I set the elixir down on my nightstand and look around. I have to act like I’m still under Victor’s influence if this is going to work. I take a deep breath to ready myself for tonight. My door opens and Evelyn walks in, already in her formal wear, looking the part of the evil queen.

“Hello, mother.” I smile, surprised at how well I can hide the disgust I feel calling her that.

“Hello, daughter, let’s get you ready, shall we?” She inquires, coming over to me and guiding me to the mirror.

I look at myself in the mirror as she begins on my hair, pulling it from its braid and letting it cascade around my shoulder and torso. I look like my mother. For a brief moment I entertain the thought of her being here, getting me read for my wedding. Would she be crying tears of joy? Or trying to kill me so I can’t have any children like myself? Evelyn runs a comb gently through it and wrestles with the tangles.

“After tonight you must change your hair and clothing. None of this will do for a princess.” Evelyn tells me.

“If it is what my love Victor wishes, then I will gladly do it.” I reply, doing my best to sound sincere.

I look from her back to myself, staring at my hair. It looks so strange to see it out of the braid. Evelyn turns me around to face her and goes to my wardrobe, pulling out the dress. I undress and step into it as she hands it to me. As I slide it up my body she moves behind me to cinch up the back. I take a deep breath and hold it so I’ll still be able to breathe after she’s done, releasing once she finishes.

“There you are, turn around now.” She smiles and steps back, letting me look at myself in the mirror.

At first I’m silent, taking it all in. I almost don’t recognize myself. I feel…almost what I would call sorrow at the fact that it’s Victor waiting for me at the altar instead of Elijah. That thought alone sends shockwaves through me. If he were to come back now, I’d be ready to pass our point of no return. The admission shakes me to my core, but I’m also relieved.

“You look worried.” Evelyn mentions.

Her words remind me of the situation I’m in. “Oh, sorry. I’m just a little nervous. Pre-wedding jitters I guess.” I smile at her.

She smiles back. “I understand. I was nervous before I married Lucedio. But do not fret. This is the right decision.”

I nod and turn to her as she looks out the window at the courtyard below. Dusk is falling, and the ceremony should begin soon. In the distance I hear thunder, warning of a storm. I take a deep breath and while she’s still turned away, take my wand, and slip it into my sleeve. I stashed the potions I took in the courtyard below so I can access them when I need to.

“Come, it is beginning.” Evelyn says, heading out of my room.

I nod and follow behind her quietly. If only they could hear the warning thunder of a different storm.