Whatever.

It's too late to back down now.

I storm toward Alexander, pointing a finger at him. "How dare you say we're engaged?" I seeth through gritted teeth. "Are you out of your mind? Were you eavesdropping? Following me? What do you want from me? If you think you can ruin my reputation, I swear I'll—"

"Please, Princess," Alexander cuts me off, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "That was not my intention at all. I happened to be in the gardens looking for you when I saw Tristan's actions and stepped in to defend you."

His tone is sincere but slightly flustered, and I can't help but wonder if he's telling the truth.

"I don't need anyone defending me, thank you very much! I can handle myself!" I snap, indignant. Alexander's lips curl into a half-smile, a touch of irony in his voice.

"Forgive me for stepping in, but from where I stood, it seemed like you were about to be punched."

"I would have dodged it if..." I argue, then hesitate and stop. "If I were in my old body," I think, but keep the thought to myself. With a huff, I demand, "Give me my shoe back."

Alexander, still a bit baffled, picks up the heel from the ground. With surprising gentleness, he kneels before me, delicately holding my ankle as he slips the shoe back onto my foot. As his fingers slightly caress the back of my leg, an unexpected tinkle runs through my body. His hands are strong, yet tender, and seeing him kneeling before me stirs a confusing mix of indignation and attraction within me.

"Is this some kind of game to you?" I ask, my cheeks flushed with conflicting emotions.

"Princess, I assure you, there's no game being played here," he replies, his yellow eyes locked on mine as he stands up, his fingertips leaving my skin.

He's close.

Too close.

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, I whirl around and march away from Alexander, eager to put some distance between us. To my irritation, he follows, maintaining a respectful distance. We walk in silence, our footsteps crunching on the soft garden path. Now and then, a frog's croak echoes in the distance, adding to the symphony of crickets.

My frustration simmers beneath the surface, and after a moment, I can't help but break the silence. My voice is barely above a whisper as I speak. "Don't tell anyone about Tristan and me."

"I wouldn't dare," Alexander replies, his voice low. A playful note enters his tone. "Besides, I wouldn't want to risk another shoe being thrown at me."

"Trust me," I retort, my irritation flaring again. "I can do a lot more damage than that. So don't mess with me."

Alexander's laughter, rich and deep, fills the air, and despite myself, a blush creeps up my cheeks once more. Curse him and his infuriating charm.

As we approach the entrance to the Palace, the music from the ballroom drifts out to meet us, along with the sight of dancing couples. The contrast between the calmness and darkness of the gardens and the light and cheerfulness of the ballroom strikes me, making the world inside seem like a completely separate realm. The chandeliers cast a warm glow onto the polished marble floor, while laughter and conversation intermingle with the melody of the orchestra.

"We part ways here," I scoff. I turn to confront the Ironhold Prince, my hands placed firmly on my hips, my head tilted. "You didn't actually think dancing with me meant I was giving you my hand in marriage, did you?" My words are sharp and tinged with sarcasm.

I should clarify, just in case. If he dares to spread rumors that we are engaged, I'll snap his head off.

This time, there's no smug reply from him. Instead, he moves swiftly in front of me, his sudden proximity taking me aback. His amber eyes examine mine, searching for something I cannot decipher.

"Of course not, Princess," he says earnestly. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good," I huff, trying to maintain my composure. "Because I can assure you, it takes more than a dance and some shoe foreplay to win me over."

His lips twitch, fighting back a grin, but the laughter in his eyes remains.

"Believe me, if I were trying to win you over, you'd know," he purrs as he takes a step forward, his dark hair tumbling over his forehead and partially covering one of his piercing yellow eyes.

I can sense something else behind the alluring words. Something dangerous. Unpredictable.

Is he threatening me?

The moonlight casts a silvery glow on Alexander's handsome face as he lifts my hand, his fingers grazing my skin like the softest of whispers. My breath catches in my throat when his lips gently brush against it, and for a moment, the world around us seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us standing beneath the night sky.

"I truly am sorry if I offended you tonight," he murmurs, his voice low and firm. "I will make amends, both for myself and Ironhold. If you ever need anything, you can count on me."

His words, sincere and heartfelt in appearance, leave me momentarily speechless. A strange warmth spreads through my chest. What is this? What is he plotting? As he releases my hand, I find myself reluctant to let him go, but before I can change my mind, he turns and strides back toward the ballroom, disappearing into the sea of swirling gowns and noble figures. Still processing his words, I follow behind him, my thoughts a jumbled mess. He knows too much about Seraphina now. I should've killed him when I had the chance.

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But then, a familiar face catches my eye – an old man standing only a few feet away. He's tall and thin, with a gaunt face and brown eyes that give him a mysterious air. His grey hair frames his face, and a magnificent moustache rests above his lips. He wears rich clothing that would suit a minor noble or a merchant, but it's not his attire that has me reeling.

"Is that...? No, it can't be..." I think, trying to place his face. And then it clicks: the man is Master Sirius, my former Impersonation teacher at the Phantom's Hand Guild! A ghost from my past life, standing among the nobles, a drink in his hand. "What the hell is he doing here?" I wonder, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Master Sirius?!" I blurt out.

“Yes?” the old man replies, his intelligent brown eyes locking onto mine. Damn! I didn't realize I'd said that out loud, and now he's looking right at me. Maybe if I play dumb, I can save myself.

I quickly plaster an innocent look on my face in an attempt to conceal my internal turmoil. What the hell is my former teacher doing here? During my second year, I remember we were told he retired to some Zephyrian island.

