As she settled back into her secluded alcove on the upper level, she allowed the ambient hum of the ballroom to wash over her. The encounter with Zypher had left her both intrigued and slightly off-balance. She took a slow sip of her new wine she picked up from a passing servant, savoring the way the flavors danced on her tongue, much like she had just danced across the floor.
Her moment of solitude was interrupted by the sound of hushed voices rising from the gathering below. Peering over the balustrade, she noticed a small circle of nobles forming around Calista.
At the center of the group stood Lady Sybil Mooresbane, the daughter of the powerful northern Duke, known for her sharp tongue and even sharper wit. Sybil's ruby gown shimmered under the chandelier's light, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders in meticulously arranged curls. She wore a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes—a telltale sign of mischief brewing beneath the surface.
"Miss Faremont," Sybil began, her voice carrying just enough for those nearby to hear, "your dress is absolutely enchanting. It's so refreshing to see someone embrace... simplicity."
Calista offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Lady Mooresbane. I must admit, I'm still becoming accustomed to all of this." She gestured vaguely to the opulent surroundings.
Sybil tilted her head sympathetically. "Of course, transitioning from poverty must be quite the adjustment. The capital can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to its... complexities." A few of the surrounding nobles exchanged glances, sensing the underlying tension.
Delphia watched intently, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed the exchange.
Calista remained poised. "It has its challenges, but everyone has been most welcoming."
"How fortunate," Sybil replied. "Not everyone finds the social circles here so accommodating. But then, being the Duke's daughter does open many doors, doesn't it?"
"Family is very important," Calista said evenly. "I'm grateful to have been reunited with mine."
"Indeed," Sybil mused. "It's such a fascinating story—almost like a fairy tale. A lost daughter, returned to her rightful place. One wonders how things might have been different if you had been found sooner."
"What's important is that we're together now," Calista replied, her smile unwavering.
"Quite so," Sybil agreed. "Though it must be daunting, stepping into a role you were never prepared for. The expectations, the scrutiny... But I'm sure you'll manage."
Delphia could see the subtle tightening of Calista's jaw, a sign that the barbs were finding their mark. She considered intervening but hesitated. After all, in the original narrative, Delphia herself would have been the one delivering such cutting remarks. Observing from a distance offered a new perspective. Like, in the novel, Calista had the whole 'naïve, pitiful' thing going for her and when she was subjected to Delphia's torment she would always cry and gain sympathy. However, Calista seemed to hold herself great while under pressure from another catty woman.
Another noblewoman chimed in, her tone sugary sweet.
"Lady Sybil, you're so right. But Miss Faremont seems to be adapting quite well. I noticed the Crown Prince was quite taken with her."
Sybil's eyes flickered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Oh, I'm sure His Highness is simply being courteous. He has always been gracious to newcomers."
Calista seized the opportunity, nodding along, "The Crown Prince has been very kind. I'm honored by his attention."
"Do be careful, my dear," Sybil said, her voice dropping slightly. "Navigating the affections of royalty can be... treacherous. There are many who might misunderstand your intentions."
"Thank you for your concern," Calista replied. "But I assure you, I have nothing but respect for His Highness."
"Of course," Sybil said, her smile tightening. "It's just that the court can be unforgiving to those who overstep their bounds." Delphia noticed a few other nobles shifting uncomfortably. It was clear that Sybil was toeing the line of propriety.
At that moment, Lucian Vosswell approached the group, "Ladies, I hope I'm not interrupting," he said with a courteous bow. "Lady Faremont, would you honor me with a dance?"
Calista turned to him gratefully. "I'd be delighted, thank you!"
As she allowed herself to be led away, Sybil watched them go, a glint of irritation in her eyes. One of Sybil's companions leaned in. "She's quite composed for someone so new to all this."
Sybil huffed softly. "Innocence often masks ambition. She plays the part well."
"Do you think she's a threat?" Another asked. Sybil's gaze drifted back to where Calista was now gracefully moving across the dance floor. "Threat? Perhaps not yet. But it's best to remind her of her place before she forgets it."
From her vantage point, Delphia contemplated the scene.
Sybil was clearly attempting to assert dominance, filling the role of 'antagonist' that Delphia herself had vacated. A wave of relief washed over her at knowing that she would not bear the Villainess-crown going forward, but it mingling with a un-foreboding sense of duty, though. She was about to witness young girls bully someone, and she didn't want to be a bystander knowing that 'Delphia's' presence alone could change something. Her decision to step back had unintended consequences, ones she couldn't exactly ignore unless she wanted it circling back to herself somehow.
Taking a deep breath, Delphia stood and made her way down the staircase quite stalwartly. As she approached the group of noblewomen, conversations hushed, and all eyes turned toward her.
"Lady Delphia," Sybil greeted her with a practiced smile. "We were just admiring Miss Faremont's... resilience."
"Were you?" Delphia replied coolly. "It's an important thing to support one another, especially during such significant events, you know?"
"Naturally," Sybil said. "We were merely offering some friendly advice."
Delphia arched an eyebrow. "Advice is most helpful when given with genuine goodwill. Otherwise, it might be misconstrued as something less... charitable."
Sybil's smile faltered ever so slightly. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."
"Of course," Delphia said, her tone light. "It's so easy for misunderstandings to occur in these bustling gatherings; Intentions can be misread, and words taken out of context."
"Precisely," Sybil agreed quickly, regaining her composure. "Communication is key."
"Indeed," Delphia said sharply, her gaze steady. "So allow me to communicate clearly: Lady Faremont is under the protection of Duke Faremont, and by extension, respected by all honorable families present. I'm certain we all wish to make her feel welcome."
