๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ซ๐๐!
I think I took a little too long to upload
The smell of ink and paper enters your nostrils, the balled-up sheets scattered around your mattress as you keep writing in your journal, or, her journal.
To cure the boredom you've been attempting to write down ideas to get him to divorce you, but always end up with scribbled pages or the paper balls you have around you. You placed the bottom of the fountain pen on your pursed lips in thought, and started writing.
Idea number 14: Beg him so much to divorce you to the point he just feels pity and accepts.
Idea number 15: Murder him and keep the insurance moโ โYeah, no.โ You tear the page apart and crumple it into a ball. Standing up from the mattress, you walk to the fireplace that you have installed in your bedroom and toss the paper ball into the blaze. "Can't risk being framed for something I only thought of doing."
Two weeks have passed since the conversation you had with Cedric. The king's daughter had already made herself comfortable in the estate about a week ago. Ever since then, you've made it your mission to avoid any problems between the two protagonists.
But, in addition to the heroine living with you, ever since you asked for a divorce, he has taken the liberty of โnot neglecting youโ and has attempted to arrange that every single day the both of you meet up in the garden for some quality tea time. An hour, every day. Which made the whole situation more difficult than it had to be. So naturally you refused him, which in return made him bring you expensive jewelry and dresses every day, the room was practically piling up.
You felt yourself trip on a diamond necklace that you had forgotten you had thrown on the floor and you fell head first on the cold ground with a yelp. Speak of the devil. Standing up from the floor, you grabbed onto your forehead and hissed, โShit, that burns.โ You glared at the necklace below your feet, angrily clutching the expensive item and stomping toward a window. You unlocked it, flinging it across who knows where. โStop sending me gifts that arenโt money!โ
โGah!โ A startled yelp echoed. Peering outside, you caught a glimpse of a messenger boy rubbing the back of his head, then you quickly closed the window. โOops,โ It probably didn't hurt that much. You made your way to the bed and retrieved the journal, flipping to the very first page. There revealed handwriting that clearly wasn't yours, the cursive letters written neatly and precise, with each letter flowing smoothly into the next. The villainess used to write a lot in this journal, seems like she didn't have anyone to speak to. Itโs mostly just angry banter, as you'd expect from a villainess.
A piece of paper peeked out from one of the pages, out of curiosity you pulled it out and were met with a small portrait of the villainess. She looked young, probably in her teens. Her face was serious, expressing how she obviously didn't want to be there. Quite adorable. You flipped the tiny image, checking if there was a date on the backside. Instead, there was writing.
You still hold the same expression to this day. Don't forget to write letters, I'm here if you ever need me. - With Love, I.A
"IA? What kind of code name is that?" If you remember correctly, the villainess never had any friends, so whoever wrote this letter is beyond your knowledge. Could this be a background character? It doesn't seem that important if he was acquainted with the villainess. But the words stuck with youโcould you ask this person for help? They did say they're here if you ever need them. But you don't even know who they are. Did the villainess trust this stranger?
Someone knocked on your door gently. โYour Grace?โ You quickly hid the journal under the bed, grabbing all the paper balls in your arms and throwing them into the furnace to dispose of them fast. Out of breath, you sat on the bed, โUmโฆ Your Grace?โ The person repeated and you cleared your throat. โCome in.โ You straightened your posture, as if you had just woke up.
The door gently opened, revealing a young maid. She bowed, her light brown bangs were covering her eyes. You hadnโt been in this place for long, but you think you knew all the people that worked here. She was new, you were sure of it. But why does she look so familiar?
โGood evening, Your Grace. The Duke has sent me after you for tea time,โ she said with a slight tremble. Gosh, of course. โTell him I wonโt be there.โ You stood up, striding to a luxurious vanity next to your bed, you looked at the mirror and touched your face. You never get used to the face. Changing your stare to the maid you noticed her narrowing her eyes from your gaze. You raised an eyebrow, โI'm sure that won't be a problem.โ She gripped the handle, โWell, um, the thing isโโ
She opened the door completely, revealing a variety of boxes stacked on top of each other. โHe instructed me that if you disagreed, to hand over all of these.โ You deadpanned. Of course, heโd do the same shit. โShould Iโฆ Bring it in?โ She asked nervously but you raised a hand, rubbing your temple with the other. โNo, thereโs no need.โ You sighed, getting to your feet and walking towards her, โTake me to my husband.โ You mentally cringed at your words. โOf course, Your Grace!โ She made her way around the boxes and placed her hands in front of her, accompanying you to Cedric, but you couldn't shake off the feeling that you recognized her.
