The palace was alive that evening.
Candlelight flickered against the gilded walls.
Music floated through the halls, playful yet tense, and the scent of roses mingled with perfumes worn by the empire's most influential nobles.
I adjusted the folds of my crimson gown, my mind racing.
Tonight was the annual Imperial Gala, a perfect opportunity to observe my enemies… and allies.
Survive. Watch. Stay invisible.
But the moment I stepped into the ballroom, I realized—tonight, invisibility was impossible.
The Crown Prince
He was already there.
By the grand staircase, silver hair catching the light, eyes scanning the crowd… and then landing on me.
His gaze, sharp as a blade, made my chest tighten.
I could feel the weight of it as though it were physical.
Do not look at him too long…
But I did anyway.
He didn't move toward me—yet the air between us felt charged, dangerous, electric.
The Third Party: Sir Alaric
"Lady Seraphina," a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.
I turned to see Sir Alaric, the young knight recently assigned to the royal court. Handsome, bold, with a smile that could charm the wary.
He bowed low. "May I escort you tonight?"
I hesitated. He is friendly… helpful… but why does it feel like he hides something?
Yet I nodded. A companion would make me appear engaged in polite conversation, not isolated.
The Mysterious Adversary: Lord Veyron
Across the ballroom, a dark figure watched me.
Lord Veyron, a cunning nobleman with influence over the court and a long memory of Seraphina's family mistakes, smirked.
He whispered something to a nearby aide, eyes never leaving me.
He's plotting something. He always is.
This gala would not be simple.
Subtle Intrigues
Music swelled. Couples danced gracefully, smiles masking sharp intent.
Alaric leaned close, whispering, "You have the attention of the Crown Prince again. Are you… hiding from him?"
I forced a light laugh. "I am merely… cautious, Sir Alaric. One must always survive the court."
His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more.
I felt a subtle connection forming—a cautious alliance.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince approached, not formally, but quietly. His steps were deliberate.
He stopped just near my shoulder.
"You look… radiant," he said softly.
I almost faltered. Almost.
Do not let him see weakness. Do not let him know your heart races.
"Your Highness… you flatter me," I replied, carefully keeping my tone even.
His gaze lingered longer than necessary.
And then… he turned to speak with another noblewoman, leaving me both relieved and frustrated.
Tension Builds
I barely had time to catch my breath when Lord Veyron approached me under the guise of politeness.
"Lady Seraphina," he said, bowing low, "I hear you have… interesting ideas about the upcoming council."
Council?
My mind raced. Yes, the council was where I could prove my intelligence—but any misstep could ruin me.
"I always aim to contribute wisely, Lord Veyron," I said carefully, hiding any hint of fear.
His smirk widened. "We shall see… won't we?"
I stepped aside, but not before noticing the subtle glance Alaric threw at Veyron. Protective. Calculating. Loyal.
Pensées Profondes
Every glance. Every smile. Every step… is a move on the board.
The Crown Prince watches. Veyron schemes. Alaric… he might actually be on my side.
Do not falter, Seraphina. Do not let the story write itself this time.
I will survive… even if I must navigate love, loyalty, and betrayal all at once.
Cliffhanger
As the gala reached its peak, a sudden commotion drew every eye: a masked stranger had entered the ballroom, moving directly toward the Crown Prince.
Everyone froze.
I felt my heart skip a beat.
What game is this?
And as the stranger lifted his mask… my blood ran cold.
It was someone from my past life—a face I did not expect to see again.
End of Chapter 3