Page 28 of Villainess's Redemption
“Nonsense!” the King interrupted. “We insist!”
Well, if they were going to force my hand… “Perhaps a donation to the orphanages? In my name, if you must attach it to someone.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I looked up to find everyone staring at me as if I’d grown a second head. Was that too sudden of a change?Damn! should’ve gone with the greedy route.
“The information… came from you?” Anderic asked slowly, his brow furrowed in disbelief.
I couldn’t help but preen a little. It wasn’t often I got to one-up the golden prince. “Yes,” I replied, injecting a touch of haughtiness into my tone. “Why? Is that so hard to believe?”
Anderic’s eyes narrowed, searching my face for… something. What, I couldn’t say. But the intensity of his gaze made me want to squirm in my seat.
“Nothing,” he finally said, his voice deceptively light. “I’m just… surprised.”
The King nodded. “Done, if that’s what you want.”
Queen Felicia turned her attention to Noah. Her voice was as smooth as silk, but there was a subtle edge to it that I’d neverheard before—at least not directed at her beloved nephew. I blinked, trying not to let my surprise show
“Noah, dear,” she began, her tone deceptively light, “I couldn’t help but notice your rather abrupt departure from the festivities last night. I do hope nothing urgent required your attention on your wedding night?”
I nearly choked on my tea; I’d never seen her reprimand Noah before. In my past life, he could have set the palace on fire, and she’d have found a way to praise him for his innovative approach to redecorating.
Noah shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking like a schoolboy caught sneaking sweets. “I… there was a matter that required my immediate attention, Aunt Felicia.”
“More immediate than attending to your new bride?” The queen’s eyebrow arched delicately, and I swear I saw Anderic’s lips twitch in amusement.Oh, how the tables have turned.
“I’m sure it was terribly important,” I chimed in, unable to resist stirring the pot just a little. After all, old habits die hard. “I completely trust my husband, if he had something urgent, I fully support him. As his wife, it’s my duty.”
Anderic’s eyes met mine across the table, a flicker of surprise and amusement in their depths.Don’t get used to it, Princeling. I’m not here for your amusement.
Queen Felicia’s lips curved into a small smile. “Indeed, Ilyana. I’m glad to see you’re taking it all in stride. It speaks volumes of your character.”
Oh, if only you knew the volumes of my character, Your Majesty. We’d need an entire library.
“You’re too kind, Your Majesty,” I replied, ducking my head in a show of modesty. “I merely believe in giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. After all, who am I to question the urgent matters that call a man away from his bride?”
Noah looked like he wanted to sink into his chair and disappear. Good. Let him squirm a little. It was the least he deserved after leaving me alone on our wedding night—both in this life and the last. No matter what I did, he didn’t have to stoop to my level and disrespect me like that. Not that I wanted him there in this life. But still, I was allowed to be a little petty.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Queen Felicia elbow the king on his side as she took a sip of her tea.Ouch, that looked like it hurt.
A refreshing attitude,” King Arnald remarked after his coughing fit had subsided. “It’s good to see such understanding between newlyweds. And Noah, be mindful of your wife in the future. You’re married now.”
Noah nodded and I smiled sweetly. “Oh yes, Your Majesty. Understanding is key in any marriage. That, and a healthy sense of humor. After all, life is full of surprises, isn’t it?”
“Yes, yes. Isn’t that right Felicia?” The king laughed.
Anderic leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Speaking of surprises, Lady Stormbourne, I must say your early rising has been the most shocking event of the morning. Tell me, did you perhaps mistake the moon for the sun?”
Oh, you think you’re so clever, don’t you?I met his gaze head-on, my smile never faltering, being in the presence of the queen giving me newfound confidence. “Not at all, Your Highness. I simply decided that missing breakfast would be a tragedy of epic proportions. After all, where else would I get my daily dose of witty banter?”
The queen chuckled softly. “It seems our mornings will be far more lively with you joining us, Ilyana.”
“One can only hope, Your Majesty,” I replied, taking a delicate sip of my tea.And if by ‘lively’ you mean ‘filled with thinly veiled threats and verbal sparring,’ then you’re absolutely right.
As the breakfast continued, I found myself engaged in a bizarre dance of pleasantries and barbed comments. It was exhausting, really, trying to be both charming and just snarky enough to keep everyone on their toes. At least Lady Penelope and Seraphina were absent today, probably courtesy of the queen.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the strange turn of events. Here I was, trading quips with Prince Anderic, winning over the queen, and generally turning everything, I knew about my past life on its head. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and more than a little terrifying.
As breakfast concluded, I mentally patted myself on the back. Step one of Operation Don’t-Be-A-Villain: Win over the Queen. Check.
