I am gifted one singular day of peace post party before I am called to my fathers study in the early afternoon of the second day.
He is holding a letter in his hand as I enter, and after being told to sit he looks up at me smiling. This can only be bad news. (I think I've seen him smile a total of 4 times across all lives. Two of those times were at the executions of his enemies. What could possibly make him smile at me?!)
"I have just received wonderful news. It seems despite my reservations of your ability you were able to complete the task I assigned you. I am very pleased." Task? What task?
Oh. Oh no. No. That cannot possibly mean what I think it means.
Unfortunately despite my begging the universe for just a little bit of peace, my father continues speaking. "I have just received a proposal from the royal family that they wish for you to marry Prince Alaric."
Fuck. Why me? What could I have possibly done to give the impression that I was interested in marrying him? I literally saw him interact with the protagonist, shouldn't he be asking her to marry him? Why is he asking to marry me?
Alright, calm down. Stop panicking, your father is still sitting in front of you waiting on a reply, panic later.
"This is wonderful news father. I am pleased I was able to succeed in securing the marriage." I have many years of practice at not letting any internal screaming show on my face. My voice remains even, my mask impenetrable.
"Indeed. Now, I will of course be accepting, you have been invited to join the prince for a luncheon in a weeks time. Do not screw this up," he orders.
"Of course, father." Knowing a dismissal when I hear one, I stand and leave for my room. Making sure nothing shows on my face, that my pace is slow and unhurried.
Finally, as soon as I am sure of my solitude I flop onto my bed and scream into a pillow.
Why? Why? Why? Really that is the most pressing question. What could have possibly possessed him to send a marriage proposal to me of all people? The beginning events are meant to get the main characters intrigued about the protagonist and begin establishing me as a villain. He should be thinking about her.
Or maybe he is, maybe it was his parents who decided on this proposal, that would make a lot more sense. My father is powerful and I am his only heir, they probably wanted to secure that power and alliance. This must be my villain story this time around, the jealous arranged fiancé, who feels entitled to the prince and tries to stop the prince and heroine from being together to ensure she becomes empress.
That makes much more sense.
I can work with that, he is going to end up with her regardless. The story is as inevitable as the tides, so I will simply do my best to pretend I don't see their growing relationship, and act surprised when it comes out. (Then pray that my execution this time is quick)
My pulse finally beginning to slow, I sit up. Alright, first things first. The lunch date next week. I am probably meant to go dress shopping first. Would be shameful to show up to a meeting with the prince in a dress I had worn before. (Noble women really waste so much fabric)
I'll bet that's the next plot beat too. That sort of thing usually is. I go out, run into the heroine, be mean and evil, one of the men comforts her, they have a romantic moment, I begin my descent into villainy.
Alright, I can do this. In the end nothing has really changed. The plan remains the same, trying to go against this marriage would really be more trouble than its worth. The bare minimum.
I call for Anne.
"I need to go out shopping as soon as possible for a dress. I will be having a luncheon with the crown prince in a weeks time. He sent a marriage proposal to my father earlier today."
Her eyes go wide for a moment before she gathers herself, "I understand. I will schedule an appointment with the usual seamstress. I will also impress upon her the gravity of the event this dress is to be made for." Hesitating a beat she continues "Congratulations on your engagement, my lady." She is not smiling though. She, out of everyone, understands that this is a purely political move. That it is what my father wants, no me.
Taking a small step forward, she places a hand on my arm. "I have heard good things about the prince. That he is kind, a gentleman. Perhaps this will be good for you. To finally be out of this house." Her voice is quiet, these words not something that can be heard by anyone else. Lest she be punished for inappropriate behavior towards a noble.
"Perhaps you are right, Anne" I try to seem a little positive for her sake but cannot dredge much up. I know for a fact that this marriage is not going anywhere. That he will fall for Eve and I will be left alone and hated once more.
She gives me a sad little smile before stepping back once more and resuming her professional demeanor.
"I will inform you of the time of your appointment as soon as possible. Have a good day my lady." She turns and leaves. I am left feeling numb and a little hollow inside.
I deserve a nap after today, I decide. I crawl under my covers once more and bury myself in the comfort. Trying hard to smother that feeling of hopelessness beneath the mound of blankets.
(I don't succeed)