alienfrommars

In the year 675th of the imperial calendar, the empress, known for her brawn and wits, died at the hands of her beloved emperor. However, she awoke ten years prior to her death and in the body of Marsella Ross.

Marsella Ross. A good-for-nothing bastard child of Marquess Ross. Lived in the outskirt of the capital with only her nanny, the empress, now in this body and had this identity as Marsella swore to live peacefully — away from the bloody path she had taken, away from the power struggle. 

But is living peacefully possible when reality slapped her with the news of her sudden engagement with the Grand Duke?

The Grand Duke of Esmond, Luis Deviltooth Deamonne. A maniacal tyrant. Rumors have it bloodshed followed him like a shadow. He would murder nobles on a whim, and was said to have a heart as frigid as the cold north. 

With a marriage plotted by the emperor to keep him under control, many assumed Marsella and Luis’ will disavow their engagement. But alas, it had the complete opposite effect to them. They looked forward to it.

A villainess for the devil. 

Except:

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!”

I turned and faced my groom, and he lifted my veil. Just like mine, the corner of his lips curled up devilishly as our eyes met. Red meets black. 

“They say a confident smile is the most beautiful accessory a woman can wear, but I’d say your smirk is, my wife.” He mused in a low tone, eyes glinting mischievously.

“I beg to disagree, my husband.” A chuckle slipped past my lips as I quirked a brow. “A woman’s best accessory is a handsome man.”

“Handsome? You surely have an odd taste to say that.”

I closed my eyes as he leaned in, waiting for his lips against mine. “I do not have an odd taste. It was just that my taste is beyond fashion, my husband.” 

Luis let out a low and soft chuckle before his lips touched mine, sealing this marriage with a kiss, and marking the beginning of our constant banter.

In most stories, marriage meant a happily ever after. But to them, it was just the beginning. 
 As their marriage progressed, secrets that lie in her blood slowly unveil, giving her an insatiable thirst that wasn't easily quenched. Could Luis accept his wife, who wasn't a normal human?

And with the threats to his life, could Marsella disregard the peaceful life she longed to protect her husband?

Temporary novel cover to celebrate women's month. Cover not mine. 
****
Original Story by: alienfrommars
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM for original character arts: @authoralienfrommars
Discord server: https://discord.gg/tbS4rKec3e

Villainess for the Devil

"My lady." Melanie, Marsella's nanny, and now my nanny, looked at me worriedly. "We should," she paused as she leaned closer, looking around discreetly. "run away, my lady."

Don't be foolish, my dearest nanny. I sported a weak smile and shook my head. "I'm alright, Nana. You know how Father is like if I disobey him." I reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly.

From the memories of Marsella, only Melanie remained true to her. Melanie treated Marsella as her own, sacrificing herself just so Marsella could have little comfort in life. I wanted to take her with me, but I'd rather leave her for now for her own safety as well.

"Nana, I will surely get you out of here," I reassured, staring at her straight in the eye. "For now, take care of yourself, hmm?"

"My lady." Melanie welled up as she nodded in agreement.

Revision 2