Leticia felt exhausted. Utterly exhausted. her body lay heavy against the soft surface beneath her, as if each limb were weighed down by an invisible force.

I am tired.

As she opened her eyes, the world around her swam in a haze of soft colors, blending into one another like a watercolor painting left out in the rain. It took a moment for her to gather her thoughts and piece together the fragmented images swirling in her mind. When clarity finally broke through the fog, the first thing she saw was the ceiling.

Not just any ceiling, but a familiar one. The very same ceiling she had gazed up at every morning in her grand bedroom. 

How did I end up here? she wondered. This feels like home, but... it can’t be.

Her mind was sluggish, as if it refused to register what her eyes were showing her. The bed beneath her was soft, the familiar scent of lavender drifting through the air. She could feel the silken sheets against her skin, the warmth of the sun gently brushing her face. Everything felt... real.

Too real.

Leticia pushed herself up into a sitting position, her long golden hair falling messily over her shoulders. She glanced down at her body, half-expecting to see the wound—the blood, the torn fabric of her gown. But there was nothing. No pain, no sign of the brutal pain she had endured.

Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. She wasn’t afraid. She wasn’t even surprised. It was as if her soul had grown tired, too exhausted to react.

This must be a dream. Or... the afterlife? Perhaps this is where lost souls go when their bodies rot in the earth.

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember the storm, the forest, the blade... Adrian. But the images seemed distant now, like fragments of a life that didn’t belong to her anymore.

When she opened her eyes again, the room was still there. Bright. Warm. Familiar. But it was all wrong.

Leticia swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet touching the cold marble floor. Her movements were slow and deliberate, as if she were testing the reality of the world around her.

It feels real.

But that couldn’t be possible. Could it?

Just then, a gentle knock echoed through the room, pulling Leticia from her swirling thoughts. She turned her head, her heart momentarily quickening at the sound. The door creaked open, and her maid Elena stepped inside, balancing a tray laden with breakfast.

“Good morning, Lady Leticia!” Elena greeted cheerfully, her eyes bright and warm, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I hope you slept well."

Leticia blinked at her maid, confusion swirling in her mind.

Elena? What is she doing here? 

The familiarity of her surroundings and the sight of Elena stirred something within her, but the shadows of her memories clouded her thoughts. The familiarity of her surroundings and the sight of Elena stirred something within her, but the shadows of her memories clouded her thoughts. Then, a sudden clarity washed over her.

Oh right, it’s a dream. I am dreaming of being in my room.

“Breakfast is ready, Miss!” she announced cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Leticia turned her gaze back to Elena, a faint smile tugging at her lips. 

Even if it’s a dream, let’s live here. I know everything will shatter when I get back to sleep. 

The thought lingered in her mind, the weight of reality pressing down on her.

Elena set the tray down beside Leticia, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed tea wafting through the air. “I made your favorite,” she said, beaming with pride as she arranged the plates with care.

Leticia picked up a piece of toast, its warmth radiating in her hand. “It smells amazing,” she said, taking a small bite. The taste was rich and buttery, a small comfort in this surreal moment. Then her thoughts drifted again.

What happens when I wake up? 

The question loomed over her like a shadow, threatening to cloud this fleeting moment of joy.

As Leticia savored another bite of her breakfast, the warmth of the moment was interrupted by a slight tension hanging in the air. Elena stood nearby, her usual cheerfulness replaced with nervous energy.

“Miss…” Elena began, her voice trembling slightly. “The information you asked for has arrived.”

“Information? About what?” Leticia asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

“About Princess Selena’s tea party,” Elena replied, her gaze dropping to the floor. She hesitated for a moment, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued, “Just as you thought, Princess Selena has invited every noble lady in the kingdom... except you.”

The words hit Leticia like a cold wave. Leticia leaned back. The memories began to swirl in her mind like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind.

That’s right. The tea party.

Princess Selena’s tea party. It was a kind of event in the kingdom—an elegant gathering where all the noble ladies came together to celebrate our status and connections. Selena and I always prepared for it together, planning every detail down to the last sugar cube.

But everything shattered when Lyria took my place. It was as if the ground opened up beneath me, and I fell into a pit of despair. I went from being Selena’s closest confidante to a mere shadow, a villainess in the eyes of the kingdom.

It was also the time when Selena stopped inviting me to the tea parties. I didn’t understand it at first. I thought it was a mistake. But as the days turned into weeks, it became painfully clear—every noble lady was invited except me. Even Lyria.

