The Princess Is A Villainess

I'm catching my breath while running anywhere. What place is this, anyway? How did I end up here? As far as I know, I was just cleaning the house earlier, and now I'm in the woods.

Running is exhausting, damn it. I feel like my heart is about to burst out of my chest. But I can't stop! It's as if something will grab me if I stop moving!

Or someone.

I feel like someone's chasing me, but I can't see anyone near me. Am I going crazy?

"Help me!" I shout. I don't care if I look crazy!

I shout several times, but only the loud, cold wind responds to me. The faint moon, partially obscured by clouds, is the only source of light in my current location.

The view is actually beautiful, to be honest. It's peaceful, unlike at home, where all I hear is my stepmother and my siblings yelling. I wish I could stay here.

It's so peaceful here. No one is watching my every move. The only downside is that no one will help me if I make a mistake... or clumsiness.

"Ouch!"

And this is what I'm saying now. I gasped when I tripped over a small rock. I looked at my knee and winced when I saw the scrape and a little blood there.

"Damn it!" I quickly stood up and ran when I heard faint footsteps coming in my direction.

I can't be sure if it's a ghost or something else chasing me. I don't want to look at it. Most of the time, people die when they do that. I don't want to die!

But it seems like that's my destination now. I winced badly when I saw that I was already at the edge of a cliff. I thought that was the most surprising thing that happened today, but suddenly, walls appeared on both sides of me.

This wasn't here earlier! Did I accidentally hit my head?

"Damn it," I cursed and clutched my chest, trying to calm myself.

When my nerves kick in, it's even harder for me to think of a way to get out of here.

"Beloved princess."

I'm not a princess, so I don't know why I turned around. When I did, a tall man in fancy clothes greeted me.

The first thing I noticed was how handsome he was. His blue eyes were as beautiful as they almost drowned me. His voice was deep too, perhaps deeper than the abyss behind me.

But my attention was immediately drawn away from him when he pointed his sword at my neck. There were traces of blood on it. I quickly jumped in fear but had nowhere to run.

"Stop!" I stammered out of nowhere. I didn't even know why I said that, and I couldn't understand my fear.

It was as if I were tired of these events. Has this happened to me before?

"Why are you crying?" he asked in a judgmental tone. His left hand rested on my cheek, and I gasped when I saw it was wet with my tears. "I haven't done anything to you, but you're already scared?"

I felt even more afraid of those words.

In an instant, I found myself leaning against the wall. He stared at me with his sword, ready to plunge it into me.

"No!" I pleaded, but he didn't stop.

I just closed my eyes and waited for the pain, but why was it like this? His sword was aimed at my chest, but it seemed like my back was the one that hurt.

"Cinderella! Damn it!"

Oh, I get it now. That's why my back hurts. Someone pushed me to the ground.

I winced and opened my eyes. I wasn't surprised to see Anastasia, one of my sisters, in front of me. She's the one who likes to shout.

I looked at her face. She seemed to be losing patience, judging by the way her eyebrows were furrowed. I wanted to laugh because she looked like a tiger when she got angry, but I held back.

"Why?" I asked. Why was she in my room?

"Why? Did you forget to check the time while you were daydreaming?" She pointed at the wall clock, and I glanced at it. "It's already six, stupid! You haven't cooked anything, and you didn't even clean up! You're not a princess to act like that!"

"Beloved princess."

Suddenly, I remembered the strange dream I had earlier. If Anastasia hadn't woken me up, I might be dead by now.

"Oh, the idiot is daydreaming again. Hey, get moving!"

I snapped back to reality when a pair of shoes were thrown at me.

It was Dasha, one of my sisters. Anastasia and Dasha may look alike, but their personalities are entirely different. Anastasia is talkative, while Dasha can be quite spiteful. Also, Anastasia looked more beautiful than Dasha.

We're siblings, but I'm three years older than them. Yet, they treat me more like a servant. No matter how kind I am to them, they're always angry with me. I don't know why.

