Vilahna POV
"My lady that's all I know about that young lady." Said Olivia the headmaid of Cramer's House.
"Thank you, you can leave, now." I wonder why that little peasant keeps inquiring about nobility affairs. Did she think she could gossip without no one taking notice? Asking about me, Lord Ceaser and about his Highness the Prince?
Rahua Stronghold who are you, and what are you trying to do?
As a noblewoman and part of the royal court, I sit in my chamber pondering the recent encounters and inquiries about me, Lord Ceaser, and his Highness the Prince. Olivia, the headmaid, had just informed me about the questioning from a peasant inquiring about nobility affairs, everywhere through at nobel Houses. It piqued my curiosity and stirred a sense of concern within me.
I stroll towards the grand window overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens of the Cramer's Manor.
"Gossip spreads like wildfire, my lady, specially between the maids," I mumble to myself, trying to make sense of this unusual interest in the affairs of nobles. "But who could this peasant be, and why is she so intent on knowing more about me, Lord Ceaser, and his Highness the Prince?"
Caught between anxiety and intrigue, I decide to take matters into my own hands. I summon my loyal maid, Amelia, who has been serving me for years with utmost devotion and trust.
"Amelia, please gather more information about this inquisitive peasant," I implore her, my voice laced with a mix of urgency and curiosity. "Discreetly inquire about her family background, intentions, and any connection they may have to the recent happenings involving the Prince and our family."
With a respectful curtsey, she acknowledges my command and prepares to carry out the task.
Days have gone by before I heard anything interesting from Amelia.
Amelia finally brings the information I had asked her to gather for me. Rahua Stronghold, a young woman known for her resourcefulness and courage.
Rahua had grown up in the outskirts of the Village, quietly observing the luxuries and power held within the castle walls.
Recently her family made a huge success by selling sweet cakes, called cupcake.
According to Amelia, there's no proof that this peasant has ever crossed paths with Lord Ceaser, me or even his Highness the Prince.
I couldn't help but to wonder, if is she probably part of the rebels?
His Highness the Prince's increasing influence, the strained relationship between His Majesty the King and the His Highness the Prince, maybe have led the Rebel army seek for more accurate information. But why am I involved? What does the Rebel army wants with me?
The success of her family's cupcake business seems to have caught the attention of some individuals, including the Rebel army.
The knowledge of Rahua's background and potential involvement with the rebels sends a chill down my spine. It becomes clear that I might have stumbled upon something significant, something that could potentially disrupt the delicate balance within our Kingdom.
My duty as a noblewoman and my loyalty to the royal family, is to make the things right. Report the traitor!
The questions that linger in my mind remain: What is this Rahua truly fighting for? What truths did she uncover? And why did our paths intertwine in this complex intrigue?
I firmly instruct Amelia to place a large order of 150 cupcakes from Rahua's family. This will serve as the perfect opportunity to track and capture her. I set the delivery for the following morning, ensuring enough time to inform the royal guards and prepare for her capture.
"Amelia," I say with a sense of urgency, "once the cupcakes arrive, discreetly alert the royal guards. I want her captured without delay. This rebellion must be crushed, and their secrets exposed."
As the sun rises, so does my anticipation. I stand by the window, glancing out at the Manor grounds, my mind consumed with thoughts of the impending capture. It is time to protect the realm, restore order, and ensure the safety and prosperity of the nobel families.
*****
Rahua's POV
This is a huge order, from none other the Villainess of the story, I didn't think I would cross path with her at all, at least not this early in the story.
As I enter the Manor I could see that magnificence of this place, so many servents working, they probably have some juicy gossips. I can hardly wait to know everything. Just like a live book.
I sense today will be a great day.
I start unloading the wagon with help with some maids they all look like they are on the edge, are they feeling intimidated by me? Impossible they work for a great Villainess of the story, they wouldn't be scared of me.
As we entered the kitchen they all seem to wary of me, they don't dare to even look at me, well I have read enough, novels to know something is wrong.
