Chapter 2
We set the departure for the banquet a week after the announcement, and I'd barely had time to commission a dress from the seamstress and form a plan of contingency.
The banquet was centered around the illusion that the prince would be choosing his own Bride, but in reality, the King would be choosing her for him behind the scenes, though only the two of them were aware of this.
For King Adrian, who was surrounded by cutthroat nobles aiming for his position, the daughter of a ditzy yet still somewhat powerful and loyal duke was perfect.
Therefore, Rosaria was selected and set to be engaged to the Crown Prince.
Who could have known that Rosaria, because of her crazed obsession for power, would perish at the hands of her fiance himself?
The third step was to clean up the corruption in my father's territory to prevent the Dukedom from falling as it had in the novel, and use his then limitless wealth to travel around Teravva and experience the world Julia and I created with real eyes.
Then I would live out the rest of my days peacefully.
That would be ideal. I gnawed on my fingernails, sitting at my desk with endless papers filled with everything I knew about the novel, the Bakner Kingdom, and Teravva. Turning this dream into a reality was much harder than it seemed.
The novel I was currently in was a prequel to an adventure series, Spear of Destiny, set in a world full of boundless adventures and fearless heroes.
It had a rich history that had been brewing since Julia and I were in elementary school.
Currently, Terrava was in a period of relative peace after the hero Grace had destroyed the dragons and freed the continent from their oppression.
However, that peace would soon break. An organization called the Shadow Walkers, led by people who worshipped the dragons and sought to rule over the entire continent, would make their first move to take over the Bakner Kingdom because it was small, weak, and easy to infiltrate.
Crown Prince Roland and his wife Katia Wethersprite would give birth to a son, named Percy, who in twenty years would rise to be the hero of the continent.
Thus, Roland and Katia become important elements in the story, and I had to ensure they ended up together.
I stared at my poorly written timeline grimly.
Right now, the Shadow Walkers had indeed infiltrated the Bakner Kingdom, but they were still relatively weak.
However, I knew their rise to power was inevitable.
If I want to live a safe and happy life, I'm going to have to do this the right way.
.. I thought. Duke Leeland's territory lay in a strategic location surrounded by mountain passes, dense wilderness, and the sea.
It was the perfect location for defense.
Because in just two years, the Shadow Walkers would take over this Kingdom, forcing its people into slavery and causing the death of the future king and queen, Roland and Katia, forcing their orphaned son to grow up in the shadows amongst the resistance.
Slowly, a plan began to form in my mind.
Duke Leeland sat across from me, drumming his fingers on his knee, humming an off-tune melody. Every now and then, he'd glance outside and sigh wistfully, like a man without a care in the world. "Rosaria, are you alright? Should I stop the carriage and let you rest?"
I shook my head, "I'm fine, father. I can make it." I assured him. We were almost there.
In the novel, Rosaria had been arrogant and self-assured when she arrived at the palace. She had wielded her status like a weapon, fully expecting to be the future queen. And she was—well, at least for a short time.
But I wasn't her. And more importantly, I knew what was coming. I folded my hands in my lap and spoke carefully. "Father, who exactly did you say extended this invitation to us?"
Leeland perked up. "Ah! That would be Chancellor Veltin! Wonderful man, Veltin. Always so polite!"
I swallowed hard. Chancellor Veltin?
I knew that name. He was one of the main antagonists of the novel—the mastermind behind the court's corruption.
He was a man who worked in the shadows, pulling strings, ruining reputations, and ensuring his own allies came out on top.
He was a high ranking member of the Shadow Walkers, though their presence was hardly mentioned in the novel.
If I want to succeed, I'll have to take him out. That would be no easy task.
The king must have put him in charge of selecting the candidates for Crown Princess. And my father trusted him completely. "Father," I said carefully, "I've heard... concerning things about Chancellor Veltin."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, nonsense! Veltin is a dear friend! Why, just last month, he gifted me that lovely bottle of elven mead! The one that had me napping in the garden for—what was it—two days? Ah, yes. Marvelous fellow!"
I nearly groaned. This man is too trusting for his own good.
Julian, sitting beside me, sighed heavily. "He's manipulating you, Father."
