The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 275: He always pays his debt

Chapter 275: He always pays his debt

Cedric and Alfonso were the first match-ups. Karissa’s face went pale at the news. Even though she would not admit it she knew Cedric’s strength.

"No, this can’t be happening; who arranged these matches." Karissa jolted on her feet and ran to the king’s side, hoping he could do something about this.

"Your majesty, you have to stop this fight." She called out, Eleanor was seated at Kaiden’s right side. The king and Queen glanced at Karissa who was hyperventilating.

Kaiden sighed; he was equally disturbed, but there was nothing he could do. It was the rule of the draw. The first winner is meant to fight against the last.

"I can’t stop it, and besides, it is just a duel. If Alfonso can’t fight he isn’t worth the Von Drakkar name." Kaiden said without any shade of empathy. His gold eyes lacked any emotions. Karissa’s hold on her dress tightened; she clutched the skirt until her knuckles turned white.

"But, Your Majesty, this isn’t a fair draw," Karissa argued. Kaiden raised his right hand silencing her. She was forced to swallow back her words.

"The draw has been made, the royal family has to make an example, my dear. They are both Von Drakkars so I see nothing wrong with it." Kaiden’s voice boomed causing Karissa to shrink back.

"Yes your majesty, forgive my impudence." Karissa bowed, then stormed away, leaving the booth. Eleanor sighed watching her back disappear

She knew what was going on. Cedric was retaliating against Alfonso. It might seem childish but Alfonso would have thought twice before playing around with Abrielle.

Her jaw clenched as a fleeting thought came to her mind: the last conversation she had had with Astrid.

*****

The night before at the Silverheart family estate

Eleanor was allowed to see her daughter when the Silverheart family thought it was convenient. It was late at night, the moon was high in the sky, and the night was buzzing with the spring celebration, but Eleanor had a grim expression.

She followed behind Eris’s back, a single torch in his hand, as they made their way up the cold, dark stairway that led to the highest floor of the tower.

There were no words between them; rather, her son-in-law didn’t feel like it. The only sound being heard was their footsteps and the flickering sounds of the torch.

Eris stopped in front of an old metal door, he glanced above his shoulders. "She is here." He said; he picked up a key being hung on his waist and inserted it into the keyhole. The lock clicked as it unlocked, and then Eris reached out for the handle to pull it open; the clanking sounds of metal grinding against each other rang as the door was pulled open.

"She is currently under house arrest here; her fate is better than the servant boy that rots in the cells ", Eris informed Eleanor before giving way for her to step in.

Under normal circumstances, she would not have avoided seeing Astrid, but being the queen makes her an exception. No matter how bad house arrest seems even if it is in a desolate tower it is better than being taken to court

Astrid’s shameless act, aside from the adultery fact, she had shamed the entire royal family and kingdom. It was not the first time something like this had happened, and it didn’t end well, as the court pushed for a public execution to set an example.

Eleanor didn’t spare Eris a word; she scoffed at him and then lifted the excess fabric of her skirt before crossing into the room. The door was closed behind her, causing her heart to jump out..

Eleanor’s eyes searched through the dark to find her daughter. Her heart squeezed seeing Astrid sitting on the bed while staring out the window. To be honest, the room was not bad. It wasn’t a room befitting the princess, but it was still manageable. Despite what happened, Eris was a bit considerate and got Astrid house arrest despite his family’s insistence that she was to be punished more thoroughly and reduced to a servant.

The room was small and simple, with just enough to make it comfortable but not luxurious. A single candle burned on a wooden table, its soft light flickering against the plain stone walls. The bed was sturdy but unadorned, covered with a thick wool blanket. A small chair sat beside it, and a wooden chest rested against the far wall, likely meant for her belongings.

A single window, narrow and barred, let in a faint breeze, causing the thin curtains to sway slightly. A washbasin with a folded towel stood in the corner, offering the most basic comfort. The air smelled of wax and old wood, carrying the quiet stillness of isolation.

Astrid sat on the bed, her golden hair dull in the dim light, her expression unreadable. The only sound was the faint crackling of the candle until the door creaked open.

Eleanor stepped inside, walking towards her, moving carefully, her long skirt sweeping against the floor. "Astrid," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s your mother. I am sorry I did not see you earlier." She said softly.

Astrid heard the door open earlier but she wasn’t interested. She thought it was Eris who came some nights and silently sat in the corner staring at her. He was hurt by the entire situation and her heart was also heavy. She refused to see Diana, and from the whispers, the maid told her.

The Silverheart family wants to do a bloodline test to confirm Diana’s bloodline. She could not let that happen. Her eyes drew to her mother on hearing Eleanor’s voice.

.

Mother!!" Eleanor heard a weak voice gasp, drawing her attention. Her daughter was seated on the bed stunned to see her mother. Astrid quickly got out of the covers to run into her mother’s arms.

"Mother, please help me ", Astrid cried as she ran to her mother’s embrace, which enveloped her. Eleanor hugged Astrid, who had visibly gotten weaker and pale due to depression these few days. "It’s alright, I will find a way to fix this."

"Mother, we need to hurry. They can’t find out Diana’s isn’t his. Protect my daughter "She cried out.

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