Villainess Tries Again (Hiatus...)

11

Argh why is it this Eddie again? And that fluff head Clara was here too.
"Miss Ephora, why don't we have tea together? It has been some time since we met."

I forced a smile and nodded since his loud voice was already attracting a few passerby. He was still a Duke's son and I didn't want to start unnecessary trouble and since I was still engaged to the Prince, I decided it wouldn't be a problem.
Clara clearly showed she didn't like me to, have tea with them. But I ignored her, not wanting to waste my second precious life on her.

Eddie was quite attentive, he made me order the most expensive desserts and made sure I was quite comfortably seated. Clara who didn't like to remain a spectator, butted in, a few times asking Eddie for help with this and that. Slowly he got to the topic "Lady Ephora, I heard your engagement with the First Prince."

"Hmm."

"Well are you sure you want this engagement? If not I can ask my father to talk with his Majesty about it."

I raised an eyebrow, no matter what playboy the First Prince was, he was still better than the guy who literally brought about my death and didn't he get it the last time I said, I didn't want an engagement with him.

I calmly laid down my cup "Young duke, why do you say as such? I am in love with the First Prince naturally it makes me delighted to be engaged to him."

His darkening face was akin to an oncoming typhoon. He clenched his fists "You...you love him? You are kidding me right Ephora?"

"Oh Lady Ephora, how could you like the First Prince, Eddie is way better than him."
As expected the beauty saves the ego of the hero. Eddie brightened up a little and gave a grateful glance to Clara as he turned towards me waiting for my answer.
I gave a polite smile "I am sorry young duke but I think the First Prince is outstanding. Naturally he is no less than others since he is the one I love."

Clara gave me a cunning glance while covering her mouth with a handkerchief. She even held onto Eddie's arm and coaxed him "Don't worry Eddie, I know how great you are."

"Wait Ephora, the First Prince has a bad reputation. Don't be fooled by him. You should not marry him."
Eddie boy wasn't going to give up so I stood not wanting to watch Clara's sickening looks.
He tried to grab my arm but someone else grabbed me by the waist.
I stared right into the pair of brilliant red eyes, his face was quite close as he gave me a side smile "I told you Ephora, it won't sit right with me if you accept such a lowly tea party."

My surprise was only visible to him as my face was completely facing his but Eddie was not bothered "Your highness, you should not force Lady Ephora. She should be able to have a choice in this matter."

He got a chilling glare from Ferez who leaned closer to me. "Ephora, do you want to get engaged with someone else?"

I assumed a tearful gaze "Of course not your highness, I don't know why Duke Edward keeps telling me to break off the engagement. He might still be sad, I didn't accept the Harper family's proposal. But I am sure he will get over it."

"Well he will have to," Ferez suddenly held my face and before I knew it, he was kissing me in front of Eddie and Clara who stared in shock.

It lasted a few minutes and then Ferez drew back and lightly rubbed his thumb over my lips. He just took away my first kiss like that and I was fuming inwardly with anger and embarrassment.

"You see young duke, I hope you stay away from my fiancee in the future."

Ferez led me to his carriage, I had to send mine home without me in it.
He didn't seem at all bothered by his action while I tried to compose my racing mind and panicking heart.
"Don't think too much about it. There can't be flaws in our act."
"Even...even if you didn't want Edward to interfere, you needn't have done that in public."

He gave a playful smile "Are you being shy right now?"

I coughed lightly while retorting "I am not."

He chuckled and leaned back on his seat, closed his eyes and slept. It was his usual behavior in the carriage, he may seem quite carefree but I knew Ferez only slept around 4 hours a day, due to his duties so during any other time he could sleep, he would take a break so I didn't try to argue further.

In the palace we got scolded by his Majesty who was quite upset with Ferez's frivolous actions. Somehow the Queen managed to calm him down and Ferez was grounded for a week.
I had to keep him company at this time since he constantly complained of boredom.
Three such days passed by and on the fourth day, Prince Hans who was the newly appointed crown prince came to pay Ferez a visit.
He was quite good looking but he had blond hair and light green eyes like a typical male lead in a book. Maybe I have a preference for dark haired guys. Hans talked with Ferez about paintings and music. He didn't bother touching the subject of politics since it was quite renowned that Ferez was not very fluent in politics nor interested.
He suddenly gave me a glance and asked "Are you and Miss Ephora going to the academy together?"
"Yes, I will be going with her to Azter academy."

This made me look at Ferez in surprise. Royals and nobles preferred going to Alpha academy as it provided extensive facilities and privileges much more than Azter which didn't distinguish students according to the titles or ranks.

"Why are you going to Azter too?" The question escaped from my mouth before I could think twice.

He gave me his fake smile "Of course, I would go wherever my fiancee goes."

Hans coughed a bit and hid his laugh as I turned away feeling angry. I had planned to enjoy a carefree time with Dulce and Liana at the academy but this block also had to join. Nevermind, I will make plans to avoid him there as much as possible.