Chapter 200: Lesson for Killian

James was looking at both of them with interest. I could see that he had already got the gist of the discussion with their words of interaction but had not yet interfered.

"Sorry, to interrupt but are you afraid that Mari will beat you or will be very harsh therefore you do not want her to be your mentor?" at last, he asked but I let him be.

I had tried to talk to Killian but he always thought that I was biased and could not understand his reasoning. So, James could be the one to open his eyes about Marianne.

"No, Sir James. Mother is too sweet and kind, she could never punish me." he said confidently but the man just laughed hard.

"She had mercilessly denied you to come with us and even when you have requested her she is still sticking to her point and yet you are calling her kind and sweet." he commented, making Killian shut his mouth instantly.

"And as much as I know my sister, she has always been very strict and disciplined. She had never left a single chance to get me beaten in childhood and even now, she would not hesitate to punish me if I would make a mistake." he took a pause as he looked at Marianne.

"But then these are the true loved ones. They try to discipline us because they love us and can not see us going into the wrong path, young man. You introduced yourself as her son, yet you do not trust her with your education. I wonder if you would ever trust her with other decisions of your life.

And if you can't even trust her, how have you given her the designation of your mother? Your base of relation is flawed kid. I may sound rude and brute to many'' he added while looking at me, "but my words are precise and to the point. I am not a diplomat like your father to lace my words with honey. I am a commander who knows how to give straight orders only.`` 

I stayed silent not because I did not have a retort to his words but because I could see that his words were affecting Killian.

Sometimes what a family could not do anything to show the reality, it could be done easily by the third person. 

If he was successful in making Killian ponder the facts just by a few words maybe his presence could leave a good impact on Killian for long.

I looked at Marianne who was already looking at me and I nodded. She gave a self deprecating smile and nodded back. 

The look in her eyes was full of hurt and it made me feel like beating Killian for the first time. I clenched my fists to control the surging anger in my heart.

"Since you want to go, then go. I would arrange the staff to manage everything here and a few servants to go with you. Me and Killian would manage everything here, you do not need to worry. Have a good stay there ``I said, surprising both Killian and James.

"Father, are you letting mother go?" he asked aghast.

"Why, I lost the bet. It is only fair that i fulfil my promise. Or do you want your father to go back on his words?" I asked and his lips turned into a thin line.

James looked at me with interest, he could see there was something fishy here, but gladly he did not poked his nose into it.

"So, since everything is decided, why don't you go and do the preparation" he said but his eyes were set on me.

"Then I shall go and do the packing. I am just taking two knights and two maids with me." 

I nodded as she looked at me, the smile she had on her face when she heard she would leave for the marquees palace had faded.

"Sir James, would you like to have tea while we wait for her to come back?" 

"Tea would be fine"

"Would you like to join us, kid?" he asked Killian who was looking at the door. He wanted to go too, it was written all over his face yet we both ignored it.

We all sat in the main parlour room where family guests were received. The maids filled the table with all types of sugary items. I wanted to scold them and ask them to change the snacks when i saw a goofy smile on that strong face which looked weird and peculiar at his face, no matter how long i saw.

Killian took a piece of a big cookie and passed it to James.

"Try this one, Sir James. It is the most delicious one among all." We both knew the reason, yet I never knew Killian could use this method to flatter him and ask for what he needed.

"Thank you, lord Killian"

"Sir James, horse riding and Sword wielding is an important part of my education. If you will guide me then it would be my honour and no one in this whole empire will be a better coach than you." he started again and James laughed. 

Just a few days ago, Killian had said the same lines to me too, that i was the best teacher in the whole empire! Ingrate child!

"I am definitely the best swordsman in the empire" 

What arrogance!!

"But i did not have the right to decide for you kid, you are not an adult so only your mentor can decide for you," he added in a not so apologetic tone.

Killian looked at me but i avoided his gaze and drank my tea in silence.

He had to learn that he couldn't take the benefit of loopholes, he had to pay for his actions too.

"So, your highness, how is the taxation and administration work going on?" His face was blank and his voice was blank, with no emotions, yet it was better than the awkward silence we had.

"The work is going fine, Sir James thank you"

"So when and how did my sister started getting mingle in the society again, have your relationship improved with her?"

"..."

[Don't stop voting and comments, i don't know why but these days there is heavy downfall in comments and voting. I hope you will leave a comment and i promise i will try to improve. PS unlock the chapter with coins if you can]