"Maria..." I whispered her name softly, like a prayer I would chant in the dark.
She was the only one I trusted, the only one who didn't look at me with fear or hidden agendas. Yet, even now, I felt the urge to pull back. I couldn't let my emotions dictate my actions. I moved away slowly, meeting her eyes. They were a striking gold, framed by unique white hair that gave her the ethereal air of an angel.
"My lady, please... do not cry."
Her voice was a gentle shock. I hadn't even realized the tears were falling. I leaned into her touch for a fleeting moment, pressing my cheek against her palm. I wanted to break down, to let the "Villainess" mask crumble and simply be the girl she had raised. But a Duke's daughter knows better. To show a "hidden side" is to give someone the power to destroy you.
"Tell me, who has troubled you?" she asked.
Her voice was rich and melodic, a soothing balm to the headache pulsing behind my eyes.
"No one," I lied, my voice regaining its icy edge. "Something simply got in my eyes."
"I see. Do you still not trust me? Even after all these years?"
I snapped. I pulled away completely, wiping my eyes roughly with the back of my hand. I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. Just because I favored her—just because I had sought comfort in her arms—didn't mean I was weak. I had to remember the distance between us.
"I do not recall us being this close, Maria," I said, my voice now a cold command. I stepped back, putting physical space between us like a fortress wall.
"Just because I have taken a liking to you does not mean you may overstep. Do not forget your place."
I watched her face fall. There was always something about her that felt different from the other servants—a quiet dignity that I found both comforting and irritating.
"Maria, prepare a dress for me," I ordered, ignoring the pang of guilt. "I have a meeting today."
"My lady? So suddenly? You were meant to rest today."
I hated being questioned. What was she to me? A caretaker? A sister? A shadow? "I am going to the palace," I said. "To see the First Prince."
Her eyes widened in genuine horror. To the common folk, the First Prince was a nightmare—a psychopath who left only blood in his wake.
"My lady! Please!" she gasped. "If I have offended you, I will accept any punishment! But do not go to him... do not go to that den of lions!"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Did she truly think I was so reckless that I would go to a murderer out of spite? "I am not going there because of you, Maria," I sighed, exhausted.
"I have private matters to settle. An engagement I did not ask for. Now, do as you are told."
Maria had been with me since I was a child. I had saved her years ago, and ever since, she had been my loyal shadow—a devoted guardian following me through the darkness of this manor. She was annoying, yes. She was far too perceptive.
But as I watched her go to fetch my gown, I knew she was the only thing keeping me from turning into stone entirely.