Chapter 36: Hurting the pride and image

Finally, when Killian left, I stood up to get ready to face the wrath of the man I loved. I sighed a little while looking at my makeup and hairdo done by Penny and Daisy. Unlike my gloomy look, my outfit was very colourful. Touching my braided hair as they are tied on both sides to make a bun, I headed for his meeting room.

"This way, your highness"

Guided by the attendant, I was surprised when he walked me to his personal garden.

Recalling my past memories I looked around, there was still time for my favourite flowers to bloom. Thank goodness, he did not know about my choices. Otherwise, he would have uprooted those plants too.

By the time I reached there, I could see a white table. I greeted him cautiously,

"His highness"

"Come, sit Marianne"

I sat down with bitter feelings. I thought my meetings with him were very precious back then. Who would know that a day would come when I felt so uncomfortable about meeting him?

I was fidgeting with a teacup, suppressing my desire to run away immediately. Murmuring myself that I had to calm down, I fixed my eyes on the clear tea.

I waited for long but he did not speak a word. I reached out carefully, checking his sentiment as he drank silently.

As he finally put the mug down, he quickly glanced at me. He might have felt strange about my irregular breathing, but he just cast an indifferent glance at me, which still broke my heart.

The man in my past memories used to look at me like that. Whether I was sick, stressed or sad, he did not care at all. He was always indifferent.

I gave a hollow smile, as his words and actions immediately reminded me of his past images in my past memories. Can't I be free from my past memories? Can I erase the scars of the past left deep in my heart?

I suddenly felt thirsty. I picked up the teacup to reinvigorate my devastated heart. I barely moved my trembling arm and spilt yellow tea in my mouth.

The moment I put down the cup, moistening my throat, he finally spoke

"I am sure you know that Isabella had pleaded in court against you."

Instead of saying anything I just nodded.

"So, how would it sound that the duchess of the empire is going to be punished in front of everyone?

I have heard your father is here for business, even he could come and attend the case." he spoke with a calm expression, his eyes were clear, there was nothing in them, anger, happiness.

I did not know whether he was happy or angry about this escalated matter and it's not like I cared much about it.

But the mention of my father drained all the colour and animation from my face.

I suddenly felt lonely and empty.

As I tried to speak I breathed out hot air because of the heat coming from the ground.

"Are you threatening me now, your highness?"

He shook his head, "I am clearing the scenario, Marianne, your pride is related to my image Marianne. No matter what our relationship is, we are a couple in front of the people of the empire."

"I understand his highness, what do you propose then," I asked again, hiding my bitterness, blaming the tea.

"Go and apologise to lady Isabella," he spoke in a somewhat haughty tone.

The final thread of patience snapped, as I put the cup with a little more pressure. The tea splashed all over the table cloth.

Looking at the white cloth that was gradually turning yellow, I felt my life was going like that.

"Let me leave now," he spoke standing up.

"I am not finished, his highness" I spoke very slowly.

Wiping my hands, much because of sweat, rather than spilt tea, I stared into his eyes.

"If you would not protect me in this case, I am fine as I understand where your affection lies, but I have not given my rights to take the decision to anyone.

If Lady Isabella wanted to plead a case that is her right, I am not afraid of things that could happen.

But if my family was dragged into it, then I would make sure to burn this whole dukedom with me. And that is my promise to you, Cassius." I spoke his name defiantly as he looked at me with widened eyes.

Without giving any reply, he turned around and walked out without hesitation.

Feeling lonely and empty, I stood alone in a world tinged with light green under the sunlight of May until he disappeared.

Under the intense summer sun, I moved my heavy legs. Eagerly looking at the dark green shade of the lush green leaves, I was counting the numbers to give time to mend my heart.

How much time had passed as I reached back to my chamber? To say that I actually threatened him to burn the whole empire was not something I had planned but his blind affection towards Isabella, that he was ready to drag my family in, burned me.

I closed my eyes, controlling my thudding heart. It's not the time to weaken Marianne, it's the time to show how the villainess deals with the betraying couple.

"Penny, call Lina"

"Yes your highness"

After a few minutes Lina entered, her red face and hard breathing told that she had come running. Penny must have told her what happened today.

"Your highness" she greeted, bowing her head.

"Lina, I want you to go and collect the record of gifts I got during my marriage from the financial advisor and treasurer, plus collect the witness who saw Cassius giving me the perfume.

I also want you to go with sir Rosella and receive written testimony from the chef of Killian's chamber" I ordered her as she bowed back and walked out.

"Only you are not the one who can affect my image and pride. You would know now."