Reroll My Fate

Chapter 2

I stood just outside the grand ballroom doors, my hand hovering over the handle. My chest felt tight, like someone had wrapped iron bands around my ribs.

Three days. It has been three days since I woke up in my old room, gasping for air. At first, I felt utterly confused but soon I realized that the nightmare of my death wasn't a nightmare at all.

I had lived that and now this was merely a second chance. Tonight was the night Caspian was supposed to propose to me. The memory of his lips on Elara’s and his fingers inside her while I bled out on the floor still burned behind my eyes.

I took a deep, slow breath, trying to steady the anger and disgust rising in my stomach. My hands trembled slightly and I tried to stop it, smoothing my gown.

The peach-colored silk felt cool against my skin, the shade gradually darkening into a deeper rose pink toward the hem.

It was elegant but not overwhelming off-the-shoulder with thin straps. The waist of a corset before spreading down to my feet.

Giving myself a small pep talk, I pushed the doors open and stepped inside. The ballroom was alive with music and laughter, the large crystal chandelier shining brightly.

Nobles turned toward me immediately, their faces filled with smiles and admiration. Several of them approached me and it took everything in me to smile.

“Lady Arewen, we heard you were ill last week,” one older woman said, her eyes scanning me. “You look radiant tonight. Are you feeling better?”

I forced a smile, the same one I had perfected in my first life. “Much better, thank you. It was just a passing thing.”

More pleasantries followed and I nodded, laughing at the right moments. To anyone, it would have looked like I was having a blast but it was the exact opposite; my throat felt dry and my skin crawled with anticipation.

Every touch on my arm, every curious glance, reminded me how easily these people had watched Caspian court me while he planned my death.

Unable to take any of their sweet talking, I made my way towards the refreshments table.

My fingers closed around a champagne flute and I took a long sip, closing my eyes for a second.

A pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind. The familiar scent of rose and vanilla filled me and I tensed before she even spoke.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” Elara whispered, her blond hair brushing my shoulder as she hugged me.

Getting her hand off me I turned to find her hazel eyes filled with excitement. She wore a short black gown that hugged her figure.

“So do you. That dress is beautiful on you.” I muttered, forcing a smile.

She laughed lightly, but my mind was already flashing back. Images of her in Caspian’s arms and his hand slipping under her dress while I lay dying on the floor filled my head.

I tried to shake it off but it only got worse and I could feel the bile rise to my throat. Without thinking I downed the whole flute trying to get rid of it.

“I wanted to visit you while you were sick,” Elara said, her hand resting on my arm. “But the maids kept saying you were resting and couldn’t see anyone.”

I nodded trying to keep my face neutral. “I instructed them to do that. I didn’t want to worry anyone.”

She gave me a small smile but I knew she was lying because she had never tried to visit. Probably too busy sucking Caspian's d**k. Speaking of the devil, I caught Caspian walking towards us from the side.

His brown hair was perfectly styled, his dark blue eyes warm as they landed on me. That odd smirk played on his lips the one I used to think was charming.

“Elara,” he greeted her politely. Normally, it would have looked fine but after everything, I couldn't help but question his hand on her or their lingering gaze.

Elara excused herself with a bright smile, but not before giving Caspian one last look. I watched her go, my fingers tightening around the empty champagne flute.

Caspian turned all his attention to me. “You look beautiful tonight, Arewen. The most beautiful woman in the entire ballroom.” His voice was smooth almost like he practiced it. “I’m the luckiest man here.”

Normally those words would have made my heart flutter. In my first life, I had believed every one of them but now they felt like poison sliding down my throat.

He placed a hand on my waist and the touch burned through the fabric of my gown, making my skin crawl. I forced myself to stay still only for him to lean in, claiming my lips.

His lips were warm, familiar, but all I felt was disgust. So bad I wanted to shove him off me and throw up.

I tried to kiss him back but I just stayed still, counting the seconds. He pulled back and I was met with a confused expression, "What's the matter?”

“The champagne is making me feel a little lightheaded." I lied forcing a stiff smile on. "That’s all.”

His eyes scanned me for a minute then he shrugged putting on a smile. "Dance with me."

My heart rate increased and I shook my head trying to pull away but he was already leading me onto the dance floor. He was going to propose right after this.

His hand circled my waist and I tried to ignore how much anxiety was eating at me.

Caspian talked endlessly; about how much he loved me, about our future, about how happy we would be. I barely listened to any of his bullshit but I had to admit he was a good actor.

The dance finally ended with a bow to each other and we stepped off the floor. Taking in a deep breath, I wiped my sweaty palm on my dress as Caspian walked me towards his aunt, my stepmother.

We paid our respects but I was too busy counting the seconds to care about how acidic her glare was.

She and Caspian discussed family and state matters. Just as I reached my limit, the Queen Mother smiled and remarked, “Caspian appears to have something important to say.”

Oh no!

‘Goddess strike him down' I internally prayed as I watched him get down on one knee. In front of the whole room, he pulled out a ring, his dark blue eyes locked on mine.

“Arewen, I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?”

The guests gasped and clapped, smiles

breaking out across the room. Not that I could blame him, everyone had heard about how well he had courted me.

If this had happened before my rebirth, I would have been overjoyed. I would have cried happy tears and said yes without hesitation.

Now I felt nothing but cold, burning irritation. I looked around the ballroom, then back at Caspian and for the first time, he looked nervous.

Almost like he could sense something was wrong. Pasting on a wide smile I grabbed the ring staring at it.

Desperation coated his face and I bent down until we were eye level. “If I say yes, what will happen to the plethora of mistresses you keep all around the kingdom?”