The Saintess and the Villainess

Chapter 42

Nia, Collette, and Belle were all sitting together chatting pleasantly over drinks when Anne and Corvina finally came back down to the ballroom.

Still holding hands, Nia noticed, with some interest.

"Oh good, did you guys make up?" asked Anne, letting go of Corvina's hand to take a seat near the other women.

"It's not like we were really that mad even," said Collette, taking a sip of her drink. Belle glared at her.

"Why do you guys fight so much anyway?" said Anne. "No one was surprised when you started arguing. Aren't you friends?"

"Well, of course we are..." said Belle.

"Best friends," said Collette.

"Then what's the problem?" asked Anne.

"Here's the thing," said Nia. "Countess Collette is a vibrant socialite who surrounds herself with friends and acquaintances, but ultimately returns to an empty home at the end of the day. She's jealous of Lady Belle's close relationship with her loving family. She also views the Bastards' Club as the closest thing she has to a family of her own, so she has a tendency to get defensive over it."

Collette shrugged. "It's true. I'm a lonely bitch."

"On the other hand," continued Nia. "Lady Belle is from a close-knit and supportive family, but partially because of that she feels a lot of pressure to be a responsible member of society and further her family's interests. But while she doesn't mind being responsible, she also feels a bit suffocated at times and is jealous of the Countess's carefree and independent nature. She also cares about the group but feels like we should be trying to expand our influence rather than being precious about membership."

Everyone looked at Belle. She blushed a little. "It's possible that some of that may possibly be slightly accurate," she admitted. "But you're always so busy analyzing other people, Nia. Why don't you tell the Saintess all about your deep-seated emotional struggles and insecurities."

"And ruin my aloof and mysterious allure?" said Nia, with a wink. "Never."

"Enough about us," said Collette. She reached out with a foot to push an empty chair towards Corvina. "Come on, don't just stand there. Join us! Let's enjoy the rest of the evening."

Corvina sat down finally. She seemed a bit distracted and distant. She had a serious expression on her face, like she was carefully thinking something through. Nia had seen that expression before. Nia thought of it as Corvina's scheming face.

None of the others seemed to notice, as the conversation turned to more frivolous topics. The muffled sounds of music and laughter were filtering up from downstairs where the servants' after-party was in full swing.

"It's getting pretty late, isn't it?" said Anne, after a while. "Maybe I should go find Agis and head home soon. I gave Eva the day off but I also promised her I'd stay at the cathedral all day and she might freak out if she goes to check on me and I'm not there."

"Anne," said Corvina.

Everyone turned to look at Corvina, who had remained silent this whole time.

"I have something important to ask you," said Corvina.

"Yeah?"

"This vision of yours, the prophecy," said Corvina. "How did you receive it?"

"Oh, uh..." Anne tried to think of the most likely explanation. "In a dream."

"Was Eva present at the time?" asked Corvina.

"I don't think so," said Anne. "I mean, I was asleep. But Eva sleeps in her own room."