Page 19 of Villainess's Redemption
With a grateful smile, I nodded to the guards. The doors swung open, revealing the opulent dining hall beyond. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble. I hadn’t eaten since… well, since my last life, I was too nervous to eat yesterday. Talk about irony. King Arnald and Queen Felicia sat at the head of a long table, their heads turning in unison as I entered.
Queen Felicia’s eyebrows rose slightly as I entered. “Lady Ilyana,” she greeted, her tone warm but guarded. “What a pleasant surprise. We didn’t expect to see you so early.”
The rumors of my lazy lifestyle had reached the royal palace, it seemed.
I dipped into a graceful curtsy, years of etiquette training kicking in. “Your Majesties. I hope I’m not intruding, but I wish to join you for breakfast if you’ll have me.”
King Arnald barely glanced up from his intense discussion with Chancellor Darian. I couldn’t decide even in my previous life if he disliked me, approved of me, or simply didn’t care. Maybe I was as interesting to him as watching paint dry on the palace walls.
“Of course not,” Queen Felicia said, gesturing to an empty seat. “Please, join us.”
As I took my seat, I noticed Lady Seraphina and Lady Penelope, along with other lords and ladies, already at the table. My eyes scanned the room, relief washing over me when I didn’t spot Prince Anderic. I’d rather face a dragon than deal with him right now.
Thatwas a whole different crate of worms I didn’t want to open. I’d avoid him as long as I could.
Laurel, bless her newly talkative soul, appeared at my side, pouring me a cup of tea. “Would you like some scones, my lady?”she asked, her voice carrying a hint of cheerfulness that was entirely new.
“Yes, please,” I replied, smiling at her. “And maybe some of that heavenly-smelling bacon?”
Queen Felicia’s eyes flickered between Laurel and me, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. “Ilyana, now that you’re married Noah like you wanted,” she began, her voice taking on a motherly tone, “it’s important to embrace the virtues of a good wife. Integrity and restraint are paramount. Don’t do anything beneath your status.”
I nearly choked on my tea. Did she also know the truth of this marriage? Her behavior made a lot more sense now. How did I not notice it before?
I nodded, understanding the subtle dig at how I ended up marrying Noah.
“Your Majesty,” I replied, giving her my most reassuring and blinding smile, “I assure you, I’m committed to being the very model of wifely virtue.”
The queen’s lips twitched at my display, but she managed to maintain her composure. “I see you are very knowledgeable, Ilyana.”
Lady Penelope, not one to be left out of any conversation, leaned forward with a saccharine smile. “Speaking of husbands, how was your wedding night, Lady Ilyana? I hope Lord Noah wasn’t too… overwhelming for you.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Subtle as a brick through a window, that one.
Before I could respond, Lady Seraphina cut in, her voice dripping with false concern. “Penelope, darling, such questions are hardly appropriate for the breakfast table. Do mind your manners.”
Oh, clever girl. Trying to play the proper lady in front of the queen. Penelope, on the other hand, looked about as bright as aburnt-out candle. If she truly wanted Anderic, she’d need to do better than that in front of Queen Felicia.
“Oh, I assure you, Penelope,” I smiled sweetly at Penelope. “Lord Noah was a perfect gentleman. But then, I wouldn’t expect you to understand the nuances of a proper marriage bed.”
Queen Felicia’s lips curved into the tiniest of smiles as she sipped her tea, clearly amused by my response.
“Well said, Lady Ilyana,” the queen murmured. “It’s refreshing to see a young lady with such… discretion.” She clearly knew her nephew wasn’t in his wedding bed yesterday.
Oh, well. Not that I care as long as she warms up to me.
I inclined my head, warmth blooming in my chest at the small victory. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ve come to realize the importance of such things… unlike some people.”
Penelope’s face turned an interesting shade of red, somewhere between ‘embarrassed tomato’ and ‘angry beet’. She opened her mouth, probably to say something equally inane, but thought better of it and went back to her breakfast.
I watched in fascination as Queen Felicia subtly elbowed King Arnald under the table. His Majesty glanced up from his intense discussion with the Chancellor, blinking as if emerging from a deep fog.
“Ah, Lady Ilyana!” His booming voice made me jump. “I trust married life treats you well?”
I nearly dropped my teacup. Was this the same aloof king who’d barely acknowledged my existence in my previous life?
“Yes, Your Majesty. Though it’s only been a day,” I replied carefully, studying his jovial expression.
He let out a belly laugh that echoed through the hall. “One day too many, perhaps? I remember when I first married Felicia—couldn’t take my eyes off her for a week!”
