Page 47 of Villainess's Redemption
I rolled my eyes. “Oh yes, because holding a lady against her will in a garden alcove is exactly the kind of behavior expected from a crown prince. I’m sure that would go over splendidly with the court.”
“You’d be surprised what the court would overlook, my dear Ilyana.”
“I’m not sure I would be,” I muttered. “Now, if you’re quite finished with your little chit-chat, I’d like to leave.”
Anderic studied me for a long moment, his eyes unreadable. Then, slowly, he stepped back, releasing me from his hold. “Verywell. But don’t think this is over, Ilyana. I’ll be watching you closely. If I find anything and I mean anything, you’re done for.”
I straightened my dress, trying to regain some semblance of composure. His threat loomed over my head like a guillotine. “How delightful. I’ve always wanted a royal stalker. It was on my list, right after ‘being stabbed to death’ and ‘time traveling’.”
“I look forward to unraveling your secrets.”
I met his gaze, my chin lifted defiantly. “Good luck with that, Your Highness. I might not look like it but I still have a few tricks up my sleeves, with a dash of ‘none of your business’.”
He laughed, the sound genuinely amused this time.
As I turned to leave, Anderic’s voice stopped me. “One last thing, Lady Stormbourne.”
I looked back at him, eyebrow raised. “Yes?”
His eyes glinted with mischief and danger. “So… may I bite you now?”
* * *
The morning sunlight streamed through the ornate windows of the royal dining hall, casting a golden glow on the polished silverware. I sat at the long mahogany table, picking at my eggs benedict and trying not to choke on the tension in the air. Queen Felicia’s melodious voice filled the awkward silence as she made small talk and kept the conversations going. She complimented Lady Seraphina about something I didn’t care about and then her basking in Queen Felicia’s compliments which to me seemed only customary, Seraphina probably knew that too. But it didn’t deter Lady Penelope from burning with jealously. Fools.
King Arnald, thankfully didn’t make those terrible jokes today. He looked serious today. Maybe it had something to with the retrial.
I nodded along, making appropriate noises of interest while steadfastly avoiding eye contact with the golden menace sitting directly across from me. Prince Anderic’s gaze burned into my face with the intensity of a thousand suns. If looks could kill, I’d be a smoldering pile of ash on this very expensive carpet.
Focus, Ilyana. Don’t let him see you sweat.
I took a sip of water, willing my racing heart to calm down. I went straight to my room after I made my swift and not-so-graceful escape yesterday.So… may I bite you now?I couldn’t sleep the whole night, his threat from yesterday still echoed in my mind, robbing me of my peace. I’d been a fool to think unraveling my schemes would be smooth sailing. I needed to step up my game, and fast.
I still hadn’t found any way to return the dagger Sebastian gave me with minimal interaction.
King Arnald’s deep voice rumbled as he engaged Anderic in conversation. Perfect. Time to make my move.
I turned to Queen Felicia, plastering on my most earnest expression. “Your Majesty, may I ask you something?”
She smiled warmly. “Of course, dear.”
I could practically feel everyone’s ears perking up around the table. Even Noah’s spoon paused in midair beside me.Showtime.
“I heard about Lord Magnus’s retrial from my father,” I began, infusing my voice with just the right amount of concern. “And I couldn’t help but think of poor Rosalind. She was such a dear friend, and her situation breaks my heart.”
Queen Felicia’s eyes softened. “Yes, it’s a terrible business.”
I leaned in, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “Since it appears Lord Magnus was framed, I wondered… perhaps you could reconsider Rosalind’s exile? Reinstate her title and allow her to stay in the palace while the investigation is going on?” I paused for dramatic effect. “Even if her father is convicted,surely the innocent daughter shouldn’t be punished for her father’s alleged crimes?”
Somebody give me a prize for this performance.
Queen Felicia looked like she was contemplating but I knew she would agree with me. She had grown very fond of Rosalind in the few months she knew her. Rosalind had all the qualities of Queen Felicia- kind, righteous, and intelligent.
The Queen’s face lit up after a while. Even Lady Amelia behind her looked a bit impressed which was a miracle, to be honest. “What an excellent idea!” Queen Felicia turned to her husband. “Arnald, what do you think?”
The King nodded his assent.Huh. That was easier than I expected.Still, I suppressed a triumphant smirk.
Queen Felicia’s brow furrowed. “But there’s a little problem.” What now? “Last I heard Rosalind escaped and didn’t go into exile. How can we reinstate her if we can’t find her?”
