Villain's Will: Redemption

..෴✿۝CHAPTER 14۝✿෴..

Willow unconsciously held her breath when the crown prince stormed inside the hall.

"Greetings to the crown prince of the empire, may the blessings of Hekate be always at your back" Willow hastily greeted but he seemed not to notice her.

"Father!" He exclaimed and knelt before the dais. "Why'd you let the military department join the subjugation? Us, alone is enough for the task" He complained, his face full of irritation.

"Insolence! Are you blind not to see that I'm in the middle of an audience?!" The emperor lightly admonished.

"But still.." He tried to appeal but the emperor gave him a glare.

"I'm sorry your majesty" He repeated but he didn't look sorry at all.

"Enough, my decision won't change. If that's all, you may leave." The emperor stated with a voice full of disappointment.

"I don't have an excuse for my insolence, your majesty, please pardon my ignorance" the prince spoke after sensing the atmosphere.

The emperor waved his hand and cut to the chase. "What brought you here?"

"Headmaster Osburn have an urgent letter, your majesty" He went up the dais and handed the letter by himself.

"You may take your leave, I'll send someone after going through the content" He dismissed.

"But what about the-" The prince tried pushing his luck but to no avail, he only irritated the emperor.

"How many times must I repeat myself, prince?" Irritation laced his voice. "Chancellor, guide the prince out of the room." The emperor said while massaging the bridge of his nose.

Lost for words, Willow stood as the family drama drew to an end.

"Perhaps I had spoiled that child too much" the emperor mumbled to himself, completely forgetting Willow's existence.

Willow bowed and was about to leave when he addressed her with his eyes closed.

"Pardon the intrusion Lady Willow, shall we continue over a cup of tea?" The emperor addressed with her rightful title.

"I'm honored your majesty" she politely answered, acting indifferently with what have transpired.

"Very well, ask the page to guide you to my garden. I'll follow after reading this letter"

"Then, I'll be waiting, your majesty" Willow turned her heels and head towards the door.

"-can't disclose the information, your highness" It's the voice of the chancellor.

"Is that audience that important?!" The prince snapped back.

Willow overheard them conversing as she made exit from the door. They both looked at her and stopped their conversation.

"May the blessings of-" Willow tried to greet out of courtesy, but he cut through the line.

"Stop with the formalities, and who are you?" he asked in a rude manner, scanning her bizarre appearance.

Willow had a hint of his attitude since a while ago, but this change of character is a complete 180 degrees of his past.

"I'm Willow of the black warrior, your highness" she managed to answer, devoid of any emotion.

"What's your business with his majesty?" He demanded with that arrogant tone of his.

He was never this arrogant towards anyone in the past. No matter who his talking to, he was always polite and humble.