The novel she read in her past life was set in the medieval time period and she was currently in the empire of Goldenstein.
What annoyed most readers (including her) were all the stupid, boring and endless politics that the author included in the novel.
As the daughter of Duke del León, Santina had been born into power, wealth and status.
But no amount of privilege could save her from the drama she had created.
"Hahh..."
.
* The next day*
.
When they finally arrived at the banquet hall she was awestruck. Crystal lights, golden walls and tables filled with food she didn't dare to touch.
This was the imperial family that was holding their banquet of course everything is expensive!!
Santina could feel everyone's eyes when entering with a crimson dress.
It was beautiful, but she knew better than to think anyone here admired her.
She had entered alone since her father didn't want to be seen with the disgraceful child. The announcer hadn't even bothered to announce her presence.
It was humiliating indeed. But she couldn't care less as she listened to the mocking snickers that followed.
"Lady Santina," a voice hissed to her right.
The girl turned to see a group of noble ladies whispering and covering their mouths with fans.
Lady Calista who was the leader of the minions stepped forward. Her golden curls framed her face in perfect ringlets.
"I must say," she began with a smile, "your choice of attire is bold. I suppose red does suit someone so... fiery."
The insult wasn't subtle. Fiery, in this context, meant "hot tempered" or "uncontrolled."
The real Santina would have lashed out, giving Calista exactly what she wanted.
But I wasn't her.
"Thank you, Lady Calista," she said, smiling gently. "It's kind of you to notice."
Calista's smile faltered.
She hadn't expected Santina to stay calm. The other girls exchanged confused looks before Calista recovered.
"I'm surprised to see you here, honestly," she said, her voice louder now so others nearby could hear.
"After all, with the crown prince Cassian spending so much time with his highness Prince Adrien, I had assumed you'd... step back."
Cassian. Adrien. Of course. Adrien was the crown prince of the neighboring empire Cervecería. He was also a frequent guest at this empires Goldenstein's court.
He and Cassian had been close ever since Adrien came to study at the Imperial Academy.
Their friendship had sparked endless gossip and Santina's jealousy only fueled the rumors.
The poor girl was probably sad about her fiancée being a cheater. This was a BL novel after all...
Santina felt her stomach twist. "His Highness and Prince Cassian seem to have a strong friendship,"she replied evenly.
"I think it's wonderful that they understand each other so well."
Before Calista could fire back a voice interrupted them.
"Lady Santina."
She turned and her heart stopped.
Cassian stood before the girl. He wore his formal military uniform. It was black and gold and perfectly tailored to his tall and lean frame.
His blue eyes locked onto hers with a strange intensity.
"Y-Your Highness," Calista stammered, bowing deeply. The other girls followed with their mockery disappearing in an instant.
"Lady Santina," he said again, ignoring everyone else.
"I've been looking for you. May I have this dance?"
The entire room seemed to freeze. Cassian, asking me or rather, Santina for a dance? This had never happened in the novel!
Her first instinct was to refuse and keep him at distance, but his gaze pinned her in place.
"Yes, Your Highness," she finally whispered.
Cassian held out his hand and she placed hers in his. He led the ducal lady to the center of the ballroom, where the music was slow.
As they began to move, they could feel every pair of eyes on them.
The other noble ladies were probably burning with jealousy, but Santina had no time to enjoy their discomfort.
"You're quiet," Cassian said softly, his voice low enough that only his partner could hear.
"That's unusual for you."
"I didn't want to embarrass myself," she said truthfully. "I know I've been... difficult in the past."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"Difficult? That's an understatement."
Ouch. Well, he wasn't wrong.
"I've decided to change,"she replied after a short pause. "I don't want to be a burden anymore."
Cassian's grip on her hand tightened slightly.
"A burden? Is that what you think of yourself?"
Santina looked up at him, startled by the sudden emotion in his voice.
His usual cold mask seemed to crack for a moment, but before she could respond a new voice cut in.
They had been deep in conversation and hadn't noticed, that the dance had long ended.
"Excuse me, Your Highness, but may I interrupt?"
They both turned to see Prince Adrien of Cervecería standing nearby.
If Cassian was the epitome of commanding then Adrien was the opposite. He was warm, with his golden hair and kind hazel eyes.
"Adrien," Cassian said coolly, his jaw tightening. "What is it?"
"Don't be so possessive," Adrien said lightly, though his gaze flickered toward the girl. "I'd like to dance with Lady Santina, if she doesn't mind."
Cassian's eyes darkened and for a moment, it looked like he might refuse outright. But then he stepped back, releasing her hand.
"Of course," he said stiffly.
Adrien stepped forward, offering the lady his hand with a charming smile. "May I?"
The latter hesitated, glancing between the two princes. Was she imagining it, or was there some sort of unspoken tension between them?
"Yes," she said finally, placing a hand in Adrien's.
Adrien leaned in slightly with a soft voice.
"You've been on my mind a lot, Lady Santina."
The girl nearly tripped over her own feet.
"Pardon?"
"I've always admired you," he said, his tone sincere. "But I couldn't help noticing how you chased after Cassian. It was... frustrating, to say the least."
Santinas breath caught in her throat. "I... I don't..."
Adrien chuckled.
"You don't have to explain. I just wanted you to know... you don't need to chase anyone to be noticed. Especially not by me."
His words sent her poor heart into confusion. Was he confessing? Or was this just a casual compliment?
Either way she was completely thrown off.
As the music ended, Adrien held onto her hand for a moment longer than necessary. His warm gaze lingered, making her face flush.
"Thank you for the dance," he said, bowing slightly.
The lady managed a shaky curtsy in return.
"You're welcome, Your Highness."
When Santina turned, she caught sight of Cassian standing off to the side, watching them with a murderous expression.
His fists were clenched at his sides and his eyes burned with something no one could quite place.
Oh no.. he is jealous!! He thinks I want Adrien, who Cassian is in love with. It looks as if I'm trying to take his beloved man. I need to clear this up!
This is bad..