Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 81 - Hunting Competition (IV)

- - -

Catherine wandered around the palace aimlessly. Father had told her to go hunt, preferably with the prince or influential friends, but she had no idea where he was or where to find any of the ladies she barely knew. Lady Bryant had gone to a morning tea party, and Father had been swept away by his friends to hunt. Her knight had looked longingly towards the forest, so she'd let him go too. She was all alone.

Was life really better than the bookstore? Catherine wasn't sure. It certainly wasn't what she'd expected or wanted, yet there was no going back, so she might as well try her best to enjoy it. Catherine had always liked animals, watching children play in the streets with their pets from her window at the bookstore. She didn't want to kill anything, but if Father told her to hunt, she should at least try. She probably wouldn't hit anything anyways.

"Ah, Lady Catherine. How delightful to see you again."

Catherine whirled around and saw Lady Delilah and Lady Annalise approaching, along with a few other ladies. She beamed.

"Hello! Nice to see you too! Are you all going hunting?"

"No, we're dressed in hunting suits because we think they look pretty."

Catherine laughed nervously, fairly positive that Lady Annalise was being sarcastic. Their outfits were indeed handsome, but didn't have nearly as many adornments as usual, likely for practicality's sake. Lady Delilah seemed especially comfortable and striking in hers, like a true hunter.

"Would you like to join us, Lady Catherine?"

"Oh! Could I? I'd love to! But I'm sorry if I slow you down."

Lady Delilah smiled graciously.

"There's no need to worry. We're only going to the grounds between beginner and intermediate, and most of our friends have little experience."

"Then, thank you so much for inviting me!"

Catherine was incredibly happy to have the company of friends, and though no one talked to her much, it was better than being alone. She was so excited she had trouble getting on her horse, though that was perhaps more due to her lack of riding skills. Uncle would be disappointed, but fortunately, he wasn't here. Catherine immediately regretted the thought and scolded herself for being ungrateful.

Lady Annalise kindly extended a hand.

"Here. I'll help you."

"Thank you! I'm sorry I'm so clumsy."

"You're welcome. Do tell us if you need any more help."

A burst of warmth filled Catherine's chest and she smiled contentedly. They were so good to her, like Lady Valentina! Catherine felt a rush of guilt. She hadn't spoken to Lady Valentina directly since the tea party, and whenever she saw her at balls and public events, she smiled at her like nothing was wrong. At the tea party, she'd shown Catherine vulnerability because she'd trusted her as a friend, but Catherine had wounded her instead.

As they rode into the forest, Catherine's conscience tormented her painfully. Lady Valentina was not with them, but Lady Annalise and Lady Delilah rode on either side of her, like guards. Timidly, she spoke to them.

"Um, is Lady Valentina not hunting with us?"

"She's hunting with the royal party. His Majesty, His Highness, Grand Duke Avington, my mother, and a few other nobles. She told us to invite you along with us if we saw you."

"O-oh. That's very sweet of her."

"It is. She's terribly fond of you."

At Lady Delilah's words and Lady Annalise's piercing glance, Catherine wanted to disappear. Why, of all people, did Prince Oscar have to be her fiance? How would Uncle and Father possibly make everything all right? Powerless as she was, the only thing she could do was believe, but that was getting difficult.