Page 60 of Villainess's Redemption
Just keep walking. Don’t engage.
A flash of pink silk caught my eye - Lady Penelope meandering down an intersecting path, her maid trailing behind with an ornate serving dish.Perfect timing.
Penelope’s eyes lit up like a cat spotting cream. “Your Highness! What a delightful surprise to find you here,” she dipped into a perfect curtsy, somehow managing to make it look both demure and alluring.
Oh please.I exchanged knowing looks with Laurel. The garden path to the queen’s solar was three times longer than going through the palace. This “chance” encounter was about as accidental as my marriage to Noah.
“I’ve brought cherry soup for the gathering.” Penelope gestured to the dish her maid held. “I made it myself, following my grandmother’s special recipe. It’s a specialty from my hometown,” her smile was pure sugar as she addressed Anderic, barely sparing me a glance.
And I’m sure your maid would have something to say about you ‘cooking’ it.
I seized my chance. “How thoughtful! You should hurry before it cools. If you’ll excuse us-”
Anderic’s hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my wrist. “Lady Ilyana and I have matters to discuss.”
Penelope’s smile flickered for just a heartbeat, darkness flashing in her eyes before the sugary mask slipped back into place.Great. Just what I need - another noble lady plotting my downfall.
“Of course,” Penelope simpered. “I wouldn’t dream of interrupting.”
Laurel made a choking sound that distinctly sounded like a laugh.
“Your soup smells divine,” Anderic said smoothly. “But Lady Ilyana and I must attend to some urgent business.”
My head turned towards him in a flash, eyes wide.Since when?
I tugged against his grip as I whispered under my breath. “Let go.”
He ignored me as he smiled politely at Lady Penelope. His thumb traced circles on my pulse point.
I watched as Penelope retreated, but something in the subtle tilt of her head caught my attention. A nearly imperceptible nod to her maid.
Oh, how adorable. The old “trip and spill” routine.
In my previous life, I’d orchestrated similar “accidents” countless times. The maid’s stumble was almost artistic - just enough momentum to send the steaming soup flying directly at me while maintaining plausible deniability.
I shifted my weight, ready to sidestep the incoming deluge. But before I could move, a wall of white linen and masculine warmth materialized between me and certain scalding. Anderic’s arms locked around my waist as the soup splashed across his back with a wet thud.
Time seemed to slow. My hands splayed across his chest, feeling his heart hammer beneath my palms. His face hovered inches from mine, those dangerous blue eyes darkened tostormy seas. A droplet of soup traced down his neck, and I found myself mesmerized by its path.
Stop staring at his neck, you fool.
“Are you alright?” His voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.
“I…” Words failed me. The scent of him - leather and sandalwood with a hint of steel - made it impossible to think straight.
“My lady!” Laurel’s panicked voice shattered the moment. She rushed forward, handkerchief at the ready.
“Your Highness!” Penelope’s shrill cry followed as she hurried towards us, face twisted in mortification. “I’m absolutely mortified! Maria, you clumsy girl!”
The maid dropped into a deep curtsy, trembling. “F-forgive me, Your Highness! The dish was so heavy, I lost my balance…”
Anderic’s arms remained firmly around my waist. “Did any splash on you, Lady Ilyana?”
“No, thanks to your… timely intervention,” I tried to step back but his grip tightened fractionally.
“Your Highness, please let me help-” Penelope reached for him but froze at his sharp look.
“That won’t be necessary.” His tone could have frozen hell itself. “Though perhaps you should ensure your servants are better trained in the future.”
