The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 401: Victory banquet

Chapter 401: Victory banquet

The palace was filled with life and enough food and drinks to feed a village. Music and several entertainment were provided on such a joyful occasion

The palace banquet hall shimmered with soft golden light.

Candles lined the walls in tall silver holders, their flames dancing gently and casting a warm glow on the polished floors. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, glittering like a sky full of stars, its crystals catching and scattering the light.

Long banquet tables were set with red and white silk runners. Gold-rimmed plates held roasted meats, sweet fruits, and pastries shaped like flowers. The scent of honey-glazed doves, spiced potatoes, and warm bread filled the air, making mouths water.

The room buzzed with celebration. Nobles and honoured guests filled the hall, their laughter and voices rising with each passing moment. Servants moved swiftly between the tables, refilling wine goblets and offering more food.

A group of musicians played in the corner. The gentle notes of a harp, the playful song of a flute, and the steady beat of soft drums blended into a lovely melody that wrapped around the room like silk.

In the middle of the hall, performers entertained the guests. Acrobats flipped and twisted through the air, drawing gasps and claps. A fire dancer followed, spinning rings of flame around her as the crowd watched with wide eyes.

Abrielle smiled when necessary, nodding at familiar faces, but her mind was elsewhere. Bernice was seated next to Abrielle receiving greetings and congratulations about her engagement. She wondered if they were happy the princess was getting married, or she might die at her husband’s hands.

This never happened in the novel, so she had no idea what Bernice’s fate was. Prince Kairen rose and left the hall. Bernice’s eyes flickered. "Excuse me, I want to catch my breath." The princess excused herself.

Lucian glanced at his sister knowing what she was about to do. "Be careful." He said. He wasn’t in favour of this marriage but he was just a crown prince. "I will." She curtseyed before leaving.

Abrielle’s gaze drifted over the room Queen Eleanor sat elegantly at the side, speaking with high-ranking nobles from other lands. Prince Lucian looked at ease, laughing and enjoying himself on the surface, she knew it was all pretence. Where was Callista? "Where did she go?" She muttered.

Cedric caught what she said despite exchanging greetings with a noble. "She left a few minutes ago." He whispered. She was surprised. How did Cedric know she was talking about Callista? That aside Abrielle was concerned.

Alfonso, as usual, was surrounded by a charming group of ladies with his easy smile. He was the main description of Prince Charming, but there was something off about him today. He didn’t speak with any lady longer than necessary; if possible, it felt like he was avoiding them. Their eyes met something, and his gaze lingered for too long.

Abrielle averted her eyes, her mind drifting to his confession. He has fallen for her which she found hilarious. Alfonso’s gaze lingered on Abrielle from time to time. Cedric even caught him staring at his wife, but he wasn’t scared; he didn’t avert his gaze, which annoyed Cedric.

Abrielle’s focus returned to Cedric, and she noticed the silent tension between him and Alfonso. She held his hand under the table, drawing his attention to her

"Don’t make it obvious. I don’t want rumours." She mentioned. He understood immediately. Her reputation was already ruined due to her scandal with Alfonso. Having an open friction between them won’t make things easy for her. "It’s hard to ignore his stare. Some people have to learn to respect what isn’t theirs." Cedric’s voice drawled.

The celebration was grand, yet underneath the joy, a small knot of tension lingered in Abrielle’s chest. Not everything was as peaceful as it seemed. Kaiden’s illness caused a lingering conflict in the royal family. This fragile peace might break at any moment.

Abrielle could barely eat anything, the same as Cedric, who hardly eats in public, it was an old hobby of his. It was better to be safe than sorry. In the past, royal family members had food testers who prevented poisoning, but over time, the practice was stopped. With the way things were going the practice might be revived.

A couple of nobles came to say their greetings to the royal couple, and some faces were familiar like Cecilia and her grandmother

This made it obvious to everyone that the flameworth family had sided with the first prince because it was the first time the strongest apothecary was greeting a member of the royal family aside from Queen Eleanor.

Fiona and Rudeus also greeted them, this wasn’t a surprise since rumours were already going there Fiona and Abrielle were friends.

"It is an honour," Rudeus said on a final note before they left. Abrielle nodded then glanced away, her eyes caught sight of a fleeting figure that made her brows knot.

"I will be stepping out for a bit." She informed Cedric before leaving the table. She walked towards the sweets table, her eyes catching a mischievous snowball that was meant to stay in the carriage, hiding by the table, eating a cake.

"Yuki," she whispered. She didn’t want to make it obvious. Yuki might be killed for coming to the banquet hall deeming him a threat.

The sweet table was in an inconspicuous area of the hall, making it a bit private. Yuki glanced at her and gave me a mischievous look. This cat was cunning.

He swiftly ran from the table, and her heart dropped, hoping no one saw him. He left the hall, but instead of using the exit, Yuki ran towards the main palace.

Abrielle quickly followed him, cautious that no one saw her. She hoped.

She got into the long, endless passage. Strangely, the hallway was empty, and not a single guard could be found.

"Yuki," she called out, unable to see him. Her eyes darted around as she walked down the hallway. She should have listened to Cedric now this cat was giving her a heart attack..

She walked past a window that overlooked an inner courtyard. Bernice and Kairen seemed to be having a heated conversation. Abrielle’s gossiping stomach was curious but she had more important matters at hand

At the opposite entrance of the courtyard, she spotted Yuki. He was staring at her. His eyes were taunting her. She tried to quietly call him back, but he smugly turned around and ran inside. She was going to kill that cat.