《Reincarnated as the mother of an otome game's villainess?!》Chapter 11. Keep yourself alive.
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Once we entered the palace’s great hall, everyone’s eyes focused on us. On me, specifically. That was not completely unexpected; my presence alone was enough to make other nobles furrow their brows. But on that day, I have given them another reason to badmouth me. My election of clothing was a bit… controversial. I was wearing a black dress with a dark veil. The attendants that had come with me, Sophie, Carmila, and Iridia, were dressed in similar fashion.
Dressing in black to a celebration was normally in bad taste, and I could already see some murmuring and gossiping among the multitude. But it would have been worse if I had worn anything else, even if they didn’t realize it. It hasn’t been a year yet since my husband died, so I was expected to still be mourning him. It didn’t really mattered on my day to day, or even in casual reunions, but to ignore such tradition while attending a formal celebration such as that would have been a dishonor not only for me, and my husband’s memory, but to the host as well. Erzi herself probably wouldn’t care, but others might use it against her.
—But still… everyone is going to be so focused on the color of the dress that nobody is going to notice how beautiful it is —Sophie said, once she had helped me choose my attire.
—What if we try to turn that negative attention into positive? —Carmila said, after thinking it for a moment.
—What do you mean? —I asked.
—Well, we can put something they can’t get mad to right in the spotlight —she answered, pointing to Violett, who was sleeping in my arms—, and kids aren’t expected to wear black after a family member dies.
—Oh! —both Sophie and I exclaimed, slightly clapping our hands at Carmila’s brilliant plan.
So we dressed my baby with a gorgeous white dress, with a few emeralds here and there. I was carrying her as we crossed the great hall, right where everyone could see her. I felt a little bad for using her as a distraction, but I also kind of wanted to show of how cute my baby was. I… think I was even smiling.
That strategy apparently worked, as I could only hear a few murmurs belittling me, among the rest of the crowd. We reached the other side of the hall, where the queen and the king were welcoming the guest on a slightly elevated platform. Erzi was sitting, as she was still a bit weak, and Gaius was at her side. But to my surprise, Erzi was holding baby Julius on her arms.
—I recognize your soul, Rosanne Dragonroot —she said, welcoming me in a very formal and a bit archaic way. Her smile was still as warm as ever.
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—I am humbled to be in your presence, your Majesty —I replied in similar manner, bowing my head a bit more than usual. It was a bit hard to keep my balance while carrying Violet, but I managed it somehow.
My attendants had taken a knee to pay respect to the royal family, but as soon as I raised my head, they approached them with the presents we had brought. I… might have brought too many. It was not unusual to bring present to this sort of celebrations, and it was almost expected when the host was from a higher standing, not to even mention from the royal family. But those gifts tended to be jewelry, accessories, paintings, etc.
I had brought some of those as well, but most of the bulk was comprised of baby clothes, diapers, and a few feeding bottles. I also had written a few notes and recommendations to help in the child’s raising, but those were hidden below the clothes. In hindsight, it was a tacky gift to give to the royal family, but I got a bit too excited when I noticed the part of the invitation that asked me to be Julius’ godmother. And now I could understood the glare Carmila had thrown at me when we were buying everything. But Erzi looked happy, and almost forgot her role as a queen to give me a hug.
—I would also like to present a few gifts for the rest of the family —I said, as I presented to them a sheathed rapier—. This sword’s blade has been covered in my blood, and I present it as a symbol of my loyalty towards your Majesties.
Mother had done the same thing before, and so had some of the previous leaders of my family. It was said that a blade covered by the blood of a dragon would never break or rust, but I’m sure it was just a legend. I still did coat it with my blood… with some begrudgingly help of the doctor.
—While it can be used to protect oneself, that sword is mostly decorative, as I hope for a future that is a peaceful one and there is never a need to unsheathe it —I said, in the most elegant and magnanimous tone I could muster.
Then I took a step further towards the queen, and murmured a secret message for her:
—I also reserved a crate of wine, so that you can enjoy it together once Prince Julius becomes an adult. Maybe we could invite the old chief of guards for a drink with everyone.
Erzi tried so hard to not burst into a laugh. She was quite the heavy drinker when she had the chance, and the night she out drank the chief of guards had become a secret joke between us. I caught a glance of the king’s glare, and took a step back. We did another salute, and turned away, trying to incorporate into the crowd, but it was obvious everyone was trying to keep their distance from us. That is, until I heard a familiar voice.
