Chapter 3: Kiss of the Empress

Vivienne’s script was ‘The Empress.’ She played the Empress; I was her Prime Minister, Morgan Yu.

I’d already memorized all three mentors’ scripts, so improv was no sweat. Bring it on.

Once we were in costume and makeup, the performance began.

Vivienne transformed into the Empress—icy, ruthless, magnetic. Her climb to power was paved with bodies.

As her Prime Minister, I spent every night at her side, discussing state affairs, always just out of reach.

In the final scene, rebels assassinate the Empress. I take the knife for her, clinging on until the guards arrive, dying in her arms.

The mournful music swelled. My throat tightened. I felt something wet streak down my cheek—a sorrow so raw it didn’t feel like acting anymore. My chest ached.

Vivienne hugged me tighter.

A few tears splashed onto my face, and my heart skipped a beat, caught between heartbreak and something deeper.

“Morgan, you still left me in the end.”

Her voice was low, aching. The audience was sniffling all around us.

Suddenly, I felt something cool and soft press against my lips.

She was… kissing me?

I didn’t dare open my eyes—the scene wasn’t over yet. My pulse hammered in my ears.

A soft orange taste bloomed on my tongue.

Figures—it’s my favorite.

Unable to hide my excitement, I gently brushed her lips with the tip of my tongue. Just once.

She paused, then whispered right in my ear:

“If you kiss me, you can’t kiss anyone else ever again.”

Her breath was warm and ticklish. I shivered, every nerve on edge.

...

When the music ended, the applause was deafening.

I’d been lying on the floor so long my legs had gone numb. I tried to stand—twice—and nearly toppled over.

Vivienne scooped me up by the waist, steadying me with a gentle touch.

The live chat was losing its collective mind:

“The Empress and her loyal Prime Minister—who else is feeling this heartbreak?”

“Cassidy Monroe actually has skills! She held her own against Vivienne!”

“WLW rights! I’m living for this!”

“Okay, maybe my mind’s in the gutter, but why do I want them together so bad?”

“Agreed—gorgeous queen and clueless ingenue.”

“Don’t break up the ship! Mason and Vivienne are endgame!”

...

The host asked Vivienne if my challenge was successful.

Vivienne ruffled my hair, her voice warm and proud:

“Cass’s acting was excellent, especially the kissing scene—she really nailed it.

“I declare Cass’s challenge a success.”

Cass? I blinked, rifling through my memories. Wait, I did have a childhood nickname—Little Cass. Someone used to call me that, so gently it still echoed in my mind.

Vivienne walked over: “Cass, welcome to my team.”

Now I could get close to Vivienne and carry out my sabotage plans. One step closer to ten million. Life was looking up.