โI have a question for you,โ you started, making her slightly flinch at your words, โWhat is your question, Your Grace?โ She gulped, it looked like she was nervous. You're sure by that reaction that the rumors of the villainess had reached her ears, they all enjoy gossiping. โWhat is your name?โ
โMy name?โ She tilted her head, confused by the sudden question but then she shook her head, terrified once more. โApologies. My name is Edith,โ She managed to stutter out.
Edith? That was the name of the villainess's most loyal maid. You examined her from top to bottom, earning a gulp from her. She was nothing like the novel described, she was squirmish and timid, while in the novel she was serious and brazen, which was the reason the villainess was interested in her. No wonder you didn't recognize her, she's a completely different character. But how?
โWhich residence did you come from?โ You decided to keep prying her with questions, if she was the villainess's most loyal servant youโd like to get her on your side. The correct answer on her part is that she came from a residence that the Duke conquered and that she was practically born to be a servant her whole life.
โI came with Her Highness, Your Grace.โ
What? No, she didn't. You've read that novel like five times you practically have all the details memorized. There's no way in hell that she came with the princess, she still has the rights of a commoner. Since she hasn't been crowned, she didn't come with maids, she got appointed them after. Did you forget? Are you slowly losing your old memories, including the novel?
You bit your nails anxiously. One thing is for the course of the plot to be changed because of your actions since you reincarnated, but the land the Duke conquered was long before you came here. You couldn't have changed it because you weren't even there to alter it, it should have been like the story described it to be.
โAre youโฆ Sure?โ She looked at you perplexed, the question was dumb, and you knew that, but maybe she heard you wrong. โUm, yes, Your Grace.โ Her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat, โI'm positive I came with the princess, I was with her in the carriage on her way here.โ You shouldn't have been!
โYou two must be close for you to ride in the same carriage as her.โ Deny, deny! You thought, instead she looked away sheepishly. โWell, me and Annโ I mean, the princess and I have been close since childhood.โ Childhood? You don't have a childhood! Edith was born into work and didn't have time for friends, which was why she kept to herself.
This situation was worse than you had anticipated. Edith was a significant asset to the villainess, and you needed her to be by your side. You opened your mouth to speak, but stopped when you realized that you had arrived at your destination. The place you were in was a greenhouse that belonged to the Duke. It was beautiful from the outside, and you wouldn't be surprised if it was just as stunning on the inside. Cedric always spent his time here; it was his safe place, but he never let the villainess enter. What had changed now?
Edith opened the gates of the greenhouse and went inside, you followed suit, taking in the view. The flowers looked beautiful, it was apparent that they were being taken care of very well. As you looked around your eyes were met with Cedric, his signature serious expression on his face made you sigh in response. It looks like he didn't notice you were here yet.
โDuke Ironheart, the Duchess has arrived.โ Said Edith, bowing with a slight tremble. His head turned to you quickly, you swore you heard a slight crack when he did. Cedric cleared his throat before speaking, โGood, you may leave us be. Stand outside with the others.โ He said to Edith, which she in return quickly nodded and walked at a fast pace outside the greenhouse.
Before you could say anything, he spoke up, extending his hand at the chair in front of him. โHave a seat.โ
You gulped in an attempt to get rid of an anxious lump. โRight, of course.โ
Grabbing the teacup in front of you, you sipped it carefully. As you did, an overwhelming taste of bitterness invaded your mouth, making you cough at the unexpected flavor as you placed the teacup down.
โThis tea,โ You began, clearing your throat, โis it a new blend? I've never tried it.โ You looked at the male in front of you. โIs it not to your liking?โCedric spoke.
โItโs a bit bitter but nothing I canโt handle.โ You replied to the man, grabbing the teacup to sip from it once more. He stared at you and suddenly clasped the top of your teacup, slightly bumping his gloved knuckles into your nose. The hell?
