Chapter 301: Burn the letter

Marianne pov

I walked into the room and laid on the bed straight. I hardly slept last night due to our bathroom adventure. I wanted some peace for now, so that I can get my concentration back and look for a perfect solution for the clan and Dami.

"Your highness" I opened my eyes to see all of them standing there with happy faces and a smile bloomed on my lips too.

"How did you get so hurt, your highness?" asked Norma.

"You should have taken us with you, so that we can take good care of you," said Kate.

I smiled and nodded, "it is just like you said, it happened because you all were not there. But now that I am back, I want all of you to take good care of me.`` I replied and their faces bloomed. They all took their places and one started massaging my  head. Others made tea and so on.

"Lina, go and take leave of today, you have done a good job in serving me." I ordered and she bowed and left.

When Olivia asked for permission.

"So how's everything going on girl?" I asked casually, though I wanted to talk to her seriously, her efforts were needed most.

"As you have instructed, your highness. I have completed all the sets of dresses you ordered and all other designers are ready on the parchment too." she replied with a bow.

"Hmmm, Olivia. If I ask you to design a whole set of clothes for all the noble ladies in the empire for the upcoming season, would you be able to do that?`` I added and as expected the girl looked visibly shaken.

"This.. I can try, your highness. But I am afraid that I would not be able to handle this much alone." she said with a pale face, afraid that finally her time to get punished is closer.

Did she think I took her as a fairy to do this much. Tsk tsk.. They truly took me as a villain.

"I know. So if I appoint a few helpers to help you, like know stiching and handwork, then would you be able to do it?" I asked and she looked at me confused.

"Are we going to open a boutique or shop, your highness?" she asked with a face full of curiosity and anticipation. 

'Too bad, it's not the right time for you to know my plans'

"No, I am going to distribute a dress as a gift to all the nobles who come to my birthday party. There Are still two months left. It is more than sufficient time if i appoint you a few staff. Should it be?" I asked as she looked at my chord.

Her face was showing that she was disdaining me. Thinking that I was splurging wealth. That I must be a spoiled duchess. Sigh! A naive kid.

"With 8 or 10 staff, it would be possible your highness.'' She replied after some calculations and I nodded.

"Tomorrow there will be new staff available. This is their first time working. Good thing is you can mold them according to you, but the bad thing is you have to give some time to train them. But in the long run it will be beneficial for you, Olivia. It can make you rich and famous. So use this chance wisely." i advised with a grave face, my casual lean back nature is no where to be seen and she nodded.

"Good, ten take a break  for today. Because n the the next two months you are not getting any.'' I replied and she bowed and left.

"Kate, i have asked you to note down if anyone asks for the love bands or jewellery we have distributed as free gifts, have you received any enquiry?" I asked the only girl who knows basic writing and maths.

"Yes, your highness, i have noted all the enquiries and other details in a file" 

"Good, bring them to me right now." she looked at me confused but left bowing her head.

"Is there any other newsletter or something urgent to deal with what happened in my absence?" I asked Norma who nodded her head.

"There are letters for her majesty and Monique Wiltshire, your highness," she replied, bowing her head and making me surprised.

It was normal that her majesty wrote a letter to me since she did that often these days, but why would Wiltshires write me a letter instead of Cassius!?

"Alright, bring them now, and leave the massage, i am feeling much better.'' I said and she bowed and left too.

I took the cup of tea in my head. I took the sip and the warmth filled me in. though my left hand was a bit shaky when it came to handling cups and other things.

"Your highness, the letters" Norma passed me two letters. Once was golden with a red crown in the middle, decorated with rare gems, the other was blue with silver dust lining covering the corners, the symbol of peace and nobility.

I opened the letter from Wiltshires first and read it.

"Our sources told us that the whole family of duke De Luca went to visit Marquees Essendsons, so as the maternal grandfather and grandmother of Killian we request that the child spend a few days with his blood related family too. We miss our daughter and her only resemblance a lot.

Hope the duchess would take the decision as a mother.

Monique Wiltshire" 

A sneer formed on my lips as I read the letter. Ha! They think that they would treat me like this. Think as a mother, hmph! As a mother I would never let my son be the pawn of the dirty game they and Cassius are paying since god knows when.

"Burn the latter, and if anyone asks about it, tell them that it was lost mistakenly and never reached my hand. It is my responsibility that you would not be harmed.`` I ordered her and she nodded and took the letter with her.