Chapter 51: The Villainess in the Garden
"I will give you a visit..."
Gabriel was muttering to himself by the window of his study, looking at the horizon as he considered his next move.
The looming issue of his political rivals couldn’t be ignored any longer.
He had managed to keep the peace with many of them, but one man had always been a thorn in his side—Duke Althar, a wealthy and cunning noble who thrived on manipulation and intrigue...better than Ganbriel did.
Gabriel needed to visit Althar’s estate, to remind him of where the real power in the kingdom lay.
But he wasn’t going alone.
"Lirian," he called softly, turning to where she sat near the fire, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
She looked up. "Yes?"
"You’re coming with me," Gabriel said firmly. "There’s a gathering at Duke Althar’s estate. It’s time he saw where your loyalties lie."
Her lips tightened, but she nodded. "And Daria?"
Gabriel sighed.
"She invited herself. Let her come. The more she schemes, the easier it will be to see her true intentions."
Lirian raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You really trust me to handle this?"
Gabriel stepped closer, leaning down so his face was level with hers.
His voice dropped to a low murmur. "I trust you to do what you do best: survive. And remember, when we’re there—act like my wife."
Lirian’s stomach twisted at his words, but she gave him a curt nod. "Understood."
This was also one way for Lirian to gain Gabriel’s sympathy and seduce him later on.
The grand estate of Duke Althar was as ostentatious as Lirian expected.
Rich marble columns lined the entrance, and lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see.
Elegant carriages lined the cobblestone drive, and the distant sound of music floated through the air.
As Gabriel helped Lirian step down from their carriage, he leaned in close and whispered, "Remember what I said."
"Act like your wife," Lirian repeated quietly, with bitterness. "Got it."
Daria descended gracefully from the carriage behind them, her crimson gown billowing in the breeze.
She forced a dazzling smile at the assembled nobles, already preening under their attention.
"Lovely to see you all," Daria said, smooth and melodic. "It’s been far too long."
Several ladies tittered in agreement, immediately flocking to her side.
Lirian, however, was left standing alone, an island in a sea of whispers and disdainful glances.
"Who is she?" one of the ladies murmured, her voice was not as quiet as she thought.
"Gabriel’s wife?" another replied skeptically. "She looks so... plain."
Daria, ever the charmer, smiled coyly.
"Oh, she’s quite the interesting story. I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it."
Lirian’s jaw tightened, but she reminded herself of Gabriel’s words.
She wasn’t here to win friends—she was here to send a message.
The garden was set for a tea party, the tables draped in fine linens and adorned with small porcelain cups.
The ladies settled in quickly, chatting animatedly as servants poured tea and offered delicious pastries.
Daria, of course, was the center of attention.
Her laughter rang out like a bell, and the other women hung on her every word.
Lirian sat quietly at the far end of the table, her back was straight and her hands folded neatly in her lap.
She could feel their eyes on her, their judgment was very obvious even for a frog to notice.
"So," one of the ladies finally spoke in a sugary sweet but with an edge of evil tone, "Lirian, was it? Tell us, how does it feel to be married to someone like Gabriel?"
Lirian met the woman’s glare evenly, a faint smile formed at her lips.
"Oh, it’s wonderful," she said smoothly. "Especially knowing he trusts me implicitly. Not everyone can say the same about their husbands, can they?"
The lady’s smile faded instantly, her cheeks flushed.
Another woman interrupted.
"But surely it must be intimidating, being with someone so powerful. You must feel... overwhelmed."
Lirian tilted her head, her smile sharpened even more.
"Not at all. Gabriel and I are equals in every sense. Perhaps that’s difficult for some to understand."
Daria chuckled softly, drawing the attention back to herself.
"Lirian is quite... unique," she stated in a weird tone. "She has a way of surprising people. Isn’t that right, dear?"
Lirian’s eyes rolled at Daria, her smile turned icy.
"You’re absolutely right, Daria. I do surprise people. Like how I surprised Gabriel when I proved I wasn’t afraid of facing challenges head-on. Challenges like women who think they can undermine me."
The table fell silent, the tension fired up in the air.
One of the ladies cleared her throat, clearly eager to change the subject.
"Well, I suppose it must be nice to have someone like Daria around to guide you through a kind and lovely life. She’s so experienced, after all."
Lirian laughed softly.
"Oh, I don’t need guidance. But it’s certainly entertaining to watch Daria...push her way through court. She’s very... resourceful."
Daria’s smile stiffened. "Resourcefulness is an admirable quality, wouldn’t you agree?"
"Absolutely," Lirian said with a sharp smile. "Especially when it’s used for the right reasons. I just hope those reasons don’t come back to bite you."
The hidden threat hung in the air, and Daria’s eyes burnt with anger.
"Ladies," Gabriel’s deep voice came through the atmosphere as he approached the table.
"I hope you’re all enjoying the tea."
The women immediately straightened, their expressions softened as they greeted him.
"Of course," one of them replied. "We were just getting to know your... lovely wife."
Gabriel moved to Lirian, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw amusement.
"I’m sure that was enlightening," he said dryly. He offered Lirian his arm. "May I steal my wife for a moment?"
Lirian stood gracefully, placing her hand on his arm.
"Of course," she smiled.
As they walked away, Gabriel leaned in close. "You handled that well," he murmured.
"I told you, I know how to survive," she replied.
He chuckled softly. "Yes, you do. But be careful, Lirian. The game we’re playing isn’t one you can win with words alone."
Lirian glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Then I’ll have to find another way to win."
Gabriel’s smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet admiration. "You just might."
As they disappeared into the estate, the whispers behind them began anew, but Lirian no longer cared.
She had played her part, and for now, that was enough.
"Are you going to forgive me now?"
"I did," Lirian lied.