Chapter 121: dependent on their husbands

"If you are so interested in going, then let Rosamond come with you, I will be assured if she would take care of you" added Charles and I really wanted to clap for his shrewdness.

"I never knew your highness did not trust the duchess's knights security," I said, not ready to let go, I knew once Rosamund added into the equation we would not be able to talk.

"It's not about security, duchess. Katherine is new here, and her well being is my responsibility as a husband, that's why I want to send someone who knew about her habits and needs well.'' I was sure this was the lamest excuse he had ever given, to make us think highly of him as if he cared a lot for his wife.

"If that's the case, Charles, I think my brother would be a better choice," added Katherine before I could give a better answer, my eyes followed her face. 'Oh dear, you still have a long way to go, to get rid of one you attached another fool with us.'

"If you insist, Katherine, your happiness is what matters at the end," he said through gritted teeth.

"Thank you, Charles, I know you care for me a lot," she replied in a poised tone.

"It's not good for a host to stay away and chat, I apologise, but I have to go back to the party," I added and they all nodded and followed me back to the party.

I could see many eyes on us, everyone must be thinking what were we doing there, but it's good, it would make them feel that I had a close relationship with his majesty now, this would help in extending my contacts. Charles had tried to mock me many times, at least this much he could do to settle accounts.

"Sorry for the late, shall we start the game, now," I announced, many were looking excited while many were looking wary of it.

"So you all have 10 minutes to fill the blanks, and then give it back to the servant near your table." Just as I announced, Daisy was standing in front of me with the same parchment, when I eyed her she bowed her head, and looked at his majesty.

"You do not have to worry about being blamed for cheating, I had changed the questions of yours and Cassius parchment," he said with a smirk.

"How considerate of you, your highness, thank you," I said with the same sweet smile no matter how much I wanted to curse him.

"At least this much I can do for my favourite couple," he said and I saw Isabella clenching her fists, well at least I had gained something from it at the end, so I nodded and skimmed the page.

Well, the questions were not changed much. It was almost the same, his favourite colour, most preferred breakfast, birthdate, most liked place, how he reacted when gets angry, his educational details, his preference of sleeping style, his most fond memory, his shoe size, the smell he likes most, the thing he was proud of, most irritating thing in his life." I knew every answer perfectly, I could even tell much more than that even in my dreams.

But now the question was shall I answer perfectly and let his pride swell or shall I answer wrongly and let Isabella's smile widened.

I could see, though she was sitting silent, trying to behave herself, her eyes were boring holes on me, and I was sure she was looking for a chance. I sighed. If I had to choose one among them both, I would still choose to hurt Isabella, though Cassius was worse, Isabella had something that hit my nerves, whenever I see her smile.

"The time is up, I request all the lords and ladies to submit their papers to nearby servants. It would be matched, scored and then it would be returned to you. Only the top three and lowest three were announced, rest of the marks are just for your entertainment, thank you, for your cooperation." spoke Killian perfectly, he would be a good diplomat in the future, not a cold and reserved man like the past, just look at his smile, how charming it was. I could see the girls looking at him with heart-shaped eyes.

I looked at my paper which was completely filled and passed it to Daisy, even if I had filled all the questions right, I was sure Cassius had filled everything wrong or maybe he had not even filled anything. I would not be surprised if he had submitted a blank paper back.

"Lina, bring the gifts and start serving the meals" I ordered and she nodded.

Everyone started chatting and talking about the recent scandals, their shopping trips and many more other things.

"Duchess Marianne, your dress looks very beautiful"

"Yes, and these earrings are suiting you perfectly."

Just when I returned among them, the praises started. Should I ask them, why did they just notice it now? It's not like they were blindfolded till then.

"Thank you, you must be exaggerating a lot. I can not compare to your beautiful hair, Jenna. and to your beautiful dress, Gloria. Oh my, look at your necklace Grace, it suits you so well." men would never understand the power of praises on a woman, just look at their face, how much pride they were feeling. And now it would be easy to rope them in.

"Oh you are too kind, your highness" they bowed, as they said, I smiled.

"Oh, no, you are all worth this praise, I admire all of you, you all have such a good taste in clothes and jewellery if you would have been earning, I am sure, you would have your own treasure." their brows furrowed as they listened to my words,

"But why would we need that, your highness," asked Gloria.

"Yes, our husbands are earning enough to fulfil more wishes than we already have," said Grace.