Chapter 180: stakes on you

His tone was still acussive though mild, but he blamed me for things that happened, this was the first time he did so, suddenly what had changed! Was he not convinced to be against Isabella?

"Son, did you try to do what i have told you, have you disparaged us in front of her?" i asked as this was the last way for him to see the truth.

He hesitated but then nodded, "i said that you were quite careless to leave like that. And many times you are not mature enough. I wonder how did you even hold duchess duties' ' he said in a low voice as if he was feeling guilty, but he was not wrong, i do become childish as i have the weakness of wrath, but i was still alright when it comes to things related with work and brain.

"And what did she say?" I asked, trying to be as casual as i could.

"She said that I should not think like that, she is a human too, and that also burdened me. She needs a lot of care and love so that she could feel assured and then you would improve. Because of your father's lack of attention, she felt lonely sometimes. If only your father loved her, then things would have been different." then he looked at me, "she was looking genuinely apologetic and worried about you mother." he added as if he was expecting forgiveness from me.

"Your highness, you should take a warm bath, the rain and mud there might be contagious, and then have some warm fluids too" said Roselia, when she saw the discussion was coming to a stand still.

"Oh, yes mother, you should take a bath, then we will have some warm soup together, I will go and bring medicine for you in case you develop a fever." he said and I just nodded, as he stood up and went away.

"Where was he, when i was gone?" i asked Roselia, and she did not need to reply, her face told it all.

"And what were you doing at that time?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"I was with them all the time in the name of taking care in case she fed him something. But she only talked about his routine, and other things, then they both were sounding worried about you and his highness, so I did not feel that there was something I could interfere with." 

So she had changed the target, since Cassius had insulted her publicly, she was trying to gain sympathy from Killian, whom she had taken as a weak pawn before.

"You arranged the maid for Killian's chamber?" 

"Yes, your highness"

"Take a bath first, and eat something, we will look into the matter then" she added and I could only nod.

'Since she wanted to be good to him, let's take benefit of it, and see how good she could be!!' my smile broadened that instant surprising everyone there.

After bath, I walked to the dining room where we all are having meals together these days.

"Your highness" I bowed looking at the man who was looking cold again, as if the time we spent in the forest was just a distant dream, I had expected his eyes to be a bit warm.

He nodded his head and I sat on the other side of him.

"How are you feeling now, mother?" 

"I am good, in fact, I was thinking about what you said all the time. And I realised you are right." 

"What are you talking about, mother?" he asked and even Cassius' eyes set on me.

"About Isabella, we have been too harsh to her, she is your aunt and our well wisher. We must forgive her, after all, everyone deserves a second chance." 

"Marianne, what are you talking about."

"Really mother, i knew that you are very kind hearted.," 

They both spoke simultaneously.

"I know, it is only for you, son. Even if we did not get together well, I can accept her for you." i added as his smile bloomed further and further,

I felt bad for lying to him. But i had told him the truth and it was not working

"Marianne, I think we need to talk," he said abruptly and I cursed, this way he would ruin my plan, and have bad blood with his son too.

"Of course, your highness. I remember the papers i need to sign. But it is family time, we should discuss work later ``I added and his brows furrowed further, but Killian's face relaxed.

"Father, mother is tired. Let's not talk about work at this time." then he looked at me, "mother, this soup is good, it will keep you warm and safe from cold."

"Aww, thank you son, give some to your father too." 

"Ah, yes, father has some soup too." 

"I will wait for you in my office, later"

"I think we should rather go out for a walk in the garden to get some run, as finally the rain had stopped" 

He looked at me as if trying to assess the conditions and then nodded.

"Shall i come too?" he asked, looking at both of us and I nodded.

"Since your horse riding lesson was not able to complete because of me and then rain. Why don't you ride a horse and we both will cheer for you.'' I suggested and he nodded.

"It sounds like a good plan to me" 

I smiled back taking the sips of my soups, as the environment turned pleasant again between me and Killian, but this could not be said about the man who was looking at me with cold and calculating eyes. His lever had been changed again.

The whole brunch was only me and Killian talking while he just looked at the watch to see when he would be able to talk to me.

I hope this plan worked out, my all stakes are on you now Cassius.