Chapter 320: Start of the end

My eyes were looking at the distance for the whole night. The man was staring at me for his reply. What shall I say? What should I do now? Was this the point where my heart would break again?

I closed my eyes in silence and he sighed. Soon the rays of sunlight started filling the room. Had we spent the whole day in the room?! We did not even go to have a meal yet no maid or servant came to call us? Or did they but we were too lost to listen to them?!

"At least say something, Marianne. Will you?" I heard his desperate voice but I did not have any reply. Any words to make him feel better.

"We have a party to attend today." I replied and finally got up wrapping the bedsheet on my body.

I walked towards the bathroom and entered the pool. The cold water made me realize how cool and lonesome it was in reality. Soon I heard hurried footsteps and the maids entered to help me in bathing.

They must have noticed my gloomy attitude as they stayed silent too. Not a word was spoken. I was dressed in a simple dress as I had to change it soon anyway.

I walked out straight to my office. Ordering them to bring my breakfast only there. I found Roselia waiting for me. I passed her the letters and she nodded. She used the seal of Isabella and readied the gift.

I looked at all the important papers that needed immediate attention. Only lord knows when I will be able to work on them again.

"Your highness, you are getting late for the party. You must hurry ``I heard Lina speaking and I looked out. The sun was already high in the sky. It must be past noon.

I nodded and stood up, giving my last look to my office. Instead of walking towards my chamber, I walked to Killian. So many days had passed since I had spent good time with him.

A maid was adjusting his suit when I entered, he was looking at the mirror as he was getting ready. He looked at me surprised when I walked towards him.

"Mother, why are you here?" he asked when I took him in my embrace, making him even more surprised.

"Mother, is there something that matters?" he asked in a worried tone and I shook my head.

"These past days I have been too busy to spend good time with you. After the party ends today, let's plan a picnic for only you and me, we will spend whole together.'' I said caressing his cheeks and his eyes softened.

"That would be a wonderful mother. I would love to spend time with you" he said with a bright smile and I felt a lump forming in my throat.

"Killian, if I hurt you one day, would you be able to forgive me?" I asked and he frowned.

"Mother, are you talking about the letters. I have forgotten about them and I understand you have other responsibilities to do too. Just stay with me and that is enough. I'm not angry with you." he said, making me confused. 

"What are you talking about, darling?" I asked and he shook his head.

"I would not be angry with you mother. I would try my best to understand your conditions." he said and though a bit doubtful, i nodded. I would ask him later when I would have plenty of time.

"Mother, you should go and get dressed. Otherwise you would be late." he said with seriousness and i chuckled.

"Yes, my lord" I bowed with a smile, making him shake his head.

A smile bloomed on my lips but when I turned to go out, I saw Cassius standing there and the smile faded instantly.

I walked past him straight towards my chamber.

"Marianne '' I heard him calling me but I did not stop. If any, my speed increased and soon his voice faded.

I sat on the chair in front of my mirror looking at the girl who had covered vast distances in terms of time and experience yet I was still here, as if a loop had been set.

I wore my off white wedding gown, which accentuated my figure, and it was complemented by a waterfall of braid open hair. A small archduchess tiara over my head and diamond necklace with matching earrings.

I was looking stunning, they say and I just smiled to hide the tears forming in my eyes. Today was not the day to cry. It was the day to get revenge for all the tears I had shed over time.

I smiled and stood up when Cassius was once again at the door to escort me for the party. I smiled, a stunning smile no matter how much it was for me.

He smiled back, as if relieved by the fact that I took his hand in mine and walked out with him arms in arms. As we climbed down the stairs I saw my mother smiling ear to ear. Jamie, Damien, Killian, Roselia, and all of my loved ones were there, happy for me, smiling and enjoying the day.

Guests have started to fill in the room too. We stood there together greeting the guests. When the announcement of the arrival of the emperor resonated in the air.

We both stood at the entrance and bowed together to welcome the emperor's father, Cassius's uncle who had come personally after so many years to attend a party. Behind him was his whole family. Charles, Katherine and Rosamund. 

"Hail to the glory of the empire, your majesty" we wished and finally stood straight to welcome them.

"Wish you a very happy anniversary, my dear nephew." said the old man patting Cassius' shoulder, and soon they walked in. Katherine came and hugged me, but when she left my arms there was worry filled in her eyes.

"Have you been crying, Marianne?" she asked me, making me stunned.