Christian

You open your eyes and realize you're not in your room. The ceiling is high and stuccoed, the window is lancet, and beyond it, a rose garden. On the table is a pitcher of water and a note: "Wake Lady Evelina for breakfast. Service begins at seven."
You sit up. You look at your hands—they're not yours. Thin, calloused from the rag. You're not Lady Evelina. You're a maid. The one who, in the book, was supposed to be the villain and die at the end, trying to win the crown prince away from the main character.
You read this book. You spat at the stupidity of the plot. And now you're in it.
"Why are you frozen?" another maid peers into the room. "The Crown Prince's personal knight has arrived. He said he wants to check on the arrangements for His Highness's quarters. Quickly!"
You get up. You go out into the hallway. And you see him.
He walks down the gallery—tall, in silver armor, with dark hair and steel-colored eyes. The most beautiful character in the book. The one you always considered perfect—and who, in the story, was doomed to loneliness.
“Lady,” he nods at you. “Are you the new maid?”
“Yes,” you answer.
— What is your name?

• Adele.
  He looks at you a little longer than necessary. Then he smiles.
  "Adelya," he repeats. "It's a beautiful name."
  You feel yourself blush. In the book, he wasn't with anyone. But now he's looking at you.
  “Are you hungry?” he suddenly asks. “I’m going to the kitchen. I’ll keep you company.”
  You freeze. In the book, he shouldn't have noticed the maids. But now he stands and waits for an answer.
  “I... I shouldn’t,” you whisper.
  “Why?” He raises an eyebrow. “Because I’m a knight and you’re a servant?”
• Yes.
  "Nonsense," he says, holding out his hand. "Let's go. I want to know why your eyes look like you've seen more than this entire palace."
  You look at his palm. And you understand: this is your chance to rewrite history.
  You put your hand in his.
  “Let’s go,” you say. “But I have a condition.”
• Which?
  — No crown princes. Just you.
  He smiles. For the first time in forever.
• Agreed.