After successfully improving my relationship with Roland, it was time to hurdle my next challenge: And that was Lady Ambrose's tea party. It was a party for all the ladies in high society at the palace, and I was cordially invited and almost obligated to go. I couldn't say no.

At the same time, I was glad to have the opportunity to patch things up with Katia and further solidify my connections with Odette and the other noble ladies, as well as build some new ones. If I was going to break off my engagement, I was going to need people on my side to support me.

I entered the garden dressed in an elegant blue dress, my blonde hair half up half down, falling elegantly over my shoulders as I walked with more grace than I felt inside. The birds chirped in the trees, which provided shade for the outdoor tea party. Many of the ladies had already arrived, mingling near the appetizers table or pouring themselves a cup of tea.

I watched with cautious eyes. I was the imposter here, but not in the way everyone thought—I was not the wicked villainess, but I was a girl who had no idea what I was doing. Please, Rosaria, don't fail me now... I pleaded, trusting in Rosaria's muscle memory to get me through this. I'd received no elegance training in my entire life, so I had no idea where to sit, stand, who to talk to, or what to do.

Julia would've been much better at me than this... I let out a small sigh, and hung my head a little low as I thought of my friend for the first time in a while. I remember she had so much fun writing these scenes in the book, because she loved the elegance of nobility.

There were many nights we spent watching Bridgerton or Pride and Prejudice while snuggled in blankets eating popcorn after a long day of working on the novel... If only I'd paid attention then, I snorted in amusement. I'd always been much more focused on the popcorn or scrolling on my phone than the details of etiquette in the movies.

As I stood at the entrance gathering my resolve after my coachmen left, I spotted Katia out of the corner of my eye. I looked down at my dress, and then at hers. Oh no. We were both wearing the same dress. The same thing had happened in the novel, which is why I had been so careful to pick the dress that I knew Katia was going to wear today. In fact, I even left that dress at home. I didn't even bring it. So why...?

Like me, she felt a little awkward and out of place. When she caught my eye, her gaze flickered to me uncertainty, as if wondering if she could trust me or not, and then she gave me a small wave. I smiled warmly, and made my way purposefully over to her. Here goes nothing, I sighed. Please, don't go wrong.

"Lady Katia," I said, exasperated, "I'm so glad to see you here. I just wanted to say that I'm so, so sorry about what happened last night! It was entirely my fault, but I'm glad the prince was able to get you out of there. Are you alright?"

I could feel her tense up slightly as I approached, but slowly she started to relax as I continued my heartfelt apology. "It's quite alright, Lady Rosaria," She offered a small, tentative smile.

"It's not," I said, shaking my head. "I was a fool, not paying attention to where I was going, and on top of causing a big scene ruined your dress because of it. Is there any way I could replace it?"

"No—no, Lady Rosaria, it's alright," Katia protested quickly, and she blushed. "You don't have to do that, but that's very kind of you."

I held her gloved hands in mine, "Nonsense, Lady Katia. It is you who is kind. After all, I showed up wearing the same dress as you—"

"It's fine, I don't mind," She tentatively took my hands in hers, as if she was unsure of what to do. "Besides, it looks like we have the same tastes. I think that's great, don't you?"

Aggh! She's killing me with cuteness! I fawned. "So... does this mean you're not mad at me?" I asked.

"Of course not, Lady Rosaria! How could I?" She seemed taken aback at the entire idea.

"Then, I can still come to see the swans at your fathers estate?"

At this, Katia seemed to light up. We'd mentioned it in passing last night during a conversation, but she probably didn't think I was actually serious. After all, why would the daughter of a Duke go to a lowly Baron's estate to visit his daughter? "Why, of course!" She smiled.

Footsteps approached, and I turned to see Odette coming our way in a beautiful purple dress much like the one she wore the night before. I nodded at her, "Good to see you, Lady Odette," I smiled politely, dipping my head.

"Lady Rosaria," She acknowledged me, dipping her head. "You caused quite the scene the other night."

Geeze, could you have said it any nicer? Odette always puts things bluntly. She wasn't one for small talk. "Yeah... I did..." I said slowly, a little annoyed. "It was an accident."

She shrugged. "Well, whether it was or not, everyone here doesn't seem to think so," she glanced over her shoulder. "But I don't trust any of them as far as I could throw them."

