Chapter 41: A Villainess Faces the Royal Court (Help.)

Chapter 41: A Villainess Faces the Royal Court (Help.)

Step One: Don't Make Eye Contact

Seraphina sat at the long dining table, feeling trapped.

The royal court had gathered for an "informal dinner."

Which, in noble terms, meant interrogating the new guest until she cried.

Great.

Fantastic.

Couldn't they have just poisoned her and saved everyone the trouble?

—

Step Two: Avoid Talking Too Much

A noblewoman with a sharp smile leaned forward.

"Lady Seraphina, I heard you recently won a duel against Lady Genevieve."

Seraphina froze.

Oh. That.

"Uh…" she cleared her throat. "Define won."

The noblewoman raised an eyebrow.

"Did she or did she not leave the arena in tears?"

Seraphina thought back.

Genevieve, sobbing dramatically while her dress was ruined.

Seraphina, standing over her, looking like a victorious warlord.

"…I think it was a tie," she lied.

The nobles laughed.

—

Step Three: Don't Attract More Male Leads (Oops.)

Just as Seraphina thought she was safe, another problem walked in.

Or, rather, stalked in.

Prince Adrian Evernight.

The coldest, most untouchable member of the royal family.

With silver hair, crimson eyes, and a perpetual glare that could freeze an ocean.

He sat down across from her.

Then, without blinking, he said—

"You are an interesting woman, Lady Seraphina."

Seraphina's soul left her body.

—

Step Four: Panic Internally

The room went silent.

The nobles stared.

Prince Alexander, sitting beside her, sipped his wine like nothing happened.

Seraphina, meanwhile, was mentally screaming.

WHY. WHY. WHY.

SHE WAS TRYING TO AVOID MALE LEADS, NOT COLLECT THEM.

"Uh," she said weakly, "thank you?"

Prince Adrian's red eyes glowed.

"It wasn't a compliment."

Seraphina sweated.

—

Step Five: Accept That She Was Doomed

As the dinner continued, Seraphina realized three things:

1. She had accidentally offended half the noblewomen present.

2. Prince Adrian was still watching her.

3. Prince Alexander looked amused, like he enjoyed her suffering.

When the meal finally ended, she practically ran out of the hall.

Only for Prince Adrian to follow her.

"Wait," he said.

Seraphina froze.

Not again.

She slowly turned, forcing a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

He stepped closer.

Then, in a low, unreadable voice, he said—

"I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Seraphina internally screamed.

WHY DID THIS KEEP HAPPENING TO HER?!

—

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: A Villainess Accidentally Gains Another Dangerous Admirer!