The Devil is the Villainess (COMPLETED)

Chapter XIX: The Devil's Warning

Frederick looked at Medea in disbelief as he watched her sit comfortably on the guest's sofa, sipping a cup of tea. With a troubled sigh, he dismissed all the servants and instructed them to leave. 

Once they were alone, the crown prince settled himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs and arms. His expression was serious and composed as he spoke in a measured tone, "If I recall correctly, I provided you with a specific time and date for a formal meeting. So, what are you doing here, Medea?"

Medea, dressed elegantly in black, gracefully placed her teacup on its saucer before setting it on the small table between them. She met his gaze with her piercing red eyes. "I came to warn you about your brother, Your Highness," she said with deliberate seriousness.

Frederick furrowed his brows at her words. He was well aware of his older brother's capabilities and the need for caution around him, but a warning from Medea? Destiny must be playing tricks on him. Maintaining his composed demeanor, he replied, "If this is one of your games, then I have no interest in hearing it."

She chuckled incredulously at his words. "Surely if I were jesting, you would not appreciate it, and neither would I waste my time on such frivolities," she replied. She crossed her arms and leaned back against the sofa, her demeanor cool and unyielding. "Prince Rezef was the one who tried to kill me," she stated bluntly.

Frederick couldn't believe what he was hearing. Medea's claims about his brother seemed utterly implausible. Why would Rezef do such a thing, especially when it had nothing to do with the throne? 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Frederick spoke with grave seriousness, "Do you understand the consequences of accusing a member of the Imperial Family? You could be executed for this, Medea."

Medea remained unfazed by his warning. With a calm demeanor, she replied, "Believe it or not, Your Highness, but Prince Rezef was the mastermind behind my assassination attempt."

Frederick frowned, skepticism clear in his eyes. "How am I supposed to believe you? Do you have any evidence to support this serious accusation, Medea?"

Annoyance flickered in Medea's eyes. How could he be so ignorant about his own brother? Perhaps he knew but chose stubbornly to deny it. She couldn't blame him; who would believe a woman who had once fooled his lover into drinking poison? 

With a troubled look, Medea took a deep breath to steady herself. She had no choice but to reveal the truth, even if it meant reopening old wounds.

"We made a deal," she began, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. "Rezef and I joined forces to separate you and Elysia. Despite our agreement, I went rogue and acted on my own, leading to Elysia's poisoning out of my own hatred and selfishness."

Frederick was astounded, reeling from the unexpected revelation. He massaged his temples, struggling to process the information. "Are you saying that after I broke off our engagement, you allied with my brother to achieve your own ends? To get me?" he asked in disbelief.

Medea nodded, her expression a mix of regret and frustration. "Unfortunately, I failed due to my own stupidity." Internally, she scoffed, resenting the fact that she now bore the brunt of her vessel's actions. I wanted to blame it all on this woman. But I remember I was her currently.

Frederick sighed deeply, clasping his hands together. "But why would my brother go to such lengths just because you nearly killed Elysia? It doesn't make sense," he muttered.

Medea's red eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing within them. She placed a finger on her lips, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, how clueless you are." She smirked menacingly, leaning forward slightly. "It must be because he loves her too."