The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband-Chapter 280: Time she made her choice

Abrielle stepped through the castle’s grand doors, the echoes of the Rose Duel still ringing in her mind. Her fingers clenched the embroidered fabric of her sleeves as she walked, her mood dark and unreadable.

She could barely stay to the end after Cedric’s short demonstration but she had to keep the little face she had left. She was unable to shake the unease that had settled deep in her chest. The cheers, the applause, it all felt distant now.

Just as she was about to take another step toward the staircase leading to her chambers, a hurried voice called out behind her. The messenger arrived.

"Your Highness!" The messenger called out as soon as he got off his horse. The princess stopped advancing in.

She turned sharply, her deep blue gaze settling on a messenger clad in royal insignia. His breathing was uneven as if he had rushed through the castle halls to find her. In his gloved hand, a sealed envelope bore the unmistakable golden crest of the king.

"I have urgent news from the palace. A letter from the court to Princess Abrielle Von Drakkar." the messenger’s voice rang.

The sight of it sent a cold shiver down her spine.

Abrielle’s lips parted, but no words came out. She already knew what this was about. She had been waiting for it, dreading it. Eleanor had finally made her move. She thought she would wait a bit longer but the plot was messing with her. A wary smile settled on her lips. Someone should give her a break.

News from the palace, Abrielle’s heart immediately dropped to her stomach. She slowly turned around looking at the butler attending the messenger. ’ What is it about?’ she wondered. Her hands secretly clenched her dress.

Messenger spotted the princess and walked straight to Abrielle to present the letter. He ignored the butler and Evelyn, who wanted to pass it on to Abrielle.

The servant inched forward, bowing respectfully as he extended the letter to her. "An urgent message from the palace, Your Highness."

Her hands remained at her sides. The weight of every watching servant in the hall pressed down on her like an iron chain. They were watching her, she knew they wanted to know what the letter said so that they could rat out to Cedric. She refused to let them see any flicker of emotion.

Abrielle didn’t receive the letter but beckoned on the butler to accept. The messenger had no choice but to hand it over since it was instructed by the princess.

After finishing the duty, he bowed again, "Have a great day ahead." He wished the princess before quickly leaving the castle walls

"What am I to do with the letter?" The butler asked. Abrielle’s eyes trailed from the entrance which the messenger had just exited from to the butler. Her eyes lingered on the royal stamp. She sighed, maintaining her prime expression.

"Take it to my chambers. I will go through it once I get there." She instructed the butler. Her voice was cool and measured. The butler bowed slightly, then left, walking as fast as he could.

Abrielle didn’t spare him another glance as she turned on her heel and made her way toward the staircase trailing behind the butler. Each step she took felt heavier as if she were marching toward her own doom. Her heart felt laboured, her mind wandered about.

On arriving in the hallway that led to her chambers, her mind whispered in her deepest thoughts. To turn back and run, ignore the letter and just run. She wished she could just bolt away leaving all this madness.

The moment she reached her chambers, the door closed behind her with a quiet click. She took a slow breath, pushing back the tension in her chest before walking to her desk. The letter sat there, patient, waiting for her to acknowledge it.

"Here we go," the princess said with a heavy heart as she picked up the letter from the desk.

With steady fingers, she broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment. Her eyes scanned the contents, and a sad smile ghosted across her lips. What was she expecting? Eleanor was getting impatient.

~~~~~~~

By Royal Decree

To Her Highness, Princess Abrielle, wife of Prince Cedric Von Drakkar and daughter of the House Nightshade, holy lady of Darconia.

You are hereby summoned to appear before the Royal Court at first light in the morning following the conclusion of the Spring Festival. The matter at hand is of utmost importance and requires your presence without delay. The proceedings shall be held in the king’s grand hall.

Absence shall be considered a disrespect to the throne and will attract penalties.

His Majesty, King Kaiden Von Drakkar

~~~~~

The king’s signature was stamped with his stamp. It was a real summon and there was no denying it. Abrielle broke it into a laugh, but her eyes were dead. Beside her desk was a small jar that had 5 roses, 3 from Cedric and 2 from Alfonso. It was a silent reminder.

There was no mention of the charges. No outright accusation. But she knew. Eleanor was moving forward with her plan.

Abrielle leaned back against her chair, her fingers tightening around the parchment until it crumpled slightly. Her laugh died and she tossed the crumpled letter on the floor. Less than 48 hours left to accomplish the task or she would be a goner for good.

"There is no turning back now Abrielle. What has to be done will be done. It’s about time this madness ends." The princess said with determination. She picked up a rose from the jar; they meant nothing to her. There was never a room for love and there will never be one. All that was left was survival.

Her time was running out. The plot was closing in. It was about time the Villainess was removed from the story.

The princess rose from her desk and then walked to the door; she pushed slightly. Her eyes fell on the knight standing waiting at the door. "Get me Zoltana immediately," she instructed, then slammed the door. The knight was startled but left to carry out the instructions immediately.