Chapter 47: Not as vicious as they say

Chapter 47: Not as vicious as they say The maid suddenly pulled the strings of the corset and it felt like all the air in her lungs was forced out of her. It was official, corsets were her new number two least-like thing in this world next to Cedric, her sworn nemesis who was number one. The gingerbread princess, feeling suffocated by the dress, felt grateful that her wedding dress wasn’t a corset gown as it was traditionally designed for the occasion. The information of Cedric waiting by her side and the corset that was suddenly tightened took her a while to process things. "Why would he do that?" She mumbled saying her thoughts out loud while the maids heard. "He must cherish her highness dearly. It’s the first time he ever showed deep concern for anyone." The maid excitedly said, Abrielle felt like coughing out blood. Saying Cedric cherishes her was like saying the sun rises in the west. She swallowed nervously, was it because he was suspicious of her? That could not be possible, if Cedric had any idea of her intentions the first thing he would do is probably blackmail her or report her for treason. Either way an important point was that she had to escape this marriage one way or the other before the female lead of the book appeared. "I find that hard to believe." Abrielle honestly replied which made the maid curious. After the corset’s strings were secured along with all the undergarments the main dress was brought over. "It’s what happened. Although the prince might seem rough on the edges he is still a good person at least that’s what most of the servants served him before he was sent to war thinks. He is popular in the palace but he is like a forbidden fruit you can only admire afar." The maid explained and for a weird reason, her eyes sparkled as she spoke. Abrielle found it hard that someone had a good opinion of Cedric and wondered if she was saying this just to get on her good book. "Do you admire the prince?" She asked the maid whose face went red immediately and she nervously waved her hands in front of Abrielle. "It’s not what you think," she quickly said, it felt like she had dug a hole for herself. How could she say such heartfelt words in front of the princess? Abrielle’s eyes narrowed at the maid with a mischievous smile on her face. The maid was scared because if she was the previous Abrielle who was known to be obsessed with the first prince this maid would have been severely dealt with for showing admiration for Cedric. But no one ever showed admiration for the heartless first prince that had a rotten reputation; only people who probably liked him were Abrielle and the female lead Cedric fell in love with and it soon turned into a deadly obsession. Abrielle’s vicious reputation stems from the fact she had used her power as the holy lady of the Vesper duchy to oppress a lot of nobles who openly expressed their dislike for Cedric in public. Later along the lines of the plot she had beheaded a maid rumoured to have a crush on her husband. "Then what exactly is it?" Abrielle pushed on which made the maid panic knowing Abrielle’s temper. She shrank back and quickly answered. "I grew up in the castle and on a few occasions ran into the prince as a young boy." She blurted with cold sweats forming on her palms. Abrielle chuckled at the maid’s words which startled everyone because they were expecting her to lash out at the maid and not to laugh cheerfully. Her laugh was not cynical but gentle on the ears. She had a bright smile on their face that showed them a part of the vicious holy lady said to be obsessed with the first prince. "There isn’t a need to be nervous," Abrielle chimed. **** The doors to the dining room were slowly and a slender figure with beautiful ginger hair stepped out. Her eyes immediately fell on the person that stood out in the room. Everything around him seemed to be grey, she was led to take a seat by his side on the table. Cedric’s eyes shortly glanced at Abrielle before going back to Elias who he was relaying some instructions. He has already changed his outfit to something more befitting of his status. He probably used another room while Abrielle was in his. That brought a new question to her mind. Was she free to move to another room since she had already recovered? Elias excused himself from the room and Cedric’s attention finally turned to his wife. He was glad she agreed to wear heavy clothing because of the cold weather. "Your health seems to have gotten better, I guess the fever is finally gone." He mentioned, the maids were serving their meals on the plates. "Yes, I heard you look over me while I was unwell. I am glad the prince holds me in high regard." Abrielle showed her gratitude although she was sceptical about it. "It was my duty, we had no idea who else was a traitor," Cedric answered as he picked up his cutleries to start having his meal. It was the first meal they were having together in the winter castle. Abrielle nodded and then started eating before she brought up her main concern."Your Highness, I was wondering since I am back in good health should I move out to another room." She mentioned. "No, I still have no idea of the dangers and I think it will be safe if we share a room. No one would dare harm you if I am by your side.". He deadpanned with no room for debate. Abrielle’s brow twitched, the biggest danger around her was him and his psychotic behaviour she could never predict. "But it will be tiring to do that. I know Your Highness is a busy person and after those long stressful days, you will want some peace and quiet at night. You don’t want to share a room with me, I have very bad sleeping habits. Please consider Your Highness." More like she will be tempted to kill him in his sleep just like him. He was the last person she felt safe around. Cedric didn’t bother to look at her with his gaze focused on his plate. "For starters how about you call me Cedric, Abrielle." He vaguely mentioned leaving her dumbfounded.