I couldn’t just stand by and let that happen. So, I decided to crash the party, uninvited. I knew it would create chaos, but I was desperate. I had to show everyone that I still existed and that I wasn’t some discarded doll left to rot in a corner.

It was my moment to reclaim my dignity.

When I stormed into that grand hall, the gasps were like daggers. The laughter that had filled the air turned to silence, and for a moment, I felt powerful. But it was a façade, a fleeting moment of defiance against the life I’d been thrust into. The noble ladies gaped at me, some in horror, others in disbelief, but I didn’t care. I wanted them to see me.

I created chaos in the party, turning what was meant to be a celebration into a disaster.

But it was more than just chaos; it was the moment my brothers bowed down to Princess Selena on my behalf. I watched them lower their heads, their expressions filled with disappointment and shame. I lost everything that day—my friendship with Selena, my place in the kingdom, and the bond I shared with my brothers.

All of it because I let my anger control me.

Now, here I am, lost in a dream where the past is haunting me like a specter.

Seeing Leticia calm. Elena shifted uneasily. "Miss. Perhaps... perhaps it’s because of the rumors that have been spreading. They say you—” 

Leticia raised a hand, silencing Elena. She didn’t need to hear it. The whispers, the judgment—it all came flooding back, and in that moment, the dream began to crack around the edges. 

I’m tired of this.

She inhaled deeply, forcing the weight of her emotions back down. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, though her voice trembled. “It’s just a tea party.” 

But deep down, she knew it was never just a tea party. It was a reminder that her past, her pain, was still very much a part of her existence, even in this dreamlike state.

The sun continued to shine through the window, its rays casting warm pools of light across the room, but it felt dim now. Shadows crept back into her heart, wrapping around her like a cold embrace.

                                                                                              ***

The Vermillion Palace,

Palace Garden,

The palace garden was a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty, vibrant colors bursting from every corner. Flowers of every hue danced in the gentle breeze, their sweet fragrance mingling in the air like a symphony of scents. Lush green hedges bordered the manicured pathways, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground.

Princess Selena moved gracefully among the floral arrangements, her crimson hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of silk. Her black eyes sparkled with determination and joy, embodying the essence of a princess prepared to host an extraordinary tea party. Clad in a delicate gown that shimmered with every step, she radiated an air of elegance and purpose.

“Make sure the lavender sprigs are arranged with the white roses,” she instructed one of the gardeners, her voice smooth and gentle yet firm. “They complement each other beautifully.”

"Yes, Princess," The worker nodded, carefully adjusting the blooms as Selena continued her inspection.

Just then, Kael Vermillion, the Crown Prince, entered the space with effortless confidence. He was extraordinarily handsome and tall and possessed a perfect figure that commanded attention. His striking red hair caught the light, shimmering like molten copper, while his piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Have you prepared everything for the party?” he asked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Do you need any help?”

Selena shook her head, a warm smile blossoming on her face. “No, I’ve got it all covered, Kael. Thank you.” She couldn’t help but admire him; his presence seemed to brighten the room, lifting her spirits.

Kael stepped further into the room, his gaze sweeping over the elegant arrangements. “It looks amazing,” he remarked, genuinely impressed. “You always put so much effort into everything.”

“Only the best for our guests,” Selena replied, a hint of pride in her voice. But as she glanced back to the table, her fingers brushed against an invitation that had gone unsent, and her smile faltered for a moment.

Kael noticed her change in demeanor, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Was someone else left uninvited?” he asked, his tone curious.

Selena nodded, the weight of her thoughts apparent. “Yes, it’s Leticia. I wonder how she is doing. She has changed so much these days.” A frown crossed her face as she considered the distance that had grown between them.

Selena's expression softened, a flicker of concern crossing his features. “Should I send her the invitation?”

“It’s probably better if she doesn’t come,” Kael suggested cautiously, but then he sighed, the nostalgia evident in his voice. “But still… she is someone with whom we spent our entire childhood. She can’t just be neglected.”

Selena nodded in agreement, the ache of longing filling her chest. “I know. It’s just… I wish things hadn’t turned out this way. I miss her.”

Just outside the room, Lyria stood concealed in the shadows, her face twisted with anger as she listened to their conversation. Her heart raced with frustration, and she clenched her fist tighter, as if trying to hold onto everything that felt like it was slipping through her fingers.

 "I will make sure the invitation never reaches her," she whispered to herself, the venom in her voice.