I slipped easily though the dark familiar passage ways. Occasionally I would pass by a crack of light in between the wooden panels that surrounded me where I could hear people talking. My feet moved by themselves quickly and lightly, careful not to make any noise. Left, another left, right, straight, then left. Memories of a time long ago resurfaced. I had explored the same path giggling and whispering with my best friend. Nostalgia was quickly replaced by sadness and anger, then an overwhelming feeling of guilt. I shook my head, I could let my emotions get the better of me. I was already late. I finally arrived to a small door. I knocked twice, paused a 3 seconds, then knocked three times more.

“Enter,” a familiar gruff voice answered.

Before I opened the door, I checked that black worn scarf around head hid my face. As soon as I entered the room, the scent of books and ink filled my nose. I gently close the door or should I say bookcase behind me. I took a look around the room. Books covered most of the walls. The fire in the chimney was dim. Moonlight stemmed though the windows, illuminating a lone figure who stood behind a large wooden desk. His white hair shined in the light, his beard perfectly trimmed, he wore a olive green robe which bought out his warm wise green eyes.

“Lady Ember,” he greeted bowing his head.

I resisted the urge to correct him. I had already told him that he didn’t know if I was actually a lady though he wasn’t far from the truth. Each time he would respond that it wasn’t blood or money but their noble character what made a noble a noble which was quite ironic because most nobles in Verra only cared about flaunting their family name and their riches.

“Lord Salomon,” I replied with quick nod. “Did you do as I ask?”

He nodded and handed me an envelope, sealed with the royal seal. I grinned, “Did anyone suspected anything?”

“No, everything went as planned,” he reassured, “The king didn’t suspect a thing, nor his advisors.”

“Are you in charge of the preparations?”

“Yes, but I’m certain once Princess Alissa discovers that a ball is to be held, she claim that she must be the one organize it. It would look suspicious if I were to argue with her.”

I muttered a curse. He was right. I quickly recalculate everything in my head.

“It’s fine. Be sure, the nobles that I listed before, are invited.”

“Of course.”

“Is there any other news?”

“Prince ... is to arrive in 3 days.”

At the sound of his name, I clenched my hands. Long ago I would’ve been delighted to his name, but now that emotion was replaced with dread and anger. I took at deep breath. I would have my revenge, but my plans needed to work.

If the prince recognizes me, everything I worked on will fall into pieces. I have to avoid him until the ball.

The few times he had visited the past 8 years I had been able to avoid him. If, by chance, he does see me, he probably wouldn’t recognize me. It had been 8 years since he last saw me. I had lost my cubby cheeks, gained curves and my hair was now plain brown. Most importantly, he thinks I’m dead. Everyone thinks I’m dead. In a way, they were right, on that day a part of me died. I unclenched my fists and gave Lord Salomon a nod.

“If that is all, I will be going.”

Lord Salomon bowed his head and bid me farewell. I turn around and left though the secret door behind the bookcase.

I quickly made it to my room. The castle was asleep except for a few guard on duty. My room was at the top of one of the towers. Servants at the castle had to share rooms so I had chosen this room which no one wanted to claim. There were too many stairs. During summer it was burning hot and in winter freezing. However this room offered privacy. No one would come here. I was able to sneak out without having to worry of waking up my roommate.

Once I locked the door behind me, I took out the envelope and used small knife to open it without breaking the seal. Inside was a small paper decorated with a golden design. The words ‘You are invited to the royal ball...’ was written in gold ink in the middle of the paper. “ The ball would be held in two weeks to celebrate the eighth year anniversary of the Invasion or what they call their victorious conquest of the kingdom of Yalos.

I smiled to myself. Everything was going as plan. In 2 weeks time, I would have my revenge. I would take away all they had the same day they took everything away from me. I quickly changed into my nightgown and hid my clothes and the invitation under a loose floorboard underneath my bed. Then I slid into my bed exhausted from the straining day and slowly drifted off to sleep.