The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 381: A Rebellion

Chapter 381: A Rebellion

The tea house was like something out of a dream: a glass greenhouse nestled in the heart of the castle gardens, where nature and elegance met in perfect harmony.

Sunlight filtered gently through the arched glass ceiling, casting golden patterns across the tiled floor. Vines curled around the metal beams overhead, soft green tendrils hanging low, while flowering plants in shades of lavender, soft yellow, and blush pink lined the walkways.

The scent of blooming roses and warm jasmine filled the air, blending gently with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea.

Tiny birds flitted past the glass walls, their wings flashing as they darted between branches.

Abrielle walked slowly beside Duchess Fiona, her hands gently clasped in front of her as they followed a stone path that curved around the tea house. Between them, the conversation flowed in soft, hushed tones.

Their eyes moved with ease, taking in the beauty around them, but their minds were clearly elsewhere. Originally this was solved after Fiona became friends with the smart Callista, but Abrielle didn’t have the patience to wait that long. She was going to give Fiona a push in the right direction.

Evelyn watched them from a distance. She had a feeling her master was up to tricks again. She hoped it was not another foolish escape plan. "Even Rudeus does the same. It gives them a sense of control." Fiona snorted, causing Abrielle to laugh.

"Honestly, I don’t have an issue with Cedric’s abilities in bed. He is overqualified, I just wanted someone to talk to." Abrielle added

Fiona’s eyes narrowed. There was something more. She wore a long, pale lavender gown that swept the floor behind her, her every step graceful and calm. Beside her, Abrielle’s simpler cream dress fluttered lightly in the breeze, her ginger hair pinned in soft waves that caught the sunlight as they walked.

"I always find it easier to think here," the duchess murmured, glancing around the space with a warm smile. "There’s something about being surrounded by living things... it reminds me of what’s worth protecting."

Abrielle nodded, her eyes distant for a moment. "It feels safe," she said softly,

"What do you want to talk about? I am open to listening." Fiona’s voice became serious, she thought Abrielle felt isolated due to her reputation and her husband’s image.

"Don’t you think there is something about this war that feels off. How easily could they break in?" Abrielle stated the same thought that has been bothering Fiona.

"Rudeus said the same thing in his recent letter but there is truly no one he could think about." Abrielle nodded, it was hard to think who it might be. But there were clues.

"When was the last time you visited your in-laws? Last time you wanted to leave an impression." Abrielle chimed, Fiona was confused where this was coming from.

"Lady Ivana has been busy with travels. It seems the Darkhaven land has been getting prosperous in recent times."

Abrielle stopped, the conversation was going where she was heading. "That is odd, Darkhaven Duchy where among the lands hit worse by the harvest poisoning."

"That’s true they seem to be able to handle the situation. It seems like they are expanding. Rudeus suspects that no official report has been given to the capital." Fiona explained, she started to think why Ivana was hiding it.

"I hope they are safe. Harcourt Peak is a popular trading route for the Darkhaven family." Abrielle sighed, sounding sentimental. Fiona’s brows pulled together.

Ivana seemed to be doing well with a bad harvest, and Harcourt peak out of all places was her popular route, the first to be destroyed by the invaders. Why wasn’t Fiona reporting her expansion since it was going to give her benefits? Or was Rudeus wrong about the expansion?

Why Abrielle trusted Fiona was not just because she was the one who uncovered the truth with Callista in the original story, but because she was the person who had the closest access to the Darkhaven family. They were her in-laws

Fiona’s eyes went wide, and she stared at Abrielle, finally getting the hints hidden in plain sight. No one knew of this except the Darkhaven family who knew about the expansion. Rudeus only had a suspicion because he had been keeping tabs on his family.

"Do you think the Darkhaven family is involved in a rebellion?" She gasped and her voice kept low. It was too soon to conclude but it still felt off.

"I don’t know, I just pray the war ends soon and so your baby will be safe. I was just overthinking how easily the border was broken into without inside help." Fiona was taken aback. She protectively held her stomach.

"How did you..." Abrielle smiled

"You have been petting your stomach. If you want to keep the pregnancy a secret, control your reactions in public. I am sure some people won’t want you having a male child for Rudeus. There were hidden messages Fiona understood, but first of all.

She has to start investigating and also write to Rudeus to be wary of his family. Fiona had a suspicion that Ivana had been trading minerals illegally without the royal family’s consent. Was this all related? With Harcourt Peak being plagued by war, the minerals can easily be smuggled out.

Why didn’t she ever think of it that way?

"No one will harm my baby. Thanks for the warning."

"It’s fine, I don’t want someone going through the same pain I went through when I lost my baby." Abrielle’s eyes darkened. Fiona could only imagine the pain.

"I will be careful. Thanks for the warning."

Abrielle nodded, and they glanced at a fountain in the middle of the greenhouse surrounded by birds. "It would be nice if we had tea more often. I don’t have friends in the capital." She suggested

"It will be an honour to be your friend. I guess we are in a similar situation. No one wants to associate with the daughter of a fallen noble." Fiona laughed off, she saw that Abrielle was smart. This wasn’t a bad idea.

Abrielle smiled. It was coming together. She had to be close enough to Fiona to make things go according to plan.

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