_saintrose

Beatrice Da Ville was meant to be the villainess. Arrogant, cruel, and doomed to die. But when a 21st-century woman wakes up in her body, she refuses to meet that fate.

Avoiding execution should have been simple: keep her head down, stay out of trouble, and let the story run its course. But the world refuses to let her disappear. The nobles are always whispering about her, the royal family won’t leave her alone, and worst of all—the cold, calculating Crown Prince keeps watching her like he knows she’s up to something.

But the deeper she gets entangled in the kingdom’s growing tensions, the more she realizes something terrifying. This story was never just about the heroine and villainess. And if she’s not careful, she won’t just die. She’ll play right into the ending that was always meant for her.

If the script won’t let her live, then she’ll just have to rewrite it herself.

The Villainess Refuses to Follow the Script

Queen Cecile was many things. Regal. Graceful. Sharp as a blade.

She was also, as Beatrice was now realizing, a woman with far too much free time.

Because why else would she summon Beatrice for an afternoon social visit?

Beatrice sat stiffly on the velvet chaise, watching as the queen delicately poured tea into an ornate porcelain cup. The royal parlor was as extravagant as expected. Gold-trimmed furniture, massive windows letting in soft sunlight, and fresh floral arrangements carefully placed around the room.

And across from Beatrice, Johanna sat with perfect poise, effortlessly composed.

Beatrice resisted the urge to groan.

Oh, this was going to be painful.

"You've been adjusting well to life at court, Lady Beatrice," Queen Cecile said smoothly, passing her a teacup. "Haven't you?"

Chapter 28