The last time she saw Darling was after the ball.

The lady was dressed in an irritating outfit, the kind where she looked so perfect one would never believe she'd committed a crime, much less cover it up. The white ball gown was stainless, its fabric stitched together like lily petals unfolding gracefully. She flitted like a dove, weaving through the crowds—curtsying when needed—and offering fleeting 'goodnight's and 'see you again's. The brunette had curled her hair into ringlets for the occasion, and pearly white clips sat on her head like a halo. Her hazel eyes shone with a tight-lipped, courteous smile directed at anyone and everyone. Amelia knew it was all for show. The esteemed Governess was a heartless creature underneath the innocuous grin.

Amelia lurked in the shadows. Her black coat and mask covered her face and body well, and hid her in the eaves of the ballroom. Taking in the sights, she remembered a night years ago where she'd kept to herself in the same spot—however, that experience had ended quite unpleasantly. This time, Amelia was determined to get what she wanted. She ran a hand through her short ebony hair, took a look at herself in the mirror (the mascara and black eyeshadow added a layer of mystery), and crept down to meet her target.

Darling had been elected Governess by the Council a few months ago, but her agents had told her about the many cases of bribery they'd witnessed on Election Day—she and her council weren't good representatives for the people, that was for sure. Amelia had also seen firsthand how Darling had slipped the vial of poison into the late Governor Lau's champagne that fateful night two years ago. Darling had even accused her best friend, the Governor's daughter, for committing the egregious crime. Of course, the new Governess kept her illicit deeds under wraps, and the public viewed her as a noble and caring lady who knew what was best for their country. Such was the intent of the ball—to prove to the nobles Darling was a talented and compassionate individual capable of leading the country to success. The ploy was working well so far, since everyone was in awe of her.

My, were they wrong about her personality. Darling had ulterior motives—she always did. It was ironic, almost, that her name sounded so pure and innocent when she was the complete opposite. Amelia chuckled at the thought.

Tonight, her mission was to prove how the sweet Governess was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

After all the guests had left, Darling finally noticed Amelia. The pleasant and amiable smile morphed into a glare of disgust in a split second.

"Oh, you." Darling gestured in Amelia's direction distastefully. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"

Amelia smirked. "I have plenty of reasons to be here. Don't pretend you're hosting this ball for pleasantries—we all know the truth. You're afraid."

"About what? I'm the most powerful person in the country. People fear me. I have no reason to be scared."

"You and I both know there are a million and one ways someone can dethrone you, so to speak. You tried it first-hand on the late Governor."

"I never did such a thing." Darling smoothed her pasty white gown. "You and I both know there are a million and one ways to cover up a secret."

"Something will backfire, I assure you," Amelia scoffed. "Don't you feel bad that your best friend is in jail for a crime she'd never committed?"

"Whatever are you talking about? She stole the artifacts from the museum and killed her own father, so now she has to pay. Some sacrifices just have to be made." Darling faked a sad sigh.

"My agents will hunt you down, eventually." Amelia snarled. "What goes around comes around."

"Sweet Amelia," Darling laughed. "Sweet, sweet Amelia. So innocent and righteous." The Governess took a menacing step forward. "My dear, it's time you understood that the world isn't all that black and white. Sometimes the good people suffer, and the bad ones walk home free." She touched Amelia's nose lightly. "We humans only care about what's best for ourselves. I'm done being bitter; it's exhausting. Revenge has been so much more effective—that's why I'm glad I'm not my ex-best friend right now, rotting away in jail."

"You'll pay for all this. Get out—"

"Oh, I'll make sure I'm out of your hair," Darling patted Amelia's shoulder. "Don't you worry about that."

"This is exactly why I can't stand you at all, Governess."

Amelia watched her flounce off and turn the corner down the hallway. She was excited about the information she'd acquired, and the tiny device she'd stuck onto the Governess's dress.

And that was the last time Amelia saw Darling.