Page 12 of Villainess's Redemption
King Arnald nodded, his eyes already drifting back to his wine as he conversed with Chancellor Darian who glanced at me once and then proceeded to ignore me. As usual, nothing new there. Queen Felicia, however, fixed me with a piercing gaze. “Welcome to the family, Ilyana.”
There was nothing welcoming in her ice-cold tone. I’d expected it, in the past I had been angry for being spoken to like that. Being the daughter of a prestigious noble, I had never been spoken to like that. But I was way over my head for thinking everything revolved around me.
Queen Felicia’s gaze slid over me, cool and dismissive, before lighting up as it landed on Noah. “My dear boy,” she cooed, reaching for his hand. “My dear nephew, you look so handsome. Your mother would be proud.”
I bit back a sigh as she showered Noah with affection, barely sparing me a glance. Last time, I had tried desperately to insert myself into their conversation, only to make a fool of myself. Not this time. Now, I simply observed, waiting for my moment.
Instead, I waited patiently, observing. When there was a lull, I spoke up. “Your Majesty, I couldn’t help but admire your necklace. Is it Elentharian craftsmanship?”
Queen Felicia’s eyebrows rose slightly. “You have a good eye, Ilyana. It was a gift from the Elentharian ambassador.”
I nodded. “I thought so. The way they set the gems is quite distinctive. I’ve always admired their work.”
“You’re familiar with Elentharian jewelry?” There was a hint of surprise in her voice. I gave a tight-lipped smile. Of course, I knew. After all, I was the one who conspired with them, which led to my exile and my father’s beheading.
“I find foreign cultures fascinating, Your Majesty. Each has its own unique beauty.” The thing about lying was that the more you lied the better you get. And I was something of a scholar at the art of lying.
Her eyes narrowed, searching for insincerity. Finding none, she said, “Indeed. Perhaps you’d like to see the new shipment of Elentharian silks that arrived last week?”
I beamed. “I’d be honored, Your Majesty.”
As we moved through the crowd, Noah at my side, I caught snippets of conversation.
“Did you see how the Queen spoke to her?”
“I thought she despised the D’Arcanes.”
“Perhaps there’s more to Lady Ilyana than meets the eye.”
I hid a smile. Small steps, but steps nonetheless.
The orchestra struck up a waltz. Noah led me to the center of the ballroom for our first dance as husband and wife. His hand on my waist felt foreign, wrong. I longed for the dance to end, to escape his touch. Each turn reminded me of the future I was desperate to change.
“You seem distracted,” Noah murmured.
I forced a smile. “Just overwhelmed, my lord. It’s all so… much.”
He nodded, understanding in his eyes. If only he knew.
As we twirled, I caught sight of my family. My father—alive, beaming with pride as he spoke with Duke Eldrick. My mother, engaged in conversation with a few noblewomen, likely bragging. Sebastian, flirting with some ladies, whole and unbroken. Tears pricked my eyes. It almost seemed normal. They didn’t know the storm coming their way.
“My dear daughter,” Father’s voice broke through my reverie. I turned, tears pricking my eyes at the sight of him, alive.
The dance ended, thankfully and we were swarmed by well-wishers. I hugged my parents fiercely, startling them.
“Father,” I whispered, embracing him tightly.
He chuckled. “Such emotion! Anyone would think we’d never meet again.”
If only you knew, I thought.
“Ilyana, dear, are you alright?” Mother asked, concern in her eyes.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Yes, I’m just… so happy.”
Father squeezed my shoulder. “You’ve done us proud, my girl.”
If only they knew the truth. I vowed silently to protect them this time.
