Page 22 of Villainess's Redemption
His eyes, usually as warm as the winter in the northern wastes, held a flicker of curiosity this time. It was almost as if he was trying to solve a particularly vexing puzzle. Me, apparently.
“M’lady,” he said, flashing that golden smile that made court ladies swoon, and as for me I wanted to roll my eyes, “I must apologize for missing your wedding. Royal duties, you understand. But allow me to extend my congratulations now.”
I snapped out of my stupor and curtsied politely, careful not to address him by his title. Two could play at this game of subtle subterfuge. “Thank you, My Lord. Your kind words are most appreciated,” I replied, my voice dripping with honey-coated politeness. “I didn’t realize you were in the habit of lurking in alleyways.”
His smile widened, showing perfect teeth. “Oh, I find it educational. You never know what… or who… you might stumble upon.”
Almost everyone only saw his charming golden prince mask, but with me, he always let it slip, making sure I saw the danger—a silent warning not to harm his family.
Clearly, he recognized the evil in me. Evil recognizing the evil. Oh, The irony. We were the opposite side of the same coin. Maybe that’s why I fell for Noah despite growing up with both of them. Noah’s genuine warm nature called to my dark twisted soul or maybe I was simply deluding myself.
“Perhaps you’d join me for a refreshment?” he offered, gesturing to a nearby café. “I was just about to enjoy the… local flavor.”
I bet you were, I thought. He was probably enjoying the whole thing from the upper terrace of the café, sipping tea without offering a shred of help. Of course, the suffering of poor people was none of his concern.
You wouldn’t have cared too, a voice reminded me in my mind. True, if I hadn’t suffered I also wouldn’t have cared.
The summer solstice flashed through my mind, a night of deception and manipulation— all my doing that he knew all too well. He’d often throw subtle jabs my way about it, I was always fearful that he would reveal my schemes. But surprisingly he didn’t interfere.
“Your offer is most gracious,” I said, channeling every ounce of noble upbringing I possessed. The idea of sitting across from Anderic, engaging in verbal sparring while he picked apart my every word and action, made my skin crawl. “But I’m afraid I must decline. My errands won’t run themselves, you see.”
“Come now,” he pressed, his smile never wavering. “Surely your errands can wait for a cup of tea with an old friend?”
I nearly snorted.Friend? That’s a stretch, Your Highness.
“I appreciate the invitation,” I said, matching his smile with one of my own, “but I really must be going. My husband will be expecting me.” He would not.
“Ah, yes,” Anderic nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement, his ever-present honeyed smile back on his face.
Ugh! I think I puked a bit in my mouth.
“How is married life treating you, Lady D’Arcane? Or should I say, Lady Stormbourne?”
There it was – the subtle dig I’d been expecting. Two could play at that game.
Didn’t it ever get exhausting for him? The act, the game.
“It’s Stormbourne now, actually,” I said, letting a touch of false pride color my voice. “Ilyana Stormbourne. And married life is simply delightful, thank you for asking.”
I didn’t want to use the Stormbourne name, but pettiness won out. Sue me.
Anderic’s lips quirked into that infamous dimpled smile, the one that had half the court swooning at his feet. But I knew better. What that smile meant. Behind that charming facade lurked a dangerous predator, always watching, always calculating.
“Well then, Lady Stormbourne,” he said, emphasizing my new name, “I won’t keep you from your marital bliss any longer. Do give my regards to my dearest cousin.”
“I shall,” I replied, already turning towards my carriage where Laurel waited. “Good day, sir.”
As Laurel and I climbed into the carriage, I could feel Anderic’s gaze burning into my back. I resisted the urge to look back, instead focusing on not tripping over my skirts as I ascended the carriage steps. Not that I was in the habit of tripping—my upbringing was too good for that—but he just made me nervous. Wouldn’t that just be the perfect end to this little encounter? Falling flat on my face in front of His Goldiness himself.
Once safely inside, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Laurel looked at me, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“My lady,” she whispered, “was that…?”
“Yes, Laurel,” I sighed, settling into my seat. “That was indeed our esteemed Prince Charming himself.”
As the carriage began to move, I wondered what game Anderic was playing. Whatever it was, I was determined not to be just another pawn on his chessboard. Too much was at stake.
* * *
