Chapter 3 : Twist of destiny

The morning sun crept through the sheer curtains of Selena's chamber, casting golden rays across the embroidered sheets. She awoke slowly, blinking against the soft light. After a moment to gather herself, she rose, dressed, and enjoyed a quiet breakfast delivered to her room.

Once the plates were cleared and silence once again filled the space, Selena sat down at the vanity, her fingers idly trailing across the polished surface as she stared into her own reflection. Her mind, however, was far from idle.

"Think, Selena, think, "she told herself firmly.

"According to the plot" she remembered *so well, a week before the imperial wedding, both the bride and groom were required to sign their names on the royal marriage decree — a sacred contract that, once completed, was impossible to nullify."

A slow, cunning smile curved her lips.

"If I can befriend Miya and earn her trust before that decree is written..." she thought, a glimmer of triumph sparking in her eyes, "then at the critical moment, I’ll simply write Miya’s name instead of mine."

Her smirk deepened.

With that, Selena leaned back in her chair, her confidence swelling.

"Then, step by step, I can finally change my fate."

With her plan forming solidly in her mind, she set about preparing for the evening — the ball banquet hosted at the imperial palace, the grand event where her engagement would be announced.

When the hour arrived, her maid carefully helped her into an elegant black gown — sleek yet regal, adorned with subtle silver embroidery that shimmered like starlight. The fabric clung gracefully to her figure before flowing outward into a soft, cloudlike train behind her.

Selena caught sight of herself in the mirror and paused.

For a moment, even she could hardly believe what she saw.

This person, this poised and stunning young woman — was that truly her?

A soft laugh escaped her lips, half disbelief, half amusement. With one final check, she left her chambers, her steps steady and assured.

---

The palace ballroom was already alive with music and chatter when Selena arrived. Glittering chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, opulent glow. Nobles in their finest attire filled the space, their laughter and conversation weaving together into a symphony of courtly life.

Selena entered gracefully, her presence immediately drawing attention.

Unlike the cold, arrogant villainess they remembered, the Selena who now stood before them bowed her head politely, offering warm, respectful greetings to everyone she encountered.

"Good evening, Lady Astoria."

"Lord Pelton, you look well tonight."

She smiled — not too broadly, but with enough sincerity to be disarming.

Whispers followed her as she moved through the crowd, but for the first time, they were filled with admiration rather than disdain.

"She’s changed."

"How graceful she is now..."

"Truly a noble lady befitting the Valkrian name."

Among the crowd, she soon found familiar faces: Lady Countess Estrella, Lady Mabel, and Lady Rachel — the friends she had so carefully begun to gather around her. They welcomed her with bright smiles, and for a while, they chatted comfortably about the banquet, the emperor’s upcoming speech, and the latest court rumors.

But Selena’s sharp eyes were always scanning the room — searching.

And then she spotted her:

Lady Miya.

The girl stood alone near the grand staircase, her golden hair softly catching the light. Her posture was perfect, her smile demure — yet it was clear she was isolated, no one daring to approach her.

Selena’s opportunity had arrived.

"Excuse me," Selena said politely to her friends, who nodded understandingly.

She glided across the floor toward Miya, her heart steady, her expression composed. As she approached, Lady Miya noticed and immediately performed a flawless bow — an acknowledgment of Selena’s higher status.

But Selena gently reached out, her voice filled with easy warmth.

"Oh, Lady Miya, please — there’s no need for such formalities between us," she said with a kind smile. "Let’s think of each other as friends, shall we?"

Miya’s blue eyes widened slightly in surprise, and her hands fidgeted delicately at her sides.

"I saw you standing alone," Selena continued, her tone soft and genuine. "I felt it would be a shame for someone like you to be without companions tonight. If you would like, I’d be honored to have you join our circle of friends."

Miya’s eyes lowered shyly. "I don’t deserve such kindness..." she murmured, clearly overwhelmed.

Selena placed a gentle hand on her arm and shook her head.

"I consider you a friend already," Selena said warmly. "Please don’t worry about status or standing. In my eyes, character matters far more."

Miya blinked, and then — slowly — a bright, sincere smile blossomed across her face.

"Truly? Thank you... Thank you so much, Lady Selena," she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

Selena smiled wider, her heart pounding with quiet satisfaction.

Taking Miya’s hand lightly, Selena led her back to the group and introduced her to Lady Estrella, Lady Mabel, and Lady Rachel, all of whom welcomed Miya with open arms and cheerful conversation.

Across the ballroom, many pairs of eyes watched the scene with astonishment.

"Lady Selena... she’s changed so much."

"She’s truly kind now."

"Perhaps we’ve misunderstood her all along..."

The whispers grew, and Selena heard them.

She tucked them away in her heart as precious victories.

With a new friend beside her, the admiration of the court around her, and a clear plan already in motion, Selena Valkrian smiled gracefully — a queen in the making.

And tonight was only the beginning.

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