Freedom's Heart

Chapter 27

I was hoping everyone would be finished with the errand they were running for the principal by now, but it seems I will have to enter by myself. I have no idea what it is that the principal needs, but it must be important if he is to have someone like prince Marshal carry it out. I give one last look hoping to see one of my friends appearing before stepping inside.

This event was planned nearly a week ago. At the beginning of class last Monday, Daniella announced that a party would be held for all first-year students in one of the multi-purpose areas halls. Graham Lennon is a terrible noble who would have been Marshall's friend if not for my and Arial's interference. All he does is bring out the nasty side of Marshall and use him to advance his own goals. Making sure he didn't get anywhere near Marshall is one f the best changes I made to the story. I don't remember him hosting this event in the game. I don't think there was such a party in the first place. Well, it must have been a side effect of something I changed along the way.

It looks like they must have invented everyone. I can see countless faces I know and ones I don't as everyone turns to face me. Strange, I don't see any teachers. I thought the school had a policy where there needed to be at least one teacher supervising any event held. Why do I get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach? Am I missing something? Why is everyone keeping their distance as they stare at me?

"You're finally here?"

Why did they turn a spotlight on me? Why is Graham giving me that look? Up on a small stage, Graham stares down at me as two of his family knights come up from behind me. Why are they even here? What is going on?

"Today's the day we finally expose you for who you truly are," Graham declares. "Today, I will ensure everyone learns who you truly are."

My heart starts to race. Did I mess up? I was so careful to avoid making the same mistakes the villainess had.

"Your first crime is manipulating your fiance, prince Marshall Malone," Graham begins. "Some here know this already but for those who don't allow me to explain. Lady Lamonia has been keeping the prince all to herself. She has been choosing who he talks to and interfering whenever someone she disapproves of approaches. Do you deny these allegations, lady Lamonia?"

What can I say? It's true. Everything he just said is true. I kept croup nobles away from Marshal. I ensured none of the people leading him down a dark path got close to him. No, I need to remain calm. It isn't over yet! I just need to put on the act of my life.

"Lady Lamonia!" Graham shouts. "Do you deny these allegations? Do you deny keeping prince Marshall all to yourself?!"

Perfect. Graham may have just given me the out I needed.

"I did want him... all to myself...." I do my best to look love-struck as I answer. "I wanted to hold his hand... kiss him, never leave his side and dance with him all night long. But is it so wrong to want to be with the person you love?"

A few people look sympathetic towards me, but most still look like they condemned me.

"So you don't deny it," Graham looks like he didn't expect my answer, but he continues on regardless. "But if you are so in love with him as you claim, why do you spend so much time alone? Plenty of us have invited you to tea parties and social functions, but you turned us all down."

Great, he's giving me just what I need.

"Well, because my... my parents told me to not cling to prince Marshall so much...." I explain, looking downcast. "They said it was unseemly for a lady of my standing to act that way, so I have kept my distance."

Serval people nod at my answer. As nobles, we all understand what it is like to put on a mask. In our life, everything is about appearance.

"I turned everyone's invites down because, without my prince, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy myself," I pretend to whip a tear. "I just didn't want to ruin everyone else's time."