How to Survive a Happy Ending
Introduction
Name: Seraphina Delacroix (fl) also known as Sera
Age: 19
Role: Reincarnated reader. Daughter of the duke. Villainess in her favorite novel.
Introduction: She used to read "The Prince's Beloved" to escape reality. Now she is living in it...as Seraphina Delacroix, the duke's daughter who gets mentioned just once in the entire book. It was a small line confirming her death after the wedding.
Name: Prince Caelan Valhart
Age: 24
Role: Crown Prince. Future emperor
Introduction: He is the cold and calculating crown prince. In the novel, the heroine's warmth was supposed to melt his frozen heart. But that's later. Right now, he hasn't met her yet. Instead, he keeps noticing the duke's daughter who won't look at him.
Name: Sir Kaelen Ashford
Age: 27
Role: Knight Captain. Common born hero.
Introduction: He rose through the ranks due to pure skills and unwavering loyalty. In the novel, he was the heroine's devoted sword and shield, the one who would die for her without hesitation. He is honorable and treats everyone with kindness.
Name: Rowan Vesper
Age: 26
Role: Court Mage. Certified genius.
Introduction: He is known for his sharp tongue and straightforwardness. He hides his loneliness behind his sarcasms. In the novel, the heroine was the only one who saw past his mask.
Name: Celeste Beaumont
Age: 20
Role: The heroine, everyone's sun.
Introduction: She is sweet, gentle and geniunely kind. Sera expected to hate her on sight, which would had made things easier but Celeste was exactly how the novel described, warm, sincere and lovable.
Name: Vivian Vance
Age: 21
Role: Sera's cousin who is also an amateur villain
Introduction: She is convinced that she is the main character. In the novel, she was the forgettable other woman, the noble beauty who tried and failed to win the Crown Prince's heart. She has been scheming against Sera since they were children.
Name: Duke Valerius Delacroix
Age: 42
Role: Duke of the Northern Territories. Sera's father.
Introduction: He built their house from respectable to powerful. He is hungry for more power and wealth. He doesn't see a daughter when he looks at Sera. Sera was just an asset to him. He wants Sera to end up with the Crown Prince and be the next empress.
Name: Prince Theron Valhart
Role: The second prince.
Introduction: The forgotten prince. In the novel, he appeared just twice. Once to hand his brother a sword, and another to stand in the background at the wedding. He's quiet and observant. Always lurking at the edges of the room.
Name: Mira
Age: 19
Role: Sera's personal maid.
Introduction: She has been at Sera's side since they were children. She is the closest thing to family to Sera, the only person she actually trusts in the household. In the original novel, she wasn't mentioned. Not even once. But that made her the safe spot for Sera.
Author
This is all the character introduction for now. There may be some other characters who don't play much of an important role so I haven't mentioned them here.
Author
Please do support my chat story. Thank you!!
Chapter 1: The Girl Who Wasn't There
Welcome to "The Prince's Beloved" world.
Your character: Seraphina Delacroix, daughter of Duke Valerius Delacroix
Current status: Alive
Recommended survival strategy: Unknown
Seraphina Delacroix
*wakes up and stares at the ceiling*
Seraphina Delacroix
...this isn't my apartment. *looks at her hands*
Seraphina Delacroix
These aren't my hands...
Seraphina Delacroix
*She gets up and looks at the mirror*
Seraphina Delacroix
THATS NOT MY FACE
Mira
*enters room* My lady? Are you unwell?
Seraphina Delacroix
Who are you?
Mira
...it's me. Mira. Your maid. Have you been possessed?
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) Mira?? As in the book?? Sera's maid??
Seraphina Delacroix
Uhh. I'm fine. What day is it?
Mira
The 14th, my lady. It's the Prince's ball tonight.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) The ball?? The one he meets Celeste. That's where the novel starts.
Seraphina Delacroix
I have to go
Mira
You're pale as snow. Maybe rest-
Seraphina Delacroix
I HAVE to go.
Seraphina Delacroix
*looking at the gown and corset and the 3 maids waiting to lace her in*
Seraphina Delacroix
People actually wore this? Willingly?
Seraphina Delacroix
Nothing.....
Mira
*adjusting sleeves* You're nervous.
