Deviating from the original plot

Chapter seven

Years had passed, and Victoria was now nineteen. She had grown closer to her new family and built new memories with them. Every now and then, she still thought about her old life—but it no longer hurt. Now, those memories felt like a distant dream, one she had finally accepted was over. Her life here, in the world of the novel, had truly begun. And with it, so had the plot.

The capital was buzzing with excitement—the crown prince was returning from his studies abroad. A grand ball had been planned in his honour, and it had quickly become the biggest event of the season.

As Anne gently worked through Victoria's hair, she caught her eyes in the mirror and smiled.

"Have you heard, my lady? The prince is finally returning," Anne said, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Victoria let out a quiet sigh, a faintly amused smile playing on her lips. "So I've heard."

Anne giggled. "They say he's even more handsome now. And smarter, too. Everyone's already whispering about who might catch his eye at the ball."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Isn't he already betrothed?"

"Oh, well—yes. Technically," Anne replied with a casual shrug. "To Lady Celeste, of course. But there's been no official announcement. It's mostly her family pushing the story. The royal family hasn't confirmed anything."

"Then why is everyone so hopeful about catching his attention?"

"Because without a formal engagement, people think it's still open," Anne said. "And, well... Lady Celeste has a bit of a reputation. She's not exactly well-liked, and she's said to be very possessive of the prince."

'Too bad,' Victoria thought, 'All that energy for someone who won't choose her.'

"I'm finished with your hair, my lady," Anne said, beaming. "Now you're ready to head downstairs."

Victoria stood and turned to the mirror for a final look. 

"Thank you, Anne. You've outdone yourself again," she said warmly.

Anne curtsied. "It's easy when the person is already so lovely."

Victoria smiled before heading out the door. She made her way downstairs to the breakfast room, where her father was already seated.

"Good morning, Father," she said, taking her seat across from him.

"Victoria", he greeted her with a warm smile. "You look lovely this morning."

"Thank you. You look nice too," she replied. Her father chuckled and then cleared his throat.

"You've probably heard about the prince's ball?"

Victoria sighed inwardly. Of course I have. Who hasn't? "Yes, I've heard."

She paused, then added, "Actually... I wanted to ask if I could skip it."

"What? No, Victoria," he said firmly.

"Why not?"

He gave her a gentle look. "You keep turning down social events. You don't really have friends your age, except for your cousins in Everthorne. That's not good."

"I have Anne," she said with a shrug. "And some of the other maids."

Her father raised an eyebrow. "Anne is a lovely girl, but she's your maid, not your peer. You need people your own age, ones who aren't paid to be around you."

Victoria frowned, staring at her plate. "I just don't enjoy those things."

"You don't have to enjoy every part of it," he said kindly, "but you do have to try. It's a big night for the empire, and I'd like you to be there."