Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Flip That Shook the Empire

I was doomed.

Nanny carried me to the Emperor's chamber like I was a package being delivered to my inevitable fate. My tiny arms flailed in silent protest.

I refuse! I OBJECT! I DEMAND MY OWN ROOM! HELLO! ANYONE!

But did my opinion matter? No. No, it did not.

The grand double doors opened, revealing the Emperor's chambers—huge, dark, and intimidating. The entire place screamed power and fear with its velvet curtains and the enormous bed fit for a tyrant.

Nanny bowed, saying. "I'll place the princess in the crib."

"No need," Cassius's deep voice interrupted. "Just lay her on the bed."

EXCUSE ME?!

I stared at him in shock. Did this tyrant just say he wanted to share his bed—with a baby?!

Nanny, the ultimate traitor, nodded obediently. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

And I was placed carefully on the plush mattress. My tiny fingers gripped the silky sheets. Oh. Soft. And with that, she left.

THIS WOMAN. I TRUSTED HER.

Just as I was recovering from my betrayal, Cassius did something UNHOLY—

He climbed into bed.

HALF. NAKED.

My baby brain short-circuited.

His robe hung loosely over his broad shoulders, revealing a chiseled chest that looked like it was sculpted by the gods themselves. His hair was messy, and his piercing, crimson eyes flickered toward me, calm and unreadable.

I sucked in a breath—well, as much as my tiny lungs allowed.

What kind of tyrant sleeps half-naked in front of a baby?!

He leaned against the headboard, one arm resting behind his head as he stared at me. His gaze was intense, like he was studying me.

I stared back.

We locked eyes.

A staring contest again?

Challenge accepted.

I narrowed my tiny eyes.

He didn't blink.

I didn't blink.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, he sighed. "You really aren't afraid of me, huh?"

His voice was softer than usual.

I tilted my head. Huh?

Cassius's gaze flickered, as if lost in thought. "People tremble at the sight of me. They run. They beg for their lives." He looked at me, his expression unreadable. "But you... you just look at me like I'm any other person. Not scared. As if you've accepted me for who I am."

I blinked.

I mean, yeah, I already mentally accepted him as my father. But hearing him say that...

He sounded almost—lonely.

I frowned. Wait. Is this man... sad?

Now, I was really starting to think. Maybe he wasn't as terrifying as the rumors said. Maybe...

Nah. He was still terrifying.

But maybe he wasn't all bad.

I reached out with my tiny hand and patted his arm. There, there, scary tyrant man. You're my father. I accept you.

Cassius glanced at me and exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Ridiculous. I am talking with someone who doesn't even understand me?"

Hey, I can understand you. Then, I decided to do something CRAZY.

I wanted to turn over. I shifted, gathering all my baby strength. Alright, time to flip.

I pushed with all my might.

I didn't move.

I tried again.

Nothing.

I wiggled.

Still nothing.

I was determined now.

Gritting my nonexistent baby teeth, I pushed my arms and legs down hard.

AND THEN—

I FLIPPED.

I was on my stomach.

HAH! SUCCESS!

Cassius froze. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

The room fell into silence.

Then—

"Someone, come inside." His voice was eerily calm.

The doors BURST open.

Nanny rushed in, panicked. "Y-Your Majesty?! What happened? Is the princess okay?!"

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