villainess chapter 19

Vivian took another step back as Evan subtly drew closer.

“Yes? Yes. Her Highness prefers to be addressed by her name.”

“I prefer that as well.” Embarrassed by the unintentional honesty, his voice trailed off. Yet, a melancholic air clung to him as the corners of his eyes drooped, casting tiny shadows beneath his thick lashes. To a stranger, he might have seemed a man burdened by some unspoken sorrow. Meanwhile, Vivian, having missed the nuance of his words, blinked owlishly.

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing. May I, then, also have the honor of addressing you as Vivian?”

Vivian paused, considering. Using given names instead of surnames was usually reserved for close acquaintances. Does this mean he feels a certain closeness to me? Caroline did say she wished she had a younger sister. Perhaps he feels similarly? Having reached her own conclusion, she gave a small nod.

“As you wish, Your Highness.”

“Then please, call me Evan.” He met her gaze, his thoughts carefully veiled, a charming smile playing on his lips. You called me Ethan readily enough at the academy, Vivi. Just like you did a moment ago.

Instead of a verbal affirmation, Vivian lowered her eyes, a gentle refusal. “With all due respect, Your Highness, this is only the second time we have met.”

“Even so, won’t you call me that?” Evan’s tone was earnest as he pleaded, his gaze fixed on her enigmatic, mystical brown eyes. He longed to approach her anew, as Evan, since she had no memory of Ethan. No. She’s supposed to have forgotten. What was that just now? He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair.

Vivian’s response was as firm as it had been in the dress shop. “I am still a young lady, far from my debut. It would be improper for me to address a gentleman by his given name. I would not want to bring undue attention to the Grand Ducal family.”

Evan, though aware of the validity in her words, felt a pang of disappointment. It’s alright with me. And we’re not in a formal setting like a ball, so what’s the harm? However, he couldn’t press her further, lest he make her uncomfortable. Unlike him, who carried the weight of their shared past, she knew nothing of him now. And pushing the issue might expose her to unforeseen dangers. He swallowed, a strange dryness in his throat.

“If that is your wish, My Lady, I shall not impose. I apologize for my insistence.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Just then, Flora, having changed her dress, approached with the Grand Duchess. Flora wore a simple, pale pink gown, its design and color perfectly complementing her fresh, innocent aura.

“Vivian!”

“Sister!” Vivian waved enthusiastically.

Caroline, at Flora’s side, spotted Evan. “Evan? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be training?” she asked curtly, a sharp sound escaping her lips. Honestly. So transparent. He couldn’t even wait a moment. Is she really that captivating?

She looked him up and down, then scoffed. “This is the ladies’ tea time. It’s not over yet, so disappear back to the mansion.”

“This is the Grand Ducal garden, which I am also entitled to use.”

“Yes, but I’ve reserved it today. I didn’t invite you, so leave.”

Their banter continued in its usual playful manner. Despite Caroline’s dismissal, Evan remained rooted to the spot. Finally, Caroline placed both hands on his broad back and shoved him forward. It was a familiar, affectionate gesture, devoid of any formality or barriers between siblings.

With a light sigh, Evan gave in and offered a farewell. “Fine. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Vivian. I shall see you at your debut then, eldest daughter of Beaufort.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Flora’s expression hardened subtly as she replied. For a fleeting moment, a chilling coldness flickered in her usually gentle green eyes. Vivian, however, remained oblivious to her sister’s shift in demeanor.

***

A short while earlier, in the Grand Ducal dressing room, two young ladies with contrasting styles entered. Caroline, vibrant and flamboyant, and Flora, with her preference for softer hues.

Caroline addressed the attendants who accompanied them. “Leave us for a moment. I’ll call you when Lady Flora and I have made our selections.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The door clicked shut as they left, and the moment the other presences vanished, Flora’s expression turned icy, a stark contrast to the bright smile she wore in front of Vivian.

“Your Highness. What is your intention in inviting Vivian?” Her voice was as rigid as her expression, a chilling tone Vivian had never heard.

Unfazed by Flora’s demeanor, Caroline grinned, her usual relaxed confidence on full display. “Lady Flora, there’s no need to be so wary.”