The night of the ball came quicker than I had anticipated. I stood in front of the mirror, wearing a dress that was too tight and too old to be considered anything other than a glorified rag. The material was made of a deep violet, but age had dulled the hues.

I sighed, turning away. At least my hair looks fine. I laughed bitterly, crossing the room. Of all things I should be worrying about– my hair was the least of my problems.

As soon as I enter the ballroom– the original story will kick off. Everything would begin. No one spoke to me as I made my way through the house. The Duke and Gerald had already left for the ball– so I blissfully would be left in silence until arriving.

The closer we got to the castle– the more my stomach started twisting into knots. I have to avoid Paulita at all costs. She may be an air head and kind, but she was the fuel that would kickstart my demise.

The carriage stopped before the castle, far faster than I had wished. No one helped me out– as usual. I gingerly climbed down, careful to not rip the seams of the dress. A few nobles arrived minutes after me, and began to whisper in hushed tones.

Yeah, keep whispering. I thought, walking up the long stairs. I don't care what you think.

Once I stepped inside the ballroom– the sights and smells instantly assaulted my senses. Perfume, bright outfits, and faint music floated around. I quickly walked toward the edge of the crowd, intending to blend into the background.

Every so often people glanced in my direction and began to whisper or giggle. I couldn't make out much of the words but I was able to hear a few key ones spoken:

"Ugly…dress…out of fashion." and "Dress…showing off curves…hussy" At one point I heard "She's trying to snag a man. Showing off her body like that. Has she no shame?"

I pointedly ignored them– but their eyes were burning holes into my back. This is uncomfortable.

My discomfort only increased when I spotted a man, dressed in a robe, walking toward me. At first I didn't recognize who it was until I saw his yellow eyes and a faint blue glow surrounding his brown hair.

Tyrine Magno, the third male lead. I groaned– already expecting the worst. Why was he walking this way?

"I see you're already causing problems." He said, coming to a stop before me. "Why are you even here, Kyla?"

"I was given an invitation." I said flatly, leaving out the part where the Duke forced me to come.

"You're not going to start fighting with the other ladies are you?" He sighed. "I swear to the gods if you try and start something again, I'll make sure you're locked up."

"Tyrine, I'm minding my own business." I bit out. "Perhaps you should mind your own as well."

"You? Minding your own business?" He laughed, without humor. "You've never done that in your life."

"Mage Tyrine!" I heard someone calling from the crowd.

"I'm keeping an eye on you." Tyrine narrowed his eyes. "Don't misstep this time, Kyla."

He plastered a smile on his face and left– vanishing into the swarm of people. I let out a breath, scanning the crowd. Soon that incident will happen. I need to slip away before it does.

I turned on my heel and walked toward one of the several balconies that overlooked the Royal garden. I just have to avoid Paulita, avoid starting drama with her, and avoid the crown prince.

It was easier said than done, but I refused to be involved in something that I had no need to be.

I stepped onto the balcony, leaning against the rails. A bright full moon illuminated the garden, and a gentle breeze blew– cooling off my overheated skin.

I replayed the events that were about to happen quickly. Kyla had been attempting to flirt with an unnamed marquess, swirling a drink in her hand. She had gone to take a sip when Paulita– who was pushed by a group of jealous girls– slammed into Kyla.

Kyla reacted poorly of course. She didn't hesitate to dump the context of her wine over Paulita's head. Paulita began to sob from embarrassment– and surprise– the crown prince came to her rescue.

That signaled the start of the story and the first death flag for Kyla.

I sighed, drooping my head. Why did you do that, Kyla? You knew it wasn't the proper thing to do.

"If you sigh that heavily, you will have a lot of complications on your shoulders." A voice spoke– jarring me from my thoughts.

I glanced over to the balcony on my right– to see a shape hidden in the shadows. "I apologize." I said automatically. "I didn't mean to interrupt your night."

"Do you apologize for breathing as well?" The man asked, a hint of an amused smile in his voice.

"Sometimes." I laughed, feeling a small weight wiggle off my shoulders. "Do you always speak to unknown women in the dark?"

"Sometimes." He retorted. "I've been known to do as I please."

"That must be nice." I smoothed my dress, praying the material didn't decide to snap anytime soon. "Have a good night…sir."

He didn't respond– but I thought I saw a brief flicker of crimson eyes when I walked inside. No, I doubt it. I shook my head. The only people with crimson eyes would be the royal family or the occasional distant relative. With how strange the royals are– I doubted it was them.

The ballroom engulfed me as I walked inside. I found a location in the back of the room– away from others. Although I was secluded, every ten minutes a servant would walk up to me– offering a drink.

I turned them down each time– but they refused to listen. After about an hour and a half– I started to get irritated.

"Can you please stop offering me alcohol?" I asked, the frustration in my voice making me sound colder than I meant. "I already told several of you I don't want any."

"Oh but miss, you look flustered." The servant frowned. "We don't want anyone to faint."

"I still don't-" I began, cutting off only when someone bumped into my back.

I fell toward the servant– who let out a surprised gasp. Somehow the tray tilted in the process. I reached out to try and stop the goblets from shattering on the floor. Which, in hindsight, was a horrible idea.

The wind sloshed over the rim of the cup– and sprayed directly on a small blond woman who was walking by.

She screamed and fell– landing hard on her backside.

"W-why did you do that?" She stuttered, tears filling her eyes. "I didn't bump into you on purpose."

Oh. Oh no. I thought, freezing in place.

The girl was Paulita.

The damn female lead.