The first thing you notice is the ceiling. Painted gold. Cherubs. Very much not your apartment.
The second thing is the mirror across the room — and the face in it. Silver eyes. Black hair. That sharp, beautiful, unbearable face you've read described a hundred times.
Ash Valemont.
The villain of The Saint's Crown. Chapter 100: beheaded in front of the Cathedral of Dawn while the crowd cheers.
Someone knocks. A young maid slips in, eyes on the floor, hands shaking as she sets down a tray. "Your Grace. The Founding Festival begins at noon. His Grace your father says you must… behave."
The Founding Festival.
Day 1. In the book, this is the day you throw a cup of wine in the Saint's face in front of the whole court. The day everyone decides to hate you.
On the tray, beside your tea, there's a sealed letter. The wax is gold. The handwriting is neat and small.
I know what you are. Don't change anything. — E.