The carriage rolled through the cobbled streets, lantern light flickering against polished black wood. I sat perfectly still, hands clasped in my lap, heart hammering beneath layers of silk.
In the original novel, this ball was Livianna's first step toward ruin — the night she humiliated the Crown Prince in front of the entire court. Not on purpose, of course; she'd been desperately trying to win his attention, only to say something sharp and arrogant when he ignored her. That single moment branded her as a petty, jealous woman. From there… everything fell apart.
Not this time.This time, I would be invisible.
The carriage stopped in front of the royal palace — an ocean of gold and marble, with sweeping staircases and towering windows. My maid helped me down, and I forced my lips into a practiced smile as we stepped inside.
The ballroom was dazzling. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, gilded columns stretched toward a painted ceiling, and dozens of nobles in silks and jewels moved across the marble floor like a living tapestry.
And then I saw him.
The Crown Prince.Tall, broad-shouldered, and impossibly handsome in his black-and-gold uniform. His dark hair fell neatly to one side, framing a face that could have been carved from marble. His golden eyes were cold — not indifferent, but calculating, as if he weighed the worth of every person in the room.
In the novel, this was where Livianna swept across the floor and tried to monopolize his attention.Instead, I turned away.
I made my way toward the refreshment table, grabbing a glass of champagne as if I had no interest in the man who held my life — and death — in his hands. My plan was simple: keep my head down, blend in, and leave early.
But then…
"Lady Livianna."
His voice cut through the hum of music and conversation.I froze. Slowly, I turned.
The Crown Prince was standing just a step behind me, his gaze locked onto mine."I don't recall you ever avoiding me before," he said softly, almost amused.
My pulse spiked. In the novel… he didn't speak to her first.
I lowered my head in a polite bow. "Your Highness," I said evenly. "I wouldn't dare presume upon your time."
For a moment, silence. Then — the faintest curve of his lips."How… curious."
I felt his eyes follow me as I stepped away, my heart pounding.Something was wrong.
The story had already changed.