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—Rosanne!! There you are! —A woman dressed in a very scandalous red dress came running towards me, towing her husband behind her— I thought once you married you’ll stop being such a wallflower!
—Ah, I guess I haven’t changed at all, hahaha…
She was Victoria, and her husband was Christopher. They were not my friends, more like acquaintances. Christopher’s father ran some business for my mother, and I knew Christopher himself since I was a teenager. We met in a few socialite parties and he presented me to his then fiancée, and since then we have had this sort of casual association. Christopher was quite serious and polite, unlike his more ongoing and extrovert wife. They did get along, in their own particular way, and they had two daughters of four and six years old already. Christopher and Victoria had more or less my same age…
—I’m very sorry for what happened to Arthur —Christopher solemnly said.
—T-thanks, thank you very much.
Christopher had been the one who introduced me to my late husband, they were business partners. Even now, he was taking care of the companies that they had started together, and giving us Arthur’s shares of the profit. He took the chance to give me a summary of their business, and seemed quite pleased with having someone who could understand his lingo. As a former office lady, it would be embarrassing not being able to keep up with him.
Our discussion was more than boring for Victoria, who instead of trying to participate or even listen to it, started playing with Violett, making silly faces and weird noises. She was from a lower tier of nobility than most of the guest in the party, and she had a more hands on approach of raising her kids. Her style was… quite unusual.
—Can you believe? I found the two little gremlins in the middle of the night eating the cake I had been saving! They made me ran all around the house until they got into their room and locked the door. Of course, everyone woke up by the noise, and they were looking me weird, so I had to go to sleep. Ah… But I can’t stay mad at them, I bought them another cake the next weekend, and we ate it together. I made their slices a bit thinner though —she said with a devilish grin.
I laughed out of compromise, and she keep talking and talking, but my mind was distracted. If I was just Rosanne Dragonroot, that encounter would have meant nothing, just something to make the party a bit more tolerable. But since I had my memories from my previous life, I knew the future of this couple. They were the ones who would adopt the heroine, five or six years from now. Shortly after that, Christopher would die suddenly.
Many rumors started to spread about how the girl had caused his death, others about her being his illegitimate daughter. Some went as far as to say she was actually Victoria’s daughter from a lover, and Christopher had been murdered when he found out. Victoria and her daughters took their frustration towards the heroine, and bullied her. They would make her work alongside the maids, and yell at her for every mistake. When she turned into a young adult, they sent her to the Academy because they wanted to get rid of her and fulfill the last promise Victoria had made to her husband.
I couldn’t allow that to happen, I had already helped Gaiuss escape his bad ending, if there was something I could do, anything, to prevent it, I had to—
—Madame Dragonroot, may I have a moment of your time? —A stern voice said, taking me back from my thoughts.
I turned my head towards the man who had approached us, none other than the King himself. For his expression I could see he would not take a “no” for an answer. I followed him out of the grand hall, and went to a smaller room that was relatively closer. My attendants waited outside, with Sophie carrying Violett.
—I would like to ask you “what are your intentions?” —the king said—, but they are too obvious for anyone paying attention.
—What might your Highness mean? —I said, trying to keep my smile and a relaxed expression.
—Drop the act. Erzebeth is the most intelligent woman that I know, but she is weak to you. She can’t see that you are manipulating her.
—Oh? —I could barely keep my composure, I was shaking. What was he talking about?
—After years and years of barely keeping contact, you start to become more proactive in trying to restart your friendship, just when it so happens that you had a daughter and she is pregnant. Do I really have to spell it out?
—Hmm. So what your majesty is implying is that I’m trying to manipulate my dear old friend to arrange a marriage between our kids? That’s… entirely correct.
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The End of Forever
When Eleanor Moreno and Ava Griffin are chosen to be the future wives of two vampire princes, they are each forced to fight their own demons in a world that isn’t as black and white as they had once thought.
