the Villainess they took for granted

Marian remained face-down on the pillow for several more moments.

Eventually, she lifted her head.

She stared at the ceiling.

Then she smiled again.

I want you here.

The words replayed in her mind.

Not because it was convenient.

Not because the Imperial Household needed her.

Because Adrian wanted her there.

Marian pressed her face into the pillow again.

A muffled squeal escaped her.

She really was behaving like a lovesick girl.

A knock sounded at the door.

Marian immediately lifted her head.

Who would be coming this early?

She quickly smoothed her hair and sat up.

”Come in.”

The doors opened.

Several Imperial Household attendants entered, one of them carrying a breakfast tray while two others followed with fresh clothing and everything required for her morning toilette.

Marian recognized some of the faces from her previous visits to the palace. She had spent enough time here as Crown Princess in waiting that the household was hardly unfamiliar to her.

The woman leading them, however, was someone she had not dealt with personally before.

She was an older, dignified woman dressed in the formal attire of the Imperial Household.

She bowed.

”Good morning, Lady Marian.”

”Good morning.”

”His Majesty instructed us to see that you had everything you required this morning.”

Marian’s lips curved.

”He did?”

”Yes.”

That warmed her more than it should have.

Of course Adrian had already arranged it before leaving.

”Thank you.”

The breakfast was arranged by the windows.

Marian sat down and ate while the attendants waited discreetly nearby.

There was nothing unusual about being served breakfast. She had been raised in a ducal household and was perfectly accustomed to it.

Still, there was a subtle difference here.

These were now the women who would be attending her within the Imperial Household.

And she knew why.

She was going to become Empress.

When she finished, she glanced toward the bathing room.

”I’d like to bathe.”

”Certainly, Lady Marian.”

The attendants immediately prepared everything.

Marian allowed them to assist her, giving small instructions as she went.

She chose the temperature of the water, the fragrance she wanted, and the garments she preferred afterward.

Everything was accommodated without question.

Once she had finished bathing, she returned to the dressing room.

Several dresses had already been prepared.

Marian looked through them before selecting one.

”That one.”

”Very good.”

She sat before the mirror.

The attendant opened a jewelry case.

”Would you prefer these?”

Inside were several pieces from the Imperial collection prepared for her use.

Marian’s eyes settled on a pair of diamond earrings.

”Those.”

The attendant immediately brought them forward.

As her hair was arranged, Marian studied herself in the mirror.

She looked composed.

Almost entirely.

Then her thoughts returned to Adrian.

I want you here.

Her lips curved.

She lowered her gaze before anyone could notice.

Once she was dressed, she moved toward the writing desk.

”My father.”

The Mistress of the Robes looked toward her.

”Yes, Lady Marian?”

”I need to write to him.”

”Certainly.”

Writing materials were brought immediately.

Marian sat down.

Her father was still at Valmont.

He had no idea what had happened the previous evening.

Soon, he would know.

She dipped her pen into the ink and began.

Father,

I hope you are well.

I have something rather important to tell you.

His Majesty asked me to marry him last night.

And I accepted.

I imagine this will come as a surprise, especially since everything happened rather suddenly. I had not expected any of this when I went to the ball, and yet by the end of the evening, everything had changed.

The Imperial Household has already begun making arrangements, and I expect matters to proceed rather quickly. The date has not yet been decided, but I will write to you again as soon as it is settled.

Please come to the capital as soon as you are able. I want you here for the preparations, and I want you beside me when the wedding takes place.

I know the journey from Valmont will take some time, so please do not wait for the date to be announced before making arrangements to leave.

There is much I would like to tell you in person.

I hope you will be happy for me, Father.

I am very happy.

Your loving daughter,

Marian

Marian read the letter again.

Her eyes lingered on the final lines.

I am very happy.

She smiled.

It was the simplest truth she could give him.

She folded the letter carefully and placed it inside the envelope.

”Please have this sent to Valmont immediately.”

The attendant accepted it with a bow.

”Of course, Lady Marian.”

Marian watched the letter leave her hands.

Her father would not receive it today.

The Duchy of Valmont was several days’ journey from the capital, and even with a fast imperial messenger, the letter would take time to reach him.

But at least it was on its way.

Soon, he would know.

Marian hoped he would smile when he read it.

She hoped he would come quickly.

Then she remembered the other matter.

”Regarding my belongings...”

The Mistress of the Robes waited.

”His Majesty has already instructed that your personal effects be brought from the Valmont residence,” she said. ”We will have them collected today. You may provide any particular instructions regarding what you wish brought first.”

Marian nodded.

”Then I’d like my everyday clothes brought first. My books as well. There are a few personal things in my dressing room that I don’t want packed away.”

”Those instructions will be given to the household sent to collect them.”

”Thank you.”

Everything was already being arranged.

She hadn’t even needed to ask Adrian herself.

The realization made her smile.

The Mistress of the Robes waited a moment before continuing.

”There is one further matter, Lady Marian.”

Marian looked up.

”The Imperial Household has appointed the official responsible for coordinating the wedding arrangements. He is prepared to attend you whenever you wish.”

Marian blinked.

Already.

She glanced toward the door.

The wedding.

It had been only one night since Adrian had asked her.

Yet the machinery surrounding an Imperial wedding was already moving.

Her father was being informed.

Her belongings were being collected.

And someone was waiting to begin discussing the ceremony itself.

Marian drew a quiet breath.

Then she smiled.

”Very well.”

She straightened slightly.

”I’ll receive him.”

The Mistress of the Robes bowed.

”At once, Lady Marian.”

Marian watched her leave.

She remained seated for another moment.

Then she looked at herself in the mirror.

Yesterday, she had entered the ballroom as Lady Marian Valmont.

Today, everything around her was already changing.

And somewhere in the palace, Adrian was sitting in court, completely unaware that his soon to be bride was sitting in his chambers with a ridiculous smile on her face.

Marian touched one of the diamond earrings.

She smiled.

She was going to marry him.

And now, the entire Imperial Household was going to make sure it happened.

--

Tbc