I sat by the window late at night, and everything outside the faraway trees was dark. A cool wind blew in, carrying the scent of night-blooming flowers and rustling leaves. I nibbled on some snacks, and my busy thoughts were as deep as the shadows filling the garden.
It had been a week since that incident, and so much had changed. I missed the outing with Cristina and Elodie, which was probably for the best. Yet now, I was forbidden to leave the house under any circumstance. More seriously, I'm under Evander's surveillance.
Leopold had returned to the academy, while Neoven had gone back to the Graham family's vacation estate in the west. I never understood why he chose to live there, especially as the heir. Even the Grand Duke had departed, journeying north once more.
The morning after I lost consciousness, the household quietly spiraled into chaos. Every maid and servant was subjected to investigation, exposing serious flaws in Graham's security. Most shockingly, the vice-commander of the knights was uncovered as a traitor. Many servants were dismissed, and the confirmed traitors imprisoned. Zilda told me that some even took their own lives.
It was shocking to be honest. After possessing Norielle, and living as her. My life here was top tiered luxury and was comfortable so much that I never once suspected a maid whom I thought was a friend were secretly poisoning me. No one had reason to doubt. After all, everyone serving both Norielle and me had been loyal to the household for more than ten, sometimes even twenty years.
The doctor explained that my body had ingested six years worth of deadly nightshade. He even mentioned on how fortunate I was to survive both poisoning and being struck by lightning.
Even I find it crazy. I couldn't help but wonder if this had happened to Norielle in the story. If so, it would lend truth to the idea that villains are not born, but made.
Though the poison was deadly, the doses I received were small enough to prevent immediate death. At first, I suspected the count was behind it all, but I soon learned otherwise. He, too, had been poisoned, though in far different one and smaller amounts than I had endured. The doctor was truly surprised and requested blood samples from both the count and me for experimental study, but the count firmly refused. Even I didn't want to become some lab rat.
The door creaked open softly, breaking the stillness. Evander stepped inside, freshly bathed, his hair still damp.
Is this madman trying to seduce me?
"Don't you know how to knock, Your Grace?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
I had also heard from Zilda that he had killed the maid and two others who tried to help her. Not surprising, he was the villain, after all.
His crimson eyes flicked toward me, a faint, enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips. He ran a damp hand through his hair, water droplets catching the light as they fell onto the floor.
"I had pressing matters," he replied smoothly, his voice low yet controlled. "Knocking seemed... unnecessary."
I narrowed my eyes, sensing the challenge beneath his words. An unspoken tension hung between us, the air charged with an intensity I couldn't quite place. Despite the irritation simmering just below the surface, a strange curiosity pulled at me.
Such a jerk. He's probably one of the reason Norielle did become who she was.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
Evander took a slow step forward, his eyes fixed intently on mine, making my skin tingle with a mix of unease and irritation.
He stopped before me, "You seemed well for someone who's poisoned for years." He said, his voice low and unreadable. "But I'm actually not just here to see whether you are still alive. I'm here to see if you had ran away."
I met his gaze steadily, the weight of his accusation hanging heavy between us. He, really thinks I tried to run away.
A bitter laugh escaped me, "Survival means standing your ground, not hiding from every shadow. If I wanted to run, I would've done so long ago." My voice was low, but firm.
I might be dumb, but not stupid enough to run away. Run where? To hell? I'm stuck in an unknown world, but here, at least I get to eat and do nothing for free. All I have to do is avoid becoming a villain and try my best to survive.
Besides, after all, the safest place for a rat is under the cat.
"What?" His brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "Stop staring at me like that."
He really irritates me. All face, no manners.
"Then leave," I said firmly. "You've seen me. I'm breathing, I'm still here in my room. Leave now, I want to rest."
He sighed that gives me more irritation. Rather than walking out of my room he sat down across me and stared directly at my eyes.
He sighed again, "Do you despise me that much," he asked, tone calm and unconcerned.
His calm, unbothered tone only deepened my irritation, yet I found myself unable to meet his gaze with anything but silence. Words caught in my throat.
"It's not that really care,"he continued with unmistakable nonchalance, "But let me remind you something, Norielle Graham. We will soon be husband and wife- not because I want to but because you haven't run away up until now. I assume that means you intend to uphold your responsibility."
I stared at him, my jaw clenched tight as a surge of frustration bubbled just beneath the surface. His words do make sense but,
Leaning forward, I locked eyes with him. "You want me to uphold a responsibility?" my voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "Then start by treating me like a person, speak properly, and stop staring at me like I have wronged you somehow."
I paused, softening slightly. "Be kinder."
My heart hammered in my chest, hands trembling subtly, and my breath came unevenly. Deep within, a restless thought gnawed at me. What if, in this very moment he decided to cut me down?