I winced from the pain of the shoes thrown at me, while the two of them laughed. Every day, my patience seems to be constantly tested, but I always endure it. I keep thinking about my father. Someday, he will come and take me away from here.

"I will cook now-"

"Of course, you are supposed to do that, dimwit!" Anastasia complained. "Come on, Dasha! My patience is running thin here!"

I bit my lip after that. She must be irritable due to hunger. After all, I'm the only one who knows how to cook in this house.

"Here we go again! Why do we have to go down here- Ahhh!" Dasha didn't finish her complaint when she suddenly screamed. She pointed at my old cabinet, the place where I keep the mice I take care of.

"A Rat! Oh my God! Ahhh!" Dasha irritatedly exclaimed, followed by Anastasia. They quickly left the room, which made me chuckle.

To others, it might seem crazy, but I take care of these mice. I feel like they love me more than my own family.

"Thank you, three musketeers," I said with a smile when they reappeared.

I touched one of them, causing them to create noise as if they were talking back to me. Sometimes, it drives me crazy that I only talk to mice.

Dad, when will you come back?

As I was cooking, my mind wandered. I still remember the dream I had earlier. It wasn't the first time I dreamt like that. It has happened to me several times.

It might be a warning.

"No. Maybe I'm just paranoid."

I brushed off my worries and focused on cleaning and preparing the clothes I would sell later. It was one of the tasks assigned to me by Elizabeth, my stepmother.

After finishing cooking, I served the meal on the table. My stomach rumbled immediately when I felt the temptation of tasting the dishes I had cooked.

When was the last time I had a proper meal in this house? I couldn't even remember.

"Just a little bit, okay?" I tried to convince myself. "Just a little bit-"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

My whole body went cold when I heard a familiar voice behind me. When I turned around, I was correct. It was indeed Elizabeth.

"I'm hungry-"

"Did you forget that this isn't the kind of food for dogs like you?" she replied with a raised eyebrow.

I suddenly felt weak. I just realized that I hadn't eaten, and I hadn't even had a sip of water. The refrigerator was locked, and they only released the ingredients I needed for cooking.

I couldn't bear the thought of eating spoiled food again. I hoped she would show some mercy, even just this once.

"After what you've done, you're begging now?" She hit my head with the newspaper she was holding. "This is your punishment because you woke up late! Move aside!"

As Elizabeth pushed me, tears streamed down my face. Anastasia and Dasha, who were silently watching us, laughed and didn't even bother to help me.

I kept quiet. It was another day, and my heart was crushed again.

While they were enjoying a delicious meal, I was in the basement, tolerating the spoiled vegetables I wasn't sure my mice could still eat.

My mind and stomach argued. I was really hungry, but I didn't know if I could eat this food. I wanted to explode and tell them that their lives wouldn't be this easy if I didn't take care of them.

I had to endure it, for my dad. But I was getting tired. Every day is always the same. Over and over.

Would this ever end?

Despite my stomach twisting in pain, I managed to go to the market. I was carrying the clothes I intended to sell. My stomach hurts from hunger. I couldn't bear to eat something spoiled, so I endured it.

I slapped myself to stay awake. Later, I would make sure to sneak in some food. If this continues, I'm sure my body will weaken miserably.

"Cinderella!"

I turned when someone called my name. It was Albert, one of my old friends who sells goods in the Corohelia village.

"Good morning," I greeted, my voice weak.

He was often the one who provided me with food and medicine, just like now.

"Have some food," he said before handing me rice and chicken.

I didn't hesitate to take it. I was almost brought to tears as my stomach eased with the meal he gave me. I'm truly grateful that there are kind people like Albert in this world.

After I finished eating, I bowed my head. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome," he replied. I thought he was leaving, but he spoke to me again. "Have they mistreated you again?"

I nodded. I knew exactly who he was referring to, and they were aware of the hardships I endured at the hands of the Fortelle family.

I had to keep the house clean all the time. I couldn't eat without their permission. I could only go out at certain times. I was worse off than a prisoner, but they all knew why I endured this, even though it was difficult.

"Has your father still not contacted you?"