"Miss Stronghold, please follow me, the Lady Countess Cramer wants to have a word with you." That looks like the headmaid, her clothes are different from the rest of the maids, I feel like something is up, they all looked away as soon the head made entered the kitchen.
I reluctantly obliged and follow the headmaid.
I felt unease as I followed the headmaid towards Lady Vilahna presence. The grandeur of her manor was undeniable, and the servants' behavior towards me was suspicious. Were they intimidated? Or was there something else happening?
Entering Lady Vilahna chamber, I couldn't help but notice the opulence that surrounded her. The fine furnishings and intricate decorations spoke of wealth and power. Lady Vilahna sat on an ornate chair, her gaze piercing and filled with a mix of authority and suspicion.
"Miss Stronghold," Lady Vilahna addressed me with a cool tone, she did look badass, I could see why she had such strong presence wherever she went, even just sitting there I could feel the weight of her aura "I trust your cupcake business has been thriving."
I try alot to maintain my composure, I replied, "Yes, Lady Countess Cramer, our cupcake business has been doing well. We take pride in our creations."
Her lips curled into a sly smile as she studied me. "You seem to have an obsession with nobility affairs. Inquiring about me, Lord Ceaser, and even his Highness the Prince. Tell me, why is that?" She was straight to the point.
My heart raced, realizing that my curiosity had not gone unnoticed. Nevertheless, I couldn't reveal my true intentions. "Lady Countess Cramer, as a business owner, it's only natural for me to be aware of the happenings within the Kingdom. It helps me tailor my creations to the tastes of the inhabitants."
Her eyes narrowed, her suspicions still lingering. "Is that so? Or is there more to it? You come from humble beginnings, Rahua Stronghold, yet you dare to pry into the affairs of the nobility. What do you seek?"
I gathered my courage, maintaining a calm facade. "My Lady, I assure you, there are no ulterior motives. I simply believe that understanding and knowledge can lead to empathy and unity among all people, regardless of their social status."
Lady Countess Cramer studied me for a moment, her gaze piercing through me. "Knowledge, huh? Miss Rahua Stronghold, you should know, rumours can be easily spread, and whispers are very powerful, sometimes more powerful than the truth."
What did she meant by that? I sensed danger. Here I was fan girling, and she appears to be threatening me. "I have done nothing wrong." I said in defence mode.
Lady Vilahna chuckled softly, her eyes never leaving mine. "I never said you did," she replied, her tone laced with amusement. "But innocence can easily crumble in the face of uncertainty. Perhaps it is your guilty conscience that accuses you."
This woman! What does she know? Or was she simply trying to play mind games with me? Her smile is cunning, I couldn't help but to wary of her.
"You know the Rebel army is getting completely overwhelmed by his Highness the Prince and Lord Ceaser." The way she said his name I could feel her admiration for him. She changed the subject I couldn't help but to feel like she was leading me into a trap. Like she was trying to bait me into say something against the Prince, is not like a disliked him, but Ceaser was a much better option.
I just nodded. "What can a peasant like me say?"
She looked at me, as if she was studying my reactions to her words.
"It's a shame, such people are the same people doted by the King's mercy." I couldn't help but to scoff at her words, with instant regret.
"Oh my," she said amused. " Have you finally being truthful to your treacherous ways."she taunted me, her eyes gleaming with victory.
I was careless, Damion had warned me to be careful not show such emotion to anyone else.
"Rahua Stronghold you are a Rebel, who wishes to go against the King and the Prince of the kingdom of Arrentela. Is that why you kept trying to find information about the nobels? Do you intend to attack the palace? Is that why you inquire so persistently about nobility affairs?" She looked so pleased with her self.
This Lady does go all out in her imagination, If I didn't know any better I would say she reads alot of novels.
I sight, "There has been very big misunderstanding I am nothing of the sort, I do have some ideas, but nothing of rebellious kind. I wish this kingdom to prosper and for everyone to live happily. I think the Rebels don't care about that, they only care about power, they don't care about the people, that's why they were blocking the supply roads for the cities down in the south.
If they did care about the people they wouldn't be holding some of them hostage to use as bargain coin against his Highness the Prince.
