Now, as I looked at the invitation in my hand for a national banquet in Arcanthia, memories of my past life came flooding back.
In my previous life, Tristan had invited me here to meet privately, leading me to steal Damien's military plans. That betrayal resulted in Damien's defeat and the fall of my country.
"Mrs. Hale, will you wear this?" a maid asked, holding up a green dress.
"No, I'll wear the pink dress Damien gave me."
The maid looked surprised. Didn't she know I always favored the green dress, Tristan's favorite color?
I understood her confusion but chose not to explain.
I changed into the pink dress Damien had given me, took his arm, and we made our way to Duke's Manor.
"Amelia, don't think that wearing the dress I gave you will make me lower my guard. If you're thinking of escaping, it won't happen in this lifetime."
Damien had already heard that Tristan would be here today. Amelia's eagerness made her intentions clear.
I snuggled against Damien, trying to lighten the mood with a smile. "Wasn't my performance last night enough to reassure you? Or would you like to continue tonight? What position do you prefer?"
Why had I never noticed how adorable he was before?
Damien's cheeks flushed slightly as he grabbed my wandering hands. "Behave yourself."
When we arrived at Duke's Manor, I caught sight of Tristan standing in the corner, his eyes locked on me from afar.
The entire room seemed to buzz with curiosity. My elopement had become the talk of the town, and with Tristan here today, the tension was almost unbearable.
I gave Tristan a small, reassuring smile through the crowd.
He visibly relaxed.
Since that fateful night, he had been waiting for me to come to his rescue, and when I didn't, he must have feared something had gone wrong. But now, he could see I was still in control.
Damien's gaze turned icy, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Was she really going to test him?
During the party, Tristan had a maid fetch me outside.
"Tristan!" I called out as I saw him standing in the snow, looking like a fragile figure in blue.
He was pale as if a strong breeze might blow him away. Clearly, he'd been hurt in prison.
In the past, I would have felt a pang of sympathy, but not now. I stood there, cool and detached.
Tristan's face lit up when he saw me. He hurried over and grabbed my hand. "Amelia, it's so good to see you! I thought I'd never get the chance to see you again."