The Final Push

The great hall of the royal palace glittered in the light of several thousand candles, their flames mirrored in the latticework of gold upon walls and ceilings. Chandeliers hung like crystalline stars, and tension quivered in the air, veiled by forced laughter and whispered intrigues. This was meant to be the peak of civilization, but for Leona, it was the setting for the most dangerous gamble she had ever taken.

Tonight, the story had to return to its proper course—or everything would collapse.

Leona stood at the edge of the room, her plain maid's dress blending into the background as nobles in elaborate gowns and tailored suits swirled around her. Her heart pounded like a drum, each beat counting down the time left until the robotic voice's dire prediction came true.

"Final opportunity detected," the voice had said earlier that evening, its monotone echoing in her mind. "All key players present. Proceed with alignment, or prepare for termination of world integrity."

No pressure.

She scanned the crowd, her gaze darting between Cedric, who stood stiffly near the king, and Vivienne, who lingered by the refreshment table, looking uncomfortable in her shimmering white gown. Across the room, Duke Magnus was engaged in a heated discussion with a council member, his sharp eyes flickering occasionally toward Vivienne.

The pieces were all here. All she had to do was move them into place.

Cedric's attention was drawn to her almost immediately. Despite the throngs of people vying for his notice, his piercing blue eyes found her in the crowd, softening as he caught her gaze. He began to move toward her, his steps purposeful.

Leona's stomach twisted. She couldn't let this happen—not tonight.

She slipped into the crowd, weaving between nobles and servants alike, keeping her head down as she made her way toward Vivienne. The heroine of this story was the key, and Leona needed her to step into her rightful role.

"Vivienne," she whispered, grabbing the young woman's arm.

Vivienne jumped, startled, but relaxed when she saw who it was. "Leona. What are you—"

"No time," Leona cut her off. "Magnus is watching you. He's going to approach you tonight, and when he does, you need to stand your ground. Show him you're not afraid."

Vivienne's brow furrowed. "Why? What will that accomplish?"

"It will remind him of who you are," Leona said, her voice low and urgent. "You're the one person who can challenge him, who can force him to see reason. If you don't, he'll never change."

Vivienne hesitated, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her gown. "And Cedric? What about him?"

Leona's chest tightened. "I'll take care of Cedric. Just trust me."

On cue, it would seem, Magnus launched himself toward Vivienne like some dark storm cloud bursting forth from the glittering sea of nobles. Leona leaned in to grasp Vivienne's arm.

"Remember-stand your ground."

Vivienne nodded, and a little fire flared across her eyes.

Just about as Magnus reached Vivienne's side, Leona slipped away, her heart pounding in her chest as she spotted Cedric once more. He still searched for her, and the expression on his face only grew darker by the second.

This wasn't how the story was supposed to go. He was supposed to be drawn to Vivienne, to fall for her bravery and her kindness. But instead, his focus remained locked on Leona, as if she were the only person in the room.

She didn't have time to think on what that meant. Not when the king himself was standing near the head of the banquet table, surveying the crowd with an intensity that set her teeth on edge.

She quickly moved to snag a tray of wine glasses from a passing servant and maneuvered her way through the throng toward the king. If she could get him in the right position, she might just be able to expose his alliance with Magnus and, at the same time, nudge Cedric back toward Vivienne.

"Your Majesty," she said, voice steady though her innards quaked.

The king turned, his sharp features softening into a polite smile. "Ah, the maid with a knack for being everywhere at once. What do you want?"

Leona curtsied, lowering her gaze to avoid showing the defiance burning in her eyes. "I couldn't help but overhear that Duke Magnus has been speaking about sensitive matters. Perhaps you should address it before rumors spread.

The king's smile faltered, suspicion flickering across his face. "Sensitive matters, you say?"

Leona nodded. "He's near Lady Vivienne now."

The king's gaze followed hers, landing on Magnus and Vivienne, who were locked in a tense conversation. His lips thinned.

The king's movement toward Magnus was all the distraction Leona needed. She turned, intent on finding Cedric, only to stop short when she realized he was already standing behind her.

"Leona," he said, low and intense.

She moved a step back, heart racing. "Cedric, you mustn't speak to me here."

"Why not?" he rejoined, narrowing his eyes. "Because I ought to play the part that's expected of me? Because I am tired of faking, Leona. You are the one I'm concerned with—not Vivienne, nobody else."

Sincerity laced his voice deeper than any blade, but Leona couldn't afford to be swayed.

"This isn't about what you want, Cedric," she said, her voice trembling. "It's about what this world needs. You belong with Vivienne. She's the heroine, not me."

Cedric reached for her hand, his grip firm but gentle. "I don't care about roles or stories. I care about you."

Before Leona could respond, a loud crash drew everyone's attention to the center of the room. Magnus stood over a toppled table, his face a mask of fury as he argued with the king.

"You dare question my loyalty?" Magnus roared, his voice echoing through the hall.

The king stepped closer, his tone cold and commanding. "Your actions speak for themselves, Magnus. You've overstepped your bounds for the last time."

The air in the room was thick, and Leona knew that this was her chance.

"Cedric," she whispered, tugging him to join the confrontation. "This is your moment. Stand with Vivienne. Protect her."

Cedric stammered, his eyes searching hers. "Leona—"

"Please," she begged, her voice shaking. "Do this for me.

Something in her voice must have convinced him, for Cedric nodded reluctantly and stepped forward. As he came towards the confrontation, he kept Vivienne behind him and unsheathed his sword.

Magnus sneered. "Ah, the noble knight, here to save the day. How predictable."

Vivienne, to her credit, didn't cower. Instead, she stood next to Cedric, head held high. "I don't need saving, Magnus. And neither does this kingdom."

Her voice rose across the hall and carried murmurs with it. For one moment, Leona finally saw the real Vivienne she'd tried coaxing along: a true heroine to her tale.

As this confrontation began to escalate further, Leona slipped to the sidelines once more. A pang rested heavy upon her chest as Cedric stepped alongside Vivienne against Magnus. That's the way things should go. That had to be it.

But when Cedric looked back at her with eyes full of regret, Leona knew this tale was far from over.