Chapter 4: Betrayal Tastes Like Chocolate

"Ugh," I groan, rolling over in my bed and clutching my head dramatically as Lily enters the room with a tray of food. "It's like someone's stabbing me right behind the eyes."

"Your Highness," she says gently, placing the tray on the table beside me. "I brought you some soup and tea. And look, your friend sent you a box with sweets."

"Thank you, Lily," I manage to choke out before letting my head fall back onto the pillow. The truth is, I feel perfectly fine. The Sablethorn berries didn't seem to have any lasting effects, but I can't shake the suspicion that Princess Seraphina died of poisoning, and her body started to heal after I took over.

I don't dare eat any of the food the servants bring me, including the sweets. Instead, I've been sneaking out through the balcony at night and stealing vegetables from the rear garden, eating them raw. It's not ideal, but it's better than risking another poisoning attempt.

"Has anyone else fallen ill?" I ask, searching for clues.

Lily shakes her head. "No, Your Highness. Just you. The palace staff is quite worried about your sudden ailment." She says that, but no one else has visited me except for her and the doctor. As much as I appreciate Lily's visits and her attempts at cheering me up with her stories, it's just a bit disheartening.

"Are you not hungry, Your Highness?" Lily asks, concerned as always.

"Leave the tray, please," I say, forcing a weak smile. "I'll try to eat something later."

"Very well, Your Highness. I hope you feel better soon." Lily curtsies and leaves the room. As soon as the door clicks shut, I leap out of bed and head straight for the desk. I slide open the bottom drawer, and I take out Seraphina's diaries. I was fortunate to locate her diaries quickly. Even the ones from her childhood were tucked away inside a secret compartment of the divan near the window.

I consume their pages with a voracious hunger, starting with the most recent. Through each entry, I learn not just about Seraphina's daily activities, but her dreams, fears, and most intimate desires. I feel a twinge of guilt as I read them; it seems like a violation of her privacy. But still, it must be done if I want to survive.

"February 7th," one entry reads, "I visited the orphanage today, bringing them baskets of food and clothing. The children were so grateful, their eyes shining with happiness. It reminded me of my own childhood, growing up without parents to guide me. I only wish I could do more for them."

I can't help but feel a connection to Seraphina as I read her words. She was kind, caring, intelligent, and well-versed in history and the arts. If anything, she was too mild-mannered and lacked self-confidence. She was the type of person that others could take advantage of, or at least that's the impression I get from reading her diaries. What made her that way?

I decide to take a look at her childhood entries, and night catches me still immersed in the story. My heart aches with sadness as I read about her lonely upbringing. Like me, she was an orphan, having lost both her parents in a tragic accident when she was just a baby. Raised by the staff at the castle, Seraphina formed a close bond with her nanny, who passed away when she was only ten years old. Her uncle, King Benedict, never made an effort to be close to her.

"November 3rd," one entry reads, "Today would have been my dear nanny's birthday. I can't believe it's been so many years since she left us. I spent the afternoon in the gardens, picking her favorite flowers and arranging them around her portrait in my chambers." My chest tightens as I imagine the young princess mourning the loss of her closest friend, surrounded by the cold indifference of the royal court.

Another revelation catches me by surprise. Despite being born into the royal family, Seraphina was unable to wield magic herself due to a defective Arcane Sigil. This made her almost unmarriable, despite her status as royalty and potential heir to the throne should King Benedict die without offspring. No one wanted a woman who couldn't pass on the Arcanists' abilities.

I feel a pang of disappointment, as I had hoped that, in this new life, I would have the chance to use magic. As I continue reading, I wonder what else I'll discover about this princess whose body I now inhabit.

The next day I continue poring over Seraphina's diary, focusing on the recent entries, and searching for any clues that could help me understand her better. Two names consistently grace the pages: Cecilia Blackwood and Tristan Caldwell. Cecilia, a noblewoman, appears to have been her confidante and friend since their teenage years. Tristan, a knight from a minor noble house, was part of the Royal Guard.

"January 5th," one entry reads, "Cecilia visited me today. I don't know what I would do without her. She's the sister I never had, the person who knows me better than anyone else." The affection in Seraphina's words is evident, and it seems she trusted every secret to Cecilia. "I enjoyed watching her open all the presents I bought her on my last visit to the provinces. We spent hours talking about the day we would get married and imagining our future husbands. How lucky I am to have found such a loyal friend."

"March 14th," another entry begins, "Tristan sent me the most beautiful bouquet of roses today, alongside a box of chocolates. His letters make my heart race, and though we must keep our love a secret, I cherish every stolen moment we spend together." It becomes clear that Seraphina and Tristan were an item, albeit secretly. They never went beyond some kissing, but that seemed to be enough for Seraphina, who was head over heels for him.

I can't help but roll my eyes at the overly sentimental letters tucked between the pages – they seem so corny and boring to me. But then again, I've never been in love, so maybe they're actually quite sweet. I shake my head, trying not to get too distracted by my own cynicism.

***

As I power through another set of burpees, my muscles quiver and burn with each movement. The soft rug beneath me is a stark contrast to the hard stone floors I used to train on back at the assassin's guild. I remember the countless hours spent honing my skills, every cut and bruise a badge of honor.

