Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Poisoned Intentions

[Eleania’s POV—During the Hunt—Before Lavinia Found Her in Osric’s Arms]

I sat calmly, pretending to enjoy the peaceful forest breeze, when a knight from House Talvan leaned close to whisper something into Sirella’s ear.

Her lips curved into that knowing smirk—the kind that never meant anything good. "Good," she murmured, voice smooth as silk laced with venom. "Keep an eye on her."

The knight bowed and retreated.

Sirella lifted her teacup with elegance that could fool anyone, but I knew better. That smile of hers was a blade wrapped in honey.

"It’s your chance now," she said, voice low and deliberate.

My brow furrowed. "Chance? What chance?"

Her eyes met mine—cold, sharp, and utterly merciless. "Either win Lord Osric’s heart... or make sure to separate Princess from Lord Osric."

The words slithered into me like poison. Sweet. Deadly.

"Lord Osric’s equipment was damaged earlier," she went on, swirling her tea lazily. "He went to the western side to fix it. He should be finishing by now. And the princess..." — she smiled faintly — "seems rather bored of the hunt. She’s leaving the forest from the same direction."

She leaned closer, her tone turning silkier, darker. "You understand what I’m suggesting, don’t you?"

I swallowed hard but nodded. Of course I did. If I wanted Osric... I had to sever his ties with her first.

I stood, forcing a smile. "Alright. If I can’t have him, she won’t either."

"Good girl," Sirella said softly, setting her cup down with a delicate clink. Then her voice dropped, colder than steel. "I hope you succeed, Eleania. Because if you don’t..." Her smile returned—slow, deliberate, and terrifying. "You already know what happens to those who fail me."

My heart thudded in my chest. "Y-Yes, Lady Sirella."

Without another word, I turned and left, the weight of her threat—and my own desire—burning in my veins.

***

[Towards The West—Later—Irethene forest]

The forest seemed quieter than usual, as if holding its breath. I crouched behind a cluster of pines, waiting, heart thundering. And then I saw him.

Lord Osric stepped out of the tent, armor gleaming and brand-new equipment strapped perfectly. My pulse skipped. He looked... untouchable. Handsome. Commanding. And completely unaware of my presence.

I straightened instantly and made my way toward him, bowing low as etiquette demanded. "My lord," I said softly, hoping my voice sounded calm, refined... controlled.

He didn’t even glance at me. His eyes slid past, focused on something in the distance, and he took a measured step forward, as though I weren’t there at all.

A hot ache curled in my chest, twisting with something darker—frustration, need, hunger. I cannot let him go. Not like this. Not when my blood screamed for him, when every part of me throbbed with the thought of holding him, bending him into my orbit.

I quickened my steps, but I didn’t run—no, it had to look casual, innocent. Deliberate, I reminded myself. "My lord...hold on..."

Every movement a lure, a trap.

Then my eyes caught the low stone jutting from the path, jagged and cruel. And I smiled—just slightly, imperceptibly. A plan formed. A risky, delicious plan.

I moved in front of the stone and stumbled—carefully, perfectly timed. My body hit the unforgiving edge, and pain flared sharp and sweet through my feet and hands. Warm blood blossomed over my skin, and I gritted my teeth, forcing a soft gasp.

"Ah... forgive me, my lord," I whispered, voice trembling with feigned fear and weakness. "I... I lost my footing."

Osric’s stride faltered. Finally. His eyes flicked down to me — for the first time really seeing me. Relief? Annoyance? Something unreadable, something that made my heart leap and sink all at once.

I let myself linger on the ground, limbs splayed just enough to appear helpless, blood glinting faintly in the sunlight. Every ache, every sting was a thrill. Every second, a trap.

He will notice me. He cannot walk away now.

And yet, even as he paused, even as his gaze measured me, I felt the heat coil tighter in my chest, the dark, hungry desire that twisted every thought. I wanted him. I needed him. And I would do anything to make him mine, even if it meant bruising my body, wounding myself... even if it meant burning the line between accident and intent.

I lifted my eyes to his, letting the pain, the longing, and the desperation all bleed into them. See me, I willed silently.

Notice me. Want me. You will not leave.

For the first time, the faintest flicker of hesitation passed across his face—and I knew I had him. Even if he didn’t know it yet.

***

[Osric’s POV — Same Time]

I clenched my jaw. Unbelievable. She had gone this low, all to ensnare me. And yet... why did a part of me hesitate? I had work to do—Lavinia awaited. The hunt could not wait for her manipulations. I had to leave.

I cannot leave her here.

Disgusting... I reminded myself. Do not be swayed. She is a manipulator, nothing more.

"Lady Eleania... do not cross the line here. One more step, and I may instinctively... harm you."

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