Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-three

Victoria's brows furrowed, hurt flickering across her face. "When did this happen?"

"A week ago," Celeste said.

"A week..." Victoria whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Something like that happened to you, and you didn't tell me?"

Celeste looked away guiltily. "I didn't want to worry you, not when you've been training so hard. Besides, I wasn't sure how to even say it."

Victoria stepped closer and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "You don't ever have to hide things like that from me. You're my friend, Celeste—title or not. You always will be."

Celeste's eyes softened, a small, grateful smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Lady Victoria."

Victoria chuckled and patted her shoulder. "No more 'Lady', please—just Victoria."

Celeste's smile grew warmer, and she nodded. "Alright... thank you, Victoria."

"Also," Victoria added, picking up one of the cookies from the basket, "thanks for these. They're really good."

Celeste flushed lightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad you like them."

"Victoria, your break is over!" Her uncle's voice rang across the field.

Victoria let out a resigned sigh. "Back to the battlefield, then," she muttered, rolling her shoulders before heading toward the training grounds, where another trainee waited for her.

Victoria drew her practice sword and faced her opponent—a tall boy with dark hair tied back in a loose knot.

The signal was given. The clash of blades rang through the air. Victoria moved with speed and grace, her strikes confident yet measured. The boy countered each attack with precision.

After a final feint and swift spin, Victoria disarmed her opponent, the wooden sword in his hand flying several feet away. Cheers erupted from the gathered trainees.

Victoria turned, spotting them from across the field. Despite the sweat glistening on her forehead and the rise and fall of her chest, she smiled and gave a small wave.

Celeste waved back, her cheeks warming as a faint smile tugged at her lips.

✦ ✦

The carriage ride back to the house was quiet at first, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the silence. Celeste stared out the window, watching the evening light fade into soft hues of gold and rose.

Then Evelyn spoke, her tone gentle but curious. "Celeste, do you... perhaps like Lady Victoria? "

Celeste's head snapped toward her, eyes wide, a pink flush creeping onto her cheeks. "How—how did you know?"

"I noticed," Evelyn replied simply.

The air turned awkwardly still. Celeste fidgeted, gripping the hem of her dress. "You think it's weird, don't you?"

"No," Evelyn said softly. "I don't think it's weird. I'm just... thoughtful."

Celeste tilted her head. "Thoughtful? Why?"

Evelyn hesitated, her expression softening. "Because... I used to like her too."

Celeste blinked, eyes widening. "Oh..." She lowered her gaze for a moment before glancing back up. "You don't anymore?"

Evelyn exhaled through her nose, a faint smile tugging at her mouth. "I don't know. It's... complicated. I still admire her, maybe a bit too much. I mean, I've liked her since I was fifteen."