"Princess Seraphina," Lily calls out as she knocks on the door, snapping me back to the present. "Lady Cecilia and Sir Tristan are here to visit you."

"Give me just one moment," I reply, hastily throwing on my dressing gown and sliding into bed. After the workout, my cheeks are a deep shade of pink. I take out a handkerchief from my pocket and pat my forehead, wiping away the sweat.

"Please come in," I call out, trying to sound composed despite my racing heart. These two people are the ones who know Seraphina best, and they are both nobles, so I really hope they don't notice anything odd!

The chamber doors creak open, revealing Cecilia and Tristan. Their faces are etched with concern, but I can't help but notice their striking appearances. Cecilia, with her brown hair cascading over her shoulders, looks elegant in an emerald gown that complements her piercing green eyes. Tristan, clad in his shining armor adorned with the crest of Asteria, cuts an imposing figure with his chiseled jaw and deep gray eyes. I can see why Seraphina would be attracted to him, he's undoubtedly handsome.

"Please, come in to sit with Your Highness," Lily says, leading them to my bedside and providing them with chairs before stepping back to stand at attention.

Suddenly, Cecilia clicks her tongue, looking at my maid with contempt. "Leave us, servant" Cecilia snaps, her eyes narrowing in disgust. Lily quickly obeys, exiting the room without a word. I frown, taken aback by Cecilia's behavior. Is this how nobles usually treat the staff?

"Thank you both for coming to see me," I say, trying to sound as much like Seraphina as possible. Or at least what I imagine she sounded like. My heart pounds in my chest, but I do my best to keep a composed expression.

"Of course, Seraphina," Cecilia replies. "We've been so concerned about your sudden illness."

Tristan nods in agreement, his chiseled jaw and full lips forming a serious expression. His appearance is pleasant, but I feel a flash of annoyance as he reaches for my hand. As he lifts it towards his lips, I quickly pull away, leaving him frowning at the missed opportunity to kiss it. Is he mad?

"Apologies," I stammer, my cheeks flushing. "I'm just... not entirely myself today."

"So how are you feeling, my dear?" Tristan asks, reaching for my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze instead.

"Much better, thank you," I respond, trying to keep my voice steady and maintain the facade.

Cecilia studies me intently, her gaze sharp and calculating. It's unnerving, but I do my best not to let it show. "You look flustered," she comments, her tone indecipherable.

"Thank you for your concern, Cecilia," I reply, forcing a smile. "I'm sure I'll be back on my feet soon."

Cecilia narrows her eyes slightly, observing me carefully. "Seraphina, have you been feeling dizzy or tired lately? Perhaps sweaty or even numbness in your fingers?" she asks, her tone unassuming.

"I... yes, I used to," I reply hesitantly, remembering the symptoms of the Sablethorn berries poison. "But not anymore. I'm feeling much better now." 

What?! What's the purpose of this oddly specific interrogation? And why is Cecilia reciting the side effects of the Sablethorn berries toxin so accurately?

"Good to hear," Tristan chimes in, though there's a hint of doubt in his voice. His gaze meets Cecilia's, and they share a subtle glance before he continues. "Have you been enjoying the chocolates I sent you?"

Lily had mentioned that a friend was sending me sweets but I hadn't thought anything of it. But then I realize - HE had sent me chocolates. An uneasy feeling slowly comes over me, and I know something isn't right. But for the sake of maintaining my cover, I lie through my teeth. "Of course, I've been eating them," I lie, forcing a smile. "They're delicious, and they're from you, Tristan. How could I not?" Internally, I shudder at the memory of how my mouth tasted like Sablethorn berries and chocolate mixed together.

"Excellent," he replies, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Cecilia nods, but there's a tightness around her eyes that suggests she's not completely convinced.

"Anyway," Tristan says, clearing his throat, "we should be going. We just wanted to make sure you were all right. We'll come back to visit again soon, Seraphina."

"Thank you both," I reply, struggling to keep my voice steady. "Your concern means a lot to me." I try to smile, but it feels more like a grimace, which seems to unsettle them a bit.

"Take care of yourself," Cecilia says as she turns to leave. Her green eyes hold a steely glint that sends a shiver down my spine. Tristan gives me one last lingering look before following her out the door.

So THESE were Seraphina's closest friends? I utterly, completely despise them!

As soon as they're gone, I spring into action. Grabbing a dark coat with a hood, I slip it on and follow them at a distance through the palace hallways. Their footsteps echo off the marble floors, providing the perfect cover for my own quiet steps.

I watch as they walk side by side, occasionally pausing to check their surroundings, but there are plenty of spots to hide. My pulse quickens when they finally enter a smaller room, Tristan closing the door behind them. I manage to sneak up to the door without being noticed, pressing my eye against the keyhole to spy on them.

I watch Cecilia and Tristan entwined in a heated embrace, their mouths devouring each other with wild fervor. His broad hands grasp her waist, pulling her body against his own as Cecilia's fingertips roam his short, brown hair. Cecilia moans as he licks her neck.

The searing pain of betrayal shot through me like lightning. Tristan, the love of Seraphina's life, and Cecilia, her closest friend – how could they do this to her? To me? All this time she'd only ever shown them nothing but kindness, and this was their response? I clench my fists in rage, how dare they? 

And most importantly... How long has this been going on?