The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 272: A cross only she can carry

Chapter 272: A cross only she can carry

Aurora the daughter of a lower noble, a smart lady that Cedric recognized for her talent not just in business but in gathering information. At times when his regular sources didn’t work he got Aurora to work on it because of her usual network.

Cedric, for a long time, had suspected the sorcerers and the royal family to be involved. His first suspicion was Eleanor since the Khaos incident, but there was no firm evidence Elias, or he could get.

Weird merchants were another way to get information. "What solidifies your assumption?" He asked her, referring to the sorcerers who have been a pain to handle.

"Although you did not request it, I looked into the failed assassination during the masked ball and found out it had ties with the sorcerers. Eleanor has been talking to people she should not," Aurora added, but Cedric was confused about why Eleanor would want to assassinate Callista or if Abrielle was the target from the start.

Something was not adding up. If the queen planned on framing Abrielle for the tea party incident, he heard whispers of why she would want her dead. "This doesn’t add up, " Cedric admitted.

"I know, but one thing for sure, Eleanor is making her moves, and I fear King Kaiden might not be around for long."

The battle for the succession was close; it was not impossible that Eleanor wanted to take out Kaiden now she had the majority of the court in her and Lucian’s control. Talking about Lucian, that boy was too smart for his own good.

"I guess we will still need to get more insights but concerning the other matter Elias informed you about. You claim you did not find anything of Interest."

The candle lights flickered as they spoke in hushed tones in the old walls of the castle away from eyes. Cedric had a sound barrier around them just in case someone came by which was unlikely.

"Yes, I looked back into the lady’s background. She and Lucian have never crossed paths before. The only thing that tied them together is the fact that Rebecca and Eleanor had planned to match them."

*******

Rebecca and Pierre did not return to the seaside castle that night so Abrielle had the entire castle to herself that night. She has fully recovered and decided to practice some spells at night under the supervision of Zoltana.

They practiced until it was close to dawn to try to cover up all the lessons that the princess had missed. It was a way for her not to overthink the fact that Cedric was more than certain she had a lover which was Alfonso and the fact Eleanor was going to kill her in a few days.

It was draining just thinking about it, the worst part was that the system prohibited her from saying a thing to anyone. It made her wonder what would happen if she told her family about it because they were probably the only ones who could help her.

But revealing Eleanor’s plans would expose the fact that she was not talentless and, in fact, had unsealed her abilities. That would even put her in bigger problems maybe that is why the system prohibited her from getting anyone involved

The only person she might have actually been able to share her troubles with was Alfonso who was aware she had a hand in the fire. These were the thoughts that troubled the princess.

The soft sounds of the cutleries clicking against plates echoed in a large dining room where only a Ginger was seated having her breakfast. She could barely eat anything as she played with her food.

Her appetite was bad. Abrielle sighed looking at the mess she created on her plate. She resigned and then dropped her cutleries. She could barely even eat the eggs.

"Tell the coachman to prepare the carriage. I will be leaving for the Arena soon." She informed Zoltana that was waiting by her side.

"I will get right on it ", Zoltana said, bowing slightly. The door was closed behind the maid as she left.

"Should I ask the kitchen to prepare something more appetizing, Your Highness? You had barely eaten a thing." A soft younger voice chimed. Jubilee had been watching the princess play with her food and honestly thought maybe she didn’t find today’s breakfast interesting.

"No, I am fine; I don’t have the appetite to eat much." Abrielle turned down the offer. Jubilee was still disturbed, knowing Abrielle was not in the best health exactly and should not stay without eating.

"At least I should get you some biscuits and sweets you can enjoy on your way to the Arena. I am sure they would be appetizing." The young girl insisted. That was not a bad idea so the princess agreed. Jubilee immediately left to inform the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Abrielle was at the main entrance, making her way to the arranged carriage. The courtyard was more colourful compared to the winter; it gave the castle more life, a bit more than what she expected from Cedric’s home. She has imagined him as someone who probably lived in a dark, ominous castle.

"The duel is starting in a few minutes. We are already running late, Your Highness." Evelyn informed Abrielle at the door as she helped the princess up the carriage.

Abrielle nodded; she got into the carriage, settling on the seats. "Wait up!!!" She heard Jubilee call out. The maid was running on her heels to catch up with the carriage. Evelyn was perplexed about Jubilee’s appearance but soon understood when the younger maid presented her with a small basket

"It’s for the princess. She barely ate a thing." Jubilee explained giving me the basket to Evelyn. Evelyn accepted the basket. "Thank you for considering." With that being said Evelyn got into the carriage.

Today was the fourth day of the duel, and the rules were different. On the fourth day, the knights were fighting against themselves directly. Abrielle arrived at the Arena late; the crowd was roaring as a match had already started.

The princess made her way to her seat as her eyes drew to the battle curious who were the first contenders of the day that got the crowd hyped out.

The gates opened, and the knights made their way in...