Chapter 1:In the middle of the night
“Milady, they’re here… the prince is here.”

Evie’s shoulders immediately tensed up when she heard the shaken voice of her maid. Cold sweat dripped on her back as she shot a nervous look at her mother who had just arrived to check in on her.

“Mother, I…” Evie subconsciously grabbed her mother’s skirt. She couldn’t help it. She thought she had prepared herself enough in the last few days but it seemed the fear and uncertainty still threatened to crash her resolve now that the moment had arrived.

“Hush, dear,” her mother said as she gave her daughter a reassuring hug, but the concern in her eyes gave her away. “Don’t worry, you can do this my dear,” she whispered as she gently rubbed Evie’s back. “Don’t forget the reason you have to do this, Evie…”

Her mother kissed her head and though she didn’t look shaken, Evie could sense the anxiousness and distress within her mother.

Evie took a deep breath. “Yes, mother,” she replied, as she flashed a forced smile toward her mother. “I can do this.”

“Good girl…” Her mother’s arms wrapped around her again for one last hug and after a second, her mother nodded at her maid.