The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband-Chapter 289: Feeling of guilt

It was not a big deal, Abrielle thought it over. This was a festival and she could casually visit stalls with Alfonso, yet her heart had this unsettling feeling she could not ignore.

Alfonso held Abrielle’s hand and they quickly got lost in the crowd, mixing with the crowd as they got to a busier side of the square. It was a makeshift market for the festivals. Flowers, sweets, and jewellery, amongst others, were being sold.

It was like a trade fare with a romantic theme: a small group of two or more moving around and having fun. Ladies smiling brightly at their companion. Now it gave me Abrielle a sense of Valentine. Now she understood why the spring festival was also a themed festival of love as well as a new year.

She glanced at Alfonso, who was holding her hand, and the guilt got worse. Why was she feeling guilty? It wasn’t like she had anyone she loved. It was totally fine; Cedric was with Callista, too. She came up with an excuse. Alfonso stopped moving and Abrielle used the opportunity to pull her hand from his hold.

’ All that matters is surviving. Get your act straight.’ she reprimanded herself in her mind.

"I don’t think it is okay the way we left them. Evelyn can be nosy." Abrielle commented as she walked by Alfonso’s side, consciously keeping a distance.

Alfonso’s eyes were busy darting around the square, his attention divided when he replied. "That is exactly why we need to lose her. I don’t want Cedric’s eyes and ears following us, and besides, I didn’t force you to come." Alfonso replied,

Abrielle smiled weakly at him; her mind wondered why she was even bothering to keep up the deal when Eleanor was going to get her killed either way. Maybe she did it out of spite.

Abrielle sighed, "So what are we doing? We have successfully lost Evelyn." Abrielle mentioned she could not find any of the maids around.

"Do you have anything in mind?" Alfonso Asked, he could sense she was being spacey but it didn’t matter.

"Not really, it is my first time coming to the festival. In the past, my parents travelled alone to Vitalis." Abrielle explained it was a perfect excuse. Alfonso nodded.

"That is fine, how about we get our lanterns first? That will be fun." Alfonso suggested, and they started walking through the fair. There was a street performance up ahead that was gathering attention. It was a group of boys, orphans. They were singing and dancing.

It was a fun scene to watch. Alfonso followed Abrielle’s gaze and sensed the pity in his eyes. Who would not pity such pure souls? "They are the result of war. Unfortunately, another war lurks around ", Alfonso mentioned. Abrielle understood what he meant. The majority of the orphans lost their parents during enemy evasions at the border towns, or their loved ones were soldiers.

"Darconia is a Kingdom tied with war." She said weakly, She and Alfonso could not fit too close to the scene as their appearance might steal the show. Fortunately, the audience was impressed and made a lot of donations.

"At times, I wish the wars would just end, but that is a hopeful wish "Abrielle’s eyes snapped to Alfonso, stunned at his words that seemed very genuine. He was another puzzle. A side character created to make the main character shine, even as a writer she didn’t pay much attention to him

He was even a character that died early in the plot. If her memory was right, Alfonso was murdered today, though she doubted that might happen.

"Why do you look that surprised? No one loves wars." Alfonso chuckled at Abrielle’s stunned expression. She kind of looked cute and was pulling him in, but he knew his limit.

"It is a bit surprising hearing that from a Von Drakkar," the boys were rounding up their performance. The crowd applauded for them as they made their way from the centre. A smile etched her lips seeing how excited the boys were after the performance. They made a bit of fortune.

"I am not Cedric, and I doubt he loves the life on the Battlefield despite growing up there either. Enough about this depressing topic. Let’s go get our lanterns. You don’t have to worry about the orphans. They are being catered for by policies put in place by the temple and royal family," Alfonso urged Abrielle; they made their way out of the fair to an exit from the square.

The path was also decorated, Abrielle was a bit confused because she thought they were going to buy it from a random store. She arrived in front of the building, which was also decorated; from outside, she could smell the hot pastries.

"Aren’t we getting the lanterns? I can’t see any stores here?" She enquired from Alfonso, this place was not as busy as the square but the festive spirit was still in the air.

"We are here for the lanterns," Alfonso answered, then led her inside. He knocked softly and the door clicked open. A Lady dressed rather simply opened the door, but from how vibrant the colours were, Abrielle was sure it was her best dress.

"Your Highness, you are here." The lady chimed, her eyes sparkling. She immediately recognized Alfonso, then her gaze fell on Abrielle who was standing not too far off.

She didn’t recognize her but from her expensive purple dress, she was certain it was a noble lady. Her mind drifted to the rumours about the first prince’s wife. "Yes, we need lanterns," Alfonso replied; the lady nodded and then stepped aside for them.

"Oh, please come in; I am glad you made it this year." She answered, letting them in. Abrielle followed inside, the door closed behind them.

Inside, it was warm not just because of the fireplace but also the atmosphere. She soon realized why Alfonso brought her here. "I always look forward to the children’s lanterns." The Prince answered.

"It is an honour. We can do this every year thanks to donations from individuals like you. Please get comfortable. We do have a couple of customers already." The lady who seemed to be the matron of the orphan welcomed them. It was a craft event hosted as a fundraiser in the orphanage, and Abrielle was genuinely intrigued.