I shook my head. It had been six years since they stopped sending me letters, and I didn't know why.

"It's been a while since they started working at the palace, huh?" He looked at me. "Why don't you try visiting them? Maybe something happened."

I sighed. If I could, I would, but I didn't want to endure Elizabeth's wrath again. Before, I went out past the allowed time, and she embarrassed me in public, even pulling my hair to make everything worse.

I still remember how painful my scalp is because of that. Damn it.

But... I think Albert might be right. What if something really did happen to them? Why did I only think of this now?

I stood up and straightened my posture. "I need to go somewhere. Can you watch over my store for me?"

"I've got you covered," he nodded, raising his thumb.

I wasted no time and quickly made my way to the palace, not knowing what would await me.

THE SURROUNDINGS were gloomy. The chilly breeze rustled through the dead trees. In front of me stood a black palace that looked abandoned, far different from what I had expected – no grandeur, no luxurious designs.

"Did I come to the right place?" I furrowed my brow as doubt crept in. "Or maybe I'm just lost-Ouch!"

I didn't finish my blabberings as I suddenly tripped over a tree root, causing me to lose my balance. I screamed and closed my eyes, bracing for the impact on the ground.

But it never came.

Instead, I felt a hand wrap around my waist and lift me back to my feet.

I could still feel the firmness of his chest as I leaned on it, which made me uneasy. I quickly stepped away and faced the person to express my gratitude, but I froze when I saw who it was.

It was the man from my dream. My heart pounded with uncertainty.

"T-Thank you," I managed to say.

An odd sense of fear overcame me as I met his eyes. They were cold and devoid of any emotion.

He was fair-skinned, had a prominent nose, a well-built physique, and was dressed in elaborate black clothing, similar to what I had seen in my dream. He also had a sword attached to his waist.

My fear intensified.

"Are you going to kill me?" I blurted out unintentionally.

He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by my sudden question. I just sighed.

No, he had helped me. Why would he kill me?

With my mind wandering in various directions, I decided to put some distance between us. "I-I'll just go ahead."

I turned to leave but he suddenly grabbed my wrist. I stopped walking because of this. I felt an unusual warmth emanating from his hand, but I quickly shook my head. What was I thinking?

"Why?" I turned to face him with a furrowed brow. I couldn't let this person's actions affect me.

"What are you doing here?" he asked before pulling me closer, causing me to bump into his chest. "And weren't you taught by your parents how to show respect, lady?"

I winced from the impact but raised an eyebrow afterward. Show respect? Seriously? I was already grateful!

I chose to ignore his last question. I didn't say anything and, in response, he chuckled. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes, but I could also see a trace of amusement. I didn't know what he was pleased about, but like his previous question, I decided to disregard it.

I stepped away from him before responding. I pointed towards the palace nearby. "I'm heading there. Is this the Corohelia Palace?"

"What's your name?"

Instead of answering my question, he threw another question at me. I raised an eyebrow automatically.

"I don't give my name to strangers," I replied confidently. "Am I right? Is this the Corohelia Palace?" I repeated my previous question.

But he didn't answer. He instead scanned me from head to toe. I took a deep breath, fearing that I might do something we'd both regret-I want to punch him.

"You're not worth talking to," I said, no longer caring whether he had helped me earlier or not. He still didn't answer my question.

"I can't believe what you just said. Don't you recognize me?" he asked, chuckling softly.

"Just because you're handsome, does that mean I have to know you?" I blurted out. He was indeed good-looking, but he seemed so arrogant.

"It's good that you admit I'm handsome," he said with a wink, a smug smile on his face.

I rolled my eyes. Not only was he arrogant, but he also had quite the ego.

I just pursed my lips because I didn't want to waste my voice on someone like him. I noticed how he gazed at my lips, and how his expression darkened with every passing second.

I was taken aback when he suddenly swallowed. My brows furrowed, but it quickly disappeared when he spoke.

"I know someone inside the palace," he said, his tone serious, quite different from before. "You need to tell me your name so I can inform them to let you in."

