The Villain's Dead Wife

4. Breakfast Brouhaha

The night blurred into dawn as I devoured books with a fervor. I immersed myself in the etiquette of royalty, the history of Valkathra, and the grand tales of other kingdoms.

Turns out, Solterra is a dukedom within the mighty kingdom of Valkathra. And guess what? Meredia is slated to marry the crown prince of Valkathra, Kairan Alistair Ashbourne.

Oh, no way! I’m not letting that happen. Time to start planning my escape. Hahaha!

Just then, the door burst open, and a maid walked in. She froze when she saw me, standing on one leg on a chair, laughing maniacally like some deranged scholar.

Her face struggled to stay neutral, but it was clear she was more than a little unsettled.

“Lady Meredia,” she said, trying to sound professional despite her visible anxiety, “The Duchess has sent me to fetch you for breakfast.”

I snapped out of my crazed pose, straightened up, and plopped back down into the chair, trying to look composed. “Oh, yes, thank you. I’m ready.”

I left the library, only to find the guards still stationed at their posts. They eyed me as if I’d just transformed back from a dragon or something equally bizarre.

I beamed at them, “Good morning, sirs!”

Their eyes widened in surprise, and smiles began to spread across their faces. In unison, they said, “Princess!”

I could see why they were so stunned. Apparently, Meredia had the social skills of a particularly reclusive cactus, never bothering to chat with the soldiers, guards, or even the maids.

Time for some strategic networking!

I figured befriending the guards could come in handy. I asked, “What are your names, sirs? I can’t keep calling you ‘sir’ all the time. I want to be casual. You’re like my friends now.”

The second guard, promptly burst into tears. “W-we… awe… y-youl… Fweinds… Pwincesss…”

Adorably emotional!

I nodded approvingly, “Yes, sir, you’re my friend. You all are like family to me.”

Fenric, the more composed of the two, cleared his throat. “My name is Fenric, and this boy's name is Kael.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you, Sir Fenric and Sir Kael!” I said, trying to sound as heartfelt as possible.

The maid standing nearby looked at me as if I were a color-changing chameleon. Given Meredia's previous track record of not even acknowledging the help, I guess my friendly behavior was akin to seeing a unicorn in the hallway.

With my new “family” in tow, I strutted off to breakfast, feeling like I’d just won a lottery of loyal allies.

____________________________

I would’ve preferred breakfast with Kael and Fenric in the mess hall, rather than facing the family of mine in the royal hall.

Duke Oberon, Meredia's father, was the picture of a royal steak-slicer, methodically cutting his bloody steak with military precision. His ginger red hair, streaked with white, was slicked back in what I could only assume was a “Don’t Mess With Me” hairstyle. His piercing blue eyes seemed to scrutinize my very soul.

Meredia's older brother sat at the long side of the table, his brown hair tousled and sharp deep blue eyes glaring at his porridge as if he had a personal vendetta against it. He dipped his spoon into the bowl with the intensity of someone about to conduct a scientific experiment, as if trying to determine just how to make the mushy substance more palatable.

Next to him sat a young boy around 16, with ginger hair, freckles, and a chubby, structured face, his two different eye colors—one blue and the other gold—standing out vividly. He was Meredia's younger brother, devouring a pastry with the intensity of someone who hadn’t seen food in a century.

I couldn’t help but drool a little, the sight of him relishing every bite making me acutely aware of my own empty stomach. His enthusiasm for the pastry was infectious, and I found myself wishing for a taste of whatever delightful treat he had in hand.

And then there was my mother, gracefully chewing her breakfast with the elegance of a swan. Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension in the room.

Suddenly, Duke's voice cut through the silence like a knife—ironically, the same kind he was using to attack his steak. “Meredia, how are you feeling?”

I was startled. I’d never heard him speak directly to me before. His deep sapphire blue eyes stared me down like I’d just failed a pop quiz on royal etiquette.

“I’m fine,” I squeaked, feeling like my voice was trapped in a secret vault.

My mother chimed in, “She’s been in shock ever since she woke up. It’s probably the trauma, Duke.”

Duke nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose we can’t be the cause of her distress…”

Before he could finish, The Elder Brother, Kiril cut in with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. “How could we be the cause, father? We’ve given her everything! And still, she chose to—”

His eyes locked onto mine, full of suspicion. I could practically feel the sweat forming on my forehead.

My mother, still elegantly chewing, raised an eyebrow at my sudden enthusiasm. Kiril looked confused, and Duke, well, his eyes went back to the steak, probably wondering if he needed a more robust fork.

The mood had lightened.

Kiril was the epitome of a responsible heir. He should’ve been the poster child for “How to Rule Without Losing Your Mind,” but here he was, glaring at me like I’d just stolen the crown jewels.

And then, Meredia's younger brother, Esther, piped up with, “I heard Meredia was in the library all night.”

Duke Oberon’s knife slipped from his hand, clattering onto his plate with a noise that made everyone jump. His eyes widened in shock, as if I’d just announced I’d been abducted by aliens.

“Meredia? In the library?” he gasped.

I forced a smile so wide it probably looked like I was auditioning for a circus. “Yes, Father. I’ve decided to dedicate myself to learning about royal politics and palace responsibilities.”

Kiril, ever the diplomat, frowned. “Why are you worrying about that?”

I batted my eyelashes and feigned innocence. “But Brother, I’ve been so useless all my life, only taking from everyone. Now I want to give something back. It’s time I start contributing!”

Kiril’s eyes narrowed, clearly not buying the act, but it was enough to make Duke's eyes glisten with tears.

The Duke, choking up as if I’d just won a Nobel Prize for being the Most Improved Daughter, said, “My little girl has grown up so much. I remember when she used to play all day, never worrying about anything. Now she’s taking on the weight of the palace!”

The Little Ginger Bread, munching on his pastry with the satisfaction of a cat that’s just caught a canary, chimed in, “Wow, Meredia! Who knew you’d go from sleeping beauty to... well, a studying beauty?”

I tried not to laugh as the family continued their praise and bewilderment. It was like they were holding a parade in my honor, and I hadn’t even done anything yet.