I Was the Hero, But She Turned Me Into the Villain

My arms were burning, the pressure exerted by the guards left me helpless. I could feel their fingers digging into my skin, immobilising me with a force that reminded me how powerless I had been at the end of my life.

The woman did not say another word. She simply stroked Frederick’s hair with such delicate care that it seemed almost ridiculous given the bloody mess that was his face. Frederick sobbed like a wounded animal, clinging to his mother with trembling hands.

Finally, she stood, releasing a cold sigh that seemed to leave frost hanging in the air.

—Take him away.

Her voice came out soft, never rising above a whisper, yet the guards stiffened at once.

—W-Where to, my lady? —one asked, a faint tremor in his voice.

She didn’t look at him. Her eyes stayed locked on me, piercing straight through. I could see it—her pupils gleamed with murderous intent.

—Lock him in the dungeons. —She spoke through clenched rage.

—B-But my lady, the marquis might—

—Will you make me repeat myself? —she said, with an indifferent glance that cut sharper than a blade.