Trix woke early the next day feeling cheerful and rested. The events that had transpired the night before had begun like nightmare that ended as a sweet dream. She layed in bed remembering in her mind the dances she shared with Lord Felix, their late night stroll, and even how he had opened up to her that night. She was happy he was there. She would have felt alone and had would have done something irrational. Trix knew that she would have to face the reality of last night's events, but she lay on her bed trying to delay it. Soon Fausta and Cassia came into her chambers to wake her. The two maids were whispering and giggling as they entered her chambers. She could hear the mention of Felix's name and hers."I am up. There is no need to wake me." Trix called out from her bed."We

The night was a blur to Trix. She knew that music was played, that food was served, and gifts given. The only part of the night that stuck to her was the one dance she shared with Hector and the moment he had handed her over to Felix. This is not what she wanted, to be around someone you love but not be able to love him. It hurt her. As her engagement to Felix was to be celebrated in the following days she knew she had to put on a mask of false joy. She knew that any woman would be happy to be engaged to Felix. He was kind, intelligent, rich, he was perfect. But despite his perfection Trix could not find it in herself to love him. Was this the price she had to pay for being with her family? Or was it just some cruel twist of faith that had led her to be in this situation at that particular moment?"Trix are you listening to me?" S

The hall was filled with men and women of the nobility. Many stared as Trix entered the room, the ladies gossiped on why instead of her betrothed she had come with the heir of House Julian. Others were simply unaware of who Hector wad and assumed him to be Lord Felix the younger. Trix scanned the room in search of Felix, he was not there."I cannot see him." She whispered to Hector."I'm sure there is a reason for his absence. An urgent matter perhaps?" Hector patted her hand as they made their way to the head of the hall where a table wad prepared for the imperial family. They stood as the emperor greeted the guests and only sat when he sat.At this Hector moved to make his way to a seat near his grandfather and fathet when the emperor called him. "Surely you will sit with us Hector.

Hector woke in his bed. A figure sat beside him. A woman? His vision was blurred and he could not move. What had happened last night? He remembers a man saying something to him then suddenly losing consciousness. How was he on his bed? Had a servant found him?Hector lost consciousness once more.He could feel the light as it streamed through a window on the roof. Then a knock came from the opposite end of the room. He tried to move, but his body failed to cooperate. The knock grew louder and more urgent. Had he be given some poison?"Hector open the door this instant!" Came Trix's voice from the other side. Hector wanted to shout for help. His lips did not move. He was frozen. He eyes were shut. Darkness engulfed him once more."Hector it's the emperor! Are you in the

Hector could suddenly feel himself coming back. He could see the light, he could feel the heat of the room. The late thing he remembered was Trix pressing her lips onto his and he dove back into oblivion. He thought that would be the last. He thought it was the end. Then suddenly all of his senses began to awaken. He could hear the clamor of the doctors around him as they rushed in and out of his chambers. He could feel the heat, either of the candle or sunlight entering his room. He could smell the disgusting odor of the medicines they must have given him. But there was once sound he craved to hear, one scent he wanted to smell, one touch he wanted to feel. He wanted to know Trix was there. That she had stayed, that she had not given up on him as he lay dying. And if she had he swore he would win her back.Slowly Gravity managed to open his eyes, and for the first time in what seemed to