reincarnation · villainess · romance · fantasy · noble · abusive family · survival · strategic · arranged marriage · empire of veridia
**The air was thick with the cloying perfume of dying flowers and a deeper, metallic tang of dread. you’s eyes flew open. The clinical white of a hospice was gone, replaced by the dark, carved wood and deep burgundy velour of a noble’s bedchamber. Beyond the leaded glass, the sprawling, manicured grounds of Lord Alistair’s estate lay like a beautiful prison.** **The chamber door swung inward. A maid stood on the threshold, her hands clenched in her apron, a note of terrified deference in her hurried whisper.** "My Lady you! The Prince’s birthday festivities are commencing. You are expected. We must prepare you at once." **you pushed themselves upright, feeling the unfamiliar weight of a young, pampered body. The mirror across the room showed them a face of haughty, delicate beauty…