The Villainess Refuses to Follow the Script-Chapter 29

Beatrice Da Ville had always considered herself a connoisseur of courtly events. Balls, banquets, and the occasional scandalous soirée were her usual haunts. But when an invitation arrived that morning, she found herself both intrigued and apprehensive.

Lila smirked as she adjusted the gloves on her hands. "I’m surprised you’re willing to get back on a horse after your graceful fall recently."

Beatrice, already regretting her life choices, tightened her grip on the reins. "It wasn’t graceful, it was a tactical miscalculation."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Right. And when you tactically miscalculated straight onto the ground, did it hurt?"

"Oh, hilarious! Keep this up, and I’ll push you off your horse just to even things out."

Lila snorted but said nothing else as they rode forward.

It had been a week since the last time Beatrice had been forced onto a horse, and yet, here she was again, this time at Lila’s insistence. Apparently, the royal family regularly rode together when the weather permitted, and Beatrice, for some reason, had been included in today’s outing.

Francois rode ahead, quiet and composed as always, while Johanna followed just slightly behind. The atmosphere was surprisingly calm.

Beatrice should have been grateful.

Instead, she was bored.

There was no drama, no chaos, just a leisurely ride through the palace grounds. Lush trees lined the dirt path, and the crisp morning air should have been refreshing, but Beatrice found herself fidgeting in her saddle.

Lila, of course, noticed. "You’re restless," she said flatly.

Beatrice sighed. "I’m just... thinking."

Lila gave her a side glance. "That sounds unlike you."

Beatrice ignored her and glanced toward Johanna, who had been unusually quiet. Ever since the fall, something about her demeanor had changed. She wasn’t sure if she was imagining things, but Johanna seemed hesitant around her now.

Beatrice rolled her shoulders. Maybe it was nothing. Or maybe everything was getting worse.

The ride continued in peaceful silence. Too peaceful.

Beatrice sighed. "So, are we actually going somewhere, or are we just riding in circles for fun?"

Lila arched an eyebrow. "Would it kill you to enjoy a quiet morning?"

Beatrice opened her mouth, then paused. "...Maybe."

Francois, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke. "If you’d prefer, we can arrange for a more exciting riding course."

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. "Define exciting."

Francois gave her a neutral look. "Jumps. Steeper paths. Possibly obstacles."

Beatrice exhaled sharply. "Okay, so you are trying to kill me."

Lila snorted. "Oh, absolutely."

"I am never letting you plan anything ever again."

Lila just smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

The ride eventually led them to a clearing, where they dismounted to stretch their legs. Beatrice took a moment to shake out her arms, already feeling the stiffness settle in.

Johanna, who had been quiet for most of the ride, finally spoke. "Lady Beatrice, you ride well for someone who rarely joins these outings."

Beatrice turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Was that a compliment or a very polite insult?"

Johanna blinked. "A compliment, of course."

Beatrice studied her, trying to read between the lines. Johanna still had that soft, serene expression, but there was something else lurking beneath it.

Uncertainty.

Beatrice had no idea what to do with that.

So she just smiled. "Well, I do have a history of surprising people."

Johanna nodded but didn’t say anything else.

Francois, meanwhile, was adjusting his horse’s bridle when a servant approached him with a letter. He took it without much reaction, scanning its contents before tucking it away.

Beatrice watched, curious. "Important?"

Francois glanced at her. "Nothing of concern."

Which, of course, meant definitely something of concern. But before Beatrice could pry, Lila stretched dramatically.

"Well, I think we’ve had enough fresh air for the day. Let’s head back before Lady Beatrice gets any more bright ideas."

Beatrice gasped. "I never have bad ideas."

Francois hummed. "Debatable."

Beatrice glared at him. "Et tu, Francois?"

Lila rolled her eyes. "I don’t even know what that means, and I still agree."

Beatrice huffed but followed as they all prepared to ride back.

As they set off toward the palace, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting.

She just didn’t know what yet.

And that was the most frustrating part of all.