Chapter Two

Chapter Two: "The Tangled Threads of Fate"

Scene One: The Ball Illusion

The ball music was echoing in Vericia's new ears, but she could barely hear it. Her eyes were fixed on Theodore, who was still standing on the balcony, like a statue of grief. She felt as if invisible threads were connecting her to him, threads that ignored everything said and everything written.

"Madam Vericia?"

The maid's voice interrupted her again, this time with a more urgent tone. "Prince Lucian awaits you."

Vericia turned slowly, facing a young man with blond hair and blue eyes, his smile forced. It was Prince Lucian, the character the original Vericia was supposed to deceive. "Excuse me, I was busy thinking about... the details of the ball."

She knew she had to play her part well, at least at first. Rushing could ruin everything. She had to understand the truth first.

Scene Two: Meeting the Prince

Lucian strode confidently toward her, his hand reaching out to grasp hers. "Your beauty astounds me, Vericia. I've never seen you so beautiful."

Vericia felt sick at his hypocrisy, but forced a smile. "Just a new dress, sir."

"No, it's you. There's something different about your eyes today," he said, staring at her curiously.

Fear crept into her heart. Had he discovered that she wasn't the real Vericia? Or was he seeing the truth that the original Vericia didn't? "Perhaps it's the magic of the ball, my prince."

Lucian led her to the center of the hall, where the music began to pick up speed. He took her hand to dance with her, and she felt a shiver run through her body. This was the man who would use the original Vericia as a tool, and he would lead to her revised ending in the novel.