Long live the Villainess

#0- Aideen of Svenja

The young girl fell to her knees. Even though she was dressed in numerous layers of satin and muslin, pain coursed through her frail body.

But this pain was insignificant, like a delicate snowflake lost in a violent snowstorm, compared to the shock brought by the horrific vision of the corpse.

The identity of the body was impossible to discern. The skin had been cut in hundreds of places, covered in dried, coagulated blood whose metallic and nauseous smell still couldn't completely overtake the roses incense, and as a result the combination of those both smells, filled the room with an unbreathable parfum. 

Ivory bones and scarlet red organs were revealed under the torn baby blue uniform and the silver buttons. The slender neck was twisted at an impossible angle, hiding the face of the victim.

But the strands of hair, similar to melted gold, were recognizable among a thousand, even though they were now dipped in a maroon liquid.

"Sorin," she whispered.

Her dear twin, her beloved brother, lying in this pool of blood, his body completely ripped apart.

She was unable to utter a sound. Her throat was closed. And her heart was crushed by sharp, invisible claws.

Behind her, a high-pitched scream followed by rushing metal and the heavy sounds of footsteps.

A few moments later, the little parlor was invaded by dozens of knights. They circled around the body like vultures. It was as if the deadly pale princess was invisible.

But suddenly, she felt the warm embrace of a familiar touch. Gloved hands gently shielded the horrific scenery. Even blinded, she recognized the pine scent of her fiancé.

Her face buried into his chest, she cried all the tears of her body, staining his pure white vest. Arien firmly held her in his arms.

"Sorin," she cried over and over again.

The violent image of his body kept appearing before her eyes.

"It is going to be alright, Aideen. It is going to be alright."

But the soothing voice of her beloved didn't ease her trembling body.

"Someone call His Majesty immediately!" yelled a rough voice. "The Crown Prince of Svenja has been murdered."

Aideen's body suddenly collapsed. The young Duke tried to wake her up, but the princess had lost consciousness.

He lifted her as gently as if he were carrying a newborn.

"I am bringing Her Highness back to her room."

No one responded to him as they were too occupied circling around the profaned body. An outraged feeling bloomed in his heart at the indifference towards his beloved. His hands trembled, but he didn't relish his anger, prioritizing Aideen's condition.

Fortunately or not, the apartment of his fiancée was close to the crime scene. The princess's head maid, Marietta, dropped the bouquet of lilies she was holding in her hands when she saw her master motionless.

"Dear gods! What in the world happened?" she cried, rushing as fast as she could.

Her black uniform floated around her as she grabbed the princess's hand.

"I will tell you what happened later; for now, we have to lay her down."

Marietta nodded vigorously and led the young Northern Duke towards her master's bed.

"Her temperature is higher than usual; we must call for the physician."

"I will go at once!" proposed a young maid standing near the door.