Here's an updated version of Volume 6: The Accusation, now includi
The palace garden was unusually quiet. Ellen had just finished feeding the swans when a loud voice echoed through the marble corridor.
Servant (panicked): P-Princess Ellen! His Majesty has summoned you to the throne room immediately…
Ellen (blinking): Huh? Why so suddenly?
She followed the servant quickly. As she entered the grand hall, the atmosphere felt sharp. Edrick stood on one side with Luciana beside him, her eyes brimming with tears. Damian leaned against a pillar by the window, expression unreadable. And on the throne sat her father, looking unusually serious.
Luciana (sniffling): Your Majesty… your daughter threatened me. She told me I was unworthy to stand beside Edrick… and she tried to push me down the stairs.
Ellen (shocked): What?!
Edrick (stiffly): Ellen… is this true?
Ellen: Of course not! I would never—
Luciana (stepping forward): She said she hated me for being close to you! I was scared she'd actually hurt me… she covers her face with trembling hands
Ellen stared at her in disbelief. This wasn't the Luciana she remembered. In the original story, she was kind and dignified—but now, something felt off. Twisted.
Ellen (quietly): You're lying. And you know it.
Luciana: I'm not!
Before anything else could be said, her father stood up from his throne, his voice firm but calm.
Ellen's Father: That's enough.
Everyone froze.
Ellen's Father: My daughter has never been violent. If you're accusing her in my hall, bring proper evidence—not just tears.
Luciana (sputtering): Y-Your Majesty—
Ellen's Father (coldly): Don't interrupt me. I know Ellen. And I know she'd never do something as vile as this.
Ellen's heart swelled, not from pride—but from relief. Someone believed her.
And then, another voice cut through the tension like ice.
Damian: If she had done something, there would be witnesses. This palace isn't exactly empty.
Luciana turned pale.
Damian (to Luciana): Where are your witnesses?
Silence.
Damian (flatly): You're lying. Poorly.
Luciana (trembling): You're defending her?!
Damian: I'm defending the truth.
Luciana's eyes burned as she turned and fled the hall. Edrick hesitated, casting a confused look between Ellen and Damian, then rushed after her.
The room fell silent. Then Ellen's father walked down from his throne, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Ellen's Father: You did well not to shout. I'll never let anyone harm my daughter—not even someone Edrick holds dear.
Ellen (softly): Thank you… Father.
Damian turned to leave, but Ellen stopped him with her voice.
Ellen: Why… did you defend me?
Damian (pausing, not turning): I hate liars.
Ellen (half-laughing): And you still hate me?
He finally glanced back.
Damian: I… don't know.
He left with that. And Ellen stood still, heart beating in unfamiliar rhythms.
Ellen in her room
Ellen sat on her bed, staring at the wall as her heart raced.
Ellen: whispering to herself "W-what's wrong with me... he simply just spoke the truth. Why am I blushing so much? My heart is beating faster... I don't like him, I don't like the villain... hushhhhhh." She buried her face in her hands, trying to ignore the flurry of emotions swirling inside her.
Her thoughts were chaotic, racing through her mind. She felt so confused. Damian was, after all, supposed to be the villain. She was supposed to stay away from him, avoid his cold gaze, his distant attitude. But... there was something in his eyes, something when he spoke the truth that made her heart flutter. She didn't want to feel this way.
Private servant while bathing Ellen
The warm water poured gently over Ellen's shoulders as the servant carefully bathed her. There was a peaceful silence between them, but then the servant spoke, breaking it.
Servant: softly "My lady, if it's not too forward of me, may I ask you something?"
Ellen, still lost in her thoughts, glanced up.
Ellen: "Hm? What is it?"
Servant: carefully "What is it like... to have a family? To know what it feels like to be loved, truly loved?"
Ellen blinked, a little caught off guard by the question. It was a simple one, but it made her heart ache.
Ellen: pauses for a moment, thinking "A family... it's a bond, right? It's something that's supposed to keep you safe, protect you, and help you grow. It's the people who... stay by your side, no matter what happens. But love... love is different. It's... it's not about protection. It's about giving yourself to someone, even when it's hard." She closed her eyes, trying to understand her own feelings. "Love makes you care more than you ever thought you could. It makes you feel things you can't control. But it's also messy. It's complicated."
Servant: thoughtfully "And do you think... love is worth it, my lady?"
Ellen: sighing softly "I don't know yet. But I think it can be... if it's with the right person."
The servant nodded, not pressing further, but Ellen could sense a certain curiosity in her expression.
The next morning, Ellen decided to visit the Duke's mansion to personally thank Damian for his help the other night. She dressed quickly, the events from last night still fresh in her mind. The sun was shining brightly, a perfect day for a visit. As she walked through the grand hallways of the mansion, her eyes darted around, looking for Damian. She felt a strange mix of anxiety and anticipation, unsure of what she was even hoping for. But she had to thank him.
She wandered through the vast estate, passing through rooms filled with tapestries, elegant furniture, and portraits. Everything felt grand and intimidating. She found herself near the garden, still no sign of Damian. She sighed, thinking of turning back when she heard a voice behind her.
Chris: "Well, well, if it isn't Miss Merchant, then who is?"
Ellen spun around to see Chris standing in the doorway, his brown hair falling into his eyes as he smiled at her. There was something undeniably charming about him, and for a moment, Ellen forgot everything else. Her heart fluttered, just like it always did when he was around.
Ellen: slightly flustered "Chris... what are you doing here?"
Chris: teasingly "I could ask you the same thing. Looking for someone, perhaps?" His eyes twinkled mischievously, and there was a playful grin on his face.
Ellen felt her cheeks heat up but tried to brush it off, despite the fluttering sensation in her chest.
Ellen: laughing nervously "I'm just... looking around. Thanking someone."
Chris: stepping closer "For what? Did someone finally manage to win your heart, Miss Merchant?"
Ellen froze, caught off guard by the question. Her mind immediately flashed to Damian, the cold and distant villain of her new life. The truth of what she felt for him was still a mystery to her, and she couldn't let Chris know anything about it. Not yet.
Ellen: quickly changing the subject "No, nothing like that. I was just... looking for the Lord of this house
Chris: smiling softly "My lord huh? It seems like I'm not the only one interested in him these days." He winked, clearly teasing her.
Ellen's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her gaze to the ground, hoping he wouldn't see the red creeping up her neck.
Chris: grinning "what brings you to this old place?"
Ellen: stumbling over her words "I... I just needed to thank him, that's all."
Chris raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.
Chris: "Well, I hope you're not waiting for mi Lord to sweep you off your feet or something." He chuckled softly.
Ellen: nervously "Of course not! I just... need to thank him for... everything that happened."
Chris paused, his eyes softening as he looked at her. There was a flicker of something in his gaze, something that made Ellen wonder if he knew more than he let on.
Chris: gently "If you say so"
Ellen didn't know how to respond to that, and before she could speak, she heard footsteps approaching.
Ellen: softly "I... should go now."
Chris: smiling warmly "Of course. Just don't forget about me, okay?"
As Ellen walked away, she couldn't shake off the strange feeling in her chest. She had just been with Chris, yet all she could think about was Damian. Why was everything so complicated?
To be continued...