The cold, hard winter struck the shivering redhead girl who was standing in front of the Count's wrought iron gate with intricate gold inlays. She wore a worn wool overcoat, once a deep, rich color, now faded and frayed from countless washes. With warmth seeping out, she clutched her mother's bony fingers, who was crying and yelling pleas into the darkness behind the gate.

"She's your daughter!" the woman repeatedly yelled in a cracked voice.

***

(10 years later)

"Okay, everyone, it is time to take your places," Ms. Evelyn, the theatre manager, snapped as she walked backstage, oozing with delight for tonight's highly honored guest.

Maia's heart raced as she stood in front of the full-length mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a mix of excitement and nerves. "You can do this," she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself, seeking comfort. Tonight marked the beginning of her journey as the official lead singer and dancer of the Sienna Theatre. She had poured her heart and soul into countless hours of practice and preparation, often sacrificing sleep and enduring moments of doubt. The weight of Ms. Evelyn's stern voice echoed in her mind as she recalled the moment she was entrusted with the lead role. "I gave you the lead, now don't disappoint," Ms. Evelyn's words served as a source of pressure and motivation.

For Maia's solo, Ms Evelyn spared no effort. She designed the dress to fit Maia's measurements, and only one was made. Not even the understudy had access to a dress like this, which meant Ms. Evelyn must have believed she made the right choice in choosing maia for the lead.

The silk royal blue backless halter top dress was fitted to Maia's curves, with a long slit on the left leg leading up to her hip. The dress was designed to move and flow. The bottom was riddled with silver specs, perfect for the lighting in the theatre to pick up just how stunning it was. Mr. Peters, the theatre makeup artist, did an excellent job on her. He chose a bold red lip, dark eyes, and light blush.

Ms. Evelyn beautifully and skillfully pulled Maia's red hair into a French twist chignon with loose curls hanging. She then laid a silver jewel-encrusted face mask with tassels that hung just below Maia's chin. It made her look alluring. Ms. Evelyn patted herself on the back for effortlessly manipulating Maia's usually unruly hair.

As planned, the play will begin with the troops returning home from war, And the emperor congratulates the men with a ball. The male lead, Leo, plays a man who is to be wedded to an aristocrat's daughter upon his return from war, which he does not agree to. Even so, his comrades from war convince him to attend the ball.

The Sienna theater was filled with an air of anticipation, its opulent interior adorned with gilded decorations that shimmered under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Among the esteemed guests were influential aristocrats, their elegant attire exuding wealth and status, as well as the Crown Prince and Princess of Lichtberg, whose royal presence commanded respect and admiration.

Ms. Evelyn stood backstage, her heart thumping with excitement. She had fashioned a small peephole in the heavy velvet curtains and couldn't resist peeking through. As she caught a glimpse of the audience, her eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of the affluent elite, their laughter and chatter blending into a symphony of sophistication.

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The prospect of their attendance filled her with hope, as it meant that tonight's performance could potentially propel the Sienna Theatre to the forefront of the artistic world. She felt a flutter of optimism; perhaps this was the moment the theater had been waiting for, the turning point to finally secure its place among the most sought-after cultural venues in the kingdom. With a smile spreading across her face, she closed her makeshift peephole, returning to rush everyone to their positions.

"One, two, three," Maia repeated as she stood behind the stage doors, calming herself for her entrance. When her cue came, the crafted doors opened to the anticipating audience. They spotlighted her as she seductively walked to the top of the staircase and paused. Her red lips shone through the silver tassels.

The audience gasped, becoming captivated by her. The way her hips swayed as she moved, her hands caressed her thighs. Maia's dress revealed all the loveliness that should be reserved solely for one, but Ms. Evelyn was pushing societal norms when she designed it.

The crown prince did not plan to attend the play. He only came because of the crown princess. "the play would be the perfect place for us to make an appearance," she stated while taking a sip of tea. "It would seem so, my Princess," he replied with an empty smile while they were having tea with the queen. "Also, I am told this is Maia's first solo." the crown princess peered to see his reaction, but there was none. He had already come to terms with his duties as the crown prince when he married the duchess from Kress.

"What a beautiful dress," The crown Princess remarked to her husband, who watched every move Maia made. "Maybe the dress is a bit revealing," she asserted, grasping his arm and giving him a smile, which he turned and gave her a slight smile before returning his attention to the stage.

Soren was intrigued by this woman; He hadn't seen her since their last encounter at the mid-summer festival. Which prompted him to send for her, but Maia refused all his invitations. Soren scoffed at the mere audacity of this woman, who showed him the crown prince no respect. He knew he would have her in his grasp again and would be willing to wait. Maia is a talented woman. Any man would want her as a mistress. Still, a man of his magnitude couldn't be seen with a woman of her stature. Well, at least, that was the response he received from her on his last attempt requesting her presence.

Maia seductively cascaded down the stairs, singing her part and stunning the audience with her vocal range. Leo walked up as she came down from a melodic high, and he asked her for the first dance, which she accepted. As they took over the stage, spinning and turning, Maia's head led her bare back into an arch. The audience was mesmerized. "Ooh" and "Aahh" filled the room. Leo effortlessly spent Maia with one hand; her dress sparkled as she spun. He smoothly caught her and leaned them as if they were syncing.

The play was coming to a finale, with the final act being a passionate kiss when the soldier realized that the maiden was his fiancee all along. The audience was ecstatic, clapping as they kissed. The crown prince fixed his cufflinks before rising. "Im sorry, my princess, but you will have to return to the Palace without me," he declared, leaving before she could respond. The cast took a bow as the curtains closed.

"Wow, you were amazing, Maia," her cast mates praised her immediately after the curtains closed; she smiled hard and accepted their praises. Maia could still hear the audience cheering as she walked towards her dressing room.

"Maia, my dear, you were absolutely wonderful." Ms. Evelyn walked up with an unknown gentleman following close behind her.

Maia nervously thanked her, smiling gracefully.

“Maia, this is Mr. Diener. He is from the palace and has something to deliver to you."

The elegantly dressed gentleman took a step forward and presented Maia with a pristine white envelope adorned with the royal wax seal.

After finally breaking away, Maia noticed her castmates receiving beautiful bouquets. Maia was smiling at the sight, and she slightly hung her head before continuing on her way. The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins as she made her way to the dressing room, feeling the nerves causing her hands to shake. She threw the envelope on the vanity, knowing what the contents contained.