Another Villainess

Chapter Five

It would only make sense to start here, at the beginning.

In Her Royal Love, the female lead debuts at a grand banquet, one held for the Crown Prince's birthday.

Alana Callinghan, daughter of Duke Callinghan, a Dukedom as powerful and rich with history as the Raiyus', was kidnapped when she was eight. After ten long years and continuous searching, finally she is found, a countryside family had raised her kindly.

The reunion was sweet, beautiful, and full of tears, but Alana soon learns that noble life was not so pretty past the ornate gowns and sophisticated home layouts. Even the powerful Duke Callinghan could not shield her from the bitter, judgmental eyes of the nobles, and she was left wronged by society.

But as you know, the female lead can only suffer from hardship for so long. In her deep misfortune, the Crown Prince finds her outside staring longingly at the stars, and he cannot turn away from her sorrowful expression and kind eyes.

And the banquet where they meet, and where she meets the rest of the male leads, is the one Zachary and I will be attending tomorrow.

As the fiancé to the man said banquet is held for, wouldn't it be natural for me to enter the hall with him? Unfortunately for Leondra, who threw a tremendous fit at the news, Sylvian wished to enter himself, and because it was his banquet and he is the crown prince, who had the right to refuse his stubborn request? In fact, the Duke just shook his head when he heard the news, angry at Leondra rather than the prince for being so extremely disliked. And Zachary was conflicted on whether he should laugh at her misfortune or be angry at the humiliation she brought to the Raiyus family when being outright rejected.

But finally, I know exactly where I am in the story, because the grand banquet is held tomorrow. Tomorrow I will finally meet Alana Callinghan, and instead of throwing wine in her face and slapping her when I find her alone on the balcony with Sylvian, I will mind my business and try my hardest to enjoy myself

And with that, I'll be able to see whether this story progresses regularly, or if I have absolute free reign on my actions. Hopefully, if I keep to myself—as much as my patience lets me— I can live pass 20 years.

Ahh. I want to go home. . .

"Miss Leondra, your food is here."

"Come in." I respond, forgetting how hungry I am after not eating all day. Hopefully it's more than just a handful of lettuce this time.

But my hopes are not met as I lift the tray and am  met with yet again, a sad salad, except this time there is a roll of bread and butter next to it.

"Wait." I stop the maid from making her quick exit. "Come back." I look coldly at her. I'd already decided to be on my best behavior, but it seems everyone is testing me."

"Yes, miss?" She walks back to me, not meeting my eye.

"Get me an actual meal. Are you planning to starve me? You?" I widen my eyes as I stare, making it difficult for her to keep looking away.

"I am not the one in charge of the meals, miss." She replies, her voice snarky.

"Oh? But you've brought me my food every time. Has the chef assigned you as my personal food fetcher? I'm sorry, I was unaware that was a position." I look at her with innocent concern. "Or maybe. . . You enjoy serving me so much you go out if your way to bring me my meals!"

"No, miss, I-" She looked at me confused, a glint of anger in her eyes before I cut her off.

"Well thank you very much for your service. In fact, bring me to the chef and I'll thank you both together." At this, she suddenly seems a little frightened, a smile tugging at my lips.

She clears her throat and the attitude returns to her face. "The chef is busy preparing meals for Duke Raiyus and the Young Master."

"I must insist. Please take me so I can show my gratitude. I feel so horrible for never thanking them before even though I'm served all this luxurious food." I glance at the salad, one I wouldn't even have made for myself when I was tight on cash paying my school bills.

My irritation rises higher in my stomach as the maid continues to insist on not listening, standing there like an idiot and unmoving.

"Now."

"Yes, Miss. . ." She finally caves after standing in silence, staring awkwardly at the ground for around 10 seconds.

As we walk the long halls, I continue admiring the truly gorgeous home, the trash inside undeserving of its grandness.