She had to give in. Sighing in defeat, she asked, "What do you need me to do?"
Rosalie smiled in satisfaction but it was clear she had already expected her answer. The carriage rolled to a choppy stop and she lifted the curtain to glance outside. "Isadora, go with Ezra and book our rooms for tonight."
"And leave you alone with this witch?" A single sidelong glance from Rosalie silenced all her complaints. With a final threatening gaze at Sereia, Isadora reluctantly deboarded the carriage.
The atmosphere felt even more tense without Isadora but Rosalie seemed especially relaxed and carefree now.
"You've heard rumors of my impending marriage, correct?"
Sereia nodded. Who hadn't? They may have been out in the sticks but information traveled relatively quickly thanks to the Haven Keepers system. They had to stay pretty informed to stay ahead of witch hunters.
"In truth, my brother," Rosalie's voice took a dark edge as she mentioned her older sibling, "has already found a partner suited for me. The crown prince of the Whitethorn Kingdom."
"Whitethorn?" Sereia asked incredulously.
If one had grown up in Aetheria all their life, it was common knowledge that the kingdom south of them was their bitter enemy. Aetheria had once been a part of Whitethorne as a small territory but a civil war broke out and they were granted independence. Despite that, they were constantly at war for hundreds of years until the Late King secured a truce.
The peace between the two countries had always been extremely fragile and the hatred for one another was immeasurable. When the Late King passed and Whitethorne's King prepared to step down in the next few years, whispers of war once again ignited.
Rosalie continued, her expression serious. "I'll assume you're already aware of our insubstantial relationship with Whitethorne so I'll get straight to the point. In four weeks, you will leave for Whitethorne in my place."
"For how long?" She had already guessed that she would have to take Rosalie's place.
"One year," Rosalie answered, closing her eyes and sinking back into the carriage seat. When she opened them again, they were firm and resolute, "Regardless of the outcome, I will return after one year. You don't have to worry about being left high and dry; as long as you play your role properly the knowledge of you being a witch and the community of Haven Keepers will remain between us."
Sereia shifted in her seat. It was a good deal and it wasn't like she could back out now, but she still held her doubts. "You are aware that I'm a commoner, right? Even if it were possible to teach me all there is to know in four weeks, I'd have to survive in Whitethorne for a year. It's impossible for me not to make a mistake."
"Don't worry yourself over that, Isadora will be accompanying you. She was raised by my side since we were children and is more well-versed than most noble ladies." She yawned lightly, "My apologies, Miss Blackwell, it seems I have kept you late enough. Tomorrow we will continue to the palace and begin your necessary lessons. Get as much rest as you can tonight — it will be the last time you have such a luxury for a while."
——
——
Sereia did not sleep well.
Even when she used a spell to drift into a deep sleep, she woke up feeling more tired than before.
It was to be expected considering her life had undergone such a large change in just a night. Soon, she would be expected to live and breathe as Rosalie, the third princess of the Kingdom of Aetheria. She would be far away from the land she had grown up in and even further away from Lumindale.
Could she really trust that the princess would keep her word and return after one year?
A knock on the door. "Miss Blackwell?" When she opened it, she was greeted by a tall man dressed in simple clothes. His long brown hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and his eyes were a calm green. She recognized him as Ezra, the man who drove the carriage for them. "If you're settled, we'll be leaving in a bit."
Sereia nodded and followed him out.
"I see you slept well," Rosalie's teasing voice was the first to drift to her ears as she entered the cheap carriage. She looked radiant and effortlessly beautiful. It was a sharp contrast to Sereia who sported dark circles under her eyes.
Even though they looked nearly identical, Sereia still had no idea how she was supposed to embody Rosalie when she seemed to look like a work of art at all times.
Isadora purposely did not acknowledge her, opting to busy herself with a newspaper.
It wasn't like she cared though, her heart was still bitter with the betrayal.
"I wasn't used to the change of scenery," Sereia answered as she settled herself. They were back on the road soon after. She could feel the princess' eyes heating her face as she attempted to distract herself.
"As a witch, what are your thoughts on Aetheria? You can be honest."
"I despise it," Sereia answered without thinking. "I have lived in Aetheria all my life so one may think I would have love for it but it has never been a place of comfort for me. It is a land stained by blood and sustained by hatred and ignorance."
Rosalie lifted the curtain, the scenery outside becoming a blur as they traveled. Her expression was nostalgic, almost tragic. "My father loved Aetheria," she spoke softly. "He cherished his people. There was not a single person in this kingdom that he wished to see suffer under his rule. He lowered taxes for the commoners and created schools and orphanages for them. When the farmers' crops all mysteriously died, he donated food from our own reserves. He was a good King and I am proud to be his daughter."
She let the curtain drop, turning her head to lock eyes with Sereia. "I plan to be a better ruler than my father. I will create a land where not only commoners are treated fairly but witches are seen as people, not monsters."
Sereia tilted her head lightly.
Though the previous King intended to make her his heir, Prince Wilheim had become King. Was she planning on robbing the throne from her brother? Was this…whispers of a rebellion?
Regardless, Sereia did not want to get any more involved in the chaos of the royal family. In a kingdom like Aetheria, it would be quite difficult for her vision to come true anyway; people like Baron Hans were commonplace.
"I'll take your word for it, Your Highness."