Later that evening, the royal dining hall was abuzz with warm chatter as the family gathered for dinner. The table was laden with a feast, the golden chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room. Isabella sat comfortably between her elder brother, Alexander, and her younger brother, Adrien. Across from her, Lydia, the recently adopted daughter, sat quietly, her eyes occasionally darting toward Isabella with a practiced look of meekness.
The family was in high spirits, exchanging pleasant conversation. Alexander, who had just returned from overseeing some diplomatic affairs abroad, shared a few anecdotes about his travels, earning smiles and light-hearted laughter from everyone. Adrian teased him mercilessly about how his "stoic older brother" had managed to charm entire councils. Even Lydia joined in, her soft voice chiming with practiced humility.
But while Lydia's words seemed innocent, her sharp gaze often landed on Isabella. She tried to subtly steer the conversation toward the topic of her adoption, waiting for Isabella to reveal some resentment or insecurity.
"Princess Isabella," Lydia began, her tone sweet but probing. "I know it must have been a big change for your family to adopt someone like me. I only hope I can prove myself worthy of the royal name and not... overshadow anyone important." She cast her eyes downward as if ashamed, her words carefully calculated to plant seeds of doubt.
The rest of the family looked at Lydia sympathetically, but Isabella didn't miss the manipulative undertone in her voice. She had read this scene before, in the novel.
And she knew Lydia was trying to provoke her. In the original story, the villainess had fallen into this trap,
Lydia's calculated humility had provoked the villainess into an outburst, reacting angrily, earning Lydia sympathy and futher alienating Isabella from her family, and solidifying Lydia's position as the "innocent victim." But not this time.
Isabella's lips curved into a serene smile. "Overshadow me?" she said lightly, her tone unbothered and regal. "Oh, Lydia, there's no need for such talk. Our family is large enough for everyone to shine in their own way."
Lydia froze for a moment, not expecting such a graceful response. "I… of course," she stammered, attempting to recover.
"And besides," Isabella continued, her voice holding a subtle edge, "I'm secure in my position as the rightful heiress of this family. That's something no one can take away, no matter how bright their light shines." Her gaze locked with Lydia's briefly, the unspoken warning clear.
The family chuckled at Isabella's confident reply, interpreting it as playful teasing. The king, King Edward, nodded approvingly. "That's my daughter," he said with pride.
Lydia, however, tightened her fists beneath the table, the mask of meekness slipping for a fraction of a second. Her plan to make Isabella look insecure and petty had backfired spectacularly.
The conversation shifted naturally, and after a while, King Edward cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "On another note," he began, his tone turning formal, "I have some news to share. The royal family of Raventhorn our neighboring kingdom will be holding a grand ball to celebrate the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony."
Isabella froze, her thoughts racing. This was the same ball she had read about in the novel, the event where everything had started to go downhill for the villainess.Isabella froze for a moment. Her thoughts raced.
She remembered how Lydia had orchestrated a scene, provoking Isabella into a public outburst that had tarnished her reputation with the Crown Prince, Theodore. From that moment on, Theodore had seen the villainess as nothing more than a spoiled, ill-tempered noblewoman, allowing Lydia to slither into his good graces... causing the villainess further estrangement from the Crowned Prince.
King Edward continued, "We've been invited to attend. And I must say It's a significant event," he continued, "and an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen ties with Raventhorn. As the future of our family, Isabella, you should use this chance to acquaint yourself with the prince. He's an impressive young man and a strong candidate for an alliance."
Isabella's cheeks flushed at her father's bluntness. She glanced at her mother, Queen Eleanor, who nodded in agreement.
"The prince is known to be both intelligent and handsome," the queen added with a soft smile. "It would be wise to consider him, Isabella. He could make a fine partner."
"Not to mention," Alexander teased, "you'd make quite the impression at the ball, Bella. Raventhorn would be lucky to have you."
Adrian grinned, joining in. "She'll have all the royals wrapped around her little finger in no time."
The teasing from her brothers only made Isabella blush harder. They were so warm and loving, a stark contrast to how they had been portrayed in the novel. Although she wondered why it had been different..she didn't dwell much on it as she preffered it the way it was.
She couldn't help but feel grateful for the affection her family showed her, though their straightforwardness left her a bit flustered.
"Well, it's not up to me to decide such things just yet," Isabella said finally, her voice measured. She glanced at her father with a small smile. "But I'll do my best to represent our family well at the ball."
"Good," King Edward said with satisfaction. "I trust you will."
While the family exchanged more lighthearted remarks, Lydia remained silent, her frustration carefully hidden behind a forced smile. It was clear to her now that Isabella was no longer the impulsive girl she had heard about. If her usual tricks wouldn't work, Lydia would have to up her game.
Isabella, meanwhile, let herself relax, though her mind was already strategizing. If she remembered correctly, the ball would be the setting of her first encounter with the Crown Prince—the male lead of the novel.
The coming ball was no longer a threat—it was an opportunity. She had the advantage of knowing what would happen, and she wasn't about to repeat the villainess's mistakes.
Instead of seeing the Crown Prince as a hurdle, Isabella found herself intrigued. In the novel, Theodore had been described as cold, calculating, and dangerously intelligent. A formidable opponent, but also... fascinating...but eventually he was deemed stupid by Isabella for falling in love with the scheming heroine.
She chuckled softly to herself. The game was only just beginning.