Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 117

Chapter 117: Nights of Anxiety
Khaterine sat silently as the maids led her back to her chambers, her mind clouded with confusion and despair.

She could barely process the decision she had just made, the weight of it pressing down on her chest like an iron chain.

Richmond was alive, but at what cost? She had bound herself to Devetrinthon, to Zephyrion, without knowing what her future held.

The soft sound of water pouring into the large, ornate bathtub barely registered in her ears.

She let the maids undress her, their veiled faces offering no comfort, their hands mechanical as they prepared her for the bath.

The warm water enveloped her body, but it did little to soothe the turmoil within her. Her thoughts raced endlessly. Would Richmond truly be free? Could she trust Zephyrion’s word?

The images of Richmond’s battered body haunted her, making her chest tighten with sorrow.

She barely noticed when the maids finished bathing her, dried her off, and dressed her in a delicate nightgown of soft silk.

Her long hair was brushed until it shone, cascading down her back like a silver waterfall. She didn’t resist when they led her to the large, canopied bed, pulling the thick covers over her.

Her mind was far too consumed with worry to pay attention to the routine actions around her.

The room was dimly lit, the faint glow of the candles flickering against the dark walls. She stared at the ceiling, lost in her own thoughts, when suddenly, the door creaked open.

Khaterine’s heart jumped. The candles extinguished all at once, plunging the room into darkness.

She sat up, her eyes wide, straining to see through the shadows. She felt his presence before she saw him.

A chill ran down her spine as Zephyrion’s figure loomed closer, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dark.

Her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to ask him what he was doing there, but fear stole her voice.

He moved gracefully, almost silently, until he was right beside her bed. Khaterine’s heart pounded painfully in her chest.

She braced herself, uncertain of his intentions. Would he demand something from her now? Would he take advantage of the deal she had made in her moment of weakness?

But to her surprise, Zephyrion didn’t speak. He didn’t touch her. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

Khaterine watched him warily, waiting, but he made no move. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reached out and pulled the covers aside just enough to slide in beside her.

Her body stiffened, and every muscle tensed in anticipation. Yet, all he did was wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Khaterine’s breath hitched. She expected coldness, harshness, but his touch was gentle, almost… protective.

Her mind whirled with confusion. What was he doing? Why was he holding her like this? She lay there, frozen, her heart racing wildly.

She felt the warmth of his body against hers, the steady rhythm of his breathing. The silence stretched on, and to her surprise, she realized he had no intention of harming her.

He simply held her, as if seeking comfort himself. Time passed, though Khaterine wasn’t sure how long. She remained still, too afraid to move, too confused to sleep.

But exhaustion eventually claimed her, and her eyes fluttered shut. In the quiet darkness, the world faded away, leaving only the strange warmth of the demon beside her.

When she awoke the next morning, Zephyrion was gone. The room was silent, and sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft rays across the bed.

Khaterine sat up slowly, her mind replaying the events of the night before. She couldn’t understand his actions.

Why had he come? Why had he simply held her? Was this some twisted game he was playing?

The day passed in a blur. Khaterine wandered the mansion again, but her mind kept returning to Richmond and the deal she had made.

She couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong, that there was more to Zephyrion than what he showed her.

She found herself in the library, hoping to find something, anything, that could help her understand the demon who now controlled her fate.

The shelves were filled with ancient books, their spines worn with age. She picked one at random and began to read, but her mind was too distracted to focus.

Days passed, each one blending into the next. Zephyrion kept his distance during the day, but each night, he returned to her room, silently holding her until sleep claimed them both.

Khaterine didn’t know what to make of it. She expected cruelty, and manipulation, but instead, there was a strange tenderness that confused her even more.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Khaterine sat by the window, staring at the crimson sky. She thought about Richmond, about her promise to protect him.

She had to find a way out of this. She had to find a way to break the deal. But how? Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

She turned to see Zephyrion standing there, his expression calm as always.

“May I come in?” he asked softly.

Khaterine nodded hesitantly. He entered and sat across from her, watching her intently. There was a long silence before he finally spoke.

“You fear me,” he said quietly.

Khaterine swallowed hard. Should I not? she replied.

Zephyrion chuckled softly, though there was no humor in his eyes. “I suppose you should. But I wonder… do you also hate me?”

Khaterine hesitated. She wanted to say yes, to scream that she hated him for trapping her here, for hurting Richmond.

But deep down, she wasn’t sure. There was something about him that made her feel… conflicted.

“I don’t understand you,” she whispered instead.

Zephyrion’s expression softened. “Perhaps that is for the best,” he said. “Understanding me would only make things harder for you.”

Khaterine frowned. “Why do you come to me every night?” she asked, the question that had plagued her finally escaping her lips.

Zephyrion looked away, his gaze distant. “Even demons get lonely,” he replied softly.

Khaterine was taken aback. She had expected arrogance, and cruelty, but loneliness? It made him seem… almost human.

Before she could respond, he stood up. “Rest well, Khaterine,” he said, turning to leave.

“Wait,” she called out. Zephyrion paused, glancing back at her.

“Will you really let Richmond go?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Zephyrion nodded. “I gave you my word,” he replied. “And I never break my promises.” With that, he left, leaving Khaterine more confused than ever.

She stared at the door long after he was gone, wondering what secrets this demon held and whether she could ever truly trust him.

But one thing was clear, she would not give up. She would find a way to save Richmond, no matter what it took.