I stared at the reflection in the mirror, it was no doubt that I was her. The Evangeline Sinclair. Her beautiful long, wavy golden hair—paired with the most beautiful pair of azure eyes I've ever seen.
I paced back and forth, biting my nails whilst the two figures continued staring at me. They probably thought some demon possessed their daughter considering they have a frightened expression right now.
'No no. It's just a dream right? Right?!' I pinched myself;I could sense the pain. 'No no no... It's not a dream?! Maybe.. maybe it's just a realistic dream?..' I slapped myself on both sides of my cheeks.
'Nope.. this is ACTUALLY real.'
"Wait.. What about my life back there?! Little Ajax?! My fans?!.." I threw both my hands on my cheeks, a shocked expression formed on my face.
"Evan.. are you alright? Maybe Doctor Mabel was right on getting you checked up.." The man spoke.
I almost forgot Evangeline's parents—well, my parents now; were still here. What were their names again? Oh right, Hera and Adelio.
"Oh.. my baby.. I knew the situation of her falling off Jamie was bad, but I didn't know it would make you crazy!" Hera sobbed, wiping off invisible tears with a white tissue. Where did that tissue even come from?
"Calm down you two.." I stared at them in disbelief.
Anywho, Falling off Jamie?.. who's Jamie? Oh right, the story mentioned Evangeline had a white horse. At first I thought I rid a human and somehow unrealistically collapsed from falling off them.
I don't think I forgot the names of Evangeline's horse and parents, it's like I forgot some stuff somehow.
"Alright, can you guys get out now?" I walked up towards Hera and Adelio.
"Oh don't forget, we're meeting with the Cavendish family later!" Hera beamed
"Yeah yeah" I rolled my eyes and sighed, pushing both of them out of the room and slammed the door. Now that I have some time to think, let's start off with the book.
The stalker was just the male lead, so I have no worries. Meeting with the Cavendish family... That was chapter 2.
I'm not a villainess who will get executed, so I don't have much to change or do. I just have to keep the story the same as the book right? I remember each line and scene piece by piece, this will be a piece of cake!
Anywho, the Tea party should come soon. I shall prep up, pronto!.
I made my way towards the closet—that happened to be a walk-in one. I could barely lay one feet before I had heard a knock.
I rushed towards the door, slightly opening a slim hole to take a peek at the other side. A new character had entered my sight, a short black haired girl with the same attire of the palace maids. Funny, she looked unfamiliar.
With a creak, I swung the door open. Introducing the maid from the other side.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I have come to assist you in preparation." The maid bowed, her face expressionless.
That's quite strange, Evangeline didn't have anybody assist her in preparing. Although Princesses and Nobles must have assistance whilst dressing, Evangeline did it herself. Saying she didn't want to hassle anybody into dressing her up.
And even more stranger, I've never seen a black-haired or short-haired maid being mentioned in the book. They only ever hired maids that are long or medium lengthed hair. They also have to be brunette, or blonde, or any other color besides black.
According to Evangeline's—Well, My parents, Black gives bad luck and aura to us— Spoken by my father. While short hair? Mother just wasn't a big fan of it. Don't understand why because short hair is absolutely gorgeous.
Her uniform is also a bit different from the rest.
"Did her Majesty order you?."
"Indeed." Her voice was monotone and emotionless.
"Well, tell her I don't need help." I closed the door, but it didn't seem to fully close as if someone stopped it.
I groaned from annoyance.
"I apologize your Highness. But I cannot decline the request of her Majesty."
You can't decline Hera but you can decline me?! Hello? My status is also higher than yours. What gives you the right to do decline me!?.
Ugh, I was just trying to follow the plot but. You know what, I'll just have some assistance. I have no experience in putting on princess dresses..
"come in."
The maid entered, "Have you taken a bath your Highness?. If not, I'll prepare the bath first."
She then entered the washroom. I was left speechless as she acted and spoke quickly.
I stood there, frozen for a moment, as the maid efficiently went about preparing the bath. Her speed and precision were impressive, but also a bit intimidating. I watched her, still trying to wrap my head around the situation.
"Ah, yes, a bath sounds lovely," I said finally, trying to sound like the princess I was supposed to be. "But, um, what's your name?"
The maid paused, her hands hovering over the water faucet. "My name is Lena, Your Highness."
I nodded, trying to commit the name to memory. "Nice to meet you, Lena. You're... certainly efficient."
Lena didn't smile or respond, simply returning to her task. To think that she would end the conversation with a Royal first is extremely killing me.
I watched her, feeling a bit like a doll being dressed and primped. This wasn't exactly how I had envisioned my day going.
