Another Villainess

Chapter 22

"Ah. . . Lady Raiyus." Garrin brushes the top of his hair back and glances away, nervously chuckling. "I knew the crown princess was said to be in love with his highness. . . but to come to the guild based off a rumor seems to be. . . more than I expected."

I close my mouth. No wonder he's shocked. He believes my reason for visiting is because I'm conscience of Alana, who many are saying will be engaged to Sylvian soon because I am a stain on the duchy, and will be on the royal family if I am to marry Sylvian. However, Alana's debut party is what sparks Gabriel's wish to move the rebellion forward, which in all, he had been planning for a much longer time, in fact since he began as a representative the Emperor sent to garner support for Sylvian and the Arlay Empire. He brought a great many overseas to support his uprising, and convinced many to continue investing in the empire once he took the crown. Through them, he also was able to gather people for his army. 

This party is essential in the story and as a spark for the novel's rebellion. The Emperor saw Alana Callinghan's return as the perfect opportunity for the royal family to gather it's international support. He called back Gabriel, meaning his duties were completed, and invited the ambassadors of the countries Gabriel connected with to attend the debut of Alana, the daughter of one of the Empire's three great families, so they could see Sylvian and the empire for themselves. It also aligned with his wish for Alana Callinghan to become the new crown princess, seeing it as a way for her to gather support and acceptance into society before she rose to the position he intended for her.

The reason I need information on this party, is exactly because of this. I need to know everyone who is meant to be attending, and once it ends, I'll come back for information on everyone who did attend. The first official rebellion meeting begins here, as stated in the latter half of the novel. Gabriel falls for Alana and rediscusses plans of the rebellion with some of the ambassadors of this party, as well as supporters he has within this empire. This list will narrow down who is on what side, and give me more protection once the first half of the story is over, assuming I make it through, which should be possible as long as I'm able to stay out of Sylvian and Alana's way.

However, Garrin believing I came because of my jealousy is a convenient scapegoat, and it also seemed to erase his suspicion of me.

"Yes, well, he is my fiancé, Mr. Forten, and the position of crown princess is nothing to scoff at." I narrow my eyes at him. "I'd advise you not speak on what you think is acceptable when it comes to the lengths I would go for the person I love." I push the coin purse closer to him.

"I'm sorry, Lady Raiyus, I misspoke." He shyly smiles again. "It's commendable. Do not worry, I'll gather all you need to know about the party. From the guest list to the inventory to what dress the Calinghan's lady plans to wear, I'll send word once it's complete and hand it all over." He snatches up the coin purse, which is more than adequate, and beams at me, his light-hearted facade returning.

"Yes. . . yes good." I stand awkwardly, slightly uncomfortable about lying about this sort of thing. "I will await your message then." I turn towards Eden to leave, finally catching sight of his prolonged shock. He must have misunderstood as well. No matter.

"Such an esteemed guest! Allow me to walk you out, Miss!" Garrin hops up, wiping the sweat off his brow, and leads us back into the dim, elegant hallway, and downstairs into the bar. The old, crooked tooth man bows to us as we exit.