I am deeply rooting for Lord Ceaser and his Highness the Prince to return safely. Please believe me."
Lady Vilahna stared at me intently, her gaze seemingly searching for any hint of deception. "You expect me to believe that? To believe that you, a mere cupcake seller, hold no ulterior motives? That you have no connection to the rebel army?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of desperation to make her understand. "I swear, Lady Countess Cramer, I have no affiliation with the rebels. I have merely been curious, trying to understand the true nature of the rebellion and the motivations behind it. My inquiries were never meant to harm anyone or to plot against the kingdom."
Lady Vilahna's gaze remained cold and unforgiving. "Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, Rahua Stronghold. It can lead to consequences that you cannot foresee. And now, you find yourself at the mercy of those consequences." If she wasn't accusing me of being rebel I would be fan girling so hard on her right now, she is so befitting of her descriptions.
Sadly Lady Vilahna had already made up her mind about me, and whatever fate awaited me would be determined by her actions. I could only hope that my words had struck a chord of understanding within her.
But as Lady Vilahna rose from her chair and looked coldly at me. " The royal guards will be here soon to take you."
I had to find away to appeal to her, find away to arouse her interest in me, she is not someone to be moved by mere words, what can I say to make her think of me as an ally. I suddenly remembered the mysterious man she met at the Tea party, he may be the key to my freedom.
As Lady Vilahna turned to leave the room, I gathered my courage and spoke up. "Lady Countess Cramer, wait!" My voice trembled slightly, but I couldn't afford to let fear override my desperation. "There's something you need to know."
Lady Vilahna paused, her hand resting on the door handle. She looked back at me, her expression with a hint of curiosity and impatience. "What is it, Rahua Stronghold? Make it quick."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I... I know about the mysterious man you met at the Tea Party. The one who seemed to have an uncanny knowledge about your affairs and connections to Lord Ceaser. " My mind was think faster than usual, I was suddenly suprise to my improvisation skills, until I remembered something about the novel.
Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "How do you know about that?"
"I happened to hear about it, in of my deliveries," I admitted, my voice filled with urgency. "Someone saw you talking with that man, " Her face that until now was very confident was now surprised and filled with fear. I know that this man is connected to her downfall and tragic ending in the novel. "This man will be the reason you will lose Lord Ceaser." She was speechless. Yessss, I made this woman speechless. I felt a splint of hope arising within me.
Lady Vilahna's calculating gaze bore into me, assessing my words, as if try to check it's verity. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. "And why would I trust you? How do you know how my life is going to end?
I could see the skepticism in her eyes, the walls of suspicion that surrounded her. I needed to convince her of my sincerity, my genuine desire to help.
"Because," I began, my voice steady and resolute, "I can see things that might come to be. Let me prove myself to you."
Lady Vilahna remained silent for a few moments, contemplating my offer. Finally, she nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Very well, Rahua Stronghold. I will give you a chance to prove yourself. But if you betray me or put the kingdom in harm's way, know that you will suffer the gravest consequences."
I felt a wave of relief running through me. I knew when it comes to Lord Ceaser, her gamble is different, and thinking she might lose him, was what saved me. Perhaps, just perhaps, I had managed to earn a sliver of Lady Vilahna's trust. I might have sold my soul to the Villainess of the story, but at least I have saved my life.
As the royal guards arrived to take me into custody, Lady Vilahna was hesitant at first, but at last she spoke up for me, she explained the guard that the person that they were looking managed to escape, she was even worse actress than me but she managed to sell the story, that's all matters.
It seemed that my gamble had paid off, and now I had the opportunity to leave this place, safe and sound.
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Lady Countess Cramer signaled for me to leave her presence.
As I exited the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with a tinge of disappointment. Lady Vilahna suspicions were evident, I couldn't be so careless in the future, now I was aware, that there always can be someone powerful watching.
Returning to the kitchen, the atmosphere seemed tense, the maids avoiding eye contact and whispers filling the air.
The day had taken an unexpected turn, and as I continued my work, however I couldn't help but wonder what this new alliance with Lady Vilahna would to do to the storyline.