The Duke's cheerful demeanor never faltered. "Julian, my boy, you mustn't be so cynical! Not everyone has an ulterior motive."
"Veltin does," Julian muttered under his breath.
I smiled at him. At least someone in this family had common sense. He was only fourteen, yet he had the mind of someone much older. He'd be the perfect heir to the Dukedom, and the perfect ally to accomplish what I need. I have to make sure he survives.
I pressed my fingers to my temple, thinking quickly. "Father, I just think we should be cautious at court today. Some people aren't as kind as they appear to be."
Duke Leeland chuckled, patting my hand. "You worry too much, Rosaria! That's what I love about you, always looking out for your dear old father!"
Julian regarded me with a scoff, looking my jewel encrusted dress up and down. "And since when did you start caring about court politics? Last I knew you only cared about the latest fabrics in fashion."
Julian scoffed. "You would say that, wouldn't you?"
I glared at him. He was starting to get annoying. I get that Rosaria wasn't the nicest to you, but seriously...
"Marvelous!" Duke Leeland cheered. "Oh my little star, you are so smart! Very well, I will be a bit more cautious today."
I sighed, slumping in my chair. It was very unladylike, but I didn't care.
So much was riding on today—making a good impression on the prince, and finding out what Chancellor Veltin was hiding.
As our carriage rolled to a stop before the palace gates, I took a steadying breath.
This was it—the start of my dangerous tightrope walk.
Through the window, I could see the grand procession of nobles arriving for the banquet.
Carriages emblazoned with elaborate crests filed through the gates, their occupants clad in rich silks and fine jewels, each one scheming and maneuvering for power behind their polite facades.
Shadow Walkers aren't the only enemies I have to face here.
The golden glow of lanterns flickered against the marble columns of the palace, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
The palace itself was breathtaking—a masterpiece of architecture that whispered of opulence and control. But within its regal walls was a war, a war that would decide the fate of the Kingdom.
Duke Leeland, of course, was completely taken in by it.
"Ahh, Rosaria, look at this craftsmanship!
" he sighed dreamily, running a gloved hand along the intricate carvings on the railing leading up the steps to the ballroom entrance.
"Each time I come here it is more and more breathtaking.
Perhaps I should hire one of their Royal Stonemasons to carve a fountain in the shape of our family crest. What do you think, Julian? "
Julian, seated across from me with his arms crossed, barely glanced outside. "The cost of that would be absurd. I think you should stop getting ideas from Baron Westley. His fountains are hideous."
Leeland gasped. "Julian! A nobleman's garden is a reflection of his soul!"
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Then Baron Westley has a deeply troubled soul."
I stifled a laugh. This was one of the things I was starting to like about Julian—he was sharp, observant, and had little patience for nonsense.
Unfortunately, no one ever listened to him.
I wished Julia had fleshed him out more as a character.
It would have been interesting for him to have a larger role.
The carriage door opened, and a footman bowed low. "Duke Leeland, Lady Rosaria, Lord Julian—welcome to the palace. His Majesty has been expecting you."
I took the footman's offered hand and stepped out of the carriage, my jewel-encrusted gown sweeping over the stone pavement.
I had chosen a simple yet elegant dress for the night.
I didn't want to stand out as Rosaria would have, but I also wanted to look respectable.
Above all, I didn't want to draw too much attention.
But even with the layers of silk and embroidery, I felt exposed.
As if the moment I entered that ballroom, I would be placed under a magnifying glass, examined for the slightest weakness.
Leeland beamed as he stepped down after me, then turned to our footman. "Make sure our coachman is treated to the finest palace wine, won't you? Driving in such traffic must be exhausting!"
The footman hesitated. "Ah... of course, Your Grace."
Julian muttered under his breath, "And people wonder why no one takes us seriously."
Together, we ascended the palace steps, and were welcomed into the enormous ballroom. Father and Julian took their place as I was directed to stand with the other crown princess candidates, but not before I turned and whispered to Julian. "Make sure father stays out of trouble tonight."
"I make no promises." He said, but even then I could see the sparkle in his eyes as he squared his shoulders, happy to be given a responsibility.
I smiled, making sure Julian realized his potential and was no longer overlooked was another thing on my list, and slowly I was starting to gain his trust.