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm fine
Mira
You've been starting at that wall for ten minutes.
Seraphina Delacroix
it's a very interesting wall.
Mira
The prince will be there...
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) YES I KNOW THATS THE PROBLEMM.
Seraphina Delacroix
Many people will be there. That's how the ball works.
Mira
everyone's talking. He's 24. Unmarried. They say he will choose a bride soon.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) He chooses Celeste. Eventually. I just have to survive untill then.
Seraphina Delacroix
Good for him
Mira
Your father spoke with you this morning.
Seraphina Delacroix
He did??? When?? Why don't I remember??
Mira
Before you were..... Awake. He said tonight matters. That you're to make an impression.
Seraphina Delacroix
Let me guess. He probably said that I need to get in good sides of the crown prince and that the Delacroix name depends on me marrying?
Seraphina Delacroix
Fantastic.(sarcasm)
The Valhart Palace Ballroom
The palace was big and royal. There were chandeliers the size of the car. and flowers one can't even name.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) ugh this palace has more gold than I would dream in my previous life.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) anyways the book wasn't exaggerating the grandness.
Seraphina Delacroix
*finds a wall*
Seraphina Delacroix
*presses back against the wall*
Seraphina Delacroix
*becomes one with the wall*
Seraphina Delacroix
Strategy: Don't stand out. Don't get noticed. Watch the plot happen to someone else
Random Noble 1
Lady Delacroix! How lovely to see you.
Seraphina Delacroix
*smiles awkwardly* Lovely to be seen.
Random Noble 2
Your father mentioned you're fond of riding.
Seraphina Delacroix
Did he?
Random Noble 2
Perhaps we could ride together sometime-
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm actually terribly allergic to horses.
Random Noble 2
...you're the duke's daughter
Seraphina Delacroix
Genetics are mysterious. good day.
Mira
*appearing from thin air* My lady. The prince has arrived.
Seraphina Delacroix
*sees him entering*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) oh no
Caelan Valhart
*entering like he owns everything (which he does)*
Caelan Valhart
*giving a cold look to everyone*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) okay. Calm down. he's here. Celeste will trip soon. He'll catch her. And I will not be noticed.
Theron Valhart
*enters behind his brother*
Theron Valhart
*looking through the crowd like he's looking for someone*
Theron Valhart
*makes a brief eye contact with Seraphina before continuing to scan the room*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) Why is he looking at me? He's not even in the book.
Seraphina Delacroix
(convincing herself) He's a BACKGROUND. he doesn't NOTICE people.
Theron Valhart
*looking at Seraphina*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) STOP LOOKING
Seraphina Delacroix
*standing still against the wall after refusing 3 dances and making 7 small talks*
Seraphina Delacroix
*has replayed the ball scene from the novel 17 times*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) Celeste should be here any minute. She trips. He catches her. I go home easy.
Seraphina Delacroix
*turns around and sees Crown Prince Caelan standing 3 feet away*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) WRONG. WRONG PERSON. WRONG LOCATION. WRONG EVERYTHING.
Seraphina Delacroix
*bows down* Your Highness.
Seraphina Delacroix
*rises*
Caelan Valhart
*studies her like a horse*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) Please go away please to away please go away
Caelan Valhart
You've been standing against that wall for an hour.
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm enjoying the music.
Caelan Valhart
you've not spoken to anyone in that hour
Seraphina Delacroix
The music is very engaging
Caelan Valhart
You have refused 3 dances
Seraphina Delacroix
My feet hurt.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) oh gosh
Caelan Valhart
Most women here want my attention. They scene for it. You have been avoiding it since I walked in.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) I KNOW. SO LEAVE ME ALONE.
Seraphina Delacroix
I don't know what you mean
Caelan Valhart
*eyes narrows* I think you do...
Random Noble 2
Someone fell!!
Random Noble 1
On the staircase!
Random Noble 2
A young lady!
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) CELESTE. FINALLY.
Prince's aide
*breathless* Your Highness! There's been an incident. A young lady fell on the staircase. she's asking for you.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) go. Go meet you heroine. Forget about me. PLEASE.
