Chapter 5: Old Friends, New Friends

I peer through the keyhole, my heart pounding as I watch Tristan and Cecilia tangled together. Those damn bastards! How could they do this to Seraphina? Biting my lip, I press my ear against the door as they start talking.

"I can't stand it when you take Seraphina's hand and kiss it," Cecilia whines, her voice laced with irritation.

"Ah, but you don't have to worry, my dear," he coos playfully. "No one could ever bring me the same pleasure as you do." I can almost hear the smirk in his voice.

"Still" - she huffs - "you shouldn't do that sort of thing when I'm in the room."

"Are you jealous...?" Tristan teases, drawing out the last word.

"I'm serious!" Cecilia bites back, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. "Did you see how healthy she looks?" she continues, not giving him a chance to respond. My ears perk up at the mention of Seraphina's health.

"I don't think the Sablethorn berries poison we put in her chocolates is having an effect anymore," Cecilia muses, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Is there a chance she became immune?"

"Maybe..." Tristan grumbles.

Aha! It was them, just as I suspected. Those two-faced creeps, after everything I... she had done for them. They are completely heartless!

"Ugh! How is it possible? I hate her!" Cecilia says. "She should've been dead by now, and instead, she's looking more radiant than ever! She looks stronger than she used to!"

I smile, satisfied. It seems my efforts to get in shape with a raw diet and an exercise plan have paid off – even though I could really do with some meat. Ah well, now that I know who was poisoning me, perhaps I can treat myself to a juicy steak...

"That bitch is a thorn in my side," Cecilia spits out.

"Come on, don't be so harsh..." Tristan reprimands her softly. "She's not a bad girl."

"You don't know her like I do," Cecilia replies coldly. "And you can kiss your promotion to Captain of the Royal Guard goodbye if we don't figure a way of getting rid of her. Now that I think of it, maybe..."

But at that point, my eavesdropping is interrupted by a hand that touches my shoulder. Surprised, I turn around to see Lily's innocent face.

"Princess Seraphina?" she asks, her eyes wide and curious. "What are you doing out of bed?"

I fake an awkward smile and say, "Well, I wanted to go for a stroll and was looking for you inside this room but clearly, you're not there because you're here in front of me! Haha, what are the odds?" My attempt at humor falls flat, but I try to keep up appearances.

Lily laughs, though it's a bit forced. She's sharp—she must sense something is off about the situation. Regardless, I grab her arm and ask her to please take me on a stroll through the garden, but first, bring me some juicy steak! I'm famished!

"Steak? At this hour?" Lily giggles, likely finding my request amusing. "Alright, Your Highness, if that's what you wish."

My heart races with anticipation as I walk arm-in-arm with Lily, trying to shake off what I just heard. It's now clear that Cecilia and Tristan have been plotting against Seraphina, and I need to put a stop to their treachery.

***

I sit at the small desk in my chamber, savoring the last bite of the delicious, gigantic steak I had devoured. The tender meat was a welcome change to the raw diet I had been following. As I wipe my mouth with a napkin, I take out my list from the desk drawer and, with a quill, add another point: "6. Avenge Princess Seraphina and expose Cecilia and Tristan." A surge of resolve washes through me as I plot how I will make things right for both Seraphina and myself.

Acting isn't my strong suit, but I'll have to keep up appearances around Cecilia and Tristan. After reading Seraphina's diaries, I feel a deep connection to her. She was such a kind-hearted person who didn't deserve to have such awful friends. And why were they trying to kill her anyway?

As I ponder over my next steps, there is a knock on the door. Lily enters, beaming. "Princess Seraphina," she announces, "the doctor says you're now fine to go around the palace as you please! That means tomorrow night, you can attend the Crimson Ball!"

The Crimson Ball is held every year to celebrate Asteria's victory in the Crimson Sun War against Ironhold, but it's an event for socialites and I'm afraid I won't fit in. I try to fake enthusiasm, but it's clear that Lily senses something is off. She frowns, her eyes filled with concern.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" she asks.

Sighing, I decide to tell her the truth—or at least part of it. "Lily, I must make a confession."

"Of course, what is it?" she replies, leaning in closer.

"I'm... not looking forward to the ball," I admit, avoiding her gaze.

"Really? But you've always loved balls!" she exclaims, clearly surprised.

"Since I got sick, I feel like I can't dance as well as I used to," I lie, trying to sound convincing. "I'm nervous about it."

"Princess, don't worry!" Lily reassures me. "I'd be more than happy to help you practice your dancing before the ball."

"Would you?" I ask, feigning relief. "That would mean so much to me."

"Of course, Your Highness," she replies with a warm smile. "Anything for you."

As she stares at me with her cute, beaming face, I can't help but think how wonderful Lily is. She's turning out to be a true friend, and I feel sorry for ever suspecting her. I'm beginning to trust her more and more.

"Alright," Lily says, positioning herself in front of me. "We can practice the waltz. I'll be the man, so I'll lead."

I nod as she takes my hands, placing them where they should be. Then, she starts humming a waltz, and we rock to the sides a little bit.

As we sway together, a memory surfaces from my days as an assassin. Our Seduction teacher tried her hardest to teach me to dance, only to be appalled by my complete lack of talent. My idea of grace was more akin to clashing swords than flowing ballroom gowns.

"Your Highness, try to relax and let me guide you," Lily gently instructs, bringing me back to the present.

"Right, sorry," I mumble.

"Okay, now let's dance!" Lily exclaims, her eyes shining with excitement. She begins instructing me on how I should move, but immediately there's a problem – I can't help but try to lead.

"Princess Seraphina," Lily teases playfully, "you have quite the... dominant dancing style."

"Sorry," I mutter, flustered. "I just find it easier."

Lily chuckles and agrees to let me lead until I get used to it. She starts with the basic steps, but my idea of a waltz is closer to a martial arts maneuver. As we dance, I can't help but equate the steps to combat moves. If I pivot here, I could disarm an opponent. I think I could carry daggers in my bodice and still dance to this thing.

We continue practicing, our laughter echoing through the room as we trip over each other's feet and struggle to maintain the proper form, particularly when I try to follow instead of lead. Despite the awkwardness, though, I find myself genuinely enjoying our time together. As the sun begins to set, I realize that for the first time since my rebirth, I feel truly happy.

Exhausted, Lily and I collapse onto the floor, sweaty and breathless after hours of dancing. My limbs ache from the unfamiliar movements, but there's a warmth in my chest that wasn't there before.

"Thank you, Lily," I gasp, "I'm so sorry for stepping on your feet so many times."

"It's fine, really," she assures me, rubbing her sore foot. "Besides, you made progress! I think you're ready for tomorrow."

"Really?" I ask uncertainly, sitting up to look her in the eye.

She nods confidently. "Yes, Princess Seraphina. You'll be the belle of the ball!"

My heart flutters at her words, and I can't help but smile. "Well, if you think I'm ready, then I must be."

As we share a moment of contentment, my thoughts drift to what truly excites me about the upcoming ball. The chance to test my abilities as an impersonator, yes, but more importantly, the opportunity to find the noble who killed me in my previous life. To gather intel and spy on conversations. I can feel my pulse quicken just thinking about it.

Little do I know, I'm about to make a huge mistake.