Chapter 321: Uncover the truth

Marianne pov contd.

I laughed and shook my head.

"I make others cry, your majesty. Why would I be the one crying? `` Then I looked at her with worried eyes, "how have you been? I apologise, I could not write back enough to you these days." she looked at me as if calculating my words.

"I am better. I have gained a few new allies." Then she looked around and her voice turned lower, "meet me in three days. I have a few things to share with you." 

I nodded, I really wanted to go and help her but I was getting stuck in things again and again. I need to get away too.

"I will help you as much as i can, your majesty" i replied and she looked at me gratefully as she walked away to avoid the suspicions.

I walked towards Killian who was standing alone in the corner, while Cassius was entertaining the royal family.

The hall was shining brightly. My mother had even changed the chandeliers from silver to gold one. It was decorated with a ray of flowers covering the whole surface of the stairs and tables. The theme was golden giving our dresses a contrasting vibe.

I looked at everything as if I was trying to memorize every part of it. 

"Mother, did you not like the decorations?" asked Killian and I shook my head.

"Everything is just perfect son. The way I have always desired.`` I said with a smile and his eyes shone. He hugged my waist and smiled.

"I am happy mother, that you and father have solved all the problems between you and we are a small happy family now.'' His words pierced my heart and I felt guilty towards him. I intentionally and unintentionally hurt him all the time.

"Be a good mother to me and love me a lot.." his words rang in my ears and my grip on him tightened confusingly.

"Killian, what gift have you prepared for me?" I asked and he looked proudly at me.

"Every time you wield a sword you have to ask for a spare knight uniform or ask aunt Roselia to lend one armor to you. I have prepared the best armor for you. It took a month to create it. It is the best one in the whole empire" he said with a big smile.

"Since when have you been planning it darling?" I was surprised and he beamed.

"I apologise Killian for being selfish, but i want another thing from you.'' I said as a lump started forming in my throat.

He looked at me confused but nodded, "sure, mother. You can ask anything from me. But I wonder what is there that you can not have by yourself?" he asked, tilting his head.

"I want a promise, Killian. No matter what happens you will trust me. You will trust me that I will love you forever and be with you. I will care for you until a girl comes into your life and then happily marries you off to her."

"Mother, i am a man, not a girl that you marry me off" he said with a frown, 

"Just, promise me, my son" i said and he nodded, 

"Alright, I promise you that I will trust you. But please tell me you are not going to do anything again." he said i just smiled and patted his shoulders.

"Killian, how are you, my child? It has been ages since I last saw you.`` We both heard the voice and turned to see Marquees Wilshire coming towards us.

"I am fine, my lord. How have you been?" I felt so relieved when he did not call them grandfather like before, but the same could not be said for the man who smiled and faded.

"That is wonderful, I came to know that you have visited your step mother's family these days. I wonder when you will come to our estate. I have recently bought new horses too." he lured the little mind but i waited for his response. As this was not my place to deny.

"Of course, I would love to visit and spend some time there." he said with a bright smile.

'Alright, though it was not my place to deny. But it is my duty to assure that his education did not get interrupted further by taking another leave for the next 2 years.' I felt so much better with that thought.

"Your highness, this is a small gift for you." said the man passing a gold kettle with the tea boxes and my eyes turned cold. This man was so blatantly trying to drug me again. I would make sure to feed him only this tea in the prison all his life.

"That is so kind of you, Marquees. I will make sure that you like my return gift too.'' I said with a smile which confused the family since my behavior was cold towards them for the past few days.

They nodded and walked in, and soon other guests started surrounding me to wish me and exchange gifts.

Kate and Norma stood on my both sides taking gifts while I smiled and hugged many noble ladies.

"The location is wonderful, your highness. And so was the party. I must say you have once again amazed us." said Meredith.

"Yes, I have been waiting for another party in the dutchess palace since the last tea party. I was wondering when you would invite us." said another noble.

And soon many compliments started from all sides as they laughed and chatted with me. I kept smiling while occasionally my eyes searched for the man who shared the occasion with me.

I saw him walking towards the dark room with the previous emperor and my eyes narrowed.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the powder room." I said, bowing my head a bit and they all nodded and started talking to themselves. I walked out from there and followed Cassius.

Now was the time to uncover the truth.