I nodded in agreement. Then, I noticed her eying Lady Katia and I up and down. "Same tastes, I see." She said, "Lady Katia, I just came to see if you were doing alright since last night. But it looks like you are."

Lady Katia nodded. "Thank you for checking in on me. I'm fine, a little wine on my dress never hurt anything, and Lady Rosaria already apologized."

At this, I could feel Lady Odette's scrutinizing gaze on me, like she was sizing up if I was really a villainess or if I was just putting on a good face. It felt like I was a spy staring into the eyes of a war general. Maybe I should just go home... I thought dreadfully, I already somehow messed it up by wearing the same dress as Katia.

"Well, you'd both better be careful, because you're all anyone's talking about at this blasted gossip-cesspool," Odette shook her head. Then, she looked over her shoulder and tipped her head toward the refreshments table. "Lady Armbine doesn't play. There's some really good pastries over there, even better than at the ball I'd say."

I glanced over at Lady Katia. "Well... shall we?" I asked.

She looked up with those bright green eyes, as if she was just waiting for me to ask. "Yes, lets!"

As we left the secluded comfort of the shade under the trees by the entrance, I knew I would soon be met by scrutinizing gazes. Eyes that envied my spot, hated me because of it. "By the way Lady Rosaria, congratulations. I didn't think you had it in you to woo the prince like that," Odette said, her voice a little too loud for my comfort. It wasn't like he had a choice... I glanced down at the gorgeous Katia. If he did, he most definitely would have chosen her.

"Yes, congratulations!" Lady Katia chimed in. "You and the prince looked so good together. I think you will make a great Queen."

"Hah... thanks..." I said, then more quietly, "We'll see about that."

As we stepped into the light, I could immediately sense all eyes on me as I made my way to the refreshments table. It was Lady Armbine who cut me off first, in a regal orange and yellow dress, bold for the season of the year. "Why Lady Rosaria, the woman of the hour! I must extend my congratulations to you," She approached, smiling and fanning herself. White powder and makeup covered her face at an attempt to smooth out the wrinkles, though not ostentatiously so. "As the new Crown Princess, you must be so elated."

Anything but that, I groaned inwardly, but flashed a smile outwardly as I matched Lady Armbine's energy. "Why of course, anyone in my position would be, wouldn't they?" I took her hands. "And thank you, Lady Armbine. It means so much to me."

Lady Armbine's grip on my hands was gentle but firm—like I was being sized up for a diamond setting. Her fan fluttered lightly beneath her chin, though her sharp eyes didn't waver once. "You carry yourself with such grace, Lady Rosaria," she said with a smile too smooth to be anything but polished. "One would hardly believe you were appointed Crown Princess just last night. And so young, too."

"I only hope to serve the crown with the same dignity and poise as the women who came before me," I said with a practiced smile, lifting my chin slightly. "Though I imagine it's no easy feat to fill such fine shoes." Lady Armbine's had her eye on this position since she was my age. But it's far out of her grasp now.

She nodded, as though ticking a box in her mind. "Many young ladies in your position would not be so wise to acknowledge that," She leaned in slightly, her voice dipping just enough to become conspiratorial. "You must forgive me for being candid, but a title so swiftly earned is often regarded with skepticism."

I laughed lightly—though it sounded much more confident than I felt. "I'd be surprised if it wasn't. Skepticism and I have become well acquainted. But I find it makes for excellent motivation."

Lady Armbine let out a pleased hum. "Motivation. Yes. And tact, I see." She glanced behind her fan again, toward the other ladies who were beginning to take notice. "I hope you enjoy the tea party, Crown Princess. There are many watchful eyes on you." I could tell the undertones of a warning to her compliment—They're looking for cracks. Don't let them see them.

I nodded politely, dipping my head. "Thank you, Lady Armbine. And if I falter, I hope there are women like you to correct me with grace."

This seemed to please Lady Armbine, as she waved her hand to allow me to continue my walk to the refreshments table. As she walked off with the slow majesty of a queen without a crown, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Katia glanced at me like I'd just survived a sword duel with my pride intact.

"You handled yourself quite well," Odette said, impressed. "Lady Armbine has been known to test younger ladies. But you seemed to measure up."

