Chapter 91: my allies

We both settled on our seats as the waiter served tea and snacks.

"Mari, why did you call me so urgently?" he asked again and I sighed.

"Dami, I need your help," I asked and he chuckled.

"That I know, otherwise you would not have called me this stealthily, but we had just met yesterday night, that's why I am worried by your sudden invitation." his worry brought a smile on my lips. 

"As you know I had started taking control of the duchess duties, and I am also trying to get my parental properties to start a business. I need a few trusted people who are good in law and business." I replied and he nodded.

"I thought there is plenty to work with you, your place is the hub of administration, even the royal palace could not compare to it, in that. The best brains are there only." That's the dilemma I wanted to tell him.

"Would you believe me if I say, I could not trust many there, I don't know but I feel both Cassius and Isabella are keeping an eye on me,'' I told him and his expressions became worried again.

"Mari, do you think you are not safe there?" he asked, and I could feel my voice quivering.

"Oh, Dami, do you think I am a weak person, that anyone can come and hurt me,'' I replied. But his expression turned sombre, "and I have a bunch of knights to protect me there." I added but he was still worried, and now I wonder if I had made a mistake by asking for help from him.

I never wanted to make him worried, I just wanted a few allies, and the first person who came to my mind was Damien.

"Mari" he called but stopped, his eyes looked very hesitant, and for the first time I was having difficulty in reading him,

"What is it, Dami?" I asked, encouraging him to speak and he sighed.

"Mari, why don't you just request for a divorce," he asked and I chuckled.

"More than anyone, you should know the fact that our empire does not give equal rights to women.

Cassius can take divorce from me, but I can not demand a divorce from him.'' I reminded him and he nodded.

"But you can ask him to do so?" he added, and I shook my head.

"He would never agree to it, he married me for the properties I have. And you know that he would have to return not only that to me but also a big part of his estate as compensation.'' I replied, sighing. "And what would happen of Killian, that poor soul, would suffer again," I added and he bit his lips nodding.

"Then try to be safe, what do you want from me in this matter?" he asked, finally taking a hold of his emotions.

"I want two allies, one in business and one in law. Although I have studied both, I am confined to the walls for now. I want to secretly start working again. They both would be my ears, eyes and face for now.

And once I am successful enough, I will rightfully take what is mine.`` I replied and finally, a smile crept upon his lips.

"Good to know that you are thinking practically now," he added and I knew the hidden meaning behind his words.

"I know, I had been an emotional fool back then, I am sorry Dami, you are the one whom I had hurt most." I apologized sincerely, but he shook his head.

"The most you have hurt and wounded the person is you, Mary. A man whose love story was famous all over the empire, you decided to marry him, hoping that he would love you the same way. 

The glass which is already filled can not be filled further. It would only spill the newly added part." he replied and I bit my lips. No one else could understand it better than me Dami, you could see hard work for one year, but I… I could see my whole life. Even when I had asked him for the whole 16 years he did not change.

And in my crazy state, I fell deeper and deeper towards hurting others.

"I know Dami, but now I don't need a man to rely on. I only want to show the empire that women are no less than those men who think that they are the form of god, but in reality, they are nothing more than an ostrich.`` I replied and they both laughed. Even Roselia who was silently having her tea laughed hard.

"Alright, we got your sentiments, but your sense of humour is still pathetic," commented Damien.

"Oh my, did she call you ostrich too," said Roselia to Damien and he laughed again.

"Alright, enough of that, I am getting late for the palace. I will send my best two men to you. Take care, Mary '' he said, standing up and I followed. 

He hugged me and then left.

We both finished our tea and walked out too.

"So we are going back to the palace," she asked and I shook my head.

"We have to do some shopping to show that we were here for that, you can't just say that you travelled for one hour just to have tea here,'' I explained and she shook her head.

"Being in your place is so tiring Mary, think about every step as if it's a move of chess," she replied sighing and I couldn't agree more.

We randomly entered in a footwear shop and deserted looking around, but the salesman was trying his best to satisfy us. Finally I decided to buy one and get over with it.

"I would have that red one, thank you" 

"Yes, your highness" the salesman went to pack the red heels, while i looked around. It felt good to come here after such a long time. I needed to go out more, staying in the palace all day had made me more lazy and vicious.

The salesman came with the bags, and gave it to Lina.

"Thank you, your highness. I hope that you will come again." he wished and I nodded.

"Your highness" just when i was about to walk out, i heard someone calling me, and i turned back.

"Monique Elena '' here goes my good mood out of the window,