is the MC really evil, like scheming, cunning, kind of evil villain? or just your typical ...

The typical "villain" who only scheme as a reaction to the actions of the true villainess.

She's a bit of both. I wouldn't call her character completely innocent because she has done some pretty mean things to her ladys in waiting even if she did feel bad. But she also isn't some horrible character. I think she's just having to act horrible but I won't use that as an excuse for her sometimes bad personality. Overall, Fantastic read and amazing characters!