Chapter 104 - The Babysitting

Abigail pov

I sat in the carriage early in the morning as I could not keep the emperor waiting for me. I was supposed to go alone but my father was adamant to come with me. He said he was there for moral support. He did not want me to feel pressured. I wanted to tell him that I did not care but I was sure he would not listen.

We both sat there in silence. I looked outside at the passing trees as my hairs blew with the wind. 

"Abi, I need you to be patient there but do not lose your confidence. I will give my best to protect you. I know that you think I did not love you enough and I am unreasonable these days.. But I want to tell you that I love you the most and I can even sacrifice my life for you.`` I was just listening to his words with silence, but when the last words left his mouth. I felt a lump forming on my throat. I gulped and my eyes turned misty.

"Father, I would never let you die. I promise i would always protect you.'' I said I was trying my best to control my emotions. He chuckled listening to my words. 

"Yes, yes, my Abi will always protect me." he said, nodding his head, but I could see his amused eyes.

"Your highness, we are here."

He nodded and we both descended the carriage. In my past life I hardly came to the royal palace. Only when I was summoned to be the wife of the crown prince, the future empress. And when I was denied, I was never called again. But in the past month, I have already been here twice.

"Abi, I am in the office of knights. If you need me, you just need to send a knight there or a servant and I will be there. Don't worry, okay?" His words were so soft, so comforting.

"Dad, I am fine. It is okay. You did not need to worry so much." I tried to console him but he did not look convinced at all. So I could only nod and leave him there.

An eunuch was already standing behind me, waiting for me patiently. I nodded at my father and then turned towards the eunuch. He started moving towards the garden instead of the inner palace surprising me.

We passed a rose garden. It was filled with a variety of roses. The fragrance of roses filled the air and it was both a visual and mental feast to be there. For a moment I even forgot the gravity of the matter as I started enjoying the surroundings.

"This way my lady" said eunuch when he saw me not moving further. I nodded and followed her again.

We reached the inner garden. There was a gazebo near the fountain and on the back there were swans in the pond. The palace was just perfect to relax. I sat there in an empty chair. The table was filled with all kinds of assortments of delicious foods.

I was just looking at the food when I heard footsteps. I stood up from my seat and held my dress with both hands. Giving him a formal courteous bow I wished him.

"Hail to his majesty, the sun of the empire"

"Rise, lady Abigail" I stood up when the man stood in front of me. Except for his two personal knights he was alone, which was very strange since the emperor mostly had a group of men and councilors following him.

"Let's sit and have tea first, shall we?"  I nodded and sat again after he took his seat. Both knights stood at a distance, giving us space that was once again surprisingly. I still did not understand what was so personal he wanted to talk to me.

"You must be thinking why have I called you here! I will not beat around the bush. As you know that Josephine did not go out. She never goes to parties, she has decided to not attend academy too. All of her classes are done privately in her chamber. She is a very introvert and stubborn girl." he said, and i wanted to tell him she was crazy and bored too. But even i wonder why Josephine did not want to meet anyone ever. Did she not carve for friends and fun?

"You are the first one, she had shown interest in. for you, she even participated in the knights competition. Even when you hurt her she did not even ask me once to punish you, that was a surprise for me. Since she punishes others only if they touch her nails. That is the reason you have never been called to the audience of the royal court and I have not punished you in any way." he looked at the distance after saying this and i did not know how to reply and what to deduce from his statements.

"I did not understand your majesty." I told him honestly and he laughed.

"Oh my.. I thought you were an intelligent lady, Lady Abigail. I think i overestimated it '' i must clap for the way he just insulted me but i could only smile awkwardly when he said that.

"I mean Josephine has taken interest in you, but you have hurt her. I should punish you but I will forgive you if you help her in being a social person. I want you to help her and convince her to go to tea parties of nobles or to the academy. Basically convince her to meet other nobles and break her shell. If she married a good noble who would have the power to rule, I did not mind giving my throne to them. 

So, if you will help her in achieving that goal, i promise you will be in benefit too when that time comes. '' he laced his words in a way as if he was only thinking about my benefit here. But all I deduced was now I have to babysit both royal kids instead of one.