Isadora leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Look, I get that I need to blend in, but you can't expect me just to become a refined noble overnight. I need baby steps."
Celeste tilted her head, considering. "That is reasonable."
Isadora let out a relieved sigh—until Celeste's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"And that is where you are losing your memory will help us."
Celeste gestured toward her. "You claim not to know our ways, and you will struggle with etiquette, manners, and expectations. That, my dear, will make your story all the more believable."
Isadora blinked. "You're using my cluelessness as part of the cover story?"
Celeste nodded, utterly composed.
Isadora smiled, crossing her arms. "Wow. That's… clever."
Celeste merely smiled. "Then we agree."
Isadora groaned, sinking back into her seat. "Fantastic. So, I get to be the rebellious daughter and the embarrassment of high society?"
Celeste chuckled. "For now. But in time, you will learn."
Isadora sighed. "Yeah, yeah. One baby step at a time."
Celeste moved toward a small cabinet and opened it, pulling out a delicate silver bell. She rang it once, and within moments, a maid entered the room, bowing respectfully.
"You called, my lady?"
"Yes. Have some appropriate dresses prepared for Lady Isadora. She will need attire fitting her station."
The maid's eyes flickered to Isadora, taking in her slightly damp appearance. "Of course, my lady." With another bow, she exited the room.
Isadora nodded with a tight smile. "Dresses. Of course."
Celeste returned to her seat, watching Isadora closely. "I understand this is overwhelming, but you must trust me. If you truly wish to return home, we must play this role well."
Isadora exhaled, running a hand through her tangled hair. "I get it. I just—I still don't understand how this happened. How does a bracelet randomly fling me back in time?"
Celeste leaned forward slightly. "Magic, if it truly was the cause, does not act without reason. There must be something—some connection, some purpose—that led you here."
Isadora's fingers absently brushed over her wrist where the bracelet had been. "So, what? The universe just decided I needed a vacation to the past?"
Celeste smiled faintly. "Or perhaps, you were meant to be here for something greater."
"Yeah, well, I'd rather the universe send me a memo next time."
A knock at the door interrupted them. The maid had returned, arms filled with neatly folded dresses in rich fabrics.
Isadora crossed her arms, eyeing the elegant dresses the maid had brought. "Yeah, these are nice and all, but since I'm supposed to be the rebellious daughter, shouldn't I look the part?"
Celeste raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you have in mind?"
Isadora smirked, grabbing one of the gowns and inspecting it. "Something a little less prim and proper. I'm pretty good with a pair of scissors—I can make this work."
Celeste studied her for a moment, then sighed. "As long as you do not make yourself look completely scandalous, I suppose a touch of individuality will only make your story more believable."
Isadora grinned. "Perfect. I'll keep it mostly respectable." She gestured for the maid to set the dresses down, already plotting how to modify them.
After the maid left, Isadora flopped back into her chair. "So tell me about the most important things I need to learn."
Celeste started, "Social standing is everything. Nobility follows strict etiquette, and breaking those rules can lead to scandal—or worse."
"Great, so I have to be careful about how I talk, how I act, and probably how I breathe."
Celeste smirked. "That may be wise, but remember, you are my long-lost daughter. So, I would say no, you don't have to. Just don't go overboard."
Isadora sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Okay, anything else I should know before I accidentally offend some high-ranking noble and get myself thrown in a dungeon?"
Celeste's expression turned serious. "There is one more thing. The ruling family has little tolerance for those who disrupt order. If anyone suspects you are… different, they may not be so forgiving."
Isadora met her gaze. "So, in other words—keep my head down, play the part to a T, and don't do anything too reckless."
Celeste nodded. "Precisely."
Isadora sighed. "Well, that's going to be a challenge." Then she grabbed a dress and grinned. "But first—time for a wardrobe makeover."
She grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting the dress from the hem upwards, making a thigh-high slit.
"Alright, so while I work my magic on these, tell me more about this world. If I'm going to survive here, I need the full rundown."
Isadora sat with the dress lying across her lap, carefully snipping away unnecessary frills and excessive layers.
Celeste took a slow sip of her tea before setting the cup down. "The kingdom you now reside in is called Veridion. It is a land ruled by both bloodlines and power. Nobility holds the highest status, with the royal family at its peak, followed by the great noble houses. Beneath them are the lesser nobles and then, of course, the common folk."
"Classic," Isadora muttered. "Rich people on top, everyone else struggling below."
Celeste gave a knowing smile. "Yes, but here, power is not only dictated by wealth or title. Magic plays a significant role in our society."