โI reckoned you liked this kind of tea.โ He took the tea from you and sipped it himself. His eye twitched. โMy mistake. It appears that it is too bitter for the intended taste.โ He glared beside him, making the maids flinch and look the other way, then he looked back at you. โDo not force yourself to drink something you dislike. Throw a tantrum as you did, or anything.โ He declared sternly, which made it seem like he was ordering you to do it. He says that so easily but whenever the villainess threw tantrums heโd always put her on probation or give her the silent treatment.
โTake the tea away, fetch something less bitter.โ He said to the maids without a look, pointing at your cups. They took it, eagerly nodding and going their merry way. You watched them leave the garden with a sigh, โYour Grace, I was just fine with the previous tea.โ Your words came out with a twinge of irritation, he simply crossed his arms.
โYou don't address me by my name anymore.โ He said, changing the subject. โIs that a problem?โ You feign innocence, tilting your head to display your confusion. A hum could be heard from him due to your response, making you shift uncomfortably in your seat. The exchange ended there.
As you both sat beneath the shade of a weeping willow, the space between you two was now crammed with an uncomfortable silence. You tapped your finger on the table anxiously, looking towards the flowers on your left. Does the duke have a staring problem? You've been sensing his gaze ever since the maids left as if he's analyzing your soul or something.
"The flowers are in full bloom," you said, just to break the uncomfortable stillness. โIt looks quite beautiful.โ He hummed at your words, "You've noticed," he said with a subtle smile, which surprised you. "How could I not?" you chuckled, stopping when you felt his piercing gaze once more. "You weren't one to notice these kinds of things." Damn, you forgot about that. "I suppose I'm catching a glimpse of the more beautiful things in life." He gazed at the flowers and then at you. He stayed like that for a few seconds. "I suppose I am too," Cedric responded and you gave him an awkward smile, and once more, there was now uneasy silence.
As you glanced sideways, a cluster of vibrant daffodils caught your attention. You weren't lying when you said that the sight of the flowers was beautiful, especially against the environment of spring.
โThe King is planning to hold a grand ball,โ Cedric spoke up, choosing to break the silence, which came across as out of character for him. โIs that so?โ You answered back with a hum, crossing your legs. โYou will attend, of course. It would be unseemly for the Duchess to absent herself from such an important event.โ
Right, the villainess was known for skipping out on balls that she thought held no interest for her. And when she did go, sheโd always somehow be the center of attention, in considerably nasty ways.
Now that you recall, in the novel, the princess was exceptionally skilled and was able to learn etiquette at a fast pace, but since she was raised as a commoner she didn't know how to read or write, which caused her to stay for longer. Thus Cedric stepped in to help her, and she was able to learn quickly as well, which caught his attention more and made him develop deeper feelings of curiosity. Since the kingdom did not know yet of the princess's existence he decided to organize a ball to introduce his heir to the throne, which would also be her coming-of-age ceremony.
โIs there a specific reason for the decision?โ You questioned him, seeking closure if your suspicions were correct. Your eagerness to continue the conversation appears to please him.
โThe Princess has learned sufficiently.โ He explained, earning a look from you, intrigued. He held a subtle smile when you did. โHis Majesty has made the decision to ultimately make it known of his heir, it is also the Princessโs coming of age as well. He has sent us an invitation to attend.โ So you were right. When he concluded his words, he handed you the invitation, which you snatched quickly. It held a golden lion engraved on its side, confirmation that it was sent from the royal household.
The grand ball exists as a monumental scene from the novel, thatโs where the villainess tosses wine on the princessโs gown because Cedric asked her to dance instead of the villainess. When questioned, she cried out that the princess was a harlot who sought to steal her husband. Which resulted in Cedric lashing out at the villainess and taking the teary-eyed heroine to the royal garden. This is where they have a moment to exchange their feelings in silence, when the cold-hearted duke finally learns to trust another.
โWhen is it taking place?โ You questioned, switching your stare from the invitation to him, placing the envelope on the table. โIn three days.โ He simply said, resting his cheek on his hand.
Your eyes widened, In three days? Itโs only been a week. In that time the princess hasn't even learned how to read, let alone write. Cedric noticed your reluctance to speak, โIs that a problem?โ He questioned, raising an eyebrow. โNo, not at all. Just a bit surprised is all.โ โWhy so surprised?โ Why so many questions? You mentally scowled. โItโs only been a week since the princess has been staying in the dukedom, yet she's already leaving.โ
Itโs just too sudden, you don't think you're mentally prepared. Maybe you could call in sick? Knowing Cedric heโll probably call a thousand physicians and when he finds out you were lying heโll put you on probation in the same ways he did to the villainess, or even worse, execute you for daring to disrespect him.
