"Since i am now the villain, let me be the greatest villainess"
Admist a symphony of enchanting lights and exquisitely attired nobility, Aria made her entrance, escorted by her brother. Ascending the grand hall's staircase, their arms intertwined, they exuded an aura of regal elegance. His pearl suit, adorned with intricate crimson lacing, harmonized seamlessly with her resplendent, floor-length crimson gown, adorned with a delicate black net overlay. A black rose graced her silver hair, cascading gracefully over her shoulders, while subtle makeup accentuated her most captivating feature - her entrancing eyes.
Aria's progress came to an abrupt halt as an all-too-familiar voice reached her ears. "Lady Silverstone!" The voice was unmistakable - Thea. With her auburn hair flowing gracefully and almond-green eyes gleaming, Thea approached Aria, her gown delicately lifted to facilitate her approach. Clad in an exquisite white gown with vibrant orange accents, she was accompanied by a maid bearing a sizable bouquet of white lilies.
"The villain..." The memory echoed in Aria's head as Thea's smile grew expectant. "Lady Northwood," she responded, projecting an air of composed elegance.
Thea's demeanor swiftly shifted, her curtsy punctuated by earnest words, "It's really you. Oh my, please drop the formalities, Lady Ariana! I genuinely admire you so much, Lady Ariana! Since your coming-of-age ceremony, where you presented Lord Beaumont with a thousand pure white lilies, I've looked up to you."
Aria's attention zeroed in on a specific point – Thea's use of "Lady Ariana." Memories from a past life resurfaced. "Lady Northwood..." she interjected, each word carrying serene gravity.
Thea, with almond eyes gleaming with curiosity, responded, "Yes?"
The brilliance of Aria's azure eyes dimmed as they locked onto Thea's. "Addressing someone of higher nobility by their first name is considered impolite, are you not?" Aria maintained her composure, suppressing the mocking annoyance within.
Thea's head bowed in acknowledgment, excitement momentarily subdued. Concealing her wry annoyance, Aria turned to her brother, seeking refuge. "Let's go, Asher," she said, guiding him forward.
Thea clenched her dress, silently vowing to remember the name Lady Silverstone. "I won't forget this," she murmured as the siblings ascended the stairs
In the hall, the Silverstone siblings drew all eyes—the epitome of elegance and prestige. Murmurs of admiration filled the air as they moved through the crowd, their hair a symbol of nobility.
In the rhythm of the evening, a dance materialized, and Aria found herself with Leander, impeccably attired, who requested a dance. Their movements harmonized with the soft melodies enveloping the hall, and onlooking nobles contributed a light symphony of chatter.
Leander smiled softly at Aria. "Are you enjoying the ball?"
"Yes. The choice of decoration is eye-catching," Aria replied, turning away from Leander's gaze. "Did you arrange it?"
Leander grimaced as Aria turned back to him with a mocking apology. "Forgive my naivety! You wouldn't waste your time on such beautiful yet minor things."
Leander's grimace grew but quickly faded the moment he met eyes with the king standing next to a man with auburn hair. Leander grabbed Aria's hand, abruptly stopping the dance and leading her to towards the two men.
"Leander, it seems you lack some manners in dealing with women." The man with auburn hair said with a grimace. "It's none of your business Nikolai." Leander snared back in anger
"Nikolai has a point Leander." The king said, his honey like eyes shining with sympathy as he stared at Aria. "Your action must have startled her."
Aria made a soft curtsy with a lovely smile. "Greetings, Your Majesty and Second Lord Beaumont." "Ah~ Lady Silverstone. I've heard so much about you from Leander."
"From Leander or the daily gossip?" Aria inquired with a smirk, leaving the king in a state of shock that quickly turned to interest. "A peculiarly bold lady you are. Truly Evander's daughter."
"I appreciate the compliment, Your Majesty," Aria smiled warmly. "Leander, Nikolai, please welcome the guest in my stead. I would like to have a little chat with Lady Silverstone."
Leander and Nikolai, with a bow, turned and left the duo. Aria, seizing the opportune moment, gracefully turned her attention toward the king. This is my chance. I have to make the move now to avoid a tragic fate. Her eyes alight with respect and curiosity. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice carrying a blend of confidence and humility, "I must express my gratitude for hosting such a splendid event. The grandeur of this ballroom and the warmth of your hospitality are truly unparalleled."
"Lady Silverstone, your kind words bring warmth to this occasion. Your presence, as my nephew's beloved, graces our celebration with even more significance. I am delighted to see both of you here tonight, and I hope this evening becomes a cherished memory for you both."
Aria made a silent nod. Beloved my foot. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Aria paused to observe the king's smile grow before addressing him again. "Your Majesty," Aria began with a sinister yet respectful tone.
"Yes, Lady Silverstone?" "I find myself deeply troubled by the kingdom's uncertain future. With your wisdom and foresight, I believe it is time to secure the realm's stability. A ruler must embody more than lineage; they must possess intellect, charisma, and the ability to adapt. Perhaps it is time to consider choosing your heir early. Tradition does not dictate against this; rather, you are prolonging the time frame."