I swallowed hard, recalling the strange dream I had. He repeatedly referred to me as a princess when I was just a maid! Could it be that he mistook me for someone else?

Right! I should tell him my name to make sure he doesn't think I'm the person he needs to kill! Better safe than sorry. He might suddenly draw his sword and end my life right here!

"Ella Cinderia Fortelle," I softly said, just loud enough for him to hear. "A maid..."

He wasn't asking for my occupation, but I decided to say it anyway. Of course, I needed to make sure he wouldn't harm me!

"Fortelle..." He momentarily looked lost in thought, as if he remembered something, but soon shook his head, returning to reality. "If you keep heading straight, you'll reach the palace. Just show them this, and they'll acknowledge you."

He handed me a golden medallion. It looked valuable, so I took it. I had no idea if what he was saying was true, but if he was just tricking me, he wouldn't be able to get this medallion back because I'd pawn it right away.

"Thank you," I said.

"Be careful on your journey... And be strong." He lightly patted my head before leaving.

Instead of feeling relieved, I felt a strange shiver down my spine. Was it just me, or did that gesture have a deeper meaning?

When I arrived at the palace, I quickly headed towards the entrance, but as I was walking, three guards immediately blocked my path. They were palace guards.

"You can't come in," one of them said.

"I'm just looking for someone," I quickly replied. "I'm Ella Cinderia, the daughter of Trevor and Naomi Fortelle. They've been working here in the palace for a long time. Can I visit them for a moment?"

"You can't enter without permission from the Corohelia family," he replied without hesitation. "Leave. Don't wait for us to drag you away."

My heart seemed to skip a beat due to its pounding intensity. I could barely think straight. Fortunately, I remembered something.

"Wait, here." I took out the medallion from my pocket. "Someone gave this to me on the way here. He told me that if I show this, you'll let me in."

It was as if cold water had been poured over them when I showed them the item that the man had given me earlier. One of the guards took it and scrutinized it closely.

"It is indeed the one. . ." he said. Their faces turned almost pale as they gazed at me, which left me puzzled.

"I apologize for how we treated you, your highness." The guard holding the medallion bowed, and the other two followed suit. "You may enter the palace now."

Your Highness? Why were they calling me "your highness"?

I furrowed my brow. Was this how they treated people here?

Although I was puzzled, I followed the guard as he ushered me into the palace. Instead of being in awe, I felt more uneasy. The longer I stayed there, the more I could sense a strange energy within the palace.

"How may we serve you, your highness?"

I was taken aback when an elderly man addressed me. He was also dressed in elaborate black attire. I thought he might be a servant in the palace, but I couldn't understand why he was showing me such respect when we were both servants.

I chose to ignore it. Fine, I would be a princess for now. Just for now.

"Trevor Fortelle and Naomi Fortelle. They work here in the palace," I began, clasping my hands behind my back. I needed to hide my nervousness. "Can you take me to them, please?"

"Of course," he replied quickly. "Follow me."

I followed him. It felt like my heart was about to burst out of my chest, but I controlled my anxiety. I didn't understand why I felt different.

While walking, I prepared what to say to my parents – how I would greet or inquire about them. This was the first time I would see them again in many years, and I wasn't even sure if they would still remember me.

But all my thoughts suddenly vanished as if they were mere illusions. The joy I had felt earlier was replaced by confusion.

"Why are we. . . here?" I asked when I saw where we were.

The old man led me to the cemetery. It was quiet, yet well-lit. Like the path outside, there were trees scattered here as well. It appeared that the weather had been dry, as many of the leaves were about to fall.

Nonetheless, my attention was drawn to the graves, which seemed to be observing my every move. I knew why he had brought me here, and I knew why they hadn't contacted me.

I couldn't accept it. I wanted to run away, but my feet felt frozen. I had forced myself to come here, but now that I was faced with the answer, I wanted to escape.

I was losing my mind, perhaps.

"Follow me," he said.

He continued walking, and I followed him. I had to step forward, even though it was difficult. It felt like I was holding my breath until we reached the end of the cemetery.

"Them," he said before pointing to two graves in front of me. "They're who you've been looking for."

