The Villainess

Chapter 4

JULIETTE

The Queen's sickness is...

Chickenpox. It was a disease without a cure in the story, and the Queen died because of it. I’d feel sorry if I had to change the plot but my life depended on it; so I am very sorry, dear author of Happily Ever After.

I remember that my father and I were called before the engagement party to talk about the future. So all I need to do now is wait.

I remember the prince being a snob too. His dumbass attitude could go to hell for all I care. I'm not Juliette I’m the genius Tricia Fox of city A! And I have been given another chance at life so I must grasp this chance and live well.

I plan on having a bet with the King. I wonder what he will choose the Queen or the engagement between the prince and me?

Of course, he will choose his wonderful Wife! Everybody loves their partner!

And me? I will have a peaceful life away from the Royal Family and far from nobility, safe from danger.

I'm so happy! Good thing my brother has a brain! But I have a brain too, so why I didn't come up with that plan? Whatever.

"Elsie!"

I excitedly called and turned to face her. Elsie is not afraid of me anymore. And she smiles often now which never happened when Juliette was still in this body.

"Yes My Lady?"

"Let's go outside and have some fun! You can buy anything you want! It's my treat!"

I grabbed her hand and dashed towards the household's gate. I saw two guards blocking the way.

"My Lady you're not allowed to go outside under the duke's orders."

The guard with a beard said.

"That's sad... But I wanted to buy something!"

"I'm sorry My lady but we can't disobey your father."

Knowing my father, if he finds out that the guards let me pass and disobeyed him, he would fire them.

If my father doesn't want me to go out, I would find a way to go out myself. I dash towards the garden this time.

"My lady, what are we doing in the garden? Would you like some tea?"

What the- ! It's not the time for tea!

"Come on Elsie! Let's go out!"

We went to the wall nearby and I push aside vines covering the hole.

"My lady! This is..."

"Don't worry. Father won't scold you."

I crawled through the hole to the outside. Elsie came after me and we proceeded to the town.

When we reached the town we went to a boutique and exchanged the gowns that we were wearing for normal dresses.

I pick up a small sack and gave it to Elsie.

"Here, you can do whatever you want with it. You can go and visit your family too."

(Elsie's grandmother and little brother)

"Will you be all right My lady?"

She worriedly asked. I smile at her and gave her a nod. Soon after she was off.

Now all I need to do is to prepare for the bet. I went to a pharmacy and got everything I needed.

I bought face masks, calamine lotion, and pain-relieving creams. I also bought some soft towels. It was for the bet. For my FREEDOM.

I CAN SMELL VICTORY ALREADY!

I was busy strutting around in the streets when I suddenly fell.

Ow! My butt!

I angrily turn around to see the bastard who ran into me but I felt uneasy looking at the man with a pair of dark blue eyes and hair as black as ebony.

The Dangerous Prince!?

"Oh, It's you, Juliette. The beloved daughter of Duke Claude Fitoria, the spoiled brat..."

Even though he murmured the last three words I heard them quite clearly.

"My, my, the prince is kind and polite. Just as expected."

Was my sarcastic response. I know he knew what I'm talking about but he ignored me and turn away.

Arggg! I hate that jerk! Why can't he be like my good-looking, kind, and perfect brother!?

I fixed myself up and turn away from the direction he went. I was so preoccupied and I didn't notice I was in a forest!

No Way! I don't know where I am right now! The town was surrounded by forests... How could I forget that ?!?!

I'M DOOMED...

And goddamnit it's getting dark... I'm scared of the dark... I can't stand it, it seems to dig into the dreadful memories of the past...

I don't want that to happen again... I don't know if I'll be able to handle it...

Seemingly, an hour had passed with me still in the same place. I have no sense of direction and I'll be put in more danger if I go further.

It was dark and cold, there seemed to be fog everywhere. All I could do is hug myself.

The bush near me suddenly started to shake. I was super scared.

Is this the end of my life!? To be eaten by a wild beast!? I haven't even tasted the extreme pleasure my friends used to go on and on about being in bed with their boyfriends! I can’t die a virgin in the middle of nowhere!

"Grrr!!"

My eyes widened in shock and fear when I saw a big bear.

Its huge teeth and shaggy fur were covered in drool as it lumbered towards me.

I quietly wept when I saw it approaching me. A tear escaped my right eye and I tightly grip my hands and close my eyes, waiting for the bear to finish me off.

"Juliette!"

I heard his voice.

For real!? In this situation, I’m hearing his irritating voice!? Why!?

"Juliette! Run!"

I opened my eyes to see the dangerous prince having a fierce battle with the bear.

I wanted to run away but I couldn’t leave him here to die, could I !?

I know it's beneficial for me but I didn’t want him killed because of me. I just wanted to have a normal life and my life won't be normal because his death will haunt me for the rest of my life...

I picked up the small stones lying around and threw them at the beast. His gaze was on me now making me shiver.

I should have done that... Right?

He charged at me with a growl when I saw the prince kneeling in front of me with a pained expression.

His royal white suit was stained with blood and had four claw marks. I was terrified... I was scared but one thing I knew for sure right now was...

I need to protect him too...

I take the heavy golden sword from the prince and use all of my strength to swing it towards the beast's head.

The beast's blood was all over me making me more terrified...

I-I'm scared of blood!

"N-no... NO PLEASE SOMEONE! HELP ME! NO PLEASE GET IT OFF ME NO! PLEASE STOP! I'M BEGGING YOU! N-"

"Juliette! It's all right I'm here! I'm here! Shhh, it's all right I'm here.

The warm hug and comforting words calmed me down. I was safe in the protection of strong arms now. 

(edited)