Chapter 304: Pieces of puzzle

The one thing I regret most is waiting for the right time to come to ask about this matter again. Who would have thought that things would end up like that.

I want to know which marquees the man was talking about but i was afraid that if i press the matter again again our identity could be disclosed. But it was not too late now.

"What did you say?" he asked surprised and I nodded.

"The man said that he used to do all the illegal work for the business of marquess. And we both know there are only two marquess families who are in business."

"You mean wiltshire are using illegal ways to do their work? You know that it is a severe accusation." he asked and I nodded.

Of course I know that stealing the treasure of the empire is a serious accusation and so are the crimes done, but would that be enough to deal with them? No, I shook my head.

But it would be another nail in their coffin and soon there would be many more.

"I am not accusing. I just want to check the matter in detail and as a knight you can do so. I want you to talk to that man and use your source to know the depth of the crimes done here." I asked and he looked at me with sharp eyes again.

"Sometimes I feel that you are preparing for war, little sister. Hope you are aware of the consequences of our actions.'' I chuckled at his subtle warning.

"The war began a lifetime ago brother, I am just trying to end it soon. So, tell me would you take part in it or watch from the sidelines as a spectator?" 

He stayed silent as he kept studying my face but there was no fear in my eyes.  Was not in the wrong this time. And I would make sure those who are would taste their own medicines.

"You have grown up little girl." he said with a sigh as if he was the one who had done all the hard work to make me grow. His reactions amused me. "I am always with you, to help you in the right and to stop you from doing the wrong '' he sia as he put the cup down.

"And now I am hungry. Don't tell me that poor duke could not afford to feed us. I would send a letter to the chef of marquess palace to send our meals from there from tomorrow." he said, making me chuckle.

Though I knew it was just his way to distract the listener who did not enter but stoked at the door to listen. But what surprised me was I had noticed Cassius just a few moments ago. But Jamie must have heard footsteps that he was even able to change the matter of discussion.

"The food has been ready since ages. It was not serveds because people were busy talking in the closed rooms." he commented looking at both of us.

Jamie took a lazy yawn and then stretched his long leg as if the chair  was not comfortable at all for him,

"That is good. It saves time writing letters. Are you coming for dinner little sister, this palace had kept me starving." he muttered again making Cassius get his teeth.

Indeed and walked out with Jamie leaving the brooding man alone to follow us.

When we reached the dining table I was surprised to see Ian standing there. 

"How have you been, your highness?" he said, bowing his head as I walked closer to him.

"I have been well, my dear. When did you return?" I asked as I did not hear anything about him since I returned.

"I reached here two days ago, your highness. I did not know about your visit to the marquees palace. '' he said as he stood up straight.

"So, I take it as you have claimed your title.,`` I asked and he nodded.

"Then I will wait for you tomorrow in my office. We need to talk, dear." I added and he nodded with a smile again as if he was expecting the reply.

As if every piece of puzzle had finally started to fit. And the mysteries had finally started resolving. 

Till then everyone was around and soon we took our seats.

Cassius sat in the head of the house chair while I and Killain sat on the right. Mother and Jamie took the left seat. Ian sat after Killian, and after a long time the palace did not look cold and the chuckles and words were reverberating in the air making this place lively for the first time.

But who would have thought the matter of amusement of everyone would once again be me.

I glared at the man who had suddenly developed a new habit of feeding me from the same fork and spoon he used to eat himself.

"I can eat by myself now.'' I said through gritted teeth but the man just shook his head nonchalantly.

"For a month, you can not take any pressure. So you should develop the hbt of getting fed." he said with all the righteousness he had.

In the morning only I put my heels on his feet to be so overconfident and smug, yet he was doing it again.

"Since mother needs to be fed, I can help too. My speed of eating is faster than father.'' We both turned to look at Killian, who already had my plate and a maid took it back. He moved his plate in the mood as if offering me to share his food with him.

I smiled brightly and nodded. 

"It would be my pleasure to feed my cute son." I said , pinching his cheek a little and his ears turned red.

I laughed as he took another fork to feed me first and then ate by his fork himself. This was the happy family I had always desired.