"She likes you," Katia whispered back, delighted. "That was impressive."

We had barely spent a second at the desserts and refreshments table when I heard the sound of a familiar, high-pitched voice. I knew she would show up, I sighed, as Lady Vivienne approached with all the grace of a pigeon.

"Rosaria!" her voice made my spine stiffen. She floated toward us in a silken mint green gown, flanked by Lady Evelyne—narrow-eyed and sharp-lipped—and Lady Esta, who was always smiling, even when she was being cruel. The holy trinity of backhanded compliments, of which Rosaria had once been the fourth member and ringleader. But I'm not her. I don't run with that crowd anymore. "We've missed you. Last night was such a whirlwind, wasn't it?"

"Whirlwind's one word for it," Evelyne added, her voice dripping with faux concern. "Katia, your dress... what a tragedy." She eyed Katia, as if barely even noticing her presence.

I blinked. "Oh, well—Lady Katia and I have made amends. I was just apologizing—"

"Oh, of course you were," Esta interrupted smoothly, picking up a lemon tart and inspecting it like it had personally offended her. "It was just such a shame, that's all. And after all that effort Lady Katia must have put into her ensemble." She looked over at Katia and smiled sweetly. "But you're being very gracious, dear. Truly inspiring."

"Very gracious," Vivienne echoed. "Especially since it must've been such a shock seeing Rosaria in your dress today..." I could feel the snicker behind the disguise of a friendly giggle.

I smiled, though I could feel my jaw tighten slightly. "It seems we both have excellent taste," I said. "And good taste isn't something you can fake, is it?" I knew this would be a problem. I'd been so careful to avoid the dress I thought she was going to wear, too... but perhaps this world was bent on tearing Katia and I apart.

Vivienne's eyes narrowed just a touch. Evelyne gave a mock gasp of delight. "Well said, Rosaria!" she cooed. "You're so quick with your words these days. I remember when you were more..." she twirled her fingers in the air, searching for a word, "...demure."

"You mean ostentatious?" I quirked my brow, grabbing a lemon pastry from the desert table and popping it in my mouth.

"It was part of your... charm." Vivienne said quickly.

I smiled. "Thank you for noticing. Well, I've changed. I've found my own voice now." I looked at them for a beat, then said softly, "I know I wasn't always kind. And I'm not asking for forgiveness. But I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not anymore."

That shut them up. They looked at each other, mouths gaping, unsure of what to say at my sudden sincerity. Rosaria Leeland had never been sincere. With a nod to Katia and Odette, we left the trio behind, knowing full well they hated nothing more than being dismissed.

About that time, a couple of other noble ladies greeted me and Lady Armbine called us all to gather around the table. Every noble lady, dressed in gorgeous sundresses, took their places. I was, unfortunately, directed to sit towards the head of the table, where most of the older and more prestigious ladies sat, right next to Celine.

"Lady Rosaria," Celine greeted as I sat down, her voice light, polite, but full of steel. She was angry—After all, I'd taken her rightful place as the Crown Princess last night. I, Rosaria Leeland, the spoiled girl who'd never worked a day in her life—she had every right to be mad at me.

"Lady Celine," I replied, careful.

She didn't look at me when I took the seat beside her. Her eyes were fixed on the far end of the table, her expression calm, distant. I mimicked her posture out of instinct, though I was very aware that her poise came from years of refinement—and mine was borne from sheer panic and reliance on Rosaria's muscle memory.

We didn't speak. Because she hates me, of course. Who wouldn't? I kept my hands folded in my lap, far too aware of every movement, the rustle of my dress, the clink of teacups. Celine exuded poise like it was stitched into her skin—calm, unreadable, effortlessly composed.

Lady Armbine stood at the far end, gently tapping her spoon to her glass. "Ladies," she said with a smile that commanded attention, "thank you all for joining me today. As spring unfolds, so too does the season of courtly friendship, mutual ambition, and—of course—excellent tea."

Polite laughter rippled down the table.I glanced sideways. Lady Celine's expression didn't shift, though I caught the subtle twitch of her lips when Lady Armbine said "mutual ambition."

"I do hope today provides a moment of warmth between us," Lady Armbine continued, "before the season sweeps us up into its storm of dinners, dances, and discussions."