8 577The Diviner
Quinn has a rare and powerful gift that was borne from rage and trauma, and the anger she can't let go of makes her an unpredictable and dangerous weapon of last resort for a kingdom on the brink of war. Diviners like Quinn are venerated yet feared, protected yet exploited. Bonded to the Queen, they are forced to endure hardship and sacrifice to protect her empire. After a near loss in a key battle and the death of the Diviner of Fire, the Queen calls for aid from the mercenary soldiers of the allied territories to the East. When a striking warrior named Kiran is assigned to protect and train Quinn, the pair discover that the enemy has already reached the gates, and the adversary is more powerful than the kingdom ever imagined. Time is running out for Quinn to harness her power. The enemy is closing in around them. Impossible sacrifices haunt every decision Quinn makes. As she fights to keep what little she's claimed as hers, Quinn learns that her destiny might not lay in the hands of fates or kingdoms, but in her own.
8 155Just Revenge (#1)
I looked at his eyes and put up a strong face. His eyes bore into mine as much as mine into his. It was like he could read my mind and reach out to my soul just by looking into my eyes. I tried to read his thoughts too but it felt like he had blocked me out this time. Nothing seemed clear to me anymore. Tears were burning behind my eyes and threatening to pour out. I forced my self to hold them back and asked him, "Just revenge?"Without a ting of emotion on his face, he said, "Just Revenge."********************************************************************************************Amelia Lawson had a perfect life. In the eyes of the world, Amelia, or Amy as most would call her, had everything you ever wanted. A successful career, rich background, a loving brother and a handsome boyfriend turned husband. But, it all crashes down when on the wedding night the love of her life, Aaron Kingston, laughs on her face revealing to her that the whole thing right from dating to marriage was just a big sham and for a fact he actually hates her to no bounds. Now, blackmailed by her husband, Amelia has no choice but to pretend in front of his family and the world that they are a happy couple until he gets what he wants, even if it is her life that is at stake. With Amy's heart already in her husband's hands, her husband hell bent on making her life a living hell and her not knowing what has she possibly done in the twenty five years of her existence to make him hate her so much, what is much left for her to do but comply? But no, "Take no shit from anyone." is a rule made for Amy.Aaron Kingston may have been the love of her life, but he is no exception to this rule.********************************************Warning: Mentions of sensitive stuff. Please refrain if you feel you can't handle.Note: This is a standalone book but a part of a series. Can be read in any order.#1 in heartbreak on 05/28/2022#1 in planned on 06/03/2022#2 in betrayal on 06/04/2022
8 188My Princess
"Do you realize this is what you do to me." He says wrapping his arms around me. One of his hands slid up into my shirt, sitting right under my breast. His breath gave my goosebumps as I felt my skin ignite. I could see Grayson behind me in the mirror. His nose skimmed my neck as his breathing deepened. "You don't understand...how much control you have of my body and soul Isabella. I would do...be anything for you. All you have to do is snap your little fingers and it's done. Anything princess." Graysons says darkly pulling at my panty line. --------------------------This story isn't finished and I'm not sure if it will ever be finished Mature Scenes and bad language. Cliche and definitely not real.THIS STORY IS RATED R AND IS VERY SEXUAL.This story is not for everyone so if you don't like it, stop reading it.----------------June 3, 2021 #1: Wolf #10: Mate #8: Powerful #9: Beast #21: Alpha
8 145I Broke into the Alpha's House ✔
Highest rank: #2 in Werewolf 2018She was running from her brother into the woods when she found a big house with lights on. She did not waste any second and opened the door to see more than 20 males watching a football game. They turned to look at her, amused and alarmed. "Please help." Stella is an 18-year-old teenager who was abused for more than eight years by her brother. He hit her whenever he felt like it. She was lucky if he was in a good mood because he would only punch her in the stomach. He claims to have a reason for his abuse. Julian Woods is the soon-to-be alpha of the Graymod pack. He's 20 years old and has been looking for his mate for about two years. What will he do when he sees his abused mate in his house?~~~I am slowly editing this book, so be patient with me. (Every chapter that does not have "Edited once" is still not edited)DO NOT STEAL ANYTHING FROM MY BOOK!All Rights Reserved2017
8 286I SEE YOU|| A Vsoo FF ||
COMPLETED/ But Continuing in other book"Where is he?!" Jisoo tried to remain calm. "He escaped!" Jennie scram across the room "We tried chasing him! But he's and alpha" Rose Exclaimed "It's 4 against 7!" Lisa panicked. "Let's play Fire with Fire then" ⚠Disclaimer⚠ [Mafia] [Violence] [Etc.] ****** If you aren't Okay with these I do not recommend you this book.
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