The Villainess's Unwritten Fate

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: A Subtle Shift 

The morning light filtered through the grand windows of the palace, casting a soft glow over the intricately designed marble floors. Aris sat at the long dining table, alone, her mind swirling with thoughts of the previous day's conversation with Helena. The quiet tension of her past actions still weighed on her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar, firm footsteps of her father, the Duke. He entered the room with his usual commanding presence, his dark hair reflecting the morning sun, casting a regal glow around him. He took his seat at the head of the table without a word, as was his way. Aris had grown accustomed to the silent breakfasts and stiff interactions, but now, it seemed even more oppressive.

"Father," she greeted him cautiously, unsure of how this conversation might go.

The Duke's eyes flickered in her direction. "You spent time with Lady Helena yesterday," he stated, not bothering to mask his suspicion.

Aris swallowed, nodding. "Yes. We spoke in the garden."

There was a long pause. He didn't respond immediately, instead focusing on his tea, as if assessing her from a distance. She braced herself for the sharp rebuke or lecture that always followed whenever she strayed from his plans. But none came. Instead, he set his cup down with a soft clink, his eyes sharper than before.

"And?" he asked, his tone gruff, but not unkind.

Aris blinked, slightly taken aback by his question. He wasn't scolding her, as she had expected. He was... curious? The realization threw her off for a moment.

"I think..." she hesitated, her heart pounding. "I think Lady Helena could be an ally to us, Father."

The Duke's expression didn't change, but something in his gaze softened, so subtle that Aris nearly missed it. His fingers drummed once on the table, a gesture she had come to recognize as his way of thinking.

"You've never suggested such a thing before," he finally said, his voice low.

Aris took a deep breath. "I believe we've been too harsh on her in the past. She's not our enemy. If we treat her with respect, she could be of great value."

For a long moment, he said nothing, simply watching her. Aris felt the weight of his scrutiny, expecting his usual cold dismissal. But instead, the Duke leaned back slightly, his eyes fixed on her, and to her surprise, there was no harshness in his expression.

"You've changed," he said, almost more to himself than to her. The words were spoken quietly, almost with a hint of reluctant admiration.

Aris blinked again, unsure of how to respond. "I... I'm just trying to make things right."

The Duke's lips twitched, not quite a smile, but close. "Do as you wish, but don't think for a moment that I'll clean up after your mistakes," he said, his tone gruff again. He stood up and began to walk away, but as he reached the door, he stopped, glancing back over his shoulder.

"Just... don't get yourself hurt," he added quietly, almost begrudgingly, before disappearing from the room.

Aris sat there, stunned. It was the first time she had heard any form of concern from him—however awkwardly delivered. Maybe, just maybe, her father wasn't as indifferent as she had always believed.

Aris felt a strange weight lift from her chest after her father's unexpected show of concern. It wasn't much—just a few words—but it was more than she had ever expected from the Duke. His cold exterior had cracked ever so slightly, leaving her with a sense of unease, but also hope.