A tense silence settled over the group. Sybil met Delphia's eyes, a silent challenge passing between them for a beat.
"Of course," Sybil finally said. "We all have the utmost respect for the Duke and his family."
"Excellent," Delphia replied with a gracious smile. "It's so lovely when we can all support each other. Right?" She finished sarcastically as her gaze swept across the ladies in front of her, a sharp glint gleaming momentarily.
One of the other noblewomen quickly added, "Perhaps we should return to the festivities. The night is still young."
"A wonderful suggestion," Delphia agreed.
As the group dispersed, Sybil lingered for a moment. "It's surprising to see you take such an interest in Lady Faremont, Lady Vosswell."
Delphia gave a slight shrug. "I find that new faces often bring fresh perspectives. It's in all our interests to foster positive relationships."
"How very diplomatic of you." Sybil remarked dryly.
"One does what one can," Delphia stressed smoothly. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Mooresbane." She dismissed her, not wanting to engage further.
Sybil only inclined her head—more like twitched—in response. As she walked away, Delphia thought she saw something familiar from the corner of her eye.
Turning slightly, she found Zypher standing there, his expression thoughtful, eyes fixed on her with quiet intensity.
"That was quite the display," he said, voice easy but laced with interest. His gaze didn't waver.
Delphia blinked. "Were you watching the whole time?" She asked, genuinely startled. He's too good at sneaking up on people, she noted silently.
"You're rather hard to look away from tonight," he said, stepping closer. "Every time I glance your way, you're doing something… unexpected." His smile was amiable, but there was weight beneath the charm.
She gave a soft, practiced laugh. "Just doing my part to keep the peace." Her posture straightened subtly, smile never faltering—masking the flicker of unease curling in her chest.
Zypher tilted his head, amused. "Is that what you call it?"
"Maybe I just didn't want to watch a scene unfold that was never going to end well," she replied, her voice quick, light. Her gaze slid briefly past him, buying a breath before she returned her eyes to his with more composure.
He studied her a moment. "Or maybe," he said with a touch of playful challenge, "you're rewriting your own story."
Her brow lifted slightly. "People can change." She had braced for these questions from someone—but hearing them from him carried a different weight. It felt like he saw more than he let on.
"That they can," Zypher said, nodding. "Though rarely with such… momentum."
"Are you questioning my sincerity?" She asked, voice silk over steel.
"Not in the least," he replied smoothly. "Just paying attention." The smile he offered was pleasant, but something behind it left her unsettled.
Delphia arched a brow. "Then do it quietly," she said with a teasing lilt. "Unless you've got something worth interrupting for."
The curve of his smile faded—just slightly. "Not yet," he murmured. "But I will."
"How uncharacteristically restrained of you," she remarked, eyes narrowing imperceptibly. From what the novel stated, he was one to say exactly what he was feeling towards the person, regardless of status, showing those villain like tendencies outright.
"Tonight just seems the night for uncharacteristic behavior," he replied easily. The air between them quite friendly with each other.
Weren't they not friendly with one another at all in the novel? What is this side of Zypher I'm experiencing right now?
She regarded him, both of them off to the side from where the crowd disperses the dance floor. He carried a relaxed air about him when he spoke to her, which seemed infectious as she couldn't help but to smile back at him.
"Indeed it does."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of applause as the music concluded. Calista was returning from the dance floor alone, her cheeks flushed but her expression serene. As she approached, she seemed pleasantly surprised to see Delphia.
"Lady Vosswell," Calista greeted her with a polite curtsey. "It's lovely to see you again."
"Lady Faremont," Delphia replied warmly. "You dance beautifully."
"Thank you," Calista said. "Everyone has been so kind this evening."
"Kindness is a virtue we should all aspire to." Delphia said insipidly, casting a brief glance in the direction Sybil had gone. Calista followed her gaze but chose not to comment. Instead, she smiled softly. "I wanted to thank you for your graciousness tonight. It means a great deal to me."
"Think nothing of it," Delphia said. "We were all newcomers once."
Zypher observed the exchange with quiet interest. "Lady Faremont," he said with a slight bow. "Allow me to introduce myself: Archmage Zypher Thorne."
"Ah, the esteemed heir to the Magic Tower," Calista said. "It's an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine," he replied easily. "Your arrival has been the talk of the capital." His tone was warm.
Calista looked down modestly, "I hope it's all been positive."
"Mostly," he said enigmatically, his tone not changing. Delphia quickly intervened. "Pay no mind to gossip. It often says more about the speaker than the subject."
"Wise advice," Calista agreed.
"Calista," a voice called from nearby. It was Duke Faremont, beckoning her over. "Come here a moment." He had a smile on his face as he was shaking the hand of the man standing next to him. "Please excuse me," Calista said with a polite nod to both of them.
As she departed, Zypher turned to Delphia. "She's quite remarkable."
"She is," Delphia agreed. "Though I imagine she has much to learn."
"As do we all," he said thoughtfully.
Delphia regarded him curiously. "Do I detect a hint of philosophy?" She teased with a slight smile at her lips. "Merely an observation," he replied. "New players often change the dynamics of the game."
"Then we should all aspire to be adaptable," she said.
He smiled slightly, "I have no doubt you will be."
She met his gaze steadily, "I always strive to be prepared."
"A valuable trait," he acknowledged. "Well, I shall leave you to your observations. Until next."
"Until then," she replied.
As Zypher left, Delphia felt satisfied. The evening had brought unexpected developments, showing her the power of her actions in this narrative. Sybil's antagonism toward Calista was a hurdle, but one she could handle.
Returning to her alcove for a final time, Delphia reflected on the changing game and her role in it. She couldn't be passive anymore; She needed to engage strategically if she wanted to navigate this world successfully.