Page 64 of Villainess's Redemption
Was that a challenge or a warning?
Chapter 17
The next morning, I steeled myself for the inevitable battle at the tea party. Maybe I was being a bit overdramatic, but that was how it felt. After donning my carefully selected gown, Laurel bustled in, a letter from Annalise clutched in her hand. I scanned the contents, a smile playing on my lips. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
“Perfect,” I murmured, setting the letter aside. I penned a quick response, inviting Annalise to the palace, and handed it to Laurel. “Make sure this reaches her today.”
As we made our way to the greenhouse, anxiety gnawed at my insides. The thought of facing a room full of vapid noble ladies was about as appealing as wrestling a bear. But at least with the bear, I’d know where I stood.
I just want to skip all of this and start my farm life.
The greenhouse was a marvel of glass and wrought iron, sunlight streaming through its domed ceiling. Exotic plants from every corner of the kingdom flourished here, their vibrant colors taking you to a different world. The air was thick with the mingled scents of jasmine, roses, and something distinctly tropical.
I stepped inside, immediately assaulted by the cacophony of chirping voices. The room was already teeming with notable women from the palace and other high-standing families. My eyes darted around, searching for Rosalind, but she was mercifully absent. A small part of me hoped she’d come down with a fever and couldn’t attend.A girl can dream, right?
“Lya!”
I cringed at the overly enthusiastic call of my name. Turning, I saw my mother pushing her way through the crowd, her face alight with joy. Before I could react, she enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug.
“Mother, I can’t breathe,” I wheezed, but despite the discomfort, a warmth spread through my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her incessant fussing.
She pulled back, holding me at arm’s length. “Oh, darling, you look absolutely radiant! Marriage clearly agrees with you.”Right.“How is Noah treating you?”Noah? Who’s that?“Are you eating enough?”That’s all I’ve been doing.“You look a bit pale.”I was born like that.“Oh! Did I tell you about Lady Fairfax’s new conservatory? It’s the talk of the town, but between you and me, I think it’s gaudy…”
As Mother prattled on, I took stock of my surroundings. Most of the faces were familiar—after all, I’d grown up in this circle. Lady Seraphina glided through the crowd with practiced ease, her smile never quite reaching her sharp, cunning eyes. Lady Penelope huddled with her sisters, their excited whispers carrying across the room.
Servants lined the walls, faces carefully blank as they waited to serve. They bowed slightly as we passed, but one caught my eye. She looked oddly familiar - dirty blonde hair, a smattering of freckles across her nose, and startlingly blue eyes. Our gazes met for a fleeting moment before she ducked her head. Had I seen her before? The nagging feeling of recognition persisted,but I pushed it aside. Maybe I had seen her in passing. The palace was huge after all.
“…and then Lord Pembroke had the audacity to suggest that my new hat was out of fashion! Can you believe it? What does he even know about women’s fashion?” Mother’s indignant voice pulled me back to the present.
I patted her hand consolingly. “How dreadful, Mother. Clearly, that man wouldn’t know anything about fashion.”
She tittered, pleased with my response. “Oh, Lya, you always know just what to say. Anyways, have you heard about the shipwreck? Silk ships carrying goods from the east suddenly went under without any reason. There was also a huge fire in the eastern nations. Trade will probably stop with them for a few months at least. I should have bought more silk.”
I hid a satisfied smile and opened my mouth to reply, but a hush fell over the room. Queen Felicia had arrived, resplendent in a gown of deep purple, her golden crown glinting in the sunlight peeking through the glass. And there, just behind her, was Rosalind.
My stomach twisted. So much for hoping she’d be sick.
Rosalind’s eyes locked onto mine, a small, triumphant smile playing on her lips. I gritted my teeth as I smiled tightly. I didn’t think she would worm her way into the queen’s heart so quickly. My only hope was that she wasn’t so easily manipulated.
I plastered on my best smile as Queen Felicia welcomed everyone to take their seats. The greenhouse’s humid air clung to my skin like an unwelcome embrace as I settled into the chair beside Her Majesty. Right across from me, Seraphina sat on the other seat beside the Queen, and thankfully Rosalind took the seat beside Seraphina. So, I didn’t have to see her face every time I looked up.
Great.
The Queen’s melodious voice broke through my cynical thoughts. “As you all know, Lady Ilyana is the wife of my dear nephew, Noah.”
I stood, executing a deep bow that would have made my etiquette tutor weep with joy. Queen Felicia also explained Rosalind’s situation after introducing her and she did the same. As she straightened, I caught Rosalind’s gaze for a fleeting moment before she pointedly looked away.
Really? What’s wrong with the people at the palace? Everyone had mood swings. If you’re going to hate me and taunt me then do it properly.
Once we were seated again, Queen Felicia graced us with a beatific smile. “This marvelous idea for a charity event was the brainchild of both Lady Rosalind and Lady Ilyana.”
A chorus of congratulations erupted around the table. I nodded graciously, as I saw Seraphina’s smile turn down a little around the corner.Well, if she wanted to impress the queen she should’ve worked harder.
“Now then,” the Queen continued, “let’s hear your ideas for the event.”
My muscles tensed involuntarily. Last time, if memory served me correctly, I’d been spared the torture of participating in the event as I wasn’t invited, only getting the invitation to the main event itself as a guest. The ladies had donated their handcrafted creations - mostly embroidery and paintings. Two skills I possessed about as much talent for as a pig did for flying. My painting was worse than a toddler’s and I simply didn’t have patience for needlework.
Please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t let it be—
