Escape from the evil lady

The idea of escape, which had previously seemed completely insane to me, began to play in my head with new colors.

The imperial capital, as well as the entire territory of the empire, was at the Crown Princess's fingertips. It was simply impossible to confuse their tracks in these places. However, things took a different turn when it came to the north.

The northern region is the only area of the empire that was not subject to the control of the imperial family. Thus, if you run, then only there. I ran through my memories to know for sure if there was a place in the novel suitable for hiding. And all that really came to mind was the north.

Well, it looks like I have no choice.

If I can hide in the northern lands for a year or so, the main villain may well have already forgotten about me. I was more than sure that I was just a toy in her hands. And when I disappear, a new one will just appear in my place. At least, that's how I desperately hoped it would happen.

Attending Jeremy's wedding ceremony seemed like a good reason to head north. The problem was as follows. Will I be able to get there? Obviously, I could only do this with the consent of the Crown Princess. Otherwise, I'll just put myself in danger and die in vain.

When I first arrived here, I noticed that this place is well guarded not only from the outside, but also inside. The servants guarded the floor where I live, including the entrance to my room. Therefore, I almost immediately rejected the insignificant idea of direct flight.

I had to resort to a more cunning method of action.

And it turned out to be a difficult task… Because I'm not very smart.

As a result, I spent half the night thinking about an escape plan.

The mental shock and confusion that had accumulated recently, combined with taking a warm bath, eventually turned into fatigue that hit me.

Unable to fight the drowsiness anymore, I didn't even notice how I fell asleep.

Then came my first morning at the residence of the main villain.

I woke up, moved to sit up, then looked around. Everything was still quiet. I breathed a sigh of relief.

«My lady, are you awake yet?»

I heard the maid's voice when the door opened.

The servants helped me with my morning routines. By the time one maid finished combing my hair, another came over to help me change. She was holding several gorgeous dresses in her hands.

My dressing room was filled with expensive dresses and jewelry that I could never have dreamed of before. However, when I put on one of these outfits, I did not feel a sense of elation, but rather suffocation. In addition, my mental balance was shaken even more as soon as it became clear that the Crown Princess invited me to have breakfast with her.

«You don't like it?»

Noticing that I was looking at my plate for too long, the villain asked me this question.

The table was filled with all sorts of dishes that I had never heard of before, and as soon as the plates were even a little empty, the servants brought new dishes. And, of course, that wasn't the reason for my poor appetite. I just felt like I was going to be sick with excitement.

«N-no, the food is very good.»

I tried my best not to let my secret thoughts show on my face.

— OK. Then eat more.

The villain smiled at me and continued the process of slicing the meat that was on her plate. Swallowing, I still picked up the cutlery and helped myself to the first seafood salad I could find. Still feeling the gaze on me, I slowly began to eat.

Meanwhile, thoughts were swarming in my head about what excuse I could use to leave for the north.

Can my friend's wedding really be a good reason? Or will that not be enough? Anyway, I was afraid she wouldn't even listen to me.

And then I really won't know what to do.

This thought made me more and more nervous.

Without noticing it, I fixed my gaze on the table.

— Do you want to try this dish?

A deep voice startled me out of my thoughts.

Did she think I was staring at the plate in the center?

The next moment, a huge piece landed on my plate. It was lamb stewed in wine. Since my worries were already making it difficult for me to digest food, I shook my head.

— Eat it.

— I really am… I'm full.

— One more piece. I like watching you eat.

I was confused, but I still reluctantly opened my mouth. Okay, the main villain just told me to eat. If I refuse, she can use it as an excuse to trap me. Since I had no choice, I started eating meat.

At this time, while I was quietly concentrating on eating, the princess suddenly called out to me.

— Camille.

— Y-yes?

— I'm sorry… I haven't been able to find your brother yet.

After her phrase, which sounded guilty, I almost died because of a piece of meat that threatened to get stuck in my throat.

«I've sent soldiers all over the Empire. Among other things, she ordered the borders to be combed. But for now… We haven't been able to get on his trail.»

After the Crown Princess's short report, I barely recovered enough to chew the meat and swallow it. To be honest, I didn't know what emotions I felt from this news. Relief, or indifference… By and large, I didn't care what became of him.

But still, the villainess's next words made me tense up.

«Don't worry,» she sounded bloodthirsty, «Sooner or later I'll find him, and then this bastard won't go unpunished.» When he dies, I'll send his body to the incinerator. He will turn into the unsightly ashes that he is.

The fork fell out of my hands. The servant quickly came over and handed me a new one, although it probably wouldn't last long in my hands either, because they were shaking violently.

Well, okay… It was too much.

The first thing I needed to do was calm down. It was necessary to change this terrible topic somehow.

Pulling myself together, I pretended that I was all right and answered in an even voice:

— Oh, that's how it is… My voice trembled slightly.

«Camille, you can put all your worries behind you,» she said softly, «I'm here, so don't worry about anything.

«That's why I'm worried…»

The Crown Princess looked at me intently. I felt uncomfortable with her gaze, which always seemed to haunt me. I became so uncomfortable that I completely lost my appetite.

But instead of cowering in fright, I decided to make an attempt to start this conversation.:

— Uh-that…

— Yes? — the villainess immediately responded, — Do you need anything?

I involuntarily swallowed in excitement. Nevertheless, there was nowhere to retreat.

«I… if you don't mind.» I would like to attend my friend's celebration. He's getting married soon. He invited me, and I did… I would like to be present.

When I finally voiced this request, I nervously sucked in my breath.

— hm…

After listening to me, she closed her mouth and stared at me intently. Her gaze was so intense that for a moment it seemed to me that I had just made a fatal mistake. For someone who was kidnapped, it was too audacious to ask for something like that.

«I think I made a mistake…»

While I was lamenting my carelessness and patiently waiting for my death, contrary to all my expectations, the Crown Princess asked:

— Where will the ceremony take place?

Her tone was surprisingly gentle.

I said hurriedly:

— Gee… Duchy of the North Duchess, Edelweiss.

— When will it take place?

— In fifteen days…

I was somewhat puzzled, but I hastened to answer all the questions that followed on her part.

— I see,» the Crown Princess replied calmly after a short pause.

When I heard the clink of cutlery, which meant that the villain was cutting her steak again, I breathed a sigh of relief.

«Okay, I think I got carried away…»

Dealing with the main villain was terribly destructive to my nervous system. I just couldn't wait for this breakfast to be over.

But before I could rejoice that death had bypassed me today, a new shock happened to me.

«Since you say so, I suppose I can go to this event with you,» the woman said, staring straight at me.

I dropped the fork I was holding in my hand again.

«But this… but it wasn't in my plans at all!»

While I was on the verge of my first heart attack, which happened to happen to me at such a young age, the villain watching me couldn't hide her smile.

«I'll have to postpone some of my business, but there's nothing I can do.»

Caena de Ronan thought about it with a smile on her face.

«Who would have thought that this woman would be so happy?»