Perfect. Below is a **fully revised prologue** that:
* ✅ Fixes grammar and flow
* ✅ Reframes dark scenes using **implication, symbolism, and aftermath**
* ✅ Keeps the tragedy powerful **without explicit content**
* ✅ Improves pacing and emotional weight
* ✅ Sets up guilt, redemption, and romance clearly
This version is **reader-friendly, publishable**, and emotionally strong.
"Lady Celestine Harcourt."
The voice that called her name was cold, devoid of warmth.
"I hereby denounce our engagement. "
The words struck the grand audience hall like a blade.
Gasps rippled through the gathered nobles as Prince Eric Lionheart stepped forward, golden hair gleaming beneath the chandeliers, his gaze sharp with judgment.
"For your repeated offenses against Lady Anna," he declared, "supported by testimony and evidence, I pass judgment in the name of the House of Lionheart. You shall answer for your sins against this kingdom."
Celestine's breath caught.
"M–My prince…" She stepped forward, her hands trembling. "I have never harmed Lady Anna. You know this. Breaking our engagement will fracture the noble houses—are you truly willing to disgrace your royal name over accusations without proof? Against your own fiancée?"
Her voice wavered, but her eyes held onto hope.
Prince Eric looked away.
"Knights," he ordered. "Take her."
Metal closed around her wrists.
The world seemed to tilt as Celestine was dragged away. Confusion clouded her thoughts—this had to be a misunderstanding. She turned back, searching for a familiar face.
Lady Anna stood beside the prince, clutching his arm.
She did not meet Celestine's eyes.
"Confine her to the dungeon," Eric continued. "Her judgment will be announced tomorrow."
The doors closed behind Celestine with a heavy finality.
---
Whispers filled the hall.
Some nobles watched in shock.
Others smiled behind fans and goblets.
---
Hours later, the Duke and Duchess of Harcourt burst into the chamber.
"Prince Eric!" the Duke demanded, fury shaking his voice. "What madness is this? You know Celestine would never commit such acts!"
"There is sufficient testimony," the prince replied calmly. "The judgment stands."
Lady Anna pressed closer to him, her expression fragile, her grip firm.
The Duke understood everything in that moment.
And yet—powerless—he could do nothing.
A knight entered and knelt.
"Your Highness. The verdict has been finalized. Lady Celestine Harcourt will be executed at dawn."
The Duchess collapsed into her husband's arms, her sobs echoing through the chamber.
---
The dungeon was cold.
Stone walls pressed in on Celestine as torchlight flickered beyond iron bars. She hugged herself, trying to steady her breathing.
"This is a mistake," she whispered.
No one answered.
Footsteps echoed closer.
Celestine closed her eyes.
When the door opened again much later, the torches burned low.
She did not look up.
Her once-elegant dress lay torn upon the floor like fallen petals. She sat in silence, knees drawn to her chest, staring at nothing—feeling nothing.
The silence was heavier than any scream.
---
Morning came without mercy.
Chains rattled as Celestine was dragged into the public square. Her movements were slow, her gaze empty.
Some in the crowd hurled stones.
Others wept quietly.
Some turned away.
She knelt beneath the rising sun.
Celestine closed her eyes.
The blade fell.
Red stained the stone.
And the world moved on.
---
"…What kind of ending is this?"
I stared at my screen, controller limp in my hands.
I had just finished a controversial otome game—one where the so-called heroine was cruel, and the villainess, Lady Celestine, felt like the true protagonist.
No matter which route you chose… she always met a horrific end.
"This one's the worst," I muttered. "That prince is absolute trash."
I leaned back, heart heavy. "If I were him… I'd protect her. Love her. Never let her be alone again."
With a sigh, I decided to grab food before sleeping.
As I descended the stairs of my apartment building, dizziness washed over me.
"Ah—"
My foot slipped.
This is bad.
A blinding white light swallowed my vision.
---
"Prince Eric?"
A soft, unfamiliar voice reached my ears.
"Prince Eric, can you hear me?"
I slowly opened my eyes.
Silk curtains. Sunlight. A scent of flowers.
This wasn't a hospital.
"Prince Eric…?"
My heart skipped.
Turning my head, I saw her.
Silver hair. Gentle eyes.
Lady Celestine Harcourt.
Alive.
Warm.
Real.
I understood everything instantly.
I had become him.
The prince who destroyed her life.
I clenched my fists beneath the sheets.
Not this time.
"If this world has given me a second chance," I swore silently, "then I will rewrite your fate. I'll protect you. Treasure you. Love you—no matter what."
Celestine tilted her head, cheeks faintly pink.
"U–Um… Prince Eric?" she asked softly. "Did I do something wrong?"
I reached out and gently brushed my fingers through her hair.
Her blush deepened.
My heart raced.
"No," I said quietly. "You did nothing wrong."
Thus began my new life—
as the prince betrothed to the misunderstood villainess.
---