Page 86 of Villainess's Redemption
What in the seven hells just happened?
I paced the drawing room like a caged animal, my silk skirts swishing angrily against the rugs.
Laurel rushed in through the open doors, her eyes widening at my tear-stained face. My mouth twisted into an ugly snarl as the rage bubbled up inside me.
“Are you alright? What did Lord Noah say?” Laurel’s voice was careful, and gentle, as if she were approaching a wounded beast.
I couldn’t form words through the red haze of fury.Who does he think he is? He should be grateful I’m trying to help him escape this sham marriage.
“Ilyana?” Laurel tried again, taking a tentative step closer.
“He refused,” I spat, my voice trembling. “The bastard refused the divorce and said I made my bed, so I have to lie in it,” I kicked the nearest footstool, which did nothing but hurt my toe. “Ugh! As if I’m some wayward child he needs to punish!”
“What do we do now?” Laurel asked in a calm tone, waiting for me to snap out of this tantrum.
I sank onto the chaise lounge, the fight draining out of me as quickly as it had come. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room, making the whole situation feel even more surreal.
It’s been a long time since I raged like this. This… it felt good to let everything out.
“I don’t know, Laurel,” I pressed my fingers to my temples. “How do you dance when your partner is a statue?”
“Maybe carry the statue to the ball?”
I sucked in a sharp breath. There. Why didn’t I think of this before? “Laurel, you’re a genius.”
Laurel looked confused.
I sprang up from the chaise with renewed energy, “Let’s go. We’re going to give Her Highness a visit.”
* * *
The palace bustled with unusual energy as I strode toward the throne room, Laurel’s footsteps echoing behind mine. The normally quiet corridors teemed with servants rushing about, their arms laden with gleaming silver trays of wine and delicacies.
I caught the sleeve of a plump maid hurrying past. “What’s all this commotion about?”
“Elenthar delegation, m’lady,” she panted, bobbing a quick curtsy. “Begging your pardon, but I must…” She gestured at her precariously balanced tray.
I released her with a nod.Ah yes, the Elentharians. How could I forget those pompous northern peacocks?A chill ran down my spine as another thought hit me.That means HE’s here too. Somewhere in Eldoria. What a disturbing thing to remember.
One crisis at a time, Ilyana. I’ll worry about that particular bag of worms later.
I shook my head and went ahead. The throne room doors stood open, late afternoon sunlight streaming through tall windows to dance across marble floors. The king wasn’t here. It was the Queen’s role to receive the guests after all. Queen Felicia held court from her throne, her silver-threaded gown catching the light as she gestured gracefully to direct servants—noble ladies clustered around her like butterflies, their colorful silks creating a living garden.
My steps faltered.This is… rather more public than I’d planned.The room was packed with both Eldorian and Elentharian nobility, their distinct styles of dress creating a stark visual divide.
“Now or never,” I muttered under my breath. Laurel squeezed my arm in silent support.
I walked towards the throne and the Queen noticed me approaching.
“Ilyana, dear!” Queen Felicia’s warm voice carried across the chamber. “Come join us.”
I plastered on my best court smile and swept into a deep curtsy. “Your Majesty, I—”
The words died in my throat as I caught sight of HIM lounging against a column near the throne. Those familiar dark eyes met mine, dancing with that same infuriating, unserious smile I remembered so well. He noticed me looking at him like a bumbling idiot and lifted his wine glass in a mock salute, taking a leisurely sip.
I sucked in a shaky breath, my mouth suddenly dry.
What in the seven hells is he doing here?My mind raced. He wasn’t supposed to be part of the delegation. Did I somehow change things again without realizing it? But how? I didn’t do anything directly or indirectly relating to him. Or did I?
