The First Step

Serene's breakfast arrived shortly after Lily's departure, and though the familiar scent of fresh bread and honeyed tea filled the room, she had little appetite. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her next move. She sat at the small round table by the window, staring at the delicate porcelain teacup in her hand, her fingers idly tracing its rim.

I have time. I can change everything.

In her past life, this was the beginning of the end. Her engagement to Prince Revero would soon be announced, and from that moment on, Lilian’s poison would slowly start working. The manipulations, the small betrayals, would all build up until Selene found herself alone, framed for treason.

But not this time.

This time, she would be the one to manipulate the game.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Serene’s head snapped up, her cold resolve quickly slipping into the mask of the sweet, innocent noblewoman she once played so well.

“Come in,” she called softly.

The door creaked open, and her father, Duke Van dera, stepped inside. Tall, broad-shouldered, and with silver streaking his dark hair, the duke was a formidable presence. He was a man who commanded respect, and yet, Serene had always known him to be gentle with her—too trusting of those around him. It was that trust that had made him a victim of the schemes that had ruined their family.

“Good morning, my dear,” the duke said with a smile, though his brows furrowed slightly in concern. “Lily told me you were feeling unwell last night. Are you alright?”

Serene rose from her seat, moving toward him with a soft smile. The warmth in her father’s voice tugged at her heart, a reminder of the one person who had truly loved her in her previous life. She had failed him before, allowing her enemies to drag his name through the mud alongside hers. Not this time.

“I’m fine, Father,” she replied, taking his hand. “I’ve simply had a lot on my mind. But I’m feeling much better this morning.”

He nodded, though his eyes searched hers for any sign of deception. He always had a way of seeing through her, though now, Serene had the experience to hide her emotions far better than before.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, patting her hand affectionately. “There’s much to do today, my dear. The palace has invited us to the royal banquet tonight—an event to celebrate the upcoming engagement of Prince Revero.”

Serene’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it. This was it—the beginning of the engagement announcement. She had little time to act.

“The royal banquet,” she repeated, her mind spinning with possibilities. If she recalled correctly, tonight would be the night when Revero would publicly hint at their engagement. It was also the night that Lilian would begin to weave her web, charming her way into Revero’s inner circle while subtly undermining Serene.

Not this time.

Her father misinterpreted her hesitation as nervousness. “I know the prince is fond of you, Serene. It won’t be long before he makes his intentions clear.”

Fond of me? He never cared for me at all, Serene thought bitterly. Revero had seen her only as a tool, a stepping stone to power. He had never loved her, never even respected her. She was nothing more than a means to an end. The memory of his cold, dismissive gaze as he watched her dragged to the dungeon burned fresh in her mind.

But instead of giving in to the fury that bubbled beneath the surface, she smiled sweetly. “Of course, Father. I’ll make sure to be at my best tonight.”

As her father left, satisfied with her response, Selene returned to the window. Her hands clenched into fists as she stared out at the sprawling gardens below. Tonight, her enemies would think they were taking the first step toward her ruin.

But I will be the one to strike first.

---

That evening, as Lily helped Serene dress for the banquet, Serene’s mind raced with strategies. She knew that Revero and Lilian had already formed an alliance, though it was secret.Lilian had been slowly cultivating Revero’s attention, her flirtatious smiles and honeyed words worming their way into his ambition. Serene had been blind to it before, believing their friendship was solid. Now, however, she knew Lilian’s true intentions.

Her gown for the evening was a deep, royal blue, embroidered with silver thread. It was beautiful, elegant—perfectly suited for the fiancée of a prince. The choice of color was deliberate. In her previous life, she had worn a pale pink dress, one that had made her blend in with the other noblewomen. This time, she wanted to stand out.

“You look stunning, my lady,” Lily said, her eyes wide with admiration. “You’ll certainly be the talk of the banquet.”

Serene smirked, adjusting a sapphire pendant around her neck. “That’s the idea.”

As she descended the grand staircase into the main hall, she could feel the eyes of the guests turn toward her. Whispers followed in her wake, but Serene kept her chin high, her expression serene. She was no longer the naive girl she once was. Tonight, she would begin to change the game.

Prince Revero stood near the head of the hall, surrounded by courtiers and sycophants. His golden hair and sharp, angular features gave him the appearance of a man born to rule, but Serene knew better. He was nothing but a snake hiding behind a charming smile.

When their eyes met across the room, Revero’s lips curved into a smile that had once made her heart flutter. Now, it filled her with disgust.

“Lady Serene,” he greeted as she approached, his voice dripping with false affection. “You look radiant tonight.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Serene replied, her tone cool but polite. She offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It is an honor to be in your presence.”

Revero’s smile faltered for a moment, as if sensing the change in her demeanor, but he quickly recovered. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Serene. There are matters we should discuss, regarding our future.”

Serene’s eyes flicked to his hand, noting the subtle gesture toward Lady Lilian, who stood not far from them, pretending not to watch. The sight of her former friend made Serene’s blood boil, but she maintained her composure.

“Our future?” Serene repeated softly, tilting her head ever so slightly. “I wasn’t aware there was one.”

Revy’s eyes narrowed in confusion, but before he could respond, another voice cut in.

“Serene! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Lady Lilian’s voice was as sweet as honey, her smile wide and friendly, but Serene could see the venom lurking just beneath the surface. Lilian glided toward them, her silver gown shimmering in the candlelight. “Prince Revero, forgive me for interrupting, but I simply had to steal Serene away for a moment.”

The prince smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, Lady Lilian.”

Serene turned to Lilian, her smile never faltering. “Lady Lilian. What a pleasant surprise.”

Lilian took Serene’s arm, pulling her gently away from the prince. “Come, let’s catch up,” she said brightly, leading Serene toward a more secluded part of the hall.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Lilian’s cheerful expression shifted into something colder. “Serene, you looked so lost over there with the prince. Are you alright?”

So it begins, Serene thought, recognizing Lilian’s subtle jab.

“I’m fine,” Serene replied smoothly. “More than fine, actually.”

Lilian raised an eyebrow. “Really? You seemed distant.”

Serene chuckled softly, stepping closer to Lilian, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. “You know, Lilian, I’ve been thinking. I’ve realized there are some people I’ve trusted far too much. But now I see things clearly.”

Lilian’s eyes flickered with unease, but she quickly recovered, her smile returning. “I’m glad to hear that, Serene. We all need clarity sometimes.”

“Oh, I have it now.” Serene’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “Crystal clear.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Lilian standing alone, her smile faltering as Serene’s words hung in the air. This time, Serene wouldn’t be the one blindsided.

She had made her first move, and now the game truly began.

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