To be the Villainess

O13.

Chapter 13

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“ATTACK!” I squinted when a loud voice cut through outside the tent. “Monsters are attacking the camp!” My eyes flew open at the alarming news. I tried to sit up, but something heavy was pinning me down.

“D-Darious?!” I gasped in shock as I looked down. There he was, lying across my stomach with his head nestled into my abdomen. His arm was draped across me as if I were a human pillow. The remnants of last night’s events hit me with startling clarity.

“Wake up! There’s—” I began urgently, but he silenced me by pressing a hand over my mouth. His eyes barely cracked open, and he glared at me with sleepy irritation.

“You’re so noisy,” he mumbled through a yawn, his voice muffled as he nuzzled back into my stomach. He shifted his head slightly, trying to get comfortable again, and his breathing soon settled back into a steady rhythm.

I stared at him, bewildered. The audacity! Frowning deeply, I grabbed a pillow and gave him a firm smack on the side. He jolted upright, blinking groggily as he rubbed his eyes and looked at me with confusion.

I crossed my arms and glared at him. “What—”

Before he could respond, I stuffed the blanket into his mouth in a swift motion and scrambled to my feet.

“You’ve rested enough, haven’t you? Why—” I tried to continue, but he interrupted by hurling a pillow at my face. I snatched it out of the air, my frustration boiling over as I glared at him.

“That was the alarm, you idiot. There’s no monster. You just ruined my sleep with your stupidity.” He cradled his head in his hands, as though I was an unwelcome disturbance.

Seriously? I had spent the night hugging him like a human teddy bear, and now he was mumbling nonsense? Maybe I should smack him again! Who wouldn’t be alarmed by a loud scream? And who in their right mind sets up a fake alarm like that?

I was about to snap back, but he turned his back to me and snuggled back into his makeshift pillow of blankets. My eyebrows knitted together in frustration at his childish behavior. Huh.

“My lord, the morning rations are— My lady? What are you doing here?” I turned to the source of the voice, recognizing Sebastian.

“Why should I explain myself to a knight who left his master without a word?” I shot back, rolling my eyes. I was still irritated with Darious, so I didn’t want any interference.

Sebastian flinched at my words. I examined him. He had lost weight over the past three days, and his appearance was disheveled—his hair was a mess and his dark circles were prominent. But despite the disarray, his handsomeness remained intact, though he looked quite unkempt.

Clearing his throat, he met my gaze. “How about we take a walk around the camp to lift your spirits, my lady?” he suggested. I glanced over at Darious, who was drooling in his sleep, and sighed.

“That sounds good,” I agreed, moving towards him. Sebastian exhaled in relief and placed his left hand in front of me.

“There’s no need for such formality, we’re not at the manor,” I said, fixing him with a steady look. He quickly withdrew his hand and nodded.

His lips formed a straight line. “Shall we then?” I nodded in response and followed him.

“As we walk, I’ll update you on the preparations for the morning rations,” he began, leading us through the camp.