There were at least thirty of us, all dressed in flowing silken gowns of the most trending designs, lined up to be introduced to the crowd as Crown Princess candidates. Tonight, the prince would dine and dance with each one of us, giving all the candidates the illusion he had the power to choose.
As I entered the crowd of girls being lined up for display like cattle, a murmur spread.
I nervously settled into my spot, knowing that I was about to meet a group of people that, underneath their facades, despised Rosaria.
I could feel eyes turning toward me, watching, assessing.
Some were interested, others dismissive.
Some—dangerously perceptive. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles—polite, false, and razor-sharp.
It was a world that I, though familiar through reading, was incredibly unfamiliar with.
I felt like a newborn being thrown to the wolves.
Even so, I kept my expression composed, my posture poised.
Where is she? I scanned the crowd of girls, looking for the flowing auburn lochs.
I have to meet her, and make a good impression.
"Rosaria, is that you?" A girl approached me, with copper hair braided back into a bun, wearing an elegant yellow dress. She was Esta Maria, daughter of Viscount Maria. "I hardly recognized you, wearing something so... well, you know, not quite as dashing as you normally wear, you know?"
I rolled my eyes internally, but kept my outward composure smooth.
Just call it ordinary, I sighed.
I was prepared to face the fake smiles and the backhanded compliments, that was something that hadn't changed from my previous life.
I can do this. It's no different than High School, right?
Before I could respond to Esta's thinly veiled insult, another woman approached.
"My, my, Lady Rosaria, how unexpected. I didn't think you were capable of subtlety."
This time, the speaker was Lady Evelyne Marston, daughter of Count Marston and one of Rosaria's most vocal critics.
They were friends on the outside, of course, but would betray each other at the slightest turn.
No wonder Rosaria became a villain, with the kind of company she keeps.
Evelyne had dark chestnut hair styled into a perfect cascade over one shoulder, and her sharp green eyes flickered with amusement as she assessed me.
I gave her a serene smile, the kind that masked my true thoughts. "Surprising, isn't it? Perhaps I've turned over a new leaf."
Evelyne's lips curled ever so slightly. "A pity. I did always enjoy watching your grand entrances."
I resisted the urge to sigh. Of course, Rosaria had been the type to bask in attention, to flaunt her status and wealth. No doubt they were confused by my newfound restraint. That was good. Let them be confused—it would give me the upper hand.
But I didn't have time to trade barbs. I needed to find Katia.
As the line of candidates continued forming, I discreetly scanned the group. Most of the girls were vying for attention, their faces carefully painted with excitement, but a few stood apart. And then, I saw her.
Katia.
She wasn't particularly remarkable at first glance—plain auburn hair, a modest pastel blue dress, her posture slightly stiff with discomfort.
She wasn't trying to be noticed, but she wasn't invisible either.
To the others, she might seem unassuming, just another noble girl from a lesser house. But I knew better.
The daughter of a humble Baron, she would be the future Queen of Bakner.
The mother of Percy, the continent's future hero.
The person who, this very night, would win the prince's heart.
And the person who may eventually hold my life in her hands, and I wanted to be on the right side of her benevolence.
I stepped away from Evelyne without another word, weaving through the sea of silk and perfume until I reached Katia's side. She flinched slightly when I approached, her hands tightening around the folds of her gown.
She was nervous. Of me? Or the event itself?
"Lady Katia, isn't it?" I said gently, offering a small, disarming smile.
Her eyes widened. "Y-Yes. That's me."
"I'm Rosaria Leeland." I could see the wariness in her gaze. Rosaria had never interacted with her before—at least, not in a way that was friendly. I needed to change that. "This is your first time at a royal banquet, isn't it?"
She nodded hesitantly. "It's... overwhelming."
"It can be." I lowered my voice slightly, giving her a conspiratorial look.
"The key is to pretend you belong here, even if you feel like you don't." From a humble manor in the countryside, she'd likely never been in a place this extravagant.
In terms of etiquette, we were much on the same grounds. I could identify with how she felt.
Katia blinked, surprised by my words. Then, slowly, she nodded.
Before I could continue, a hush fell over the room. The grand doors to the banquet hall swung open, and a voice rang out.
"His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Roland!"I straightened my spine, forcing my nerves into submission. So it begins.