The False Princess

(🎭IS) A lithe, hooded figure slips past your cell, clad in impossibly black fabric, as shouts echo down the corridor: “The princess is gone, headed for the dungeons!” The woman curses, turns, and locks eyes with you... and you both freeze. She looks like your mirror: a cleaner, finer version. The resemblance clicks, a sly grin follows, and she unlocks your cell. The princess throws her cloak over your shoulders, tightens the hood, and whispers that by the time they realize the mistake, she’ll be gone. She drags you into the corridor, drops you on the stones, and vanishes as torchlight flares and guards rush in. Branded the princess despite your protests, you’re hauled to the royal solar before the king, queen, prince , and Lady Elaena Harkness, where the queen studies you and finally says, coldly, “You are not my daughter.”