Villainess' Second Chance

CHAPTER TEN

We continued walking. I still can't shrug off the feelings I felt earlier. I felt like I was really stabbed by someone... or something...

Jeez, what was that anyway? I'm getting chills all throughout my body from it, and I'm still shivering from it.

I don't want to die again, I haven't reached my goal yet. I'm only just getting started!

"Get inside, Eloise," my father urged.

We're being escorted by a guard towards the carriage,

"Y-yes," I uttered as my mind came back to reality. I was about to enter the carriage when I heard someone calling my name

"Lady Eloise, wait!"

When I turned around, I saw Raiden, panting. He was obviously out of breath. Why won't he just teleported instead of running?

I didn't uttered a word. I just watch him, waiting for him to say something.

As soon as he regain his composure, he looked at me in the eye, "The emperor wished to see you, my lady," he stated as he bowed his head.

"I see." I stated. I looked at Gomez, "Father, would you please wait here for me because this will take a moment?"

"Okay then," he responded and head inside the carriage first.

Raiden extended his hand in front of me and said, "Lady Eloise, I'll be escorting you."

I gave him a faint smile and took his hand, "Thank you,"

While we're walking to enter the court once again, he started a topic to converse with me.

"I am somehow upset, my lady." He started

"What does your emotions have to do with me?" I asked.

He chuckes and continued, "You didn't told me your real name the night we met. It got me thinking that maybe you don't trust me enough."

"I gave you the information about Viscount Caledon, what else do you want from me?" I stated as polite way as possible.

"Well, may I know the reason why you gave me the name Iris Magdalena instead of Eloise Ophelia?"

"It's to cover up my identity. My reputation is already tarnished and I can't make it even worse. That's why I made up the name Iris Magdalena." I respond, "You did not inform me you already recognize me," but he only laughed.

"I didn't recognize you at first but when I saw you earlier, I knew I recognized your purple eyes. Only the Ophelia's have those eyes. Not gonna lie, it looks like your father's."

"Jeez, thanks. You might as well tell me I looked like him too." I sarcastically added

As soon as we reached the court, Raiden remarked, "Your majesty, lady Eloise Ophelia is here."

He released his grip on my hands, bowed to the monarch. I bowed before the emperor as well, and then I saw the emperor smiles at me.

"So you're the empire's reputed girl," He remarked.

What a way to start the conversation, I guess.

I smiled and responded, "I suppose I am, your majesty."

"I heard many rumors about you."

Of course you do

"You build a quite reputation throughout the empire, known as the tyrant of the ducal state." He added, "Are you aware of what they called you?"

"For starters, your majesty, people enjoy talking nasty things against me. Well, maybe some of it is true, some are also fabricated. I am aware of my actions before, however, I have repented and am willing to change my ways." I explained and smiled at him