The Villain's Dead Wife

10. The Weight of Power

I sighed. I couldn't bear it anymore. I'm not a timid girl. I've fought people in my 18 years of life, and I'm not getting scared of this pea-eyed man.

I glared at him. "What's your problem, Your Royal Highness?"

He didn't say anything and just stared at me with an expression of amusement. Why is he a miser?

Yeah, you must have thought that Meredia is a foolish woman. But even if she's foolish, she won't bear anyone pulling her down by her dress.

I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. "You think you're so high and mighty just because you're a prince? Well, newsflash, not everyone is here to bow down to you."

Kieran's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice cold and sarcastic. "You certainly have a talent for stating the obvious. Do you have any other brilliant observations, or is this the extent of your wit?"

Oh, great, now he's a royal jerk with a superiority complex. Someone get this guy a mirror so he can admire himself properly.

I rolled my eyes, determined to keep my tone light despite the icy tension. "You know, for someone who seems to think he's so above everyone else, you sure have a lot of time to waste on pointless staring contests."

Kieran's lips curved into a chilling smirk. "Perhaps I just find your attempts at bravado entertaining. It's like watching a mouse try to roar."

"Oh, I'm a mouse? What makes you think that? I'm not a mouse." I crossed my arms and leaned in slightly, challenging his icy demeanor with my own fiery spirit.

Kairan raised an eyebrow, his smirk never faltering. "You scurry about, making noise and flailing around, yet ultimately achieving nothing of consequence. Sounds quite mouselike to me."

Wow, he's really committed to this whole 'cold and heartless' act.

I tilted my head, giving him a sweet yet mocking smile. "And here I thought princes were supposed to be charming. Did you miss that lesson in royal school, or were you too busy perfecting your condescending stare?"

His eyes darkened slightly, the amusement fading into something more menacing. "Charming is for those who need to win favors. I, however, do not."

Ah, there it is. The ice king's true colors. Seriously, did he practice that glare in the mirror?

"Well, good for you," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll just be over here, not caring."

Kairan remained eerily silent, his gaze fixed on me with a chilling intensity. The weight of his stare made me acutely aware of my blunder.

Great, Meredia. Why do you always have to overdo it with your mouth?

My eyes shot to his hand, which was now inching toward the hilt of his sword. The realization struck like a slap.

Wait… Wait… What!? Why is he reaching for his sword?

Panic surged as he drew the blade, the metal catching the moonlight with a foreboding gleam.

WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!!!??? I AM SORRY WHAT!!? I AM SORRY!! WAAAAHAAAA!!!

I recoiled, desperately raising my hands in a futile attempt to shield myself. “I-I didn’t mean it! I’m really sorry!”

Kieran’s eyes were as frigid as ever, his expression an unfeeling mask. “Your apologies are as effective as a paper shield in a rainstorm.”

Fantastic. I’ve gone from awkward escape artist to a hysterical mess about to be chopped into royal confetti.