Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-three

She glanced at the cookies, the pastel icing glinting faintly in the light. "Evelyn's taking me to see her today. It's her first sparring match at the barracks, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Then these will be perfect," Clara said, placing the last cookie on the tray with a satisfied grin. "Sweet treats for sweet encouragement."

Celeste chuckled quietly, brushing flour from her hands. "She is going to love this."

"It's true," Clara said with mock seriousness. "Lady Victoria's going to love them—and she'll be happy to see you there."

Celeste paused, her smile softening. "I hope so."

✦ ✦

The sound of clashing metal and shouts echoed across the training grounds. Celeste stood beside Evelyn near the sidelines, clutching the basket of cookies nervously.

Victoria was on the field, her wooden sword locked against another trainee's. Sweat glistened on her brow, but her focus was sharp and unwavering. With a swift feint, she knocked her opponent's weapon aside, sending him stumbling back. The spectators erupted in cheers.

"Go, Lady Victoria!" Evelyn called out proudly, cupping her hands around her mouth.

Celeste smiled, feeling a swell of admiration. "She's gotten even better since the last time I saw her."

"She's been training almost every day," Evelyn said with a grin. "Her uncle's really been putting her through it."

"She's so amazing!" Celeste said, her eyes bright with admiration.

Without warning, Evelyn reached into the basket and snatched a cookie, taking a bite.

"Hey!" Celeste exclaimed. "That one's for Lady Victoria! You already got yours!"

Evelyn only laughed, still chewing. "I'm just making sure they're still good," she said teasingly.

Celeste crossed her arms. "You are impossible!"

Evelyn laughed. "Relax, I only had one."

"Exactly," Celeste said, "and that's too many. Don't be greedy, Evelyn!"

When the match ended, Victoria dropped her sword and waved at them. The moment she spotted Celeste, her expression shifted—first to surprise, then to joy. She jogged over, her hair sticking slightly to her forehead.

"Lady Celeste?" Victoria said, catching her breath. "You came!"

"Umm... yeah." Celeste nodded, holding up the basket. "I wouldn't miss your first sparring match. And... I brought something."

Victoria's eyes softened. "Aw...you didn't have to."

"I wanted to," Celeste replied quietly.

"The cookies are really nice," Evelyn said, taking another one.

"Evelyn, if you take one more, I swear—" Celeste began, narrowing her eyes.

"Aw... you two are already on a first-name basis?" came Victoria's voice, teasing them. She crossed her arms, feigning a pout. "You've been hanging out without me?"

"No, it's not like that..." Celeste stammered, "It's just..."

Evelyn interrupted softly. "Celeste's family disowned her and stripped her of her title. So, I thought it'd only be fair that if I refer to her plainly, she should do the same for me."

Victoria's smile faded instantly. "They what? How could they..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze softened. "Lady Celeste—"

"It's just Celeste now," Celeste interrupted quietly, forcing a small smile. "But it's alright. I'm... happier now, actually. Evelyn helped me find a place to stay, and Clara's with me, so I'll be fine."