Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 95 - Engagement (III)

I considered wearing a white dress to my engagement, in case it was the closest I ever got to a wedding, but I decided that I would save it for the actual wedding, because surely it would happen. Thus, I wore a majestic dress of brilliant gold and red, the colours of our two houses, and the most magnificent jewellry I had.

The dinner reception hosted by the king was exclusive to emphasize the importance of the affair. Only a handful of the most powerful people were invited, and we were using the royal dining room instead of the banquet hall. This was a celebration for the future of this kingdom, because I was going to be queen.

"Welcome, Grand Duke, Grand Duchess, and Lady Valentina. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind regards and for holding this dinner."

"You're very welcome, my dear girl. After all, you'll be my daughter-in-law soon."

He smiled, but the true feelings underneath the genial gaze were just as unreadable as his son's thoughts. We finished exchanging greetings and went to meet the other guests.

"Congratulations, Lady Valentina. I wish you all the best in your engagement."

"Thank you very much, Lady Delilah. I'm glad that you're here with me today."

"My darling Val, I can't believe you're getting engaged already! Are you sure it's not too soon?"

"Yes, Damian. I'm not a child anymore, though you'll always be my dearest brother."

Damian opened his mouth to say something, but Delilah pulled him away and quickly occupied him with conversation. Though it wasn't detectable to anyone who didn't know her well, I could see that she was smiling with pure bliss. Damian was nevertheless the picture perfect playboy, charming as ever, but with no pretense of real attachment in his composure.

I'd done the best for Delilah with removing Catherine, so it was all up to her now. I wasn't optimistic, so I felt a pang of sympathy for my friend, though hopefully the tactic would stall things enough for me to get rid of Catherine completely. I didn't like the glimpse of desperation in Delilah's eyes, betraying her usual elegance. Was that unrequited misery how the original Valentina felt?

"Good evening, Lady Valentina."

"Good evening, Your Highness."

At least now, I had something better to aim for. My past life's trauma had given me ambition, so I could focus on the crown instead of the prince. However, I did enjoy seeing Oscar and knowing that he probably liked me more than he did in the novel. Regardless, it was a pleasant surprise when he quietly spoke his next words.

"After this, I would like to spend time with you alone."

I glanced around to ensure that no one could hear, and murmured back to him.

"I'll look forward to it."

He was the male lead and definitely a gentleman, so I wasn't sure what kind of 'time' he had planned, but I was happy that he wanted to spend it with me.

"Dinner will now begin!"

We streamed into the dining room. The king sat at the head of the table, with me to his left and Oscar to his right, so we faced each other. The queen sat next to her son with her mask of pretentious grace, across from my father's intimidating countenance. The atmosphere was tense at this end of the table.

As everyone took their seat, King Henry lifted his glass, which was already filled with wine.

"We gather here today to celebrate the engagement of my son, Prince Oscar, my heir and the next king of Orilon, to Lady Valentina, the future Grand Duchess of Avington and God's saint. They have been betrothed since they were both children, for nine years now, during which they've grown and matured together. This is certainly a union that will bring happiness and prosperity, and I'm confident in the prospects of this kingdom, in such hands that have already proven themselves to be brilliant and continue to do so everyday."