The Innocent Devil
The Rebirth of a Villain
The nursery was quiet. Sunlight spilled across the polished floor, illuminating rows of delicate cradles. Nurses whispered to one another, arranging blankets and rattles, while nobles wandered in clusters, murmuring about the newborn prince. Elara slipped in unnoticed, her heart fluttering. She only wanted a closer look at the baby—just for a moment, just to see if he was as perfect as everyone said.
Elara
(whispering)He… he’s so small… so fragile…
She crept toward the cradle, careful not to draw attention. Damien’s tiny eyes opened just enough to glance at her, and he let out a small, curious coo.
Elara
Hello… little one. Don’t be scared, I just want to look at you
But then, without warning, Damien’s coo escalated into a shrill, heart-piercing wail. His fists flailed, and tears welled instantly.
Elara
(panicking)Oh no! I didn’t—
Ricky
(offscreen, pointing)She did something! The baby’s crying because of her!”
lucas
(laughing)See? She always wants attention. Look at her, all guilty.
Elara
I didn’t touch him! I didn’t do anything!
The nurse hurried over, face pale. Damien’s cries echoed through the room, drawing every adult’s eyes to him—and to Elara.
?
Nurse: Miss Elara! How could you frighten the prince like this?
Ricky
It’s her! She leaned over the cradle!
lucas
(snickering)Typical. Always trying to be noticed
Elara’s face burned with frustration as whispers spread. Damien, meanwhile, stopped crying the instant everyone else focused on him. A tiny, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips.
Damien
(thinking, tiny voice in his mind)Perfect. Let them blame her. Let them think I’m innocent.
Elara
(muttering, under her breath)It’s… it’s him… I just know it…”
Elara
No! Not him! Him—the one who’s always… watching…
Everyone laughed, thinking her overactive imagination was amusing. Damien’s angelic face earned coos and admiration from the adults, while Elara’s credibility crumbled with each passing second. And in that quiet, fleeting moment, the newborn prince’s first small victory was complete.
The Wine Incident
The royal dining hall glimmered under the morning sunlight, every goblet and plate polished to perfection. Nobles chattered in clusters, their laughter echoing off marble walls. Damien sat in his high chair, hands exploring the edge of the table with curiosity that seemed almost too precise for a child. Elara hovered nearby, hoping to quietly adjust his blanket and ensure the prince looked comfortable.
Elara
(softly)Just a little… just so he’s not uncomfortable…
Damien’s eyes caught hers, bright and calculating. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his tiny lips.
Damien
(thinking, tiny mind racing)
Perfect timing. Let’s make things… interesting
A crystal goblet filled with deep red wine teetered near Damien’s hand. With a subtle push, almost as if by accident, the glass tipped over. The wine arced through the air and splashed directly onto Elara’s gown.
Elara
(alarmed)Oh no! My gown! I didn’t—
Ricky
(shouting, pointing)She did it! Look! The prince is crying because of her!
lucas
(laughing, teasing)She can’t even be near him without causing a scene.
Elara
I swear I didn’t! It was the glass—I didn’t touch him!
Damien’s wail filled the room, sharp and heart-piercing. All eyes snapped to him, and then quickly to Elara. Whispers rose, sharp and accusatory.
?
Noblewoman: Miss Elara! How could you frighten the prince so?
Elara
(flustered, desperate)I… I didn’t! It’s not what it looks like!
Ricky
She leaned over him! That’s why he cried!
lucas
(snickering)Typical. Always panicking when she’s caught.
The baby’s cries softened the moment the adults’ attention focused fully on Elara. Damien’s tiny lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile, unnoticed by anyone but himself.
Damien
(thinking)Another perfect setup. She looks guilty, and I stay flawless. Step two is complete.
Elara
(muttering, frustrated, under her breath)Why does it always end up like this?
The nobles cooed over Damien’s angelic composure, praising him as the perfect child. Meanwhile, Elara’s reputation cracked further under the weight of the false blame. And the newborn, so small and seemingly innocent, had claimed his next subtle victory.
Tiny Hand, Big Trouble
The sun poured through the nursery windows again, casting long, warm streaks across the floor. Damien sat in his high chair, drumming his tiny fingers on the polished wood. Elara leaned over to adjust the blanket around him, her necklace glinting in the light—a delicate chain with a sapphire pendant, a gift from her late mother.
Elara
(whispering)There, all snug… you should be comfortable now.
Damien’s eyes followed the movement of her hands. Suddenly, his tiny fingers shot out with uncanny precision. The chain slipped between his grasp, snapping with a faint click. The pendant tumbled to the floor.
Elara
(gasping)Oh no! My necklace!
Ricky
(offscreen, shocked)She dropped it?
lucas
(grinning)See? She’s always so careless.
Elara
(frantic, bending down)No! I didn’t drop it! He—he must have—
But Damien, as innocent as a porcelain doll, cooed happily, oblivious to the commotion he caused. The nurse hurried over, inspecting the broken chain.
?
Nurse: Miss Elara, how did this happen? You must be more careful
Elara
(stammering)I—I didn’t… he… it just—
Ricky
She’s always dropping things!
lucas
(laughing)Typical Elara, always clumsy.
Elara’s face flushed crimson as she realized no one would believe her. Damien’s small victory was complete—he had once again framed her, leaving her credibility eroded, while he remained the angelic center of attention.
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