The Villain's Life Is Now Mine

Delicate Whispers

The tea party's calm had shattered, and the pieces were everywhere. By the next morning, the noble circles were humming like a hive kicked by a boot. What had started as a simple countryside tea had bloomed into a scandal: Raven Thorne, cold hearted villainess, crown prince's obsession, a heiress of noble cruelty defending a common, born girl. A bold move, or a dangerous shift?

Letters fitted across the region like startled birds, passing through noble homes with trembling hands and raised eyebrows. "Have you heard?" "Perhaps she struck her head harder than we thought... " "She must be scheming. There's no way this is real." And then the letters changed tone. Because a new rumor arrived. "Prince Kael Windsor, second son of the king, had send a letter to Thorne Manor. A letter announcing a personal visit."

|At Throne Manor|

Raven stared at the letter sealed with a crimson wax crest. The royal emblem gleamed in the candlelight. Her fingers hovered over the edge. Winston stood stiffly nearby, arms behind his back. "It arrived half an hour ago. Directly from the palace. No delay."

"Do you think... he's here because of the tea party?" Raven asked.

Winston raised a brow. "You humiliated your allies. Defended a girl beneath your station. And now a royal prince is knocking."

"... So, that's a yes."

|The Letter|

Lady Raven Thorne, I find myself intrigued. You've always had an unpredictable nature, but your recent display has stirred much... curiosity. I will be arriving at your manor by the end of the week. Let us speak properly, without music or masks.

Prince Kael Windsor.

It wasn't just the invitation that shook the nobility, it was the implication. Why would Prince Kael visit Raven Thorne, of all people?

Had the crown prince cast her aside? Had she turned her manipulative sights onto the second prince? The rumors spread like wildfire.

Raven knew this visit could change everything. Her time in the countryside, her peace, her attempt to figure things out, it was about to be ripped open like a barely healed wound.

Back at Elira's place, Elira clutched a newspaper, her hands trembling. There are drawings of Raven's face. People are speculating if she used blackmail to get the prince to visit. Raven's odd act of kindness had left a mark on Elira. Temir read the same newspaper in silence, a wine glass clutched in his hand. "She's still alive," he murmured. "And now Kael's sniffing around." He crushed the wine glass with his bare hand, wine trickling down like blood. "Let's see how long you play this game, little bird."