The Villain's Dead Wife

8. Operation: Escape the Ice Prince

As I wriggled away from the gaggle of impressed girls, a sudden commotion swept through the hall like a tidal wave of gossip.

I overheard snippets of chatter that made me almost wish I’d stayed to listen.

“Oh my! The Prince is here!”

“He looks so cold. Like, seriously. Someone get him a heater or a hot cocoa!”

“And he’s so handsome. I swear, he could make a statue wish it had a heartbeat.”

I glanced around, my heart doing acrobatics as I braced myself for the prince’s grand entrance.

Fantastic. Not only is he a prince, but he’s also apparently a human ice sculpture. I really should’ve thought this through. Running away might have been a better plan.

The doors creaked open with all the drama of a soap opera, and there he was—Prince Kairan Alistair Ashbourne, striding in like he had an entourage of dramatic music playing just for him. He moved with the kind of grace that made me wonder if he’d been practicing his royal stroll in front of a mirror.

He was dressed in a deep emerald suit that practically screamed, “Look at me, I’m expensive!” The fabric shimmered like it had its own personal light show. His coat, trimmed with silver, swirled behind him as if it were trying to hypnotize the crowd into adoring him. His boots were so shiny they could double as emergency signal mirrors, and his hair was styled with the precision of a master sculptor.

But the real kicker was his eyes. Those piercing green eyes. They looked so intense I half-expected them to shoot lasers. It was like he was the star of some epic fantasy movie, and everyone was just waiting for him to start reciting prophecies.

Wonderful. Just what I needed. A prince who looks like he’s auditioning for the role of “Most Enigmatic Royal Ever.” How am I supposed to compete with this living fairy tale?

As he navigated through the crowd, you could practically see the swooning, the whispering, and the collective gasps of admiration. I had a sudden urge to shout, “Hey, prince! Can you use your magic to make this gown lighter?” Instead, I clutched my dress and prepared for whatever theatrical nonsense was coming next. If I had to endure this royal spectacle, I might as well add a sprinkle of humor to my misery.

Behind Prince Kairan was his younger brother, Ancillin Emrys Ashbourne. He was cute and handsome, but at the moment, I couldn’t care less.

I’d rather watch paint dry than deal with another charming prince who rejected Meredia. Go play with your toy soldiers or something!

As the prince and Ancillin were welcomed by Duke, lost in their royal gossip, I saw my chance.

This is it. Operation: Escape the Ice Prince is a go!

I grabbed the hem of my gown and took off like I was running from a pack of wild dogs.

But just as I was about to reach safety, I felt the coldest gaze pierce through me. I glanced back, and there he was: Prince Kairan, staring at me like I was a particularly intriguing piece of furniture.

Oh, great. He’s got a gaze that could freeze lava. Does he have X-ray vision, too?

His emerald eyes were fixed on me, making me feel like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming train. My breath came in short, panicked gasps, and sweat was pooling in places I didn’t even know could sweat.

I’m not some damsel in distress! I’m just trying to avoid being frozen solid by your icy stare!

I pushed my legs harder, dodging through the crowd, desperately trying to avoid becoming the prince’s next unwitting subject. If I had to survive this night, it was going to be without turning into an ice sculpture.

But bam!

I fell!

I fell badly!

I went down like a sack of potatoes, face-first, with my legs flailing in the air like I was auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The whole hall’s attention shifted to me like I was the main attraction at a circus.

I could feel every eye in the room boring into me. I was pretty sure that the cursed prince saw the whole thing. I heard a snicker from somewhere, and when I managed to lift my face out of the floor, I saw my younger brother, Esther, grinning like he’d just witnessed the funniest thing on earth.

Seriously, Esther? Is this your idea of entertainment? Watch your sister become a human pancake?

I tried to get up with as much dignity as I could muster, but my gown had decided to tangle around my legs like it was auditioning for a role in a “Caught in the Act” video.

“Perfect. Just perfect,” I muttered as I struggled to my feet. “Could this evening get any more spectacular?”

Esther just laughed louder, and I shot him a look that could’ve melted ice.

Well, at least if I’m going to embarrass myself, I’m doing it with style.

I finally managed to extricate myself from the gown’s death grip and stood up, brushing off the dirt along with my shattered dignity.

Looking around, it hit me: the entire hall had witnessed my dramatic face-plant, and yes, the prince had definitely seen it. His gaze was locked on me, making my cheeks flush like I’d just been caught stealing cookies.

“Perfect. Just what I needed,” I grumbled under my breath. “An audience for my impromptu audition as the palace clown.”

Esther, still laughing like he’d just heard the funniest joke ever, sauntered over with a grin so wide it could have been used as a dinner plate. “Nice fall, sis. Joining the circus anytime soon?”

I shot him a look that could’ve melted ice. “Oh, absolutely. Because nothing screams ‘prince charming’ like watching someone eat the floor.”

The prince’s eyes remained fixed on me. I could almost hear his inner dialogue: Well, she’s definitely the highlight of tonight’s entertainment.

Duchess approached, giving Esther a playful nudge. “Are you okay, Mery? Do you need to rest? Should I send you to your room?”

I almost slapped myself on the forehead with frustration. “No, Mother, I’m f—”

Hold on a second! This is my golden opportunity! I can make a break for it now!

Forget the royalty, the over-the-top clothes, the impractical shoes, and the glittering jewelry. I’m running away to live "alive" in a cozy little cottage where the only audience will be the occasional squirrel!

It didn’t take me long to vanish into the safety of my room, leaving the gala chaos behind.

Once inside, I had a mini fashion show of my own as I ripped through the wardrobe, tossing out clothes with reckless abandon.

Step right up, folks, for the Great Escape!

I fashioned a makeshift rope from the pile of gowns, capes, and whatever else I could get my hands on. After throwing it out the window, I admired my handiwork.

Spectacular, absolute, fabulous! I thought, feeling like a cross between a daring adventurer and a laundry catastrophe.

As I prepared for my grand exit, I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone would notice a parade of dresses dangling from the palace window. But hey, who needs royal balls when you’ve got a makeshift escape plan that’s pure genius?