Page 11 of Villainess's Redemption
Noah’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. “Until then, my lady.”
As Lady Amelia led me away, I could feel Noah’s confused gaze boring into my back. Part of me ached to turn around, to reassure him. But I couldn’t. I felt nothing for him even if old habits urged me to reassure him. I had too much to do, too much to change.
My temporary chambers were luxurious, if slightly smaller than the ones I’d occupied in my past life. A veritable army of maids descended upon me, stripping away my wedding gown and ushering me into a steaming bath.
As I soaked, letting the scented water ease the tension from my muscles, I pondered my next move. The ball wouldbe crucial. I needed to start changing perceptions, laying the groundwork for a different future.
A knock at the door interrupted my musings. “Enter,” I called.
Laurel bustled in, carrying a gown of amber-yellow silk. “Her Majesty’s gift for this evening’s ball, my lady.”
I nodded, keeping my face impassive. “How thoughtful of Her Majesty. Please convey my thanks.”
Laurel blanched, not used to my polite behavior.Hmm, I have to change that.God knows, poor Laurel deserved it. Until then I had to keep up the facade of my past self. I didn’t want her to be too scared to function properly.
“What are you staring at? Can’t you do anything properly? Go away!” I also threw a pillow at her, deliberately missing her by a mile. She visibly relaxed. Was Ithisbad?
She curtsied and departed, leaving me alone with the gown. I ran my fingers over the sumptuous fabric, remembering how thrilled I’d been to receive it in my past life—how proud I’d been to wear it—until I attended the ball and understood the message behind the ‘gift.’
Until I went to the ball and understood the message behind the “gift.” Yellow, not the Stormbourne blue. A clear signal that I wasn’t truly one of them, not in the Queen’s eyes.
I slipped into the gown, allowing Laurel to fuss over my hair and makeup. As I studied my reflection, a plan began to form. I couldn’t change the gown, not without causing a scene. But I could change how I wore it.
“Fetch me some blue ribbon,” I instructed Laurel. “And my sapphire earrings.”
The girl looked confused but hurried to obey. When she returned, I wove the blue ribbon through my elaborate updo and donned the sparkling earrings.
“Perfect,” I murmured, examining the effect. The yellow of the gown was still dominant, but the blue accents sent a clear message.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, a page arrived to escort me to the ballroom. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. This was it. My first real chance to change the course of events.
I steeled myself for what was to come. The Queen would be there, all smiles and warmth for her precious nephew. And me? I’d be the interloper, the villainess, dressed in the wrong color.
But not this time. This time, I’d use every weapon in my arsenal—charm, wit, and a lifetime of regret—to win her over.
The herald announced my arrival, and I stepped into the glittering ballroom. Hundreds of eyes turned to us, a sea of blue and silver. And there, at the center of it all, stood Queen Felicia.
Her eyes locked on mine, a flicker of surprise crossing her face as she took in the yellow dress. I met her gaze steadily, chin raised.
Let the games begin.
No! No games this time!
Chapter 4
I descended the grand staircase, my gown swishing around my feet. The ballroom fell silent, all eyes on me. Noah stood at the bottom, his warm brown eyes shining with… Not love—that was reserved for someone else—but something close to admiration. My heart clenched. Once, that look would’ve made me soar. Now, it left me cold.
He extended his hand, and I placed mine in his, fighting the urge to snatch it back as he led me through the sea of nobles. “You look radiant,” he whispered.
I forced a smile, the picture of a blushing bride. But inside I gagged.You look radiant.I repeated to myself snidely. Huh! He should have seen me in my tattered dress.
Oh! How I missed that dress. Not the dirt but the comfort of wearing one.
“Thank you, my lord.”
We approached the royal dais where King Arnald and Queen Felicia sat. Noah bowed. “Your Majesties, may I present my wife, Lady Ilyana Stormbourne.”
I curtsied deeply, my eyes downcast. “Your Majesties, it’s an honor.”
