Accusation

Author's Note:

If you're a Korean LN fan, the cover I used for my novel is from the LN called 'The villainess captured the Duke'. It was the only book cover I could find that was the closest to the main characters.

The MC has the same features; red hair and amber eyes. The style or the appearance, I don't know 🤔. The ML has black hair and red eyes. The height difference between the MC and ML is exactly the same as the novel cover. Maybe their body type as well will be the same but who knows.

Anyway, this will be my first fantasy novel, so if I type something wrong, or the lines didn't make any sense, let me know.

I have released 5 chapters in advance and the following chaps will be uploaded weekly with one chapter, maybe two, every Thursday. Also, I do not accept anyone copying my work or posting my work to other websites. If anyone sees it, let me know ASAP. Thanks a bunch, my readers.

*-*-*-*-*

"Hey, wake up!"

Coldwater was splashed on the chained- lady against the wall. Her dull red hair was scattered all over her tattered red dress. Her once beautiful face has minor wounds and gashes all over. And her amber eyes, which once shone like stars, had lost their light.

"You may be the fiance of the crown prince, but don't forget that you are just the replacement of the real fiance. How dare you try to act like you own the position and steal the real crown prince's fiance's necklace."

"I-I didn't—"

"INSOLENCE! YOU THIEF!"

The whip hit her already wounded arms. The crisp sound echoed throughout the dungeon. Alice bit her lips in fear of giving her older brother's servant, the tormentor, a peace of satisfaction.

"Young master, they have the thief. She was one of the palace maids that served during the banquet."

The silence was deafening as if a drop of rainwater was the sound of the drum. Alice barely opened her eyes as she went between consciousness and unconsciousness.

"Release her and bring her back to her room. Call a doctor to heal her wounds immediately."

Alfonso De Evergreen, the oldest son and the heir of the Marquise household, glances with disdain before leaving the cell with his servants.

"My lady!"

The most loyal servant, Anna, immediately kneeled and caught her mistress before falling on the ground.

"Please stay awake! We are almost near your room! My Lady!"

Alice grunted and surrendered herself to the darkness.

"My Lady!"

*-*-*-*-*

"Father, I also want a teddy bear. C-Can I have one, please?"

"Oh, Alice. You have so many toys. Why not wait for your birthday? And I will give you whatever you want."

"Father, you promised?"

"Of course."

The picture changed to a room filled with guests and presents. Alice extended her hand and saw they were small. She looked down and saw she was wearing what seemed to be a dull and ugly green dress.

Looking up, she saw her 'father.', talking happily to the two boys and one girl who had the shiniest blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. They look like the happiest family that you see on every tv advertisement.

Her chest thumped painfully, and she felt her tears coming up while watching them laughing and smiling. She forced her sadness away and put on a smile before calling out to her father.

"Father. I have arrived."

Marquise De Evergreen cringed at the title and quickly put on a fake smile. Turning around, he handed her a tiny box wrapped in red. Alice smiled and happily opened her gift without forgetting to thank her father.

A small bracelet with red stones around it greeted her sight. She had seen this bracelet all around the capital being sold on the streets. Commoners would usually buy these things as accessories that could be deemed expensive. Still, nobles would surely not buy these bracelets, as they would be considered hideous to a noble's lineage.

"Father, I—"

"I didn't have enough time to pick the gifts for you. Father was busy with work and accompanying your older brothers to the competition, and your little sister wanted me to come with her as an escort today."

Alice clutched the bracelet tight to her chest as her heartbeat thumped against her chest. She felt like countless knives continuously stabbed her tiny heart without mercy. Tears were about to fall, but she pulled them back when her father asked her if she didn't like the gift he had prepared for her. Shaking her head, the marquise smiled and patted her head before completely ignoring her.

Alice took that as a sign and left the banquet quietly. The banquet that was supposed to be her birthday was labelled as her younger sister's celebration as the crown prince's fiance. That night was the day she turned sixteen—the first stage of being an adult.

*-*-*-*-*

"...my Lady."

Sylvia woke up and saw a maid with brown hair and brown eyes.

"My lady!"

The maid smiled happily as a few teardrops fell on her face.

"...anna...don't...cry..."

Her dry voice made Anna stop crying and gave her a cup of water. She drank the water like her life depended on it before flopping down on the bed.

"My lady?"

"Anna. How long have I been sleeping?"

"Three days, my lady."

"Anyone visited me today?"

"Well...umm... his highness, the crown prince visited you after we brought you back from the prison. He then ordered the imperial doctors to come and look at you, give you medication, and monitor your health until you recovered."

"Hmm...I see. Anna, what is my full name."

"My lady?"

"Please, just answer my question."

"Alice De Evergreen."

Just like I thought.

Sylvia, now possessed the body of Alice, sighs and slowly gets off her bed. Strolling towards the balcony, she watches the sunset with pure determination in her eye.

"My lady..."

"Anna, whose servant are you?"

"Yours only, my Lady."

"Alright, from now on, remember that. Fetched me the letter from Marquise De Evergreen and Duke Kaleighden from Ausira Drakonis Imperium."

"My Lady, are you going to accept the offer?"

"Yes. It is time for me to move on."

"Certainly, my Lady!"

Sylvia looked back at the sky once more and walked to her desk as Anna brought two letters with an excited face.