I sat at my table writing my update when a thought came to my head. The best way to confirm my suspicions about Kael is by testing him. I want to know just how far I'd have to go for him to break and stop the act.
I took a piece of paper and started writing.
'Dear Lucy,
How have you been? I hope you are doing well. I know you must believe that I visited you a few months ago, but I didn't. I woke up a few weeks ago with no memory of the past few years. My last memory is of the night that woman burnt the library you made for me on our birthday.
Since waking up, I've been trying to piece together what happened during those lost years, but it's been difficult. I told Kael that I want to see you, but he refused, which was surprising. I don't trust anyone here; they could all be lying to me. It was shocking when I was told I had a miscarriage, but the person who's supposed to be my husband didn't even know I was pregnant. Doesn't that mean our relationship wasn't good?
I won't trust anyone except you. Please clarify my suspicions for me. I want to know what to believe and what not to. And please make sure you put something in your response that lets me know it's really from you, something only I would recognize.
I've heard that you had triplets! That's wonderful news, and I can't wait to meet them. How have you been managing with three little ones? I wish I could be there to help you. Take care of yourself, Lucy.
Love,
Lilien'
I looked at the letter and smiled to myself. If it does get to Lucy, then she'd be able to tell me the truth. That or Kael will forge a response to deceive me. I know Lucy's handwriting, so that'd be hard.
I just have to wait for Kael to call for me, then I'd give it to him. How long will the letter take to get to her?
I wrote down my next update and grabbed a book to keep myself busy while I waited.
…
I opened my eyes and looked around. I waited for as long as I could—that's a lie, I was reading and forgot that I was waiting for a call from Kael. I slept really late, but no one came.
The one time I wanted to see him, he doesn't show up. This would be a good thing if my story was going in the romance direction; right now it's just mystery upon mystery.
"Good morning, your majesty," Kyra said, walking in.
"Good morning, Kyra. Did you come in here yesterday when I was sleeping?" I asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"Did Kael ask you to?"
"No."
"I see." So he didn't. "Okay," I said, standing up.
After taking my bath and eating breakfast, I sat down to write my latest updates.
"Kyra," I called.
"Yes, your majesty," she replied.
"Can you send a message to Kael for me?" I asked, and she nodded.
"What would you like me to do?" she asked.
"Give this letter to him. It's addressed to Lucy, just tell him that," I said, giving the letter to her.
"I'll pass it on," she said and bowed before leaving. Now I just have to wait and see what he'd do next.
A few minutes later, I heard a knock on the door. Thinking it was Kyra, I ignored it and focused on my book.
"Lilien," I heard Kael's voice. I turned and saw him standing at the door like he was scared to come in. "I got your letter. I asked someone to take care of it." Take care of it? You mean get rid of it, right?
"Really?" I said, showing my disbelief.
"Yes, but your sister…"
"As long as my letter gets to her and I get her 'real' reply," I said.
"Your sister is… never mind," he said and turned to leave.
I don't believe him. Even though he sounded believable, I still don't believe him. Did he really send the letter to Lucy? My instincts tell me otherwise. As the female lead, it makes sense that I'm suspicious of the villain, especially when the stakes are so high. Yet, the more I think about it, the more I realize that my actions are making my story feel a bit rushed. In the classic tales, the female lead should remain oblivious to the true villain until the last minute, allowing the plot to build to a dramatic reveal. But here I am, already planning for the future and trying to uncover the truth behind every shadow.
This rush of insight and strategy feels out of sync with the expected flow of my story. Shouldn't I be more naïve, more caught up in the everyday events of this twisted narrative? Instead, I find myself analyzing every move, every word, seeking out the threads of deception that might lead me to the truth. It's as if I'm tearing through the chapters at breakneck speed, driven by a need to understand and outmaneuver those who might seek to control my fate.
Yet, can I really blame myself? The uncertainty, the constant sense of danger, and the fragmented memories have forced me to adapt quickly. I'm not just a character in a story; I'm a survivor, trying to navigate a web of lies and manipulation. Maybe being a smart female lead isn't such a bad thing. Maybe it's exactly what I need to uncover the truth and take control of my own destiny. Even if it means breaking a few narrative conventions along the way.
If there was an award for the best female lead, I'd win it. I am not the unrealistically dumb female lead; at least I move with facts. I laughed out loud and focused on my book again.
My story seemed like it was enemies to lovers, but I was wrong. It's too late for love after marriage, and that's not possible since my husband is the villain. I'm not sure what direction it will go in. I want a romance novel—romance or nothing.
I'll wait for Lucy's response. Her response will tell me where this story is going. Lucy is the only one I can trust. She'd help me know who is a friend and who's a foe. But if Kael didn't deliver the letter, there'd be a problem, and I'd have to go with the oldest page in the guide to being a female lead, second only to crying.