Another Villainess

Chapter Ten

"I-I'm sorry." Alana trembles harder.

"Who is that?" I ask Ashe, who is completely mesmerized.

"I believe that's Duke Callinghan's lost daughter. Her entrance caused quite a stir but-" He gulps loudly, still staring at her while I roll my eyes. "I didn't get the chance to see her. . ."

"Yes, well, she seems to be in trouble, shouldn't you go help? I mean, the Crown Prince's banquet should be a fun and peaceful one." I try to get him to leave quickly, wanting the story to progress as fast as possible.

"Then, if you'll excuse me, Leondra." He clears his throat and walks over to the trembling girl who's being hounded by noble ladies for whatever reason.

I get some food, not really wanting to watch their interaction since I already know what happens. Some noble ladies pick on Alana because she wore the same dress as Colette Ischt, the daughter of the count and the noble lady who is at the top of this social hierarchy.

But Leondra is the only true villainess, and later on Zachary Raiyus will be a great help in lessening the rumors surrounding our mysterious protagonist. Colette Ischt will see who's helping her, as well as how much Duke Callinghan truly loves her, and will become a close friend of hers, along with the rest of her lackies.

How nice it would be if I had a friend myself.  I wonder why the author wrote Leondra to be so flat and unlikeable. And the reason for her death was just too stupid. All of this and for what?
Sylvian Arlay? A man who's attractive, yes, but this whole world is filled with attractive men. And he's an ass to Leondra, so he doesn't deserve her love.

Alana deserves better too- except she was very happy with him and he loved her so I guess it wasn't so bad.

I finally look back to the circle of peope, which has dissipated by now, and is left with Ashe Kieran smiling while watching Alana walk out of the main doors and into a hallway.

This must be the scene.

And sure enough, Sylvian walks out those same door some time after, shaking his head and looking drained.

I follow, quietly. This is a scene I don't want to miss. Especially if I get the chance to talk with Alana.

I stay far away and then stay low and close to the wall, very excited for my eavesdropping session.

"Aren't the stars beautiful?" Alana Callinghan stares dreamingly into the night, not turning as the balcony door opens with a click.

"Lady Callinghan, I didn't know you'd be out here, I'm sorry." Sylvian gasps as he steps out into the basking presence of the gorgeous woman.

"Greetings, your highness." She finally turns and bows. "Don't be sorry. Please join me."

He hesitates but stands next to her, leaning his arms against the railing, looking up into the sky just like the woman beside him.

"You're right. It is beautiful."

"Yes. I watched them every night, praying for my father and all those near and dear to him." She looks down sadly, but smiles, causing Sylvian's heart to beat a little faster.

"Why didn't you come back?" The Crown Prince brushes his hair back off.

"It wasn't so simple. I told the kind folks who saved me, but they didn't believe it." She shakes her head. "They said I shouldn't go around saying that. It's dangerous."

"Are you glad to be back?"

She opens her mouth to speak but closes it again. Alana buries her head into her crossed arms that match his position against the railing, her hair drips from her shoulders and lays messily down her back. "I love my father. . . but it's not. . . entirely what I expected."

Sylvian reaches out to touch her shoulder, comfortingly when he hears giggle from behind him.

Oops-

I grip my mouth tightly with both hands, my eyes tearing up as I try to hold in my laughter. It was so sweet in the story, but seeing it in person- there is absolutely no way these guys exist and are talking like this.

"Who's there?" Sylvian steps cautiously towards the open door.

He'll see me anyways when he comes inside.
I groan and hit my head with the palm of my hand.

"It's just me." I step out from the side, catching a glimpse of Alanas surprised face, admiring her beauty once again.

And then at Sylvian, who's red eyes are glowing with suspicion, his right arm instinctively raising to shield Alana.