Abigail pov contd.
"Are you waiting for my father, lord Gerard?" 'why, had he started coming close to my father. I didn't even remember if he was close to my father or not in my past life!'
"I am here to ask for the assignment of more knights. I think your father will take some time. Shall we go for our due walk and complete the conversation, my lady?" he asked tilting his head, others may not see the change in his expressions but i noticed his pupils getting constricted. He was gauging my expressions. Why! Did he have doubts about me! But it was a good chance to insult him too.
"It would be my pleasure, my lord.'' I held my dress and gave him a courtesy bow.
"Is there any problem in the duke's palace, my lord?" I asked as we started walking towards the central garden. This place was famous for having all exquisite and rare plants and flowers which were mostly not found all over the empire. I must say that the emperor has a strange kind of leisure activity.
"No, my lady. Why do you say so?"
"Well, you were here to request for another group of knights. So, I thought..`` I trailed my words as he started chuckling.
"No, my lady. I am going for a trip, and I did not want to jeopardise the safety of my family by taking our knights. So I was thinking of getting another troupe of knights to go with me." my mind started wandering in all directions like a headless chicken as the words left his mouth.
Trip! Trip! Which trip! Where was he going and why! If i could know i would make sure his plan got disrupted.
"Oh, I must say you are trying your best to work hard and gain more and more success. You would be the best counsellor the crown prince could ever have.'' My complement pierced his heart again as his step halted for a second before resuming again.
"When are you joining the royal knights, my lady? I may consider taking you with me too so that you can see I am much more qualified than just being a counselor."
"Umm. i.."
"I do not think it would be needed." Before I could say anything further, we both heard the voice that we both could recognise even with our closed eyes.
"Your royal highness" we both turned and bowed as we looked at the man, he was with a girl with bright honey eyes and brown hairs. Though she was dressed beautifully, she was rather looking mechanical in her movements.
"I did not expect to see both of you walking leisurely in my palace as if it belonged to you." though he had an amused smile on his face, the way he called the palace his, it was visible he was annoyed.
"Ah, my aunt always loves me so much and treats me like a family that I have never thought that the place belongs to the concubine's son." ah, so, Gerard has the audacity to challenge him publicly.
But the point was who should I support since both are scumbags! Better just stand and see drama with the imaginary popcorn.
"Well what can i say, fate is strange sometimes. The child of a concubine would sit on the throne and rule the empire while the legit child of the empress would marry off and leave the palace in a few years. Do not be habitual of visiting here anytime as the empress would not rule the palace but i would in the future." woah! I have never thought that the crown price could be this fiery. Was he not carefree most of the time, who was here and who was not! Then what happened today?
"Ha! Only time would tell that!" said Gerard and then without looking back, he turned and left.
He looked at me who was still standing there awkwardly and then at the girl who was still in his arms.
"Sweetheart, would you go and wait for me in my chamber?" he asked sweetly and the girl smiled at left.
"So.. making new friends, are we?" he asked as he moved closer to me. He should learn to talk from a distance.
"I accompanied my father for some work here, your highness" I replied with a neutral face. Why did this man always try to come closer while talking!
"Oh, in this case. I suppose your father is busy like always. As a gentleman, I shall give you company. Would you like to see the newborn rabbits or rosy bird? They also called it love birds here" he asked like i was a kid!
"Umm, i think i should go to the office and wait for my father, your highness" as the words left my mouth, he shook his head and moved towards me.
"If you are not interested in roaming in the garden, shall I invite you to see my stable?" he offered again and this time i was tempted so i nodded,
He chuckled looking at my shining eyes, "you are completely different then other girls. Come i will show you my best horses." he moved and i followed him.
"Even a hundred miss you. He would be very delighted to see you." said the man as we walked towards his stable.
I looked around at the sea of horses. I was sure even the biggest race course would not have so many horses as he personally had. They were all strong, with tout muscles and shiny skin. They were white, