Page 55 of Villainess's Redemption
“Of course, Your Majesty,” I replied, my voice dripping with false enthusiasm. “I’d be delighted to attend.”
* * *
I had been avoiding everyone as much as I could these past few days. Dining hall had become a special kind of torture, with Rosalind, Noah, and… Prince Anderic all gathered around the same table. I’d taken to staring intently at my plate, afraid to meet Anderic’s gaze across from me. Sometimes when I mistakenly did end up looking at him I’d always find him already looking at me with his infuriating smile and intense azure gaze.
Why did my heart insist on fluttering like a caged bird whenever he was near? Clearly, there was something wrong with me. It was strange, very strange.
I pointedly avoided the gardens, not keen on another run-in with His Royal Highness. Instead, my feet carried me to a terrace overlooking the training grounds.
The day was unexpectedly pleasant, a warm breeze carrying the scent of spring. I leaned against the parapet, closing my eyes and letting the wind play with my hair. For a moment, I allowed myself to relax, to forget about the tangled web I’d woven myself into. Behind me, Laurel stood as still and silent as a statue. Her ongoing cold shoulder was impressive, though annoying.
A contented sigh escaped my lips. It was nice, this fleeting peace. Tomorrow would bring new challenges – the charity event discussion with the Queen over tea, Rosalind, and who knew what else. My mother had been invited too.
I opened my eyes and looked down at the training ground below where soldiers were practicing their sword skills, some younger and newer soldiers were being trained on the other side. The clash of steel on steel, punctuated by grunts of exertion as everyone was busy training.
A chorus of shouts drew my attention back to the training grounds. A crowd had gathered around two figures locked in combat. My breath caught as I recognized one of them. Even from this distance, I’d recognize that golden mop of curls anywhere.
Prince Anderic.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the stone parapet. Despite my better judgment, I found myself watching with rapt attention as Anderic faced off against Lennox, his captain of the guard.
Anderic was shirtless, his muscular torso glistening with sweat.Not that I noticed, of course.His movements were fluid, almost dance-like, as he parried and thrust with his sword.
I watched, transfixed, as Anderic moved with a fluid grace that spoke of years of practice. His muscles rippled with each movement, the sun highlighting every curve and plane of his body. It was… distracting, to say the least.
“Oh my,” Laurel whispered beside me, her eyes wide. I couldn’t tell if she was more impressed by Anderic’s skill or his physique. Probably both.
I snorted. “Don’t let his pretty face fool you, Laurel. That man is more dangerous than you could imagine.”
Even as I said it, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Anderic moved with the grace and precision of someone who’d spent years honing his craft. His face was set in intense concentration, those piercing blue eyes focused solely on his opponent. He swung his sword but Lennox wasn’t an easy opponent as he blocked Anderic’s move.
And then, just as Lennox lunged forward, Anderic’s lips curled into a smile. It wasn’t the charming, dimpled grin he used to win over the court. No, this was something altogether different. It was the grin of a predator toying with its prey.
That lunatic. Who smiles in this situation?
A shiver ran down my spine, though whether from his dangerous aura or the sight of those sinewed muscles, I couldn’t say. I never had the opportunity to see him fight before.
Anderic danced away from Lennox’s blade, his movements almost playful now.
“Is he… is he smiling?” Laurel asked, her voice a mix of awe and fear.
I nodded, unable to look away. “Like I said. Dangerous.”
Lennox attacked, his sword a blur of motion. Anderic dodged easily, that manic grin never leaving his face. Again and again, Lennox pressed forward, and each time Anderic slipped away like smoke.
It took me a moment to realize what was happening. Anderic wasn’t just avoiding Lennox’s attacks - he was setting a trap. With each dodge, he was maneuvering Lennox into position, waiting for just the right moment to strike.
That moment came in a flash of steel and a collective gasp from the crowd. Anderic’s sword seemed to materialize at Lennox’s throat, ending the fight in a single, decisive blow.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable even from my vantage point. Anderic lowered his weapon, that infuriating smirk still plastered on his face as he helped Lennox to his feet. The two men clasped arms, the earlier intensity of their battle seemingly forgotten.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My heart was racing as if I’d been the one in combat.
“Well,” I said, straightening up and smoothing out my skirts. “That was certainly… something.”
Laurel nodded enthusiastically. “It was amazing! I’ve never seen anyone move like that before.”
I hummed noncommittally, trying to regain my composure.