The thought sent a shiver through me, but I forced myself to hold his gaze, refusing to show the flicker of fear threatening to surface. He leaned back slightly, eyes gleaming with unreadable emotion equal parts challenge and reluctant respect.
"Kindness?" he repeated, his voice tinged with interest.
I swallowed hard. "I... I suppose I was scared of you," I admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "Because you always looked at me like I was prey. And sometimes, it feels like you don't really see me at all."
Being kinder, I should do the same. He has done nothing to harm me. Though he was always angry with Norielle in the book, I never actually heard or read him doing something to harm her.
His eyes flickered with a mixture of amusement and something unreadable, perhaps disbelief or intrigue.
He was irritating, but... I should at least be reasonable.
Gathering my composure, I raised a brow and smiled wryly. "Instead of treating me like a criminal," I said, "Just call me Norielle, Your Grace. And... May I call you by your name?"
A heavy silence settled between us, thick and awkward, the weight of unspoken words pressing down. Then, with deliberate grace, he rose from his seat.
"Do what suits your ease," he said quietly. "I almost forgot, tomorrow we leave for the capital to select your engagement dress."
He turned and left without another word.
What? Tomorrow? That means we'll be together? The hell. Had I known, I wouldn't have dared speak to him so boldly.
A wave of embarrassment ran through me as I replayed my words. Did I really sound that desperate?
Despite the long and exhausting night, I slept well.
Morning arrived sooner than I anticipated. The blinding sunlight streaming through the window startled me awake, Zilda was to blame for opening the curtains.
Before, every morning the maids would bustle about my room, preparing everything with practiced efficiency. Now, only Zilda and Elara, the older maid, remained by my side. I soaked in the bath Elara had meticulously prepared, then dressed in the gown carefully laid out by Zilda, who also styled my hair with gentle precision. I ate quietly, the meal presented on gleaming silverware, the quiet rituals contrasting sharply with the chaos of recent days.
After my meal, the doctors arrived. One was familiar, having attended me since the beginning. The other, introduced as Evander's personal physician, had taken over recently. He had been caring for me since I regained consciousness, the same man who had requested my blood for testing.
"Your health is in excellent condition, my lady," Dion, Evander's doctor, announced.
The new physician wore a monocle, turquoise hair as silky and straight as a noble lady, style in one braid. His physique is more likely of a knight, his even buffer that moderate- built Evander.
He smiled politely as he addressed me. "Then, may I request a small sample of your blood, my lady?" he asked with a gentle pleading tone.
I met his gaze and returned a guarded smile. "No," I answered curtly.
With that, the morning check-up concluded. Manuel, my old doctor, left on his own accord, while Dion was forcedly escorted out by Zilda.
Afterward, I took my customary morning walk through the garden. Six knights trailed behind me. At first, their presence felt uncomfortable, then oddly amusing. Now, with so many bodyguards shadowing my every step, I couldn't help but feel like I'm some kind of VIP. No matter where I went, as long as I left my room, they were never far behind.
After my walk, I returned to my room to prepare for the outing. I slipped into the dress Elara carefully chosen, a flowing silk gown complemented by a tasteful hat.
Seated before the mirror, I allowed Zilda to attend to the finishing touches. With practiced skill, she expertly styled my hair into a graceful arrangement, her gentle hands smoothing stray strands. Then, with delicate precision, she enhanced my features, applying makeup that balanced subtlety with sophistication.
"Do I really need this much makeup?" I asked softly, studying my reflection as she worked.
She paused for a moment, "Do you dislike it, my lady?" She asked, sincerely.
I nodded quietly. Without hesitation, she gently wiped away the makeup, then applied just enough to enhance my features subtly, so natural that it seemed as if I wore none at all.
"But, my lady," she said, meeting my reflection in the mirror, "This is your first official outing with His Grace. I know you are beautiful, but are you certain this is enough?"
Do they prefer wearing so much makeup when going out? After all, this is not a tea party or a ball. I don't see the need for such heavy makeup.
I smiled softly, "It's fine," I assured her.
Besides, it's not like Evander would change his mind just because I wear less makeup. I heard guys like cute and confident girls, but Evander is on different breed altogether- so, who cares?
I smiled, then close my eyes and took a deep breath.
"You worry to much, Zilda." I told her with quiet confidence. "Even if I lose an eye or ear, that guy would still marry me."
After all, it was him who said so. As long as I don't run away, he will marry me to fulfill the responsibility he must uphold.
Zilda smiled faintly, "If you say so, my lady." she said softly.
As Zilda finished the final touches, I took a deep breath and stood up. The silk gown felt much lighter compared to those I had worn at dinner, and the matching hat was elegant and pretty.
Then, this is it.