Page 33 of Villainess's Redemption
Yes, because nothing says ‘family legacy’ quite like a child born from deceit and mutual resentment. What a charming bedtime story that would make.
“Speaking of family,” I said, desperate to change the subject before Mother started planning nursery decorations, “Where’s Father? Is he still angry?”
No need to delay the inevitable.
Mother’s brow furrowed. “Oh, your father… Well, he had planned to take the day off when we heard you and Noah would be visiting. But since Noah couldn’t make it, he’s a bit… put out. He’s probably sulking in his study, the old bear.”
Fantastic. Not only did I have to save my family from impending doom, but I also had to navigate my father’s wounded pride. It was like trying to navigate a horde of angry elephants while tap dancing in glass slippers.
“I should go speak with him,” I said, setting aside my barely touched tea. My hunger forgotten. For now, at least.
Mother patted my hand, completely missing the dread dripping from my words. “That’s a wonderful idea, dear. Your father could use some cheering up. And do try to explain Lord Noah’s absence. Your father was quite looking forward to discussing… well, I’m sure it’s nothing important.”
Nothing important. Right.
I extricated myself from Mother’s clutches with promises to rest and eat and general assurances that I wasn’t about to keel over at any moment.
I paused outside the heavy oak door of Father’s study, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. How does one go about saying, “Father, remember that whole ‘ruining other’s family and getting us all exiled’ thing? Yeah, let’s not do that this time around, shall we?”
I raised my hand to knock, then hesitated. Through the thick wood, I could hear the scratch of a quill on parchment, punctuated by the occasional frustrated sigh. Father was working, no doubt.
Standing there, my hand poised to knock, I felt the weight of my mission settle on my shoulders like a lead cloak. I was about to alter the course of our family’s history, to rewrite a future that only I knew. And all it would take was one conversation with my father, the man whose ambition and love for me had nearly destroyed us all.
No pressure, right?
I took a deep breath, trying to channel some of that infamous cunning. I’d need every ounce of wit and charm I possessed to pull this off. It was time to put on the performance of a lifetime.
With one final, sardonic smile at the absurdity of it all, I raised my hand once more and knocked on the door of my father’s study.
Chapter 9
I entered Father’s study, the scent of ink and parchment thick in the air. His quill scratched furiously across the page, not bothering to look up. Ah, the silent treatment. How mature.
I sank into the chair across from his imposing mahogany desk, crossing my ankles demurely. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner counted off the seconds of this ridiculous standoff.
After what felt like an eternity, I stood. “Are you really going to be like that, Father? Fine. I’ll leave.”
He let out a long-suffering sigh, putting his quill on the desk forcefully with a thud as he finally lifted his eyes to meet my gaze. “This is ridiculous!”
Oh good, here comes the tirade.
“When you first said you wanted to marry Noah, I had my doubts. But you assured me, and I changed my mind. Now look at him! Married for three days and already showing his true colors. Just because his aunt is the queen, does he really think it makes him a prince? He shouldn’t forget who I am. So what if his father’s one rank ahead of me? He hasn’t inherited his title yet. What’s wrong with him? I never should have agreed to this marriage.”
I let him rant, biting back the urge to roll my eyes. When he finally ran out of steam, I poured a glass of water and handed it to him. “Are you calm now?”
He took a sip and nodded grudgingly.
“I have something to discuss with you,” I began, my heart racing despite my calm exterior.
He waved his hand imperiously. “Go on.”
“You know Magnus is going to be executed next week, right?”
Another curt nod.
I took a deep breath and blurted out in one swift breath. “I want you to stop it.” There I said it. Someone clap for my bravery.
Father’s eyes snapped to mine, wide with disbelief. “Let me get this straight. You wanted to marry Noah. You wanted me to do something about Rosalind. And now you want me to stop all this? Are you insane? Did you have a change of heart overnight?”
