Chapter 382: Felt some peace

Marianne pov contd.

"Did you see where she went?" I whispered to Daulla who shook her head.

"When i reached there. She was not anywhere. But.." she hesitated as she looked around.

"But what, Daulla?" I pressured and she looked around again.

"My lady, the left area of the palace was suddenly guarded by more knights of his royal highness." she replied and I smirked. So my assumption was right! She was here to meet Philp.

But that man was not as dumb as Isabella. He had taken proper measures to hide their encounter.

"Do not tell anyone about this. You may go now.'' I replied as I was afraid that the man could kill without even thinking twice!

"Yes, your highness" the lady left and I looked at my mother again. She was still looking pale. After eating a bit she slept again. I didn't even have time to talk to her or tell her the truth.

"Mother" I turned to see Killian who was gone to call Caleb and Shui for the meal.

"Yes dear," I did not look back at him as my eyes were still fixed on the dark bags below my mother's eyes.

"I apologize for letting you down, other" a low whisper came from his mouth, making me surprised. 

I turned to see his apologetic and down casted face. My eyes softened as I held his hand and pulled him close to me and sat beside me.

"It is okay, son. You are not at fault. Your aunt is too shrew. But I hope that you have finally seen her reality.`` I asked but he stayed silent. 

'But if you still trust her than i am really disappointed.'' I added when he did not reply.

He shook his head, like his life was dependent on it. "No mother, not all. I learnt my lesson very well. I did not trust anyone else except you and father." he said and hugged my waist, afraid that i would really be angry with him.

"Good.. then we have to end the show we'll. Be prepared. We need to show everyone her reality and make sure that she would speak more than needed when the time arises." my face was filled with the wicked grin as the plan framed in my mind.

"I will do as you say mother." he replied as he finally left my waist.

"Did grandma eat anything?" he asked, looking at mother and I shook my head.

"She is still weak and needs rest. She just had some warm soup. Did Caleb and Shui come to the dinning hall?" he nodded and  nodded back.

"Good, then let's go. I have not given them time at all."

He nodded as he stood up but turned to look at me as if remembered something.

"But what about aunt Isabella?" His eyes were filled with anger and grief. I sometimes felt bad for him. The poor boy only wanted love. Yet everyone tried to take advantage of him.

He still gave them the benefit of doubt but still they were trying to bully him more and more. But even I promised that I would teach them a good lesson.

"What about her. Since she had decided to come here uninvited, she should not expect that we will share a meal with her. Moreover, she is very busy.'' I replied with a smirk, though he looked confused by my last line, he just nodded his head, without asking me further questions.

"Roselia, do not leave mother alone, even for a second." I instructed and she nodded her head.

As we walked to the dining hall, Shui and Caleb were already there with the annoyed herbalist. I didn't know why, but it was visible that she hated nobles a lot.

"I apologise for being late." I bowed my head a bit when the herbalist snorted.

"Isn't it the habit of nobles to make others wait!" she remarked as she took a bite in her fork and ate it elegantly.

"I am not here as a noble but as an indebted daughter whose mother is treated by you." I replied in a soft voice, making her surprised. 

But then she controlled her emotions and started eating again. 

"Shui, Caleb, Ma'am. i am thankful to all three of you and these are a few gifts to show my appreciation to the efforts you have given for my mother.'' I said once the meal ended silently.

Lina moved forwards with some other maids that were carrying the gifts.

"Oh. these are not needed sister." said Caleb as he looked at the grifts awkwardly.

"These are not for you, and these are not normal gifts like gold or jewels. These are some books and all the other necessary things that were needed to learn. I want you to start teaching and training the younger generation so that they do not need to break the law. You can come to me whenever you need help. I will try my best to help you nu developing the budding flowers of your clan.'' As the words left my mother, he started looking at me emotionally.

"I will try my best to fulfil your dream, sister" he said, nodding his head, as if he was trying his best to assure me.

"I wish you could stop a bit more. But I did not need to want your family to worry about you. But i hope i will see you again soon.'' I added as I jugged Shui, the girl whom I hated once, now felt like a long lost sister.

She smiled as she nodded her head.

"I am sure we will meet again soon sister."

"Then shall I expect that you will try to remember where you heard Isabella's voice and reply to me soon?" though i didn't need to ask for more favors. I needed to know everything if it was related to Isabella's life.

"I have not forgotten that. I have seen the way to the palace. I will soon return with a reply." she added and only then did I feel some peace.