Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Kingsley awakens from a grisly omen-dream and observes the strained standoff between Trystan and Evie two weeks after the attack. Evie slips off the property with Keeley despite wanted posters, heightening Trystan’s fear and anger. Trystan’s secret longing surfaces as he clings to Evie’s scarf, while Kingsley laments his limits.
Summary
Alexander William Kingsley, trapped in a frog’s body for a decade, jolts awake from a nightmare of severed heads, including Trystan Maverine’s. He confirms Trystan is alive beside him, then reflects on his curse’s odd advantages: anonymity, mobility, and insight into friends’ secrets—especially The Villain’s love for Evie Sage.
Lyssa Sage bursts in, breaking the morning silence with playful banter that undercuts Trystan’s attempt at intimidation. Kingsley needles Trystan with a chalked sign, while Evie’s call from the hall turns Trystan rigid, exposing how deeply her presence unnerves him after weeks of avoidance.
Lyssa reveals Evie went off the property with Keeley on an errand. Given the manor’s recent exposure, Evie’s wanted posters, and only a thorn-grove barrier shielding them, the outing escalates danger. Kingsley recognizes Keeley’s competence, yet observes Trystan’s mounting, contained fury and protective fear.
After Lyssa leaves, Trystan agrees to a tea party to mask his turmoil, then privately presses Evie’s old scarf to his face, revealing unresolved longing he refuses to voice. Kingsley turns away, wishing he were human enough to change the course he fears awaits them.
Who Appears
- Trystan Maverine (The Villain)Awakens to chaos, hides fear and longing for Evie, angered by her risky errand, clings to her scarf.
- Alexander William KingsleyCursed frog narrator; dreams of severed heads, observes tensions, feels powerless to alter looming fate.
- Evie SageOffstage but central; recently promoted apprentice, on a risky off-property errand despite being wanted.
- Lyssa SageCheerful younger sister; breaks tension with humor, invites Trystan to a tea party.
- KeeleyHead of The Villain’s guard; escorts Evie off-property, implying competent protection amid high risk.
- NuraEvie’s mother; recently returned from hiding after the attack, mentioned as part of recent upheaval.