Chapter 116: the winners

"I mean you have always been strong hearted." I said after such a long gap that even I would not believe in the excuse I gave.

I could see both of their red faces and clenched fists, but I completely ignored it.

"Killian, is Cassius sick? Why are you the one who is hosting the party with your mother. Or had Cassius once again denied to host the party with your step mother." asked monique Adelia, with a worried face, but I could see the smirk she was trying to hide.

"I mean he must be busy with his work, my child." she added just the way i did, but my face had not even a shred of anger as she was expecting.

She was surprised to see the smirk I gave her, "Cassius had gone to meet his majesty's father to get the sanction of the new taxation bill, the one which was opposed by the traders of commoners." i lied, since we did not know why Cassius was there, there was no way, anyone else would know that.

"Oh, look at my memory. I forgot that you are the head of traders of commoners. I apologise, the policy must be harsh on you." I said with fake sympathy.

"No, your highness, it's just a way to make the empire more prosperous, we all must support that '' replied the man with a courteous bow, as he signalled his family to move in, both mother and daughter looked at me with accusing eyes and walked in.

We waited 10 more minutes when finally the most awaited carriage arrived.

"Hail to the glory of empire, your majesty.'' I bowed a little to give them respect.

"Rise, duchess de Luca, how have you been?" asked his majesty, though i was sure he did not care much about that.

"I have been well, your majesty, thank you for your grace.'' I added holding my dress and bending my knees a bit to give a courteous bow.

"I wonder why Cassius had to go to the royal palace when all the nobles had arrived at his place." he asked me as if I would know.

"I apologise, your majesty, but i had no idea of the working of the administration department" i added with patience again, "but i wonder, how did you not know about it." I asked and he chuckled.

"Of course, I do. I must say it was some useless work which could be done any other day so I asked him to come back, hope you would not mind." he asked courteously and both his wives looked at me, finally understanding what the matter was about.

"It's his palace, your majesty. I wonder what made you feel that i had the right to think about it." i asked back and he chuckled.

"We can have this conversation the whole evening, duchess. But i am sure your other guests are waiting for your greetings too." he ended the battle of wits right there as he walked in. This man always knew how to wound a person just by his honey dipped words. 

Rosamund walked straight with him giving me a smirk, while Katherine stood there for a minute.

"How have you been, duchess Marriane?" she asked and i bowed slightly,

"I am very well, your majesty, how have you been. I hope you have been more familiarised with our empire now.'' I asked and she nodded, but her nod had a noticeable hesitation that caught my eye.

I had no surprise since living with a man who already had a complete family was rather difficult. Just by this example you could see that his majesty was long gone mingling with other nobles as Rosamund was walking side by side.

He did not even look back once, if Katherine was with them or not. 

"Your majesty, if you have time we can go and visit a few places, i would love to show you a few special places of our empire." i offered, she needed to pump up a bit, if i could get rid of my miserability then she should also get a chance.

There was a moment of hesitation in her eyes but then she smiled and nodded, "I would love to have your company around."

Was i just dreaming or her morale from last time had weakened.

"Sister, you are finally here." said Philip as he came and stood close to us, he hugged and she closed her eyes, as she hugged him back.

"How have you been these days," he asked and she smiled back

"I am good, brother, and your smile is telling you are enjoying your stay here too." 

Philip chuckled, "I am trying my best to blend in, Marianne and Killian are very supportive too." He replied and I felt a bit guilty, but I did try to behave, he was just interfering more than necessary.

"Your majesty, let me escort you to your seat" i offered, 'since your husband is already gone.'

She nodded and we walked in followed by servants.

"Hail to the glory of the empire, your majesty." Everyone around us greeted her.

"So, Duchess Marianne, what is so special about the party, that you had requested us to come in couples." asked Rosamund. "You know it is very hard for so many nobles to take the leave just for joining a party, you can just see by the fact that your husband is not here."

Could they not find a new way to pass comments, why do they always use Cassius to mock me, too bad, it wouldn't affect me anymore.

"It does not matter, my queen, since a host hardly participates in their own games, otherwise they would be blamed for cheating, right, your majesty." Charles chuckled,

"I wonder where is this coming from, duchess" 

"Oh, just a general statement, your majesty please don't mind me." i replied with a sweet smile but i could see his eyes hardening. Everyone in the empire knew that his majesty had always let Rosamound win all the Ball dance, just because the party was orgainsied in the royal palace. No matter how much better you dance or dress up, the winner was always the one.