Page 30 of Villainess's Redemption
“He retired for the night some time ago, my lady.”
Poor, devoted Noah. If only he knew the truth about his conniving wife. But his absence meant I could start planning my escape tomorrow without his well-meaning interference.
I settled back against the pillows, my head spinning with a spell of dizziness.Maybe I shouldn’t move much.“Laurel, be a dear and fetch me my journal and a quill. It seems I have some damage control to do.”
As Laurel scurried off to fulfill my request, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of my situation. Here I was, supposedly recovering from a fainting spell, and all I could think about was how to manipulate the situation to my advantage. Some things never change, I supposed.
But as I waited for Laurel to return, a sobering thought crept into my mind. This wasn’t just about me anymore. My family’s fate hung in the balance, and I couldn’t afford to make any more mistakes.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. Tomorrow would be a new day, and I intended to make the most of it. After all, how often does one get a second chance to rewrite their own history?
Laurel returned with the writing materials, and I smiled at her gratefully. “Thank you, Laurel.”
So, let’s see what I know.
Since Noah didn’t go today, he’ll probably go tomorrow. So I just had to sleep until they left, and then I could make my escape. Easy.
It was in fact not that easy.
I woke up to Noah’s smiling face hovering over me, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. My head throbbed in protest as I shot up, then promptly collapsed back onto the pillows.
“Careful,” Noah chided, catching me with his free hand.
What in the seven hells was he doing here? He wasn’t supposed to be here. My plans were unraveling faster than a cheap tapestry.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, pressing the cup into my hands.
“Like I’ve been trampled by a herd of wild boars,” I muttered, sipping the tea and wishing he’d spontaneously combust. Or at least leave. “But I’m sure I’ll survive.”
“I’m glad to know you are feeling better. I was worried when you fainted yesterday.”
I smiled, “Thank you for helping me yesterday.”
“Of course, I would. I’m your husband after all,” he said as if he was trying to convince himself.
We made painful small talk as I drained my cup, praying to any god who’d listen for him to vanish. Apparently, someone was feeling generous today.
Noah’s expression turned serious. “Ilyana, I know I said I’d make it up to you somehow, and I promised to accompany you today, but…”
I met his gaze, feeling excited. Say something good.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t go with you today. There are some urgent matters I need to look into.”
Before I could feign distress, a knock at the door heralded Prince Anderic’s arrival.Speak of the devil, and he appears—in all his golden glory.
“Lady Stormbourne,” he greeted me with a nod. “I hope I’m not intruding. How are you feeling?”
“Like a delicate flower in the midst of a hurricane,” I replied dryly. “But I’m sure I’ll bloom again soon enough.”
Anderic’s lips twitched, suppressing a smirk. “I’m glad to hear it. I’m afraid I must apologize for borrowing your husband today. Some urgent state matters require our attention.”
Urgent state matters, my foot. They were unknowingly investigating my downfall. But I wasn’t worried. I still had time to outmaneuver them both.
Anderic watched me carefully, clearly expecting a tantrum. Instead, I smiled sweetly. “Of course, I understand completely. The kingdom’s needs must come first.”
His eyes narrowed, confusion flickering across his face. But then that sickeningly charming smile was back in place.
“We’ll leave you to rest,” Noah said, squeezing my hand.Don’t touch me!
