My first life was entirely spent on becoming a worthy spouse to Luca.

I'd spent hours and hours studying politics, finances, history, and etiquette, not ever allowing myself a break.

And how would he reward me? By not ever sparing me a glance, by giving me cold, one-syllable answers, and by acting like I was a thorn in his side.

Of course, I was the one who proposed the marriage, but he was the one who went through with it. It's not like he didn't have other options.

And so on my sixteenth birthday was when I learned what it was like being the other woman. The day that Madeleine first came into my life.

He started spending less and less time with me.

But I could see how he harassed Madeleine.

I could see her asking him to please let her be.

I could see him ignoring her pleas.

And then, on one faithful evening, the prince's wine was poisoned.

And after surviving the attempt on his life, he saw an opportunity to rid himself of me.

And so he did.

All of these memories rapidly played off in my head as I stood in front of him.

It was a different life. All I could do was hope that he'd leave me be.

And yet, here he was, smiling at me.

A small crowd had already gathered around us.

Of course it had, this was the crown prince after all.

And then there was me.

The disgraced grandchild of a demonic duke.

There were many faces in the crowd I didn't recognize. People the prince had invited.

Chattering amongst themself, looking at me like I was some freakshow.

He handed me a champagne glass, as he raised his own.

"A toast! To her grace, the future duchess, Antoinette Crawford! May your days be many and your luck plentiful!" He shouted, downing the alcohol in one long swig.

"To Antoinette Crawford!" The crowd replied, the sounds of glasses being toasted against each other ringing through the room.

I looked at them.

All of these people, wishing me good health, who had just minutes ago discussed how revolting I was to look at.

Luca turned to me, smiling.
"Your grace, do you have any words you wish to say? It is your birthday, after all."

I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat.
"Yes, actually."

I raised my glass, before clearing my throat.

It was dead quiet.

"Dominizia is a beautiful country, with a rich culture and a noble people.
I believe that every man, woman, and child here has the right to be treated with respect, kindness, and compassion unless they've committed a crime.
It is for that reason that I promise to create that sort of Dominizia in the future, with the help of the rest of the court.", I drained the glass in a swift swig.
"Glory to Dominizia!" I proceeded to throw the glass on the floor, where it shattered.

It was still dead quiet until I heard the sound of another glass shattering.

My eyes darted to where the sound came from.

Madeleine smiled at me.

A second glass shattered.

Quinn gave me a stupid smirk.

A third.

My parents waved at me, shards before them.

And it did not stop.

More and more people threw their glass on the floor, until eventually only a handful still held theirs, including the prince.

I turned to him, smiling.
"I apologize for the mess, your highness. I shall send some people to clean it up later."

I could not pinpoint the emotion in his expression.

Only that he was not pleased.

"I am.... surprised. I did not expect you to be so-" He raised his hand in an exasperated motion.

"Eloquent? Well-spoken?" I interrupted.

"No. So rebellious." Something dangerous flashed in his eyes.

I took a step back. "I don't know what you mean. My loyalty lies with Dominizia, and thereby you, your majesty. I don't believe there's anything I said that suggests otherwise."

He just slowly nodded.
"I suppose."

"Your grace." A gentle voice came from behind me.

I turned. Madeleine.

She bowed deeply.

"Your highness, I apologize for interrupting, but I would love to dance first with Lady Crawford."

I could feel heat rising to my face.
"Y-you wish to dance with me?"

She smiled, tilting her head. Her thin shoulders shrugged. "I absolutely do."

Luca stared at Madeleine for a moment. He then shrugged.
"The choice is yours, Lady Crawford. It is your birthday after all. My present may wait until later."

I internally shuddered at whatever he considered an adequate present for me.

But my distaste was quickly spent when I looked into Madeleine's eyes.

She looked at me with conviction and determination, as she slowly reached out her hand.

I didn't even hesitate to put my hand in hers.

Her hand was warm, despite the silk gloves she wore.

It was also a bit smaller than mine. Only by an inch or two, but enough for my stomach to flip for some reason.

Her other hand found my waist, and I instinctively held onto her shoulder.

The first step was... hesitant.

The second was a little more natural.

It was a simple waltz, one that was known for its easy yet beautiful moves.

The shards cracked under our shoes as we kept dancing, the orchestra finally playing a first hesitant note.

It was.... perfect.

But why? Why was this so amazing?

Was I really supposed to be this excited about dancing with another woman?

Sure, Madeleine was a good friend of mine, but why did I want her to never stop dancing with me?

My train of thought was interrupted by her hand squeezing my waist, before releasing to spin me.

I had to slightly duck under her arm, a slight chuckle escaping me.

Other couples had started to join us by this point.

But I could only tell by the sound of the shards, which was growing louder with each second.

I was too busy looking into her eyes.

I had never noticed how white her eyelashes were. How her hair framed her face. Or how soft her lips looked.

I forced my gaze back upwards.

She smiled. "You're really good at this."

"Thank you. Y-you too." I mumbled.

I didn't know why, but I was itching to pull her closer. To hold her hand tighter.

It was when the song ended that Madeleine leaned to my ear to whisper something.

"You are so beautiful, Antoinette."

Oh.

It felt good.

And I liked it.

And I liked her.

I liked Madeleine Campbell.

Shit.