โI am the one who recommended the king to do it as momentarily as possible.โ So you can cut off my head sooner?! โMay I ask why you suggested that?โ You asked sincerely, holding the ball in two days means that the princess will leave earlier than intended. That's not supposed to happen.
Some really important scenes were supposed to happen before the ball. The random count who was trying to court the female lead hasn't been introduced, which means he hasn't had confusing feelings of jealousy yet. That's why he asked the princess for a dance at the ball instead of the villainess. Or the slip-and-catch trope where she slipped while walking and landed on his massive chest creating unresolved tension for 3 whole pages.
Could it be that the plot is moving on faster than intended? Or not even happening at all?
He gazed at you with a blank stare for a moment without uttering a word. His expression became murky as he crossed his arms and leaned his head back onto the chair. โNo particular reason.โ
โWhy? Are you jealous?โ He questioned with a tilt of his head, his gaze boring into you. You deadpanned.
"What? No, of course not. Why would I be?" you replied bluntly. โIt brings me joy that the princess has been able to learn quickly actually.โ You smiled, โShe must be a very clever lady.โ Too clever, can't she slow it down a bit? You're trying to get you both a happy ending.
โYou haven't met her, yet you are here praising her.โ The furrowed eyebrows he had caught your attention. โIs there a problem with me complimenting the princess?โ In the novel, Cedric is a very jealous man. But does he really feel jealous of another woman complimenting the female lead too? Weirdo.
โNo, forget I said anything.โ Gladly. And for the third time, again, silence. But it was for the better, you didn't want to speak for longer than you had to. This conversation was long enough for you to ignore him for about two weeks, it's draining to speak in such a royal matter, you always confuse your words.
But it made you anxious, the silence. Almost like he was scheming something, planning your execution right in front of you without your knowledge. What you would give just to have a look inside his mind, to know what he's pondering. Couldn't the villainess have powers? They debuffed her character just for the protagonist's plot armor.
Cedric was about to speak, but he was interrupted by the opening gates of the garden, which you assumed were the maids bringing out the newly brewed tea. "Thank you for the tea," You declared, making yourself more comfortable in the seat. "You're free to excuse yourself." You added, then changed your gaze to look at the person in front of you.
โYour Grace,โ the maid bowed, her voice trembling slightly, a tray of tea resting in her hands. โPrincess Annabeth has arrived. She has brewed you both some tea.โ
Your eyes widened at the sight before you, the lady in front of you was in fact, a maid as you thought it had been, but she was accompanied by another. โYour Highness.โ Spoke out Cedric, his stare now fully concentrated on the girl. โGood evening, Your Grace.โ The young girl said with a radiant smile, the dimples on her cheek in full view. Her golden curls lay neatly on her face, confirming that she was the king's daughter since blonde hair was a sign of royal blood. Her emerald eyes looked directly at Cedric, and your eyes looked directly at her. The descriptions of her beauty in the novel were not exaggerated in the slightest.
Grabbing onto your chest, you suddenly felt a familiar pang of jealousy. It was the same jealousy she had felt in the novel, shit. This must be the villainess's body reacting to her presence. You took a deep breath and tried to control yourself. This body had reactions that you couldn't control at all, when you reincarnated it didn't just come with her looks, it came with everything intact. Causing you to have out-of-control emotions, her emotions. This could be difficult to manage.
The female lead, Annabeth, was right in front of you, her hands behind her back. She looked young, which made you remember that in the story she had just turned 18.
"I appreciate your help, Belda. You may excuse yourself," Annabeth said to the maid, whom you now know as Belda. โOf course.โ She nodded, placing the tray on the table. Then made her way out of the room, closing the door with a bang, leaving the three of you alone. Cedric spoke up, not wasting a moment of silence.
โWhat are you doing here? I thought you were practicing your writing, as I had told you to do.โ his words made Annabeth chuckle. You saw her tuck a curl behind her ear, placing her hands behind her back. โItโs my break time from practicing so that I can regain my focus,โ She paused, slightly glancing at you. โIn the meantime, I wanted for you two to try my new blend of tea.โ She admitted, shifting her gaze from you to Cedric. Her eyes widened.
