Chapter 87 - Fanning Flames

William pov contd.

I moved closer to the girl who was still hesitating. I was sure she had not done much, she was just bragging to get my attention. But if i got a chance to create a feud between the siblings, then it would be a good chance.

It would flare the empress too and she would proceed to her new trick. I was just getting tired of waiting and acting. I have become a wastrel giving her a chance to come and attack me yet all I got was sneak attacks.

I smiled as I held her hand and rubbed circles on her palm. It was taught to me by Lucas, for emergencies.

They all looked at me as if I was a very experienced person. But the fact was I was just trained. I didn't even get a chance to come closer to the woman I love. Love! No, I did not love anyone.

I shook my head in denial.

"What happened to your highness?" she asked me with a worried face.

"I am just disappointed in you, Lady Sophie. I did not know how you can let others look down on you, but in the end it is your decision.'' I replied and left, leaving her hanging in the air. 

The more she would crave for me, the more I would find a weakness against the empress.

"Oh those designs were wonderful, my lord. I am anxiously waiting for your new designs. I would like to book one in advance" 

"Oh, me too. I want a whole set of clothes for upcoming winter" 

I heard a bunch of girls standing around Gerard praising him.

I had to find that man named Lars or someone better than him.

"Your highness"

I turned to see Abigail was standing behind me.

"I will be leaving in a few minutes. So, I just wanted to confirm that I needed to tell my parents if there would be any official invitation for the knight's ceremony." 

"I will send you one, and talk to your father too. You do not need to worry about anything. I will make sure that you will be present there.'' I replied, burning a blooming smile on her face.

"But i have a condition" i added and the smile turned stiff. Though i wanted to help her without conditions it would not suit well with my facade.

"And what is that, your highness?" she asked me to give me a professional smile yet her eyes had started blazing fire.

She was looking at me like she wanted to beat me and I did not know why the thought felt amusing . Instead of being angry, I felt happy.

I signalled her to follow me and like before her lover followed us too.

Such a jealous and clingy man! I did not know what Nabi saw in him. Look at his red hair, it was no better than a broom.

"Yes, your highness" 

"You have a nice choice of clothing, abigail. I want you to do a task for me to prove to me your devotion towards me." i stated as she looked at me confused.,

"I want you to find a man naming Lars, he is a dress designer or i want someone better than him.'' I ordered, I could have asked my knights to do it, but it could be very suspicious. A girl looking for a dress designer would not be that suspicious.

"A dress designer" her eyes shone as she heard me and I wondered why she was so happy.

"Your highness, I will try my best to arrange it. By any means, are you trying to start a boutique?" She was looking so delighted with the thought that I really wanted to open as many boutiques as she wanted but I shook my head.

"No, I want one for my lovers. I want all of them to dress in the most beautiful and luxurious clothing." I replied with a sultry look, but instead of being angry she was still smiling brightly.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. I will personally arrange the designer but your highness. I can not arrange the one who would work on it. The sewer, tailor, and the one who would do embroidery." 

"You do not need to worry about that. I just need a designer. I would make sure to arrange the best artisans for this work." she nodded her head again and she was so delighted that i was sure she would have danced if i would not have been here.

"Then i shall leave the responsibility on you.'' With that I left the ground and walked above when she turned and hugged the boy.

My steps halted and my nails dug deeper into my skin. They were so close that they were showing their affection publicly now. Then let it be what did it have to do with me anyway!

"Your highness, shall we go now. Or would you like to have another tea?" aked James as he looked at my pale face with concern.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "I would like to leave now." he nodded, satisfied and we both walked towards the carriage when I saw Sophie running towards me.

"Yes, lady sophie. Is there something I can do for you?" I asked with a seductive smile, "By any chance are you thinking of accompanying me leaving our own party?" I asked with a meaningful smile.

She gave me a bashful smile and shook her head.

"I am here to present you the gift personally. But if you wish, I can accompany you anytime, your highness." her suggestion was clear and i chuckled.

"Too bad, your brother would never agree to this. He did not seem to like my lady sophie. But if you can manage, why don't you accompany me for the theatre someday?" I suggested as her eyes beamed and she nodded again.

"I would look forward to that then" I added , finally moving towards the carriage.

"Keep fanning her emotions and let her brother know about it through our spies."