Episode 3

New Setting

I was at a grand celebration thronged with endless throngs of peers milling about. Strolling through the venue, it was as if I were invisible, moving freely amongst them. I'd heard it was a traditional coming-of-age soiree. It seemed all the ladies here were sweet sixteen and, according to these ignorants, ripe for matrimonial pursuits. Blimey, I had reached the ripe old age of 29 without even falling in love. But it was the era that was to blame, not them.

From afar, I spotted Sol, alone and overlooked, no one invited her to dance, in stark contrast to another girl who mingled with ease like a fish in water.

Suddenly, I sensed a gaze, as if it landed on me, but in reality, it was Sol who drew the eyes.

A lad, a touch older than the rest—say nineteen or twenty—but with a modest crown placed upon his brow. Damnation, a prince no less, and his eyes had found where Sol sat.

The evening turned wondrous for her. She became the envy of the lot, for the prince clung to her side throughout the festivities.

For a time, I thought this a positive turn, hoping she'd finally shake off that unsavory family of hers.

Then there unfurled a whirlwind of images; Sol betrothed to the prince, weeks or even months flitting by in hazy succession, the images flickering so swiftly it was a muddle to grasp the full tale.

Each time the prince visited Sol's residence, it was clear: he was smitten, and she with him. Yet the stepsister seized each chance to sidle up to him, striving to besmirch Sol during every encounter.

During one visit, the prince succumbed to such flirtation, resulting in a stolen kiss.

"In the end, a man is a man, letting the head below rule over the one above."

Though the prince loved Sol, he was physically enticed by Sandra, who could grant what Sol wouldn't until wed. He pondered making Sandra his concubine post-nuptials, contemplating a happy ever after for all.

Sol soon became aware of her sister's actions and her betrothed's betrayal, with Sandra gleefully flaunting it. Provocations by Sandra pushed Sol until she could bear no more, striking her sister in front of a crowd. Precisely the reaction the viper had hoped to instigate, aiming to dismantle Sol's engagement, supplanting her as the bride. Not a difficult feat, as passion had entwined Sol.

The prince had proposed a concubine's position to her, to which she agreed—though it wasn't the role she yearned for. Therefore, she vowed to scheme and outwit to usurp Sol.

Naturally, the whispers reached the prince, sowing discord.

Next scene: Sol at the guillotine, her father's eyes steeped in unfamiliar sorrow, yet inert. Her nannies, Magnolia and Rosita, prostrated, pleading for mercy on behalf of their innocent miss. Her sister's sneer was barely veiled behind her guise of seriousness, mirrored by her stepmother's façade. "Damned women," the only verdict I could muster as my gaze turned to the damned prince.

"Damn scoundrel, all your false professions of love, you lying cur. How did it come to this?"

This questioned Macky, who was baffled, missing the preceding events until now.

"Hey, Macky!"

A familiar voice called out to me, confusing me further. I had been wandering through someone else's memories until now.

"Hello!"

I returned the greeting, curiosity laced in my tone, as a young woman materialized before me. It was none other than Sol, the girl unjustly beheaded.

"This is my true tale, sorrowful, isn't it?" she inquired but continued, "The trouble is, my soul can't find peace. You've seen my life was replete with injustice and agony. Please, deliver justice, so I may rest. In exchange, you'll earn an endless span of life."

At that moment, I realized I was deceased, not much else to occupy me, yet inquiries needed voicing.

"Would it bother you if I altered everything you know? After all, I hail from a different time, my perspectives far more progressive than those prevalent in your era," I asked, uncertain of how much should change or if I might just do as I please.

"My life is not mine anymore. Act as you wish, but those who wronged me must face retribution."

"Are you certain, even your father?" I probed, having seen in my visions her affection for him despite their estrangement, those feelings hers, not mine.

"My father... No bitterness do I harbor; his eyes betrayed remorse. Blinded, perchance, by the loss of his love—had my mother lived, my destiny could diverge. Thus, I don't blame him."

"Very well, I'll consider his fate, guided by forthcoming events."

"Thank you. I'm relieved you've chosen to replace me. Just remember the time you're in, tread carefully—male chauvinism is rife. Now awaken, you fainted."

"Wait, why were you executed? Tell me."

"Goodbye, Macky—no, Sol. To query your question, sometimes tales are poorly retold, recounted by those ill-equipped. Remember, LOVE ABOVE ALL."

"What! You mean to say I'm that Sol? Answer me, where the devil did you vanish to?" I cursed, unable to fathom my presence in a tedious and pathetic novel.

So, her life is a novel, yet she craves vengeance; what have I to do with a fantasy world that doesn't even exist?

Damn it, no replies forthcoming, the girl was a fool, her end came most foolishly at the hand of a fool, and now, holding her memories, I see the so-called protagonist is rubbish, and the story bears no semblance to their genuine lives.

Yes, this novel's heroine, that Sandra, and the villainess, the accursed wretch, one Sol D'Angelo.

One must never rush to judge; there are always reasons for certain behaviors.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***