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🖤 The Villainess Just Wants to Sleep

Chapter 6: Know Your Place

> “The sun never fears the shadow. But the shadow remembers the sun.”

— Kaelaira

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The carriage ride to the Royal Academy was long and quiet. Three royal children shared it, but only two spoke.

Princess Elara chirped with excitement, adjusting her curls in a hand mirror. “Do you think they’ll let me ride a white horse during entrance ceremony? Or maybe a silver one—”

“Silence,” said the Crown Prince, his voice calm but sharp.

Elara pouted, sinking into her seat.

Across from them sat Kaelaira, dressed in simple navy-blue court robes. No jewelry, no gold stitching, no family crest. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap. Her expression, as always, was unreadable.

She hadn’t said a word the entire ride.

The prince’s golden eyes flicked to her.

> “So,” he said finally, “they really let you come.”

Kaelaira blinked once. “It appears so, Your Highness.”

There was no warmth in his gaze. He leaned slightly forward, just enough to make the weight of his words clear.

> “Let me say this plainly, bastard. Do not mistake permission for acceptance.”

Kaelaira didn’t flinch.

> “The Academy is for future leaders, nobles, and heirs. You are none of those things.”

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Elara looked uncomfortable, but didn’t speak. She never interrupted her brother when he was in this mood.

Kaelaira tilted her head slightly.

> “I didn’t ask to come.”

The prince scoffed. “No, but you’ll be eager to prove yourself anyway. That’s what rats do when they find themselves at a feast they were never invited to.”

> “I don’t need a feast,” Kaelaira said softly. “Silence suits me better.”

For a brief moment, the Crown Prince faltered. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his ceremonial blade.

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He recovered quickly, his voice dropping colder.

> “I won’t allow you to embarrass this family. Stay silent, stay invisible, and don’t mistake tolerance for value. You're a ghost in these halls. Remember that.”

Kaelaira met his eyes, unblinking.

> “Ghosts are hard to get rid of, Your Highness.”

He stared at her — then looked away, as if disgusted.

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When the carriage finally rolled into the marble courtyard of the Royal Academy, nobles and scholars lined the steps in formal robes. Trumpets sounded. Banners waved. The crowd bowed as the Crown Prince stepped out first, shining and confident.

Then Elara, with her dazzling smile.

Then Kaelaira — quiet, plain, trailing behind like an afterthought.

But one noble girl whispered as Kaelaira passed:

> “That’s her. The one they call the Villainess.”

And another murmured:

> “They say she beat Lord Eristen’s son in a duel.”

> “She doesn’t even wear a crest.”

> “They say she never smiles.”

> “They say she talks to no one.”

> “They say… she wants to die.”

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Kaelaira didn’t hear them.

She only looked at the towering academy gates ahead.

And thought:

> “I was told to know my place. But what if my place is exactly where they fear me most?”

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End of Chapter 6

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