"Ah, I apologize," I retort, trying to sound casual. "I meant to say... Are you Master Sirius? We haven't met before, like... ever," I say, trying to sound convincing.

Master Sirius's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Well, Your Highness, I must say I'm flattered that you know my name," he replies, his tone polite and measured. He approaches me, bowing elegantly. Unsure what else to do, I curtsy back, holding the hem of my gown just as I'd seen the other ladies do.

Master Sirius meets my gaze with a calm expression and asks, "If I may, Your Highness, how did you come to know of me? And please, do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything I may do to assist Her Royal Majesty."

Shit! Did I mess up? I have to think of a good answer – fast. My mind races as I decide to just wing it, using information from my past life. It might be risky, but it's my only way out.

"Actually, I've heard that you're extremely knowledgeable about geography and politics," I say hesitantly. "I was wondering if you'd agree to give me some private lessons sometime."

Master Sirius looks at me with a hint of doubt before taking a few steps back, seemingly trying to assess me. His eyebrows furrowed, he raises one inquisitively. I've messed up. He's starting to suspect that something is off. It's highly improbable for the Princess of Asteria to have any knowledge about him, and he's aware of that. I must tread carefully if I want to keep my true identity hidden.

"I apologize, Your Highness," he humbly states, "but I'm afraid I'm no match for the tutors at the Palace. Why would you require someone as insignificant as me?"

"Master Sirius, I appreciate your modesty, but I need someone who won't fill my head with flattery and nonsense," I insist, now determined to have him teach me. "I need an outsider's perspective on things."

As I say this, I decide that I might as well make the best out of this situation. Tonight was a clear example that I urgently needed some lessons in geography and politics if I were to succeed at impersonating Princess Seraphina. Who better than my old Impersonation teacher? Even if I found the subject boring, I must admit Master Sirius was very good at what he did. And I doubt he'd recognize me as Raven, or at least I hope he won't.

"Your Highness, may I ask once again why you would require someone like me to teach the Princess of Asteria? The real reason," Master Sirius questions, his eyes searching mine for any hint of deceit. I can feel the weight of his gaze, and I know that my answer will make him decide whether he takes the offer or not.

Taking a deep breath, I step closer to him, trying my best at the puppy eyes that I couldn't use in my previous life. "Honestly? Because no one takes me seriously," I confess. "People try to protect me, or just keep me oblivious about the politics around me, and I'm tired of being treated like that. If I'm ever to be of service to Asteria, I must learn from someone who will not withhold information." Pausing for a moment, I add with a small smile, "I want the best to teach me, and that's you. Also, I'll pay really well."

Master Sirius seems taken aback by my words, studying my face carefully. His eyes narrow slightly as he considers my proposition, and for a moment, I worry that I've come on too strong.

But then, the corners of Master Sirius's mouth twitch upward, barely visible behind his mighty moustache as he leans back against a nearby wall. "You know how to flatter an old man, Princess," he says, his eyes still sharp and assessing.

I smile wider, taking another step forward, my confidence radiating like the sun on a cloudless day. "Is that a yes, then?" I ask, my tone light yet insistent.

He lets out a resigned sigh, but there's no mistaking the reluctant smile forming on his face. "It seems I have little choice in the matter," he admits, his voice tinged with a mock grumble. "Very well, Princess. I'll be your tutor. But be warned, I'm a strict teacher."

"Strict" doesn't even begin to cover it, I think, recalling the countless scoldings and punishments from my past life. Like running for three hours in the rain just because I forgot the capital of Zephyrion. Well, that's a problem for future Raven, I guess.

I extend my hand to seal the deal, and as he takes it, I say, "I'll do my best, though I can't make any promises about memorising all the capitals." My eyes twinkle with delight, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of working with my old mentor again.

Master Sirius shakes his head, a wicked smile breaking through his stern facade. "We'll see about that, Princess. We'll see."

***

The evening wore on like an endless parade of the same faces, the same conversations, and the same terrible dancing. I tried my best to find Duke Sinclair or Lady Clarissa, but it was as if they had vanished into thin air. There was a small relief in not having to deal with Prince Alexander, who was nowhere to be found either. I just hoped he kept his promise and didn't tell anyone about Tristan.

Every time I attempted to eavesdrop on a conversation or glean useful information, I was interrupted by suitors or noble ladies who seemed to only be capable of discussing trivial matters. "Oh, have you heard about the new shade of blue all the tailors are using this season?" they'd gush, their eyes wide with excitement. I could barely keep myself from rolling my eyes. Refusing dance invitations and pretending to care about the latest fashions is what the day-to-day in Hell must be like.

Casimir, the Prince of Zephyrion, also attempted to approach me, but I managed to expertly avoid him at every turn. Exhausted and frustrated, I decide to leave the ball. I need to put the events of the night behind me.

The next morning, I wake up feeling slightly disoriented. It still feels odd to see this unfamiliar body in the mirror, but with each passing day, I'm growing more accustomed to my new life as Princess Seraphina, which is kind of scary. What if I one day forget about Raven? As I sit up in bed, a soft knock sounds at the door, and Lily enters with a tray of breakfast and something else... a letter.

The small envelope is a delicate teal, its edges adorned with a gentle floral pattern. The scent of lavender wafts through the air as I pick it up, the soft paper crinkling gently between my fingers. With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, I carefully break the seal and unfold the letter, gasping as I read its contents.

Oh, no... This is bad.

Really. Frickin. Bad.