People Change [My Next Life as a Villainess x Reader]

Chapter 2

While wandering the halls trying to find the room I originally came from I got lost. I have been walking around aimlessly for at least 30 minutes. At this point, I'm wondering how I haven't at least passed a maid. Looking up ahead I think I recognize this hallway I'll just need to take a right and I'll be close to the room. I quickly round the corner only to collide with something and fall flat on my butt.

"Owww," I said as I raise my head to see what or who I collided with. It just so happened to be Prince Alan.

"... Watch where you're going," He remarked before he extended a hand to help me up. I started at it for a moment. "What aren't you going to take it?"

I eventually reach out and let him pull me up. "Thank you for helping me up Prince Alan"

He closed his eyes and quickly turned his head away "Tch it was no problem" He peeked through one eye and looked back at me "What were you even doing in this part of the manor?"

"Well, I was looking for the room Katerina was getting ready in and got lost. I just wanted to grab the book I left in there."

He thought for a minute then said "I'm pretty sure I know where that is. Follow me" He grabbed my wrist and dragged me along.

Soon we arrived at the entrance of the room "Ah! This is it thank you so much for bringing me" I say as I open the door and start to walk over to my book.

"It's fine. What book are you reading anyway?" He askes as I reach my book.

I pause for a moment before mumbling the name knowing the book wasn't considered 'ladylike' "what was that I couldn't hear you" he says. I mumble it again "huh" He still couldn't hear me. I mumble it one more time, but instead of asking me again, he takes the book from my hands. "The Art of War? Huh? Not what I'd expect you to read here." He hands the book back "What do you like about it?" He questions.

"Uh well, war is just a thing that always interested me," I say with a small chuckle. "Mom always yells at me for reading this kinda stuff though cause it's not considered 'ladylike'"

"I think it's cool your learning about it. I try to do stuff but everyone always compares it to stupid Geordo." He said the last bit almost angrily. It seems almost as if he has quite a bit of resentment towards his brother.

"But there are probably things that your good at that he's not, even if he's still good at those things if you enjoy them then don't let your brother stop you. We all have different talents right?" I say without thinking "Ah sorry it's really not my place to comment huh?"

"It's.... Fine, I'll think about what you said" He responded with something just short of a smile on his face. "If you don't mind me asking why did you pick it up in the first place"

I paused for a minute thinking of the best way to say it "Well once I was old enough to talk I was constantly in lessons about etiquette. It just felt like I couldn't escape the fact that I'm supposed to grow up to be the picture-perfect lady. It only got worse when I found my power. All-day I was either learning manners, school, or how to control my power better. I wanted to take something back... something that would just be for me. So when I went to the family library and saw the book I wanted to read it partially to spite my mother and teachers. I ended up loving it and now it is my favorite book." I flushed I hadn't meant to say that much and ended up oversharing.

"Yeah, I totally get the feeling. My health isn't exactly the best so my parents constantly have people watching over me. It's like you just can't get a moment to yourself." He responded. I looked over at him happy that he understood what I meant. I'm also glad he didn't seem to notice my habit of oversharing.

"Well is there something that you do to escape the constant observation?" I questioned. He mumbled something quietly in response. "Huh," I said.

"I like playing the piano," He said just loud enough for me to hear.

"Oh, that's awesome!" I proclaimed "If we are ever in a situation that permits it you should play it for me sometime... That is if you'd like to."

He shifts his head to make eye contact with me I noticed a new light in his eyes "I'd love to. Maybe sometime you could tell me more about the books you like"

"Yes, that'd be amazing!" I said, "It would be nice to have a friend who I'm not forced to hang out with."

"It'd be nice to have a friend who's not trying to use me to get to Geordo. It seems like that happens all too often" He said a bit woefully.

I stopped stunned "DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO THAT TO YOU?!" I shout then quickly look around to make sure no one was there that would tell my mother. She would punish me if she knew I wasn't being a perfect lady.

"Yeah, they act all friendly, and just when I think I'm getting a new friend BAM they start talking about Geordo. It's like all they want is to talk to him, but they can't so they talk to me instead to get a leg up on the competition."
"That's so messed up! Here let's make a promise" I expend my pinky "I promise you that I will never use you to get to Geordo. In return just promise to always be my friend"

He meekly looks his pinky around mine "I promise" He mutters.

I opened my mouth to say another thing when a maid came rushing towards us "Miss Katerina has awakened!" She said out of breath.