I couldn't control my steps. I felt my knees hit the ground with a thud, accompanied by the flow of tears. It was painful, but I forced myself to read the names on the gravestones.

Trevor Fortelle, December 25, 2016

Naomi Fortelle, December 31, 2016

"Six years. . ." I whispered.

They had been dead for six years, and their deaths were only six days apart. My tears continued to flow as I couldn't tear my eyes away from their graves.

It was incredibly painful. It felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly with knives, my heart wrenched.

"Mom! Dad!" I couldn't help but sob.

I'm sure it was loud and disturbing, but I couldn't hold back any longer. The pain was unbearable, as though there were knives piercing my heart over and over again.

It was excruciating. . . it felt like these gravestones were slowly drowning me in darkness.

I felt like all the hardship and suffering had been in vain. I had waited for so long, only to find this. But I needed to calm down. I needed to find out what had happened and how they died.

I stood up. I took a deep breath and wiped the tears from my eyes. "What happened?"

"Trevor was attacked on the road when he was asked to buy supplies for the palace," he said with sadness in his voice. "Naomi couldn't handle his death. We were shocked to find her with self-inflicted wounds."

I bit my lower lip after hearing that. I didn't want to show weakness in this place. I needed to stay strong, but I still couldn't stop the tears.

It felt like I was going insane from the pain. That was all I could hear, but it seemed like it was too much to bear.

"Six years. Why wasn't I informed about this?" I asked with bitterness in my tone.

"We looked for you for a long time," he quickly replied. "We searched for you because you're their only child, but we only found Elizabeth. She said she would be the one to tell you, which is why I'm puzzled. Why don't you know what happened to your parents?"

"Elizabeth. . . knew about this?" I clenched both of my fists.

"Yes." He nodded. "She's Trevor's second wife, so we told her."

I felt the blood rush to my head. I remembered her mocking, belittling, and the way they treated me worse than a maid.

Now I remembered when I had threatened to tell my father about what they were doing, Elizabeth just laughed. That was because she knew she didn't need to worry about that.

My vision darkened before I clenched my fists. "Thank you. I'm leaving."

The old man nodded, but he seemed to be gauging my reaction. He didn't say anything else when he saw the dark expression on my face. Just like earlier, he guided me out.

But before I followed him, I glanced at my mother and father's graves once more. "I'll be back. I promise."

I didn't head straight to the marketplace. Instead, I went home to confront Elizabeth, but I didn't expect that she and her daughters were waiting for me.

From their looks, it seemed like they already knew about my escape.

"You're such a wicked woman!" Elizabeth grabbed my hair and forcefully dragged me into the house.

It hurt, but I didn't speak. I didn't fight back either. There was nothing more painful than what I had discovered earlier.

"You thought I wouldn't find out that you ran away from the marketplace?! Fool! I was on my way back when you were just leaving!" Elizabeth released me and pushed me, causing me to fall to the floor.

"Deserve," Anastasia commented, laughing at my suffering.

"Yeah, right," Dasha agreed. "Karma works that fast, huh?"

"Where did you go, huh? Where in the world did you go?!" Elizabeth angrily demanded. She held my chin tightly. "Are you planning to escape from us?!"

I couldn't take it anymore. Out of anger, I pushed her hands away. "Yes! I am planning to escape from this shitty house!"

Their jaws dropped, not expecting me to lose my patience like this.

"Why didn't you tell me about what happened to Dad?" There was pain in my voice. "Why didn't you tell me that my mother and father have been dead for six years?!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. "Would it have made a difference if I told you? No! You would have still stayed here because you have nowhere else to go!"

She spoke casually as if everything didn't matter to her-That the people I had been waiting for were no longer around. As if she didn't care about how I felt... On how my dreams had just been taken from me.

"Use your brain, okay? You wouldn't survive here without me, remember that!" She said before pushing my head with her index finger.

What did she say? I wouldn't survive? I couldn't help but snort. I had been serving them from head to toe, so it should be me saying that.

Let's see what their life would be like when I leave this house.