The imperial banquet hall glittered like a dream.
Chandeliers bathed the marble floor in golden light. Nobles in embroidered silks moved like clockwork, laughter and politics laced into every word.
But Evelyne Ardent stood still—like the eye of a storm.
Her dark crimson gown hugged her frame, regal and sharp. A crown of rubies wove through her silver hair. She looked like royalty—because tonight, she was.
A future Empress. A villainess reborn.
Yet all eyes weren't on the prince.
They were on her.
And she knew it.
—
"Quite the entrance," murmured Lucien, approaching her side with a goblet of wine. "You've always known how to command attention."
"I don't need attention," she said. "I need results."
"Spoken like a true Empress."
Evelyne narrowed her eyes. "Don't call me that."
Lucien chuckled, his voice dangerously smooth. "Not yet, then."
—
Across the room, Caleb Thorne watched her.
He didn't touch his drink. His military uniform looked too formal, too stiff for someone who looked ready to punch a duke.
When Duke Albrecht's son approached Evelyne with a flirtatious grin, Caleb's grip tightened.
"Who is that?" he muttered.
"Just another noble wanting a piece of power," said Zayne, appearing beside him with a plate of pastries. "You should do something before it's too late."
Caleb scowled. "She doesn't need saving."
"True," Zayne replied, "but maybe she needs someone who won't let her walk alone."
—
Evelyne smiled politely as nobles surrounded her. Praise. Compliments. Questions about her engagement.
But her eyes kept flickering—searching.
Elisse stood nearby, watching her friend with a warm but worried gaze.
Then—
A noblewoman whispered, "Isn't she the villainess from the trial?"
Another murmured, "How did she come back? Did the prince pity her?"
Evelyne froze for a split second.
And then—
She raised her glass, stepped onto the center stage, and spoke:
"To everyone who thought I was dead, forgotten, and broken—cheers. I'm still here."
The room fell silent.
Then—
Applause.
Slow. Then louder. And louder.
Lucien smirked, watching her burn through their doubts like wildfire.
Caleb looked stunned.
Zayne smiled, eyes warm.
And somewhere in the shadows… a masked boy watched.
A new rival.
One not in love with the Empress.
But obsessed.
---