The world around me seemed to slow down and speed up at the same time. I wasn't aware of the people around us or the fact that I had wine dripping down my arm.

Paulita looked up at me, her bottom lip trembling.

"No…I didn't…it wasn't on purpose." I hesitated– unsure what I could say that would resolve this situation.

What bothered me was her reaction. There's no way a sane person would jump to the conclusion that I had done it on purpose. Was this the influence of the plot?

"B-but, I saw you." She cried, covering her face.

"Lady Vance, are you alright?"

I glanced over in time to see a man with red hair push through the crowd. He flickered his dark gray eyes toward me, before kneeling down beside Paulita.

Page Westwood. I realized instantly. There's no doubt it's him. While everyone else was dressed to impress, this man still had his guard uniform on.

Just great. I sighed. So it begins.

"Paulita, did she harm you?" Page asked, gently touching her shoulders. "Are you wounded at all?"

"N-no." She removed her hands from her face, shaking her head. "I only got wet, Lord Westwood."

"Page." He corrected, turning to glare at me. "Why did you intentionally spill wine on Lady Vance?"

"Why would I do that?" I asked, crossing my arms. "It was an accident."

"Was it?" Page asked, looking back at Paulita– expression softening.

"Well…I'm not sure." Paulita said, brushing the tears from her cheeks. "I…I thought I saw her do it. B-but I could be mistaken!"

"You don't have to lie for her." Page stood, helping Paulita to her feet. "Everyone knows her reputation."

"Excuse me?" I blinked a few times– shocked by his attitude.

I already knew he was a simp for Paulita, but isn't this a bit much?

"Does that even make logical sense to you?" I asked, irritation growing. "I don't even know her."

"You assault anyone at a drop of a hat." Page shot back.

"It...was my fault." Paulita sniffled, brushing her eyes now. "I bumped into her and she must have been upset. Please don't make this a big deal, Page."

"Paulita…" Page gently touched her arm. "Even if you bumped into her, there's no reason for her to pour wine over your head."

I sighed, looking around. Where did the servant go? I had completely forgotten about him. Of course the only person that could collaborate on my side of the events had disappeared.

I take it back– I hate this novel.

Loud whispers began to swirl around us. A tall shape moved through the crowd– forcing everyone to make way.

I groaned inwardly when I recognized the white-blonde hair and blood red eyes of the royal family. Not to mention he was dressed in the typical fantasy royal attire.

Cassius Helios– the crown prince of the empire– or otherwise known as the unstable tyrant.

I'm screwed. I had been foolish to think I could escape the plot by avoiding it. The novel seemed dead set on making me walk down the path of the villainess regardless of my desire.

"What happened here?" Cassius asked, the hard baritone of his voice silenced everyone.

"Prince Cassius." Page bowed deeply. "We apologize for the interruption of today's events."

"Did I ask for an apology?" Cassius's eyes shimmered under the bright light– irritation lacing the irises. "Don't make me repeat myself, Page Westwood. I'm not in the mood."

"I-it's my fault!" Paulita said quickly, her eyes going wide. "I…upset Lady Kyla."

"And how did you do that?" Cassius asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Prince Cassius, perhaps-"

"Am I speaking to you?" Cassius snapped, cutting off Page.

Page closed his mouth and averted his eyes– face flushing a deep red. Paulita looked over at Page and turned white.

"I accidentally bumped into Lady Kyla." Paulita said quickly, squeezing her hands together. "And…she must have been upset over the accident. S-she spilled wine all over my white dress."

"Oh?" Cassius glanced over at me, his expression blank.

I suppressed a shiver from his gaze. Everything in me told me to run and not associate with him. Damn it, I just want to leave.

"Are you sure that's what happened?" He asked, flickering his gaze back to Paulita.

"I…don't understand." Paulita squeaked, taking a tentative step back. "I-I would never l-lie to the crown prince of our nation."

"Lady Kyla, you appear to be wet," Cassius looked over at me. "You may take your leave."

"Yes, your highness." I bowed and turned, beelining toward the door.

As I made my way through the crowd I heard Cassius tell Paulita and Page to accompany him to an adjoining room.

I also noticed the Duke and Gerald glaring at me as I fled from the ballroom. I didn't have time or the desire to pay them any mind.

Neither of them were going to be the one to kill me– Cassius would be. I had to put as much distance between the crown prince and myself.

I need to survive at all costs after all.

Once I got outside and climbed into the carriage– I heard a loud rip and looked down. The bottom of the dress had split halfway to my knee. I sighed, leaning back against the carriage as it began to pull away.

At least it was only the dress that got harmed tonight. Slowly, after my heart rate calmed down, I realized something I had missed during the accusation.

Everything that had happened, followed the plot to a T– everyone but two things. I hadn't actively spilled wine on Paulita and the crown prince's reaction had been odd to say the least.

In the novel he had believed Paulita without questioning her. Why did he question her this time?

I shook my head– it doesn't matter. One small change doesn't mean anything else will be different.

I still was far from freedom.

…And still at risk of losing my head.