Isadora's brow arched. "Right. You mentioned that before—actual magic is real here?"
Celeste nodded. "Yes. It is present in many noble bloodlines, though its strength varies. Some families carry old, powerful magic passed down through generations. Others have only a faint trace, just enough to be considered noble but not enough to wield any true power."
"So, magic is like…a birthright?"
"In most cases, yes," Celeste confirmed. "Nobles are expected to possess it in some form, though there are exceptions. Some commoners are born with magical abilities, but their numbers are few. A commoner with magic is often considered either a rare gift… or a dangerous anomaly."
Isadora caught the unspoken meaning. "And I'm guessing those 'anomalies' don't get treated too well?"
Celeste sighed. "It depends. If a commoner's magic is strong enough, they may be taken in by a noble house, trained, and given a position of status. Others are not as fortunate."
"Let me guess—some end up hunted or used?" Isadora leaned back, arms crossed. "Because when people fear power, they either control it or destroy it."
Celeste's eyes darkened. "Exactly."
Isadora exhaled, processing. "Okay, so magic is mostly a noble thing, but some commoners have it. And the royal family?"
"They are believed to possess the purest and most refined magic," Celeste said. "The king's lineage has ruled for centuries, and their magic is a symbol of divine right."
Isadora rolled her eyes. "Of course it is."
Celeste smiled at her reaction but didn't comment. "Beyond the magic, Veridion is built on a strict hierarchy. Your name, your reputation, your alliances—all of it determines your survival in court."
Isadora tapped her fingers against her armrest, thinking. "So, basically, I need to keep my head down and pretend I belong here until we figure out how to send me back."
Celeste hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. But it will not be easy."
Isadora let out a dry laugh. "Nothing about this situation has been easy."
She glanced down at the dress she had altered and then back at Celeste. "Alright. If I have to be a noble, I might as well do it my way. But first—tell me more about these nobles. If I have to deal with them, I need to know who is who."
"Well you have to know the 6 most powerful nobles in Veridian
Duke Lucien D'Aragon – "The Crimson-Eyed Beast "A living legend. Lucien's very presence is an omen. Born into the feared D'Aragon bloodline, his single, unnaturally crimson eye is said to ignite with fury on the battlefield—striking terror into the hearts of his foes.
Lord Tristan DeMornay "The Master Strategist." With sprawling estates and a razor-sharp mind for political maneuvering, Tristan is known for turning even the slightest advantage into a sweeping victory. His ability to forge alliances—and to break them when needed—has secured his position as one of the most influential men in Veridion
Countess Seraphina Brightwell "The Patron of the Arts." Seraphina's wealth is rivaled only by her taste for beauty. Her lavish patronage of artists, musicians, and poets not only enriches the cultural tapestry of the court but also cements her reputation as a central power broker.
Baron Cedric Blackthorne "The Trade Magnate". With an empire of trade routes and vast landholdings, Cedric has built a fortune that few can match. His network spans the kingdom and beyond, and his business acumen—combined with a ruthless streak when necessary—ensures that his influence is felt in every corner of Veridion's economy.
Lord Roderick Vale "The Ambitious Landlord." Roderick's vast farmlands and estates have made him a major force in local politics. Known for his unyielding drive and a mind always scheming for the next advantage, he is both respected and feared for the precision with which he consolidates power."
Duchess Genevieve Ravenswood "The Elegant Schemer." With refined manners and an eye for exquisite art, Genevieve is at the center of court intrigue. Her salons are legendary, where conversation flows as freely as wine. Yet behind her graceful exterior lies a sharp intellect, always plotting to enhance her family's standing."
Celeste finished her litany of Veridion's elite, each name more imposing than the last. After a moment of silence, Isadora shook her head in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me," she said with a wry laugh. "Duke Lucien—flaming eye and all? And here I thought my family reunions were dramatic enough. This is like the medieval version of a reality TV cast list!"
Celeste smiled at her remark.
"And Countess Seraphina Brightwell? I mean, come on—does she have a hotline for every famous artist in the kingdom?" Isadora continued, chuckling.
She leaned back, arms folded, grinning. "So, let me get this straight—I'm supposed to blend in with a bunch of walking legends? I must be really special, or incredibly unlucky."
Celeste laughed softly. "Welcome to Veridion, my dear. We do have our quirks."
Isadora shook her head, still amused. "I guess I'll have to practice my 'noble' face. Lucky for me, I already have plenty of rebellious charm to work with."