The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 78: His duty

Chapter 78: His duty

The irritating rays of light in her eyes woke her from her slumber. She had no idea when she fell asleep after Cedric left the room but it was already morning. Another round of sitting in a carriage for hours.

"Good morning, your Highness; it’s time we get you ready," Evelyn informed her; Abrielle sluggishly sat up, rubbing her eyes. She was a bit disoriented and sleepy. She went along her morning routine to get ready and even had breakfast on her own. There was no sign of that annoying husband of hers, which was for the best.

The morning was as cold as every other winter morning. Abrielle arrived at the hotel entrance, and her eyes were instantly drawn to Cedric, who was coordinating the men ahead of the next face of their journey to cross the nether forest.

The Netherlands were dangerous as they were a borderland between the land of the dead and the living. Generally, it was safer to travel during the day than at night, but you never know what to expect.

She made her way down the stairs with Evelyn’s assistant since it was a bit difficult to move in her heavy layers of clothes. At the foot of the main entrance stairs, Cedric was still standing there. His men had already departed; it seemed he was waiting for her.

"Good morning Cedric." She greeted him, giving him her hand. He accepted and placed a soft kiss on it. To maintain their reputation in public they were demanded to keep up little gestures.

Only if the princess knew a good number of Cedric’s men knew of her true nature. "Good morning, you seem to have dark circles under your eyes. Didn’t you sleep last night?" He enquired, spotting out the dark circles she failed to hide with the thin layer of makeup.

"It was uncomfortable sleeping in the room." She made up the first excuse she could come up with. She had no idea Cedric had entered the room close to daybreak when he wanted to get changed for the day. He saw her tossing on the bed, grumbling about something.

He wondered if she was aware of her habit of talking in her sleep. "The winter must be cold." Cedric chimed pulling her hand as he led her to one of the carriages but it wasn’t the one they normally used

"It wasn’t that cold, the fireplace burnt all night," Abrielle answered; she was curious about what happened at the auction house, remembering what Evelyn told her about Cedric. It seemed like he had a thing for hunting out Shadow claw guides. That explained why he was at the top of their list.

"I guess I will have to keep you warm during the night in my arms. Sorry, I couldn’t warm the bed for you last night." He replied with a subtle teasing tone. Her mouth parted then closed understanding what he meant.

"Are you implying I was unable to sleep because you left?" She chuckled although that was half the truth she would never admit it. "There isn’t a need to go through such troubles. I have always had my bed to myself, and we are going to be staying in separate rooms once we get to the capital. Do you plan on moving into my room then? " She said jokingly.

Cedric smirked at her, "Who knows, we are yet to get to the capital?" She chimed and she didn’t like the teasing tone in his voice. He was wearing an all-black outfit with fewer layers than her; it made her wonder if he was not scared of catching a cold or if the harsh nature of the battlefield increased his resistance.

"There is someone you have to meet." He informed her, then signalled Evelyn, who opened one of the servant’s carriages. It was particularly chilly this morning, snow covered every branch, creating a dazzling white layer that sparkled in faint morning light.

The ground was frozen, and their feet sank into the large layers of the snow and the air was biting cold, nipping at Abrielle’s face, which was not the only part of her body not covered.

Winter on Darconia was particularly freezing compared to other parts of the continent. She tightened the wrapped scarf around her neck as she struggled to breathe the heavy, cold air that fogs in front of her.

It was torturous waiting out here; what did Cedric want to show her that he was taking far too long? Heavy footsteps in the snow drew her attention to look ahead; her eyes went wide in surprise.

"They were the ones you snuck out on your own to an auction house to get. Thanks to me, we got them completely free. " Cedric mentioned. Abrielle was overjoyed. She has honestly forgotten about the girl and the hermit witch she was to buy.

"Good morning your highnesses," they simultaneously said. "I am Jubilee Frost." The younger girl curtseyed with prim manners. She was very fragile on closer look, like she had been starved for days, if not weeks.

"Good morning; how old are you?" Abrielle asked honestly curious because she seemed younger than she assumed. "I am 12, Your Highness, but I am strong enough to handle any duty you deem suitable," Jubilee answered.

From what she was told, the princess was the one who rescued her from that hell hole. She was curious about what need she would be to the lady as she didn’t know much about house chores. In the grooming homes, what she only was taught was how to satisfy the dark Fantasy of men. Her eyes could not help but glance at the prince’s towering figure by the princess’s side.

She wondered if her duty was to please him; it was common for noble wives to get toys like hers for their husbands, which was considered safer than their husbands acquiring a second wife.

Cheeks redden thinking about spending nights with the prince which Abrielle mistook as the cold. If Cedric had any idea of what was going through the girl’s head it would be rolling on the snow by now.

Abrielle’s eyes dulled, and her heart ached for the little girl. Her hold on Cedric’s arm subconsciously tightened. She nodded at the Jubilee then her gaze went to the older lady with foreign features she suspected to be the hermit witch.

"I am Zoltana Bari and 26 of age. Your Highness, I am pleased to serve you." The older lady introduced herself. Abrielle nodded; she was pleasantly surprised. Her name was Zoltana, the hermit witch, which was a fleeting character she never gave an actual name to as she had rare scenes in the actual novel and was generally called the hermit witch.

"You are free to do whatever you want with them including beheading them. They are in your care." Cedric informed her as he hinted to Evelyn to take the slaves away.

"The last thing I have in my mind is to behead of them. Thank you for saving me the trouble." She extended her gratitude to him.

"It’s nothing, it’s my duty. Next time you need something I will appreciate it if you ask for my help. It is safer that way." Cedric replied, then leaned towards her ears to whisper as his warm breath fanned against her lobes, causing it to turn red.

"What do I get for doing you this favour?"