Playing The Part

Severinus Duval III.

And yet… all I could think about was the letter I found.

My dearest Noachus… if love were free from duty, I would choose you.

I barely had time to process the fact that I was stuck in the past before I was being half-dragged into a ridiculously fancy mansion. Like, Bridgerton-level fancy. Tall, arching ceilings, intricate gold detailing, and chandeliers that looked like they could take out a person if they fell.

My cousin walked so fast I nearly tripped over my own gown.

"Okay, slow down," I huffed. "I'm wearing, like, a million pounds of fabric here."

She shot me a sharp glare. "María, you must compose yourself. Our father will be observing you so I urge you to conduct yourself properly. María, please."

Right. Father. As in, not my actual dad, but the past version of him? Or María Georgiana's dad? God, this was confusing.

Before I could ask anything, we reached a large wooden door. My cousin smoothed her dress, squared her shoulders, and knocked.

"Enter," a deep voice commanded from inside.

She pushed the door open, dragging me in with her.

The room screamed old money. Dark oak furniture, walls lined with bookshelves, and a massive desk where a middle-aged man sat, scribbling on parchment with a quill. He looked up, his sharp blue eyes—eyes like mine—immediately narrowing on me.

"María Georgiana," he said, setting his quill down. "Where have you been? Are you prepared to meet the King Severinus?"

Okay, think, Megan. If I tell him I'm from the future, they'll lock me up in some medieval psych ward. If I act normal, I might survive long enough to figure this out.

I forced a smile. "Uh… I was in the party, and of course?"

My cousin stiffened beside me.

"Of course," he repeated, voice flat.

"Yup."

His jaw tightened. "After disappearing from the luncheon last night? After disgracing our family name in front of the Lord's and the Silvanus heir?"

He coughed. "You'll meet King Severinus tonight." He said.

Oh, right. That whole engagement thing.

"And refrain from engaging further with Lord Noachus Elisaldi. He is not the one to whom you are betrothed anymore, nor is there any compatibility between you. Such associations are neither appropriate nor advisable."

Oh no. But Noachus mentioned earlier my 'father' asked him to escort me, didn't he?

And, Lady María Georgiana holds Lord Noachus in her heart, yet they are no longer betrothed?

What happened between them?

Even so, I am sent to fix María's love, aren't I? I must take action now.

"I cannot stop myself from engaging with the Lord."

Claire gasped, and the room was filled with silence.

My 'father' studied me like I was an unsolved puzzle. "You are behaving strangely. He has been relieved of his position within their kingdom, and is therefore no longer deemed worthy to wed you."

I let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, so you're judging him based on his position?"

My cousin visibly winced. My 'father' exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Enough. You will dine with King Severinus tonight and rectify your mistake. Do you understand me?"

Dine? With who guy?

I bit back a groan. "Do I have a choice?"

His gaze hardened. "No."

Figures.

I clenched my jaw but nodded. "Fine. Whatever. I'll go."

"Good. You are dismissed."

I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me.

"And María."

I turned back.

"Do not embarrass this family again."

I swallowed hard. "Got it."

Quarreling with him won't do anything. Words matter but action's speaks louder.

But I was not built for this.

The corset was suffocating me. The layers of skirts made every step a struggle. And the sheer amount of rules—where to sit, how to curtsy, what to say—was giving me a headache.

Dinner was held in a grand hall, candlelit and decorated with enough gold to make a Kardashian jealous. The long table was set with plates I was terrified of breaking.

And across from me, staring with unreadable beautiful eyes, was Noachus Reganus Elisaldi.

I cleared my throat, glancing around at the other guests. "Great weather we're having."

The table went silent.

Noachus blinked. "Pardon?"

I forced a smile. "You know. Weather? Sun? Clouds? Small talk?"

A woman to my left—who I assumed was Noachus's mother—tilted her head. "You speak most curiously, Lady Salviari."

"Yeah, I get that a lot."

Noachus set his goblet down. "You seem… different than before."

I stiffened. "Uh. How so?"

He studied me, eyes sharp. "More… peculiar."

I snorted. "Peculiar is just fancy for 'weird,' huh?"

Silence.

My cousin next to melooked like she wanted to strangle me. "Cease speaking with Noachus before our father takes notice."

Noachus, however, smirked slightly. "How are you, My Lady?"

Okay, that was so brave of him.

I decided to shut up and focus on eating, but even that was complicated. There were, like, seven different forks.

A sudden strike of the staff against the marble floor sent a hush through the crowd. From the edge of the hall, a man stepped forward, his presence commanding. He was an older gentleman, dressed in the finest of courtly attire. His silvered hair caught the candlelight as he surveyed the gathering with a practiced eye.

"Who's that?" I suddenly blurted.

Noachus glanced at me before his eyes went to the older gentleman. "Lord Valentin Duval, uncle to King Severinus and esteemed Chancellor of the realm. How come you didn't know him?"

I didn't answer and picked one at random and started eating.

"Eat with care, my Lady," he murmured, his voice a gentle command.

I stilled at once, my hand faltering, my breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened, and within my chest, my heart beat as though seeking escape.

"Esteemed lords and ladies," The chancellor began, his voice steady, unwavering. "His Majesty, King Severinus Duval III, extends his deepest regrets, for he is unavoidably detained by matters of great import to the realm."

A murmur rippled through the assembly—disappointment, curiosity, perhaps even relief in some corners.

"Lady María," Noachus said suddenly.

I looked up, chewing. "Mm?"

Chancellor continued, his tone brooking no interruption. "Know that His Majesty does not take such absence lightly. He shall make ample amends upon the morrow. Until then, let this evening be one of merriment and grace, in honor of our noble houses and the future that lies ahead."

Noachus eyes glinted. "Would you care to take a walk with me after supper?"

I swallowed. "Uh. A walk?"

"Yes. Unless you find that too peculiar as well?"

I narrowed my eyes. Was he messing with me?

He smiled sweetly. "Rest assured, no one shall find us this night."

With a final dip of his head, the Chancellor stepped back, allowing the music to swell once more, as if nothing had changed.

So, the king wasn't coming tonight. I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or unsettled.

I turned my gaze back to Noachus, who still watched me intently, awaiting my reply. There was a quiet intensity in his eyes—one that unsettled me, yet held me captive all the same.

This man was dangerous.

And now, I understood why María had loved him so deeply.

"Sure," I said. "Let's walk."

This is wrong. I came to change María's fate, not to fall for anyone.

Especially Noachus.

Noachus belongs to her, not mine.