Chapter 33: tsundre attitude

"Good afternoon, Killian," I wished him the moment he entered.

"Good morning, your highness." He wished, taking a seat in front of me.

Daisy served him tea and Penny put cakes and other snacks on his plate.

"Did you not have lunch, your highness," he asked looking at the snacks on the plate in confusion.

"Aah, lunch'' I asked as if the word was foreign to me.

"Breakfast your highness." he probed again looking at me with all seriousness like we were discussing war tactics.

Instead of replying I just laughed awkwardly,

"Your marks are completely gone now, Killian. You would look good at tomorrow's royal tea party." I complement changing the topic.

"I must say you are a clever lady, your highness. But I am not a kid," he replied with a shrug.

"You are 11 Killian." I pointed to the obvious, taking a piece of cake and putting it in my mouth. 'Of course, he was a kid.'

"My father became a duke when he was 13 your highness." he retorted back.

And here goes the creamy vanilla taste, and all left was a bitter memory.

"So, you desperately wanted to be your father Killian, you look up to him so much.'' I did not want to sound harsh, but I could not control myself.

The way truth was coming in front of my eyes, my hatred for that man was increasing. In my past life, I always thought I was in the wrong. But now when I look at the whole picture, it was he who was at fault from the start.

He felt the change in my attitude as he was looking surprised, then in a soothing way he said,

"I am Killian, your highness. And I only want to be that. But I sure would like to have more achievements than my father."

It was his way to tell me that professionally he would be like his father but he was different. His tsundere caring attitude brought a smile to my face.

"But it did not mean that I forgot about skipping your meal," he added before I could say anything.

"Aah, I see, you are still a stubborn kid. I mean man. Then tell me what you suggest." I asked with a kind smile.

"I suggest you have meals with me, this way I can keep an eye on your eating habits," he replied with a serious face but my eyes gleamed.

I controlled the happiness leaking from my body and wetting the floor as I said in a very serious tone,

"Well, it's a good idea but what would I get in return?"

He nodded following my act, "what do you wish to have your highness." he asked, looking at me with his big eyes.

For the first time in my two lifetimes, I did not feel that his eyes were cold and brutal but warm and bright.

"Well, for now, a daily hug and few kisses will do, but I may add ruffling of hairs and pinching of cheeks when I deem fit," I replied so seriously as if I was asking a hefty sum.

Even Lina who had just entered the room, with more food, stifled a laugh.

"I think I can manage to pay that, your highness. but I would prefer you would consider pinching again," he replied, scratching his chin and nodding his head.

'Aww, he was looking so cute in that tsundere act. Wait a minute did he mean, I can hug and peck him now.'

"Well, it's fine. Then let's give me a trial." With that, I opened my arms.

He stood from his seat and came in my arms folding his hands on my waist. It was not as great and warm as I had thought because we both were a bit stiff.

But at least it was a start, and there was nothing good as taking a step.

He left me and sat back on his seat when I noticed tears welled in Lina's eyes as she smiled.

That's when I realised a tear was in my eye too. I blinked my eyes to control more from falling and smiled at the cute boy sitting in front of me.

"So, your highness. When did you learn horse riding," he asked curiously.

I laughed, "not only horse riding Killian, I know how to wield a sword too." I replied proudly.

His eyes widened as he looked at me with pure surprise, "Were you trying to be a knight, your highness." he asked as if he could not believe, I know all that.

"No, as you know my maiden family was known for business, we never had any knight in our family," I replied, shaking my head.

"Then" his voice was barely controlling his curiosity.

It looked like the best way to befriend a child was to do which he had an interest in.

"I have a childhood friend who wanted to be a knight, so she often dragged me with her for practice. So, I learnt whatever she had." I replied, remembering those sweet and sunny days of my life.

"Oh, did she pass the test?" he asked, finally concentrating on food since his curiosity was solved.

"Of course, in fact. I had just appointed her today as my official knight. She will join us for the royal party tomorrow." I told him hoping he would befriend Rosella too.

Her sunny personality was infectious so maybe she could change his cold stature and could bring spring in his life too.

"And if you want I can be your practising partner too." I offered.

it would help us in coming close too.

"You are the archduchess now, your highness." he pointed, subtly telling me that I could not wield a sword like a kid now.

I smirked, "are you forgetting that Killian, our ancestors, the great empress fought in the battle from the side by side with her husband.

And it is believed that we won the war only through her contribution." I was telling him the great historical past when a maid came running and whispered something in Lina's ears.

Her face paled as she looked at me and came forward. Her voice hesitating as I eyed her and she gulped. Taking a deep breath she finally stated

"Your highness, you are summoned to the official court of duke Cassius."

[hello readers, hope you enjoyed the chapter, I wanted to add 3rd pov in the next chapter. But I want to know your viewpoint before that. If you are okay with 3 povs in the middle of the story then comment yes. But if you think it will disturb the flow then comment no, I will try a different method to add the information then. Do comment in the next 10 hrs, as writing would also take time. Thank you]