As the bath was being prepared, I couldn't help but think about the differences between this world and the one I knew. The customs, the etiquette, the way people interacted with each other... it was all so different. And yet, some things seemed to remain the same - like the way people like Lena seemed to be content with serving others.
"Lena, can I ask you something?" I said, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Yes, Your Highness?" she replied, her voice still monotone.
"Do you... like working here in the palace?" I asked, trying to gauge her reaction.
Lena paused, her expression still neutral. "I am here to serve, Your Highness. It is my duty."
I nodded, feeling a bit like I was getting a glimpse into a different side of palace life. But there was something about Lena's response that seemed... rehearsed.
For what seemed like an eternity, Lena finally updated about the bath. "Your Highness, The bath is finished."
Without thinking twice, I entered the bathroom—or the lavatory as they call it.
"I will then prepare your attire, Your highness."
I closed the door and began undressing before diving into the tub. The water wasn't cold, nor warm. Just perfect. I usually just use showers rather than baths so this was a rather new experience for me.
I could just sit back and relax, but I guess my brain doesn't want me to.
Ever since I let the maid enter, the atmosphere became eerie. Something feels off about her, which is obviously obvious of course. It feels like she's generating dark aura. Maybe father was right about the bad aura!
---
As minutes passed by, I rose from the bathtub and slipped on a silk robe that was folded atop and wooden shelf beside the tub.
I then slid the door open, Lena was standing up, facing the door.
I don't know why she's staring at me like that, but it's freaking me out.
Her head tilted slightly, almost mechanically, when our eyes met.
"Y-You've been standing there the whole time?" I asked, clutching the robe tighter around me.
"Yes, Your Highness," she answered. "It is my duty to wait until you are finished."
Her monotone voice echoed faintly in the large room, and for a second, I swore it layered — like there was another voice overlapping hers.
I blinked, shaking off the thought. "O-okay... Well, you can, uh, prepare the dress now."
Without a single word, Lena moved toward the vanity table. The rustle of fabric was the only sound between us as she laid out the gown — a pastel-blue one with intricate lace and pearl trims. I remembered this exact outfit; it was mentioned in chapter two, during the Cavendish tea party scene.
So far, so good. Everything was still within the book's plot. Except... Lena.
"Lena," I said, stepping closer as she smoothed the gown. "Have you... worked here long?"
"Since I was assigned," she replied flatly.
Assigned? That's not how palace employment works—at least, not in this book. Maids were chosen, not assigned.
"Right..." I murmured, eyeing her reflection in the mirror. Something about her face—no, her eyes—looked odd. They weren't just dark. They were empty.
Like staring into a bottomless well.
"You may sit, Your Highness," Lena said suddenly, snapping me out of my trance. She motioned toward the vanity chair.
I hesitated but complied, sitting down. She began brushing my hair — slow, methodical strokes that sent chills up my spine.
The silence between us thickened. I tried to distract myself. "You're really good at this, you know," I said nervously, forcing a laugh. "You could probably win a brushing competition or something."
No reply.
The brush stopped mid-stroke.
I froze.
"L-Lena?"
Her gaze met mine in the mirror — and for the briefest moment, her reflection smiled.
But only her reflection.
I turned around in an instant, heart pounding. Her real face was expressionless as ever.
"Is something wrong, Your Highness?"
My throat went dry. "N-No... it's nothing. Just... thought I saw something."
Lena blinked once, slowly. "The eyes often deceive when one stares too long."
That didn't sound like normal palace maid talk.
I forced a shaky laugh. "Haha, right. Totally normal thing to say."
She set down the brush and began helping me into the gown. Her touch was precise but unnervingly cold — like her hands had never felt warmth before.
Once I was dressed, she stepped back and curtsied.
"You look perfect, Your Highness. Just as the book described."
My blood ran cold.
"W-What did you just say?"
Lena tilted her head again, her lips curling into the faintest, almost imperceptible smile.
"I said," she whispered, "just as your mother would have wanted."
But I knew what I heard.
Her words were different — as if she knew about the book.
"W-well then.." I stammered, fidgeting with my hands as I tried to find the words to say amidst all my nervousness. "Shall I head downstairs now? I'm.. certain they should be awaiting for my presence"
"Your Highness, Your hair is still a bit messy. Please wait for longer." Lena's eyes darkened as she continued to comb my hair.
"Nonsense!" I blurted out, following a nervous laugh. "It's sheer perfection!."
I rose from my seat, "You are now dismissed."
I just needed to get away from her, Because..
She's definitely bad news!!
--