Villainess Becomes The Knight

Chapter 25 - Josephine

"I apologise for bringing Abigail and Isabella, your majesty. They wanted to see the grandeur of the palace and I couldn't say no."

"Oh, it's fine. I have always asked you to bring them. Let me call Josephine and William to accompany them to the garden"

A maid bowed and left before he could even order anything. That was the perfect I wanted in Beth too.. Sigh! I can only dream in this life!

Soon, a woman with a slim figure, dressed in perfect clothes entered the room. Her hair was like the darkness of light, set in a perfect bun. Sea waves had filled her eyes. Perfect eyebrows and a curved up red lips, sharp pointed nose and chiseled face. And the small mole below her eyes made her look stronger, bolder. Her strong and narrow eyes which she had taken from her father were so sharp as if she was looking straight into your soul.

She had a strong aura, even men were afraid of her presence let alone women. That's the reason she hardly has friends among noble ladies but she had good allies in noble men. Everyone knew that she wanted the throne for herself and despised her brother, well she was not the only one to do that.

She looked at us as if we were intruders entering her territory, her eyes were sharp as a beast as she assessed her and then moved towards her father.

""Hail to the glory of the empire, may the sun of the empire shine forever" she wished with a slight bow of her head, not like us.

"Josephine, I want you to accompany the ladies to the garden and entertain them," she raised a brow as she looked back at us and Isabella took a step back. Her eyes were telling that she was displeased that her peace was disrupted due to the sudden intrusion.

"Sure father, it would be my honour to do so. Though I am sure my brother would have been more pleased with the company of two beautiful ladies" she said as she looked at us once again.

"I have called him too. He must be busy with…" he stopped midway and a smirked face formed on Josephine's face.

"I understand father. Kids need more time with their parents. And the poor boy only has one. I suppose you are occupied with urgent matters too. I shall not take more time of yours." she bowed her head again and then turned towards us.

"Shall we?" she said and started moving without waiting for our reply.

I could see that Isabella gulped. She was hoping that the crown prince would spend time with her. That was the reason she was dressed up to all nine. But i could not blame her as i have thought the same. Though the reasons were different, I was also dressed at my best hoping that I would get an opportunity to meet him.

"Tch.. poor souls. Your disappointment is written clear on your faces. If you are so desperate, I can still help you in escorting you to his private chamber" she taunted without turning back, like she had seen our deflated faces. I bet she had eyes on her back too.

"There is nothing like that, her royal highness. I am just upset that i have disturbed your peace.'' I said as Isabella wiped her sweaty hands with her handkerchief.

'So her tongue only works in front of me. Ha!'

"At Least you have some awareness, lady!" she said in a mocking tone.

Her steps finally halted in front of a garden. Though it was one, with all the flowers and fountain at the side. It was more like a training ground because of the target, quiver, nock, bows, and strings on one side and other equipment of close combat battle on the other side.

She was a warrior people look up to but never lived because she was not just any woman but warrior.

"Alright, so we are here. How would you like to be entertained? You want to do a close combat with hands, dagger or fire. Or you want to do fencing. We can always try luck in archery." Then she turned to look straight into our eyes.

"CHOOSE. NOW" her voice was so fierce that Isabella took two steps back again.

This could have been the golden moment but due to that stupid annoying boy, i could not participate too.

"I.. I apologise to your royal highness.. I do not know any of it. But my sister is taking the course of knighthood. She can give you company." said Isabella as she hid behind me.

Josephine's eyes left her and looked at me, wriggling her brows, "interesting…" she moved and circled me and then laughed.

"You are weaker than a 5 year old kid. Are you sure that you have not applied to play with a wooden toy sword but a real one. Or you are still living in the dreamy world of getting there and marrying a knight in shining armor" she mocked and my fist clenched.

Everyone knew that Josephine was a lone wolf. No one could tame her. Even if I moved the hand of friendship, she would mock me and slap my hand away.

"I am starting to learn, your royal highness. I would soon be able to do better" was all i could say.

Even if I had confidence in my skills. I knew this injury would not let me fight so better to stay low key.

"Hmm, let's see how you would do that, '' she added as she threw a bow and arrow towards me. Even jumping to catch it was so painful yet I endured.

Since you are the one who is going to shoot an arrow, we have to do something to include your sister too. Why don't you help us in the target practice by being the target" and then without waiting she took an apple from the table and put it on the head of Isabella making her new target.