Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ten

The next morning, her father summoned her to his drawing room.

Victoria entered to find him seated comfortably, reading the morning paper. As she stepped closer, her eyes caught the bold headline stretched across the front page:

'After Years Away, the Crown Prince Returns—and Offers His First Dance to a Damsel in Distress.'

The gossip mongers are quick, Victoria thought.

"Victoria," her father said with a smile, motioning for her to sit. She nodded and took a seat across from him.

"Last night was quite something," he said, folding the newspaper. "A spectacular way to begin the new season."

Victoria didn't reply. She simply folded her hands in her lap and waited.

Her father studied her for a moment, then leaned back in his chair. "I know you're not fond of social events, but you handled yourself well."

"I didn't do much," she replied.

"You danced. You spoke to someone. That's more than I expected," he said with a smile. "Who knows—you might even do more if you keep going to events."

Victoria frowned slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying it's time you started showing your face in public again," he said firmly.

Victoria opened her mouth to protest, but he held up a hand and went on. "I mean it, Victoria. Hiding away isn't helping anyone. I let it go before because I wanted you to feel comfortable, but I can't keep supporting that choice."

"You know this has nothing to do with you, right? It's my decision."

"I know," he said. "But I've allowed it. And I've realized it's not healthy. You can't keep hiding—especially when I've decided to name you as my heir."

Victoria's eyes widened in surprise. "You're making me the heir?"

"Yes," he said simply. "I've already discussed it with your grandparents and uncles. Everyone agrees. Who else would it be, Victoria? You're my only child."

Victoria sat there stunned. This wasn't what she expected—not at all. Did this ever happen to the original Victoria in the novel? Probably not.

"I... I don't know what to say," she murmured.

Her father gave a small sigh.

"I know it's sudden. And maybe I should've spoken to you about this sooner. That's on me. I've spent so long trying to shield you, trying to make things easy and comfortable despite the past, but this... this was always going to happen sooner or later."

She nodded slowly, unsure of what to make this situation.

Her father offered a small smile. "Don't worry, Victoria. Everything will be alright—but things are going to change. You'll need to begin succession studies."

"Succession studies?" Victoria repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"It's not as intimidating as it sounds," he reassured her. "Besides, I have an associate who might be willing to help guide you through it."

"Do I know them?" she asked curiously.

"You do," he replied.

"I do?" Victoria asked, still puzzled.

"Yes," he said lightly. "If you'd like, they can come for tea tomorrow."

Victoria nodded slowly.

"Good. It's settled, then." Her father's smile deepened with satisfaction.