Heart pounding, Kaelith remained motionless on her bed. Her fingers clutched the silk sheets, yet half-expecting them to ignite under her fingertouch.
Her epidermis was silky. Her body intact. There are no ropes. Neither fires. There was no blood-covered throng.
It was not a dream.
She had returned.
The door cracked open. Carrying a silver tray, Lisette, her own maid—young, with soft curls and big eyes—entered.
Lisette smiled, "My lady, you're awake! Thank the stars!" "The engagement ceremony is today. The palace sent word—they expect you to wear the ruby gown."
Kaelith's neck constricted.
The ruby gown. To wow the royal court, Aldric gave me one. I was sold into political snare that same day.
She whispered, "Ruby is a bad choice for a funeral.
Lisette stopped. "A... funeral, my lady?"
Kaelith pivoted to face her, eyes cold. "Fetch the black gown. The one with silver threads."
"But... that's mourning attire! His Grace—your fiancé—the Crown expects—" Lisette gasp.
Kaelith arose slowly. "Do not make me repeat myself," her voice was soft but razor-like.
Lisette ran off silently.
Kaelith went to the mirror. Her image met her like a ghost—one from a time before deception, before lies, before fire.
Her own eyes looked back at her, eyes that had seen nations perish and trust shatter like crystal.
She reasoned this time, they won't find a naive duchess. I will be seen by them.
Grand hall of the Ravencourt estate throbbed with nobles and whispers hours later.
Black silk and silver lace covered the marble steps the soon bride-to-be descended. She looked like a gracefully drawn shadow.
The audience gasped.
"Is she wearing mourning colors?" "Is this a protest?" "Did someone die?"
Though none more so than prince Corven Dareth, heir to the throne, the nobles stared.Corven, dressed in white and gold, appeared like the sun incarnate;
he stood beside Kaelith's brother the newly appointed Duke and his royal guards. Cold. Controlled. Brilliant.
The same man who would one day nod silently as she was pulled toward the pyre.
Kaelith smiled and met his gaze.
She enquired, "I trust my appearance does not offend, Your Highness?"
Silver eyes of Prince Corven narrowed. "You look… dangerous."
"Good," she responded. "That implies I selected properly."
Kaelith would not be silenced this time. She would not burn for the actions of another person.
This time, the villainess will write her own conclusion.