echoes. Her chest tightened. The last thing she saw before darkness claimed her was Kael's face—so calm, so distant, so cold.
Betrayal tastes like iron.
Her final breath caught in her throat. She tried to scream, tried to curse him—but her lips barely parted. Her knees buckled, and the world swallowed her.
When she opened her eyes again, the ceiling was white, not gold. The air was thick with the scent of lavender and parchment. Her hand clutched silk sheets far finer than anything she had ever owned. Her heart raced.
Where am I?
A soft voice called, "My lady, you are awake."
Liora's eyes snapped toward the doorway. A young maid bowed, her eyes wide with concern. "You fainted, milady. Please rest."
Milady?
Her mind churned. She scrambled to sit up but dizziness washed over her. Her reflection in the polished bronze basin startled her—a pale face, unfamiliar yet graceful. Her dark hair was braided into an elaborate style, and her clothes shimmered with embroidery.
This isn't my room. This isn't my life.
The last memory returned in a flood—the banquet, the poisoned wine, the expressionless prince…
Her jaw tightened.
"Where am I?" she rasped.
The maid hesitated. "This is Eldareth Manor. You are Lady Liora, betrothed to Prince Kael of the Silver Court."
The room spun again. Lady Liora. Prince Kael.
Her blood ran cold.
A pounding at the door followed.
"My lady? The steward awaits."
Liora froze. She felt the ghost of her past life claw at her chest, threatening to tear her apart.
It can't be… but it is. The same name. The same prince. Why?
She forced herself to stand, her legs trembling but obedient. "Yes," she whispered. "Prepare me."
The maid's eyes softened. "You must not worry, milady. The court will adore you."
Liora's lips curved in a faint, bitter smile.
Let them.
As she rose, she caught sight of her reflection once more—an elegant young noblewoman with eyes that held secrets.
And beneath that mask, a heart hardened by revenge.
At the doorway, she paused.
"I must find him," she whispered to herself.
"Who, milady?"
The maid's voice barely registered.
Liora turned, her eyes blazing with determination.
"The man who broke me."
The game had begun.