I Won't Die A Villainess

Chapter 6 // I'm not the toothfairy //

I was dancing with my executioner.

To make matters worst, I stepped on this foot... twice.

I turn to my right and saw my mother coaxing it up with Count Renwood, probably trying to secure his son by offering me up as a broodmare. Beside her was my sister, who was eyeing me intently with her burning glare. Penelope had always been used to the spotlight and finer things both in the novel and in Arianna's memories. Arianna was always in the background behind her sister's shadow, trying to please her and never tried to stand out. 

She must not have been used to seeing her wallflower sister take the spotlight- as well as the most eligible bachelor in the party. I could see the jealousy in Penelope's eyes.

Great, now things are going to be harder for me than it already was.

Then there was Ella, who was standing behind them smiling at me and giving me the thumbs up.

I sighed, while Koris cringed as I stepped on his foot... Again.

"I'm so sorry," I told him.

"It's quite alright, though may I suggest that you step on the left one next time. So that they may be evenly sore." He said.

"I apologized. I haven't been active in my dancing classes lately." I informed him, trying to lighten the mood.

"I can see that." He deadpanned.

Quick, think of something...

"You see, I've been spending a lot of time with my sister these days," I told him. "My sister, Ella. The blonde-haired one, blue eyes, smiles angelically. Precious, precious girl, who loves me to death and would condemn anyone who hurts me. You know, Ella."

He blushed by the mere mention of her name as he cleared his throat, "I have heard rumors, that miss Ella is not properly cared for by the baroness since she is not her daughter but the late baron's, I assume you're here to tell me that that's not true."

"Oh it's true." He was taken aback at my honest answer.

Well, I can save myself, but there's no point in salvaging a sinking ship. Corrine and Penelope Tramaine may be my family in some sort of way, but I'm not going to burn on the stake with them if I'm given the chance.

"I'm sorry?" He asked. "Are you saying-"

"Look, sir Korris. I'm not stupid." I told him, as he gave me a spin. "I see how you look at my sister. I know you care for her, and I do as well, that's why I'm coming to you with a proposal."

He cringed.

"Not a marriage proposal- could you be any more insulting?" 

He shooked his head. "It's not that,"

"Then what-"

"You stepped on my foot." He cringed. "Again."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." I gasped and looked at him pityingly as the music stopped, declaring the end of the dance.

"Sir Korris would you like to dance with me next?" Penelope chimed in.

Korris took my hand, "I'm sorry, I promised miss Arianna here, a drink after the dance."

"You did?" I asked, confused. He shot me a knowing look. "Yes, you did! I'm so sorry sister. It would only take a moment."

She raised a brow at me. Then grunted in response.

Korris lead me towards the balcony and crossed his hands. "Go."

"You like Ella," I stated, he stared at me, not even denying it. "But you know from rumors that she isn't safe here. I can help her, but I need your support. I'll even help you out with her."