Ascension Of The Villain

Maria's moment of heart flutter was interrupted by a whirlwind of energy in the form of a ten-year-old girl named Katelyn who came barreling toward them.

"Vyan! Vyan!" she chirped, her voice bright and infectious. She skidded to a halt by the table, barely noticing the teapot wobbling from her abrupt stop. "What brings you here today? Why did you leave so quickly last time? I have been waiting forever ever since the last time.

Do you know—"

"Katelyn," Vyan interrupted with a wry smile, trying to keep up with the rapid-fire questions. "One question at a time."

"You—" Katelyn noticed Maria, sitting elegantly across from Vyan with a gentle smile. Her eyes narrowed slightly before she recognized who she was, and she immediately went to hide behind Vyan, her hand tightly clutching the fabric over his bicep.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Vyan asked, his voice a blend of confusion and gentle curiosity.

"Why are you talking to her? You shouldn't," Katelyn whispered, her voice teetering between fear and a forced display of strength.

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Maria let out an airy laugh, catching Vyan's attention. "I think I understand why Princess Katelyn is so scared," she said. "Prince Easton spread a rumor that I'm a hot-tempered, violent whirlwind to keep everyone at the palace from bothering me."

Vyan slapped his forehead, remembering that Althea had already told him about the rumor. He turned his stern gaze to his cousin, who was still using him as a human shield.

"Katelyn," he called out, "does she look like she could hurt a fly?"

"You never know. Looks can be deceiving," Katelyn murmured.

"Yes, they can," Vyan said with a knowing smirk. "But you should also know never to judge anyone based on rumors."

As his words sank in, Katelyn slowly nodded and reluctantly stepped out from behind him.

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"Now, be polite and greet Princess Maria," Vyan added.

"Good afternoon, Your Imperial Highness," Katelyn greeted stiffly, her tone more forced than a smile in a family photo. Vyan was pleased she was at least trying.

Maria was in awe. Katelyn had always fled before even casting a shadow near her, but now, here she was, face to face. Vyan truly was a miracle worker.

"Hello, Your Imperial Highness," Maria chirped with enthusiasm. "It's really nice to finally talk to you!"

Katelyn gave a faint smile and replied, "Likewise."

Then, Katelyn leaned in and whispered to Vyan, "When are you going to be done talking to her? Ron and Mother are waiting for you, and I swear she hasn't stopped talking about you since she met you."

Vyan chuckled softly and glanced at Maria. "I suppose I have intruded on Princess Maria's tea time enough for one day. I should get going."

"Oh, no, not at all. I really enjoyed your company, however brief it was," Maria replied with a bright smile, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "Please join me whenever you like."

Vyan nodded and rose to his feet. He knew he needed to tread carefully; being too forward could raise her suspicions, and that was the last thing he wanted. Slow and steady was the name of the game.

As Katelyn marched ahead, Vyan shot a smile at Maria and mouthed, "Let's have tea again tomorrow."

With that, he followed Katelyn, oblivious to the way Maria's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Once they were out of Maria's earshot, Katelyn grumbled, "Why did you make me act so polite with her? She might not be as terrible as the rumors, but she is still our enemy."

"No, Katelyn, she is a guest," Vyan corrected. "You should always treat guests with respect and hospitality. Isn't it bad enough that she has to live away from her family? Do you want to add to her misery by treating her badly?"

Katelyn pondered his words, then nodded genuinely this time and smiled up at him. "I will try to be kinder to her from now on then!"

He ruffled her hair. "You're such a good kid. I just wish you would work a little on your manners."

She huffed and retorted, "At least I don't put up an insincere polite act like you."

"Ouch," he said, feigning hurt. "I was being genuine there."

Katelyn ignored his mock offense and started talking about her new hobby—archery—while Vyan listened with one ear, the other occupied with scheming ways to get into Maria's head and convince her to escape the palace grounds.

———

Iyana stood outside the Estelle Manor, its facade restored after the devastating fire that had marred its elegance. The evening breeze carried whispers of the past that she had forgotten, mingling with the scent of fresh paint and newly laid bricks.

She formed her fists into a ball, Vyan's confession regarding her family burning hotter than any flame inside her mind.

The double doors loomed ahead, polished to a sheen that reflected the clouds tinged with the hues of sunset. Each step on the cobblestone path echoed in the quiet courtyard.

As she reached out to knock, memories of how happily her family greeted her when she first returned from the war flooded her mind. At that time, she was confused but she was still happy.

She shook her head, reminding herself that all of it was a scheme. Her family was only putting up an act with her and taking advantage of her lost memories.

But she wouldn't fall for their lies anymore.

The door swung open with a soft creak, revealing the dimly lit foyer beyond. Faces turned toward her, a mixture of surprise and apprehension marking the expressions of her family.

"Iyana, what brings you here?" Carolina was the first to speak up.

Iyana swallowed the lump in her throat and met their gazes head-on, her demeanor firm and unwavering. "I have come to set things right."

"What do you mean, Sister?" Sienna asked, her face a little pale just like her mother.

Iyana tilted her head and flashed them a smile. "I am here to bring justice to my family. What else would I mean, silly?"

"Oh, of course," Sienna and Carolina let out, releasing a synchronized breath they were both holding and faking laughs.

This time, Iyana matched their laughter, seeming casual and unaware like always, as she thought, you all fooled me until now, didn't you? Now, watch me. I will make you pay for it.