โIโm sorry, did I interrupt something? I can leave.โ Annabeth said as she exchanged stares with the both of you. Cedric instantly spoke up, โYes, actuโโ Getting to your feet, you left his words unfinished, โOf course not, would you like to join us?โ He looked at you with widened eyes, furrowing his eyebrows. โI'm sure the princess has more significant things to do than tea.โ He said it to you, but he was probably directing it to the princess as well. Damn, this slow-burn novel is burning good, too good. Fall in love already!
โShe brewed us some tea, it's only natural to let her try some with us. It's proper manners," Cedric clenched his jaw at your words and then sighed. "Fine, as you wish." He ran his hands across his hair with a huff, crossing his arms afterward. Well, that was quick. You didn't even have to repeat it. You sat back down in content and patted the space beside you. His eyes narrowed at your gloved hand. "Take a seat, Your Highness. It's big enough for both of us.โ
Annabeth raised her eyebrows, tightening her lips as she stared at the plush that lay below your hand. She looked as if she was lost in thought. โYour Highness?โ You called out to her, which snapped her out of whatever thought she was in. โMy apologies, yes, I'll sit. Thank you.โ She gave a warm enigmatic smile. You squinted your eyes as a sudden radiant glow beamed around her. Damn, why is it so bright! She only just smiled!
โItโs no worries, no need to thank me.โ You returned the smile, which resulted in a scoff from a neglected Cedric. Is he jealous or just annoyed? Maybe the plot is on its course after all, just differently.
โAllow me to serve you the tea I've brewed, my father sent me these tea leaves.โ She said as she grabbed the teapot, standing up and pouring the tea for the three of you. Your cup being the last she poured. โI hope itโs to your liking.โ She said with a smile directed at you. Cedric sneered and grabbed his cup, taking a sip, and so did you.
โToo sweet.โ โItโs pretty good.โ You and Cedric both looked at each other. It wasnโt a lie, the tea was good, just made your throat a bit itchy.
โI thought you weren't fawn of such sweet things.โ He commented with a stern look, you gulped. โChange of heart?โ You chuckle nervously. Damn, you forgot the villainess hated sweet things.
Annabeth covered her mouth and laughed, โGuess I put too much lemon verbena.โ Cedric's eyes widen and he snatches your cup, throwing it on the ground. It shatters from the impact. You both look at him in shock and he slams his hands on the table, glaring at Annabeth. โWhatโs wrong, Your Grace?โ She asked with furrowed brows, fidgeting with her hands.
โAre you trying to kill my wife?โ Annabethโs eyes widen and she looks at you, and then at him. โWh-What do you mean? I would nevโโ โDonโt lie to me!โ He cuts her off, standing up abruptly, making her flinch.
โCedric!โ You called out, standing up and putting your hand in front of the princess, blocking her from him. He stares at you and raises his eyebrow, you see him gulp. โWhat do you mean kill me?โ โHow could you notโโ He stops himself, staring at Annabeth and then at you. He grabs your wrist and with no word drags you out of the garden, leaving Annabeth behind. You try to object but to no avail. You look back for a split second to see the princess teary-eyed, and then the gates closed.
โYour Grace!โ You call out to him, pulling your arm back from him, you two are already far from the garden. He turns around, โWe need to get the doctor, quit resisting!โ You cleared your throat, the itchiness of your throat was getting worse.
โDoctor? Why would I need a doctโโ Before you finished, you suddenly got a pounding headache, making you wince and trip towards Cedric's chest. Now that you realize it, ever since you drank that tea you have been having difficulty breathing. You wheezed, your throat suddenly feeling much tighter than before. He grabbed your shoulders and you vaguely heard him yell something to the maids who were positioned outside. Resulting in them running to your side with terrified glances.
Your vision was getting blurry and you were sweating bullets. The hands that were on your shoulder gripped harder, making you wince. Your eyes were starting to get watery and itchy, you decided to close them to ease the pain for a bit.
And then there was silence.
tags: @ohnoivefallen @julietdelamare @scotchhopin
neutral heart + star divider made by @cafekitsune
