The next morning arrived far sooner than I would have liked.
Three sharp knocks echoed through my chambers. I didn't need to get up without knowing who it was.
"Lady Elara."
Sebastian.
Of course it was Sebastian. The first step I made in this world was becoming close with Sebastian and now he saw me as a little sister Instead of his boss. Not that I was complaining.
I buried my face deeper into my pillow.
"Go away."
"It is nine in the morning."
"I know."
"You have a meeting with House Callister."
"I know."
"You are still in bed."
"I know."
"You've been awake for the past seven minutes."
I froze.
I slowly lifted my head from the pillow.
"How do you know that?"
"The sound of your breathing changed."
I said nothing and just stared at the ceiling.
Then I threw a pillow at the door.
It accomplished nothing.
"Leave."
"No."
"I hate you."
"I know."
"Where's Edward?"
"He's preparing the carriage. We leave in 30 minutes Lady Elara."
I groaned dramatically before dragging myself out of bed.
The room felt colder in the morning light and events of the previous night returned immediately.
Lyra, Valentina, the shifting timeline and most importantly, the terrifying realization that every attempt to avoid becoming the villain seemed to create entirely new problems.
I rubbed my face. Maybe I should have just stayed evil, at least I would have known what was happening.
A softer knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Lady Elara?"
Marianne.
Finally.
"Come in."
The door opened and Marianne entered carrying a tray loaded with breakfast and placed it down before me.
As I ate she went into my closet to bring our a suitable dress and she hanged it on the door of the closet.
"Eat fast, we have little time."
I finished my breakfast in record time and stood still as my abigails started dressing me.
The dress was made of dark navy blue silk and was embroidered with silver thread. The embroidery was very neat and detailed, obviously made by a master craftsman.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, l looked elegant and sophisticated, my short hair was pinned to the side with a butterfly pin. It was a far cry from what the original Elara would have worn.
Seems Marianne was more was more observant than I thought.
I was escorted into the carriage by Edward and we took off.
The journey to House Callister took nearly an hour.
The Viremont carriage rolled through the capital streets while citizens stepped aside respectfully.
Edward sat across from me while Sebastian rode alongside the carriage outside.
For the first twenty minutes nobody spoke.
Then Edward glanced at me and spoke.
"You are thinking."
I glanced away from the window.
"What a shocking observation."
"You only get that look when you're planning something."
"I always look like this."
"No, you don't."
I ignored him and returned my attention to the city outside.
The capital was alive as always.
Merchants called out from their stalls.
Carriages rolled across the stone roads.
Children ran through the streets while their parents unsuccessfully attempted to stop them.
It looked like anormal morning, at least on the surface.
The story was changing.
Lyra's early appearance alone proved that.
But strangely, I wasn't worried.
If anything, I was curious.
The original plot had already failed to account for my existence the moment I decided not to act like the villainess.
Perhaps it was time I stopped treating the novel as a script and started treating it as reality.
Reality was unpredictable but that didn't mean it couldn't be managed.
Eventually the carriage slowed.
"We've arrived, my lady."
I glanced outside.
House Callister certainly knew how to make an impression.
The manor stood proudly behind ornate iron gates while immaculate gardens stretched across the grounds. Colorful flowers bloomed along carefully maintained paths and elegant fountains decorated the front courtyard.
The estate practically radiated tasteful wealth.
The most annoying kind.
Edward exited first before helping me down from the carriage.
Several servants were already waiting.
"Lady Elara."
The head butler bowed.
"Welcome to House Callister. The tea gathering is already underway."
"Then I suppose I shouldn't keep everyone waiting."
The servant led us through the manor.
The interior was just as impressive as the exterior.
Polished marble floors, large windows and paintings that probably cost more than some noble estates.
Eventually we arrived at a set of glass doors leading into a garden.
Soft music drifted through the air.
Laughter followed.
The tea party was being held outside as expected.
The moment I stepped into the garden, conversations faltered.
Not completely.
Just enough for people to notice my arrival.
I was Lady Elara Viremont after all.
Even if my reputation had improved recently, people still weren't entirely sure what to expect from me.
I ignored the attention.
Instead I offered a graceful smile to Lady Callister.
"Thank you for inviting me."
"Thankyou for coming, Lady Elara."
She was as beautiful as I expected, with striking blue eyes and yellow blonde hair.
She guided me further into the gathering.
Around a dozen young nobles occupied various tables scattered throughout the garden.
Most I recognized.
Some I didn't.
Then I noticed a familiar head of brunette hair.
Of course Lyra was here.
For some reason, I wasn't even surprised anymore.
The girl was seated beneath a flowering tree while several young ladies chatted around her.
The moment she saw me, her face brightened.
She actually looked happy.
I still wasn't sure what I had done to earn that reaction.
"Lady Elara!"
The enthusiasm in her voice drew the attention of half the garden.
Wonderful.
Several nobles immediately turned toward us.
I maintained my composure.
"Lady Lyra."
"Please sit with us."
The hopeful expression on her face made it feel suspiciously close to a demand.
I glanced at the empty seat beside her.
Then at the amused looks appearing on the surrounding nobles.
Ah, it was one of those situations, unfortunately for them, I had no intention of providing entertainment.
So I sat down without hesitation.
The disappointed expressions were immediate.
Interesting.
They had clearly been expecting me to refuse.
Lyra smiled.
The others looked slightly confused.
And just like that, the tea party became much more interesting.
The game had officially begun and judging by the amused gleam in Valentina Callister's eyes, this meeting had absolutely nothing to do with tea.