Page 15 of Villainess's Redemption
I bowed my head, hiding a smile.
But my victory didn’t last long as I felt a flash of panic when Queen Felicia’s piercing gaze locked onto me. “And why, praytell, are you suddenly so interested in matters of state, Lady Ilyana?”
Shit.I’d gotten carried away, forgetting that the scheming, vapid Ilyana of the past wouldn’t have cared about pirate attacks or trade routes. Think fast, you idiot.
“Oh! Well, you see, Your Majesty,” I began, forcing a little nervous giggle, “it’s actually because of my dear brother, Sebastian.”
Felicia’s eyebrow arched higher. “Sebastian? Isn’t he in Tiberix?”
I nodded eagerly, warming to my lie. “Yes, he’s stationed in Tiberix, and these pirate attacks have been giving him such a headache. I just wanted to help, you know? Being a good sister and all that.”
To my utter shock, Queen Felicia let out a soft chuckle. It wasn’t exactly warm, but it wasn’t the icy disdain I was used to either. “How… thoughtful of you, to want to assist your brother in such a way.”
I smiled, trying not to look too pleased with myself. “Family is everything, Your Majesty.”
The Queen’s lips quirked into something almost resembling a smile. “Indeed.” She paused, studying me with those sharp eyes. “Perhaps we should meet again, Lady Ilyana. I find myself… intrigued by your insights.”
An actual invitation from Queen Felicia! I must be dreaming.
I bowed my head, hiding my triumphant grin. “I would be honored, Your Majesty.”
As I straightened, I caught a glimpse of warmth in her eyes. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. This time, I’d win her over. This time, I’d change everything.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Liam talking to Noah again. I sighed, I knew what was going on.
I walked over to Noah as Liam stopped talking. I rolled my eyes inwardly. Noah smiled at me but before he could say anything I curtsied and said, “My lord, if there’s anything bothering you or something urgent you need to take care of, you should do it and don’t worry about me. I can wait for you.”
I smiled sweetly for extra effect.
I knew that even without my urging, he would do it. After all, he had done it in my past life. But if my nudging him sent him towards his love faster, so be it.
* * *
As the ball continued downstairs, Lady Amelia escorted me to my chambers. Her demeanor was noticeably less hostile than before, a small victory I tucked away for later consideration. Laurel trailed behind us, her eyes fixed on the floor.
Once inside, Laurel helped me out of my heavy jewelry and gown. Her touch was gentle but hesitant as if she feared I might lash out at any moment. The weight of my past cruelty hung heavy in the air between us.
“That will be all, Lady Amelia,” I said, dismissing her with a nod. She curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.
Laurel helped me into a simpler nightgown, her movements efficient but distant again. As I sat at the vanity, waiting for Noah, I watched Laurel in the mirror. Her eyes remained downcast, a habit I had instilled in her.
“Laurel,” I said softly, turning to face her. “Look at me.”
She flinched, fear flashing across her face. Before I could say another word, she dropped to her knees, trembling. “Forgive me, my lady. I didn’t mean to offend—”
My heart clenched. This was my doing, my cruelty reflected back at me. No, I had to change it. I knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Laurel, please. Look at me.”
Slowly, hesitantly, she raised her eyes to meet mine. They were brimming with unshed tears, a lifetime of fear and submission etched in their depths.
“You don’t need to look down anymore,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ve been… cruel to you. Unforgivably so. And I’m sorry, Laurel. Truly sorry. I promise you, I will never treat you that way again.”
Confusion clouded her features, warring with the ingrained fear. “My lady, I don’t understand…”
I squeezed her shoulder gently. “I know it’s confusing. But I mean every word. You deserve kindness and respect, Laurel. And from this day forward, that’s what you’ll have from me.”
She searched my face, looking for any sign of deception. Finding none, she nodded slowly, a tiny spark of hope igniting in her eyes. “Thank you, my lady.”
I smiled at her, and for the first time, she returned it – a small, tentative thing, but genuine. It was a start.