"Lady Silverstone, my decisions are not to be taken lightly. The choice of an heir is a matter of great significance. Both my nephews possess admirable qualities." Aria smirked at the king and continued, "Of course, Your Majesty. It is precisely their qualities that concern me. The realm requires a ruler well-versed in diplomacy and strategy, a leader who understands the nuances of our alliances and the complexities of our enemies. The elder brother, though noble, lacks the subtlety and tact demanded by our current political landscape. The younger, on the other hand, shows a keen intellect and a natural talent for statecraft. His charisma and ability to inspire loyalty are unmatched."
Shock and bewilderment filled the king. "You speak highly of my younger nephew, but isn't Leander your fiance? Wouldn't it be in your best interest to advise I choose him?"
Aria, slightly shocked, turned to the ground. "I must say it would, but this isn't about my interest but about the nation's welfare." She turned back to the king with an ominous smile and said, "Wouldn't you agree?"
"I agree, but, Lady Silverstone, Nikolai's time will come when he is ready." Aria smiled with a momentarily close of her eyes and began, "Your Majesty, time is a luxury we may not have. With each passing day, our enemies plot, and our alliances teeter on the edge of uncertainty. Second Lord Beaumont has already displayed exceptional skill in handling delicate matters. His recent negotiations with the neighboring kingdom resulted in a favorable trade agreement that benefits our people. It is a testament to his potential."
"And what of Leander's achievements?" "Ah~ Lord Leander~ I wonder what achievements he has succeeded in that has made you put your utmost trust in him." Aria mused aloud with a slightly mocking smile that sent shivers down the king's spine. "He has shown bravery and compassion for our people," the king replied. "Really? Are you sure it isn't because you fear judgment from the people? Or the nobility?" Aria stepped back and spread her arms with a sinister smile. "Well, look around, Your Majesty. Bravery and compassion are undeniably valuable traits. Yet, in this intricate game of politics, where every word and action can sway the fate of nations, a ruler must possess a shrewd mind and a discerning eye. In this game called life… the most wavering are the abandoned."
The king's eyes filled with terror yet his mind knew Aria was right. "Aria, I appreciate your counsel, but I must weigh all factors before making such a momentous decision." Aria smiled, but hidden behind that perfect smile was a grimace. She knew it all too well. He's trying to prolong it even more... But no matter. I have an ace up my sleeve. Aria smirked. "I understand, Your Majesty. My intention is not to rush your decision but to emphasize the urgency of the situation. Your legacy, the stability of the realm, and the prosperity of our people depend on the choices you make. I have the utmost respect for your judgment. I merely urge you to consider the future of the kingdom above all else." She bowed. The king nodded as Aria raised her head. "Your words carry weight, Lady Silverstone. I will ponder this matter deeply." "Your Majesty, I am honored that you value my perspective," Aria made a slight turn away from the king. "The fate of the realm rests in your hands, and I have faith that you will choose wisely... Or else our nation might be next."
The king froze at her last statement, his body unable to move as he watched Aria walk away. He could feel hot sweat rolling down his body. He suddenly realized... This girl was no chatterbox; she knew what she was doing.
As all the dances concluded, Aria stood beside her brother and Leander with a glass of red liquid. Aria swirled the glass in her hand as she stared at it and sighed. Cling Cling. The sound of a fork hitting a glass rang through the room as everyone drew their attention to the king who stood, unwavering and unchanging as he hit the half-filled glass. "You sure are an impatient king," Aria muttered under her breath with a smirk. "I guess that's why you... died so easily that day." The sight of the king's body, bloody and in tatters, lying on the floor looking pathetic. Aria turned from the crowd towards the exit as she remembered.
"I, King Almervis III, have decided to name my heir this evening." The king spoke as gasps filled the air, but Aria did not waver on her way out. "I have analyzed both the traits of my two nephews and I have decided."
Aria approached the staircase with an eloquent smile. Her heels graced the base of the staircase as her hair fluttered with the little air that sipped into the room. "The next heir to the throne and the new crown prince is... my nephew... Lord Nikolai Beaumont." The king finally said as gasps, bewilderment, and shock filled the room.
In that single sentence, the king made, Aria was able to take control of her destiny. Not waiting for anything and meeting eyes with a shocked Nikolai, Aria spun on her heels, walking up the staircase that led to her declaration's aftermath. Upon reaching the top, she turned, silver locks framing her face like a cascade of moonlit waves, and profound eyes glistening like the uncharted depths of the ocean. Aria's smirk was the embodiment of her determination. The once-celebratory hall now teetered on the brink of pandemonium, its opulent splendor giving way to a spectacle of unprecedented defiance.
In a graceful pivot, Aria reveled in her newfound role. The embodiment of a supposed villainess, she embraced the label with a devious smile. Her gown flowed with calculated grace, each click of her heels reverberating like echoes of her newfound resolve. Amidst the chaos, she stood resolute, her declaration echoing through the chamber. Aria had been labeled a villainess, yet she embraced the role with audacious flair.
"For if I am destined to be the villain," her voice resonated with assertiveness, "then I shall become the most formidable villain of them all."