Caelan Valhart
*doesn't move and continues watching Seraphina*
Caelan Valhart
*After what felt like a 100 years (actually 3 second) He walks towards the commotion*
Seraphina Delacroix
*sighs of relief*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) that was close. Too close. Why did he notice me? I did everything right. I was invisible. I was wallpaper. I was-
Theron Valhart
*appears beside her*
Theron Valhart
you're interesting.
Seraphina Delacroix
*jumps* WHAT-
Theron Valhart
*calm* my brother doesn't notice people. Ever. He noticed you.
Seraphina Delacroix
He was confused. I was standing near the wall. people stand near walls. *doesn't know what she is saying*
Theron Valhart
*slight smile* People do. you're not people.
Seraphina Delacroix
....what does that even mean
Theron Valhart
*tilts head* Not sure yetm But I will figure it out.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) WHAT..
Theron Valhart
*walks away*
Seraphina Delacroix
*standing alone while staring at nothing*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) he's not IN THE BOOK. why does he keep LOOKING at me like that.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) and why did the Crown Prince-
Mira
*reappearing* My lady? Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Seraphina Delacroix
*looks at Mira*
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm fine
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm FINE
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) the plot is happening. Everything is fine. So why do I feel like I just became the part of the story?
Warning. Narrative deviation detected. Your presence has been noted by key characters. Survival probability. Recalculating...
Author
Since this was the 1st chapter I made it kinda long. Other chapters will be shorter than this. Thank you!!
Chapter 2: The Morning After
Seraphina Delacroix
*wakes up and stares at the ceiling*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) still trapped here. Somehow alive.
Mira
*enters with breakfast* You're awake.
Seraphina Delacroix
Unfortunately
Mira
*sets down the tray* The whole city's talking about last night.
Seraphina Delacroix
*sits up too fast* what?
Mira
The prince carried the girl who fell to the private room himself and stayed with her untill she recovered.
Seraphina Delacroix
(internally) YES. PLOT HAPPENING. CELESTE DOING HER THING.
Seraphina Delacroix
that's... nice
Mira
*giving her a look* People are saying she's special. That he's never done anything like that for anyone.
Seraphina Delacroix
Good for her
Mira
*giving Sera an intense stare* My lady. You're staring.
Seraphina Delacroix
*stops smiling* no I'm not.
Mira
You're happy about this..
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm happy for them. Strangers whom I don't know. Very happy.
Mira
You're being weird again
Seraphina Delacroix
I'm always weird. It's my identity (our self aware queen😎 👑)
The heroine has successfully captured the Crown Prince's attention.
Plot progression: 5% complete.
Your current status: unchanged
Recommendation: remain uninvolved
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) remain uninvolved? Got it. Wall duty continues.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*enters without knocking*
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*looks at her with dissapointment*
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) oh yes. father dearest. My biggest fan.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
I heard what happened at the ball
Seraphina Delacroix
Which part? The part where I stood against the wall for 3 hours or the part where I didn't catch anyone's attention.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
The part where the Prince spoke to you.
Seraphina Delacroix
*freezes*
Duke Valerius Delacroix
Don't look surprised I have eyes everywhere.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) of course you do.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
He spoke to you that's more than any noble daughter can claim
Seraphina Delacroix
He asked me why I was standing near a wall. Thrilling conversation. Really. 😑😑
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*ignores her* You'll build on it. He's hosting a garden party next week you will attend.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
You'll attend. you'll speak with him again.
Seraphina Delacroix
He's probably busy with the girl he carried to the private room-
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*sharp look* That girl is a nobody. A merchant's niece with no family name.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
She's not a competition.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) oh you don't know what's going to happen
Duke Valerius Delacroix
You'll do this. For the family.
Seraphina Delacroix
And if I don't want to?
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*looks at her like she just grew a second head* want doesn't matters. You're a Delacroix.
Duke Valerius Delacroix
*leaves*
Seraphina Delacroix
*stares at the closed door*
Mira
*re enters* I heard everything... I'm sorry.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) he's going to push me right into the plot. Right into the danger.
Seraphina Delacroix
(thinking) right into whatever kills me.
Seraphina Delacroix
If I started acting even weirder than usual. Would you still stick around with me?
Mira
*softens* my lady. I've been here since we were children. I'm not leaving now.
Seraphina Delacroix
*actually smiles* Thank you!
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