The Villainess Refuses to Follow the Script-Chapter 16 -

Beatrice turned at the sound of footsteps, and there stood Johanna, her ever-serene expression in place. The soft glow of the hallway lanterns cast a golden light over her delicate features, making her look every bit the perfect heroine she was meant to be.

"Lady Beatrice," Johanna greeted warmly, her voice gentle. "I was hoping to speak with you before the evening ended."

Beatrice arched an eyebrow. "Oh? What about?"

Johanna smiled, stepping closer. "I just wanted to ensure you're adjusting well here. It must be quite the change, staying in the palace for an extended period."

Beatrice forced a polite chuckle. "Well, it's certainly not dull."

Johanna studied her for a moment, as if carefully choosing her next words. "I imagine it must feel overwhelming at times. The court is full of expectations, traditions... responsibilities."

Beatrice's grip tightened slightly on her skirts. There it is. A subtle reminder of her place.

Johanna wasn't being openly hostile, far from it. She was offering kindness laced with something just a little too pointed to ignore.

Beatrice met her gaze and smiled. "Oh, don't worry about me. I've been managing just fine."

Johanna tilted her head, her golden curls bouncing with the movement. "I'm glad to hear that. After all, it's important to know where we belong in these situations."

There it was again.

If Beatrice had been the old villainess, she might have snapped back. She might have issued some underhanded remark or veiled insult.

But she wasn't that Beatrice.

So instead, she simply smiled.

"You're right," she said smoothly. "And I suppose the only way to know for sure is to let things play out naturally."

Something flickered in Johanna's expression, just for a second. It was gone before Beatrice could be certain it had even been there.

Johanna nodded, as composed as ever. "Yes. I suppose time will reveal everything."

Beatrice didn't know why, but that statement sent a faint chill down her spine.

Before she could dwell on it, a commotion echoed from the grand hall, signaling the final preparations for the Da Villes' departure.

"Ah," Johanna said, turning toward the sound. "It seems your family is leaving."

Beatrice exhaled, resisting the urge to slump in relief. "Finally."

Johanna gave a soft laugh. "You truly are different from them, aren't you?"

Beatrice hesitated for half a second before answering. "I guess so."

Johanna's smile remained as gentle as ever. "Then I suppose we shall see what kind of future awaits you."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her figure disappearing down the corridor.

Beatrice let out a slow breath, suddenly exhausted.

That was not a normal conversation.

Johanna hadn't been cruel. She hadn't even been confrontational. But for the first time, Beatrice felt like she'd been... measured. Studied.

Like Johanna was truly seeing her as something more than a nuisance.

Shaking off the unease, Beatrice made her way to the grand hall.

The Da Villes were gathered near the palace entrance, their departure in full motion. Servants rushed about, ensuring the carriages were packed, while nobles exchanged final pleasantries. Conrad stood tall, offering polite words to the king, while Ethel charmed those around her with one last dazzling smile.

"Your Majesties," Conrad said with a bow, voice smooth and respectful. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Queen Cecile offered a smile, though Beatrice could see the tension in the queen's eyes. "It was our pleasure, Duke Da Ville. I trust your visit was to your satisfaction."

"Most certainly," Conrad replied, not missing a beat. His gaze flickered briefly to Beatrice, but there was no hint of warmth in his eyes. "My daughter has been treated well here. I trust that you will continue to support her... interests."

Beatrice forced herself to remain still, biting back the urge to say something snide. They were leaving, but she knew they weren't truly gone. Not yet.

Ethel was next, gliding forward with a delicate smile. "Oh, Your Majesties," she said, her voice syrupy sweet. "What a delight this has been. I do hope we will see more of each other in the future. It is truly a pleasure to see such... refinement at court."

Beatrice waited on the side until it was Magnus' turn to say his farewell. Her brother, however, had other ideas.

He strolled past Beatrice and straight toward Lila, his smirk firmly in place.

"Princess," he drawled, stopping just close enough to be annoying.

Lila, who had been watching the proceedings with thinly veiled impatience, turned to him with an unimpressed look. "You're still here?"

Magnus placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "I'm hurt. You sound almost eager to see me go."

Lila huffed. "Only because your presence is a constant headache."

Magnus chuckled. "And yet, you'll miss me."

Lila scoffed, lifting her chin. "I will do no such thing."

Magnus leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough that only she could hear. "Are you sure?"

Lila's breath hitched, just barely. It was a small, fleeting reaction, but Beatrice caught it.

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Magnus did too.

A slow, knowing smirk curved his lips.

Lila's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Leave. Now."

Magnus gave an exaggerated bow. "As you command, Your Highness."

Then, with a final wink, he turned on his heel and walked toward the carriage, completely at ease.

Lila stood frozen for a fraction of a second, her expression unreadable before she spun away, muttering under her breath.

Beatrice sighed. Oh, this is going to be a disaster.

The final farewells were exchanged, and at last, the Da Villes stepped into their carriage.

Conrad caught Beatrice's eye just before climbing inside. He didn't say anything, but the look he gave her sent a shiver of unease down her spine.

Then, the carriage doors closed, and the Da Villes were gone.

Beatrice let out a long, deep breath.

The Da Villes had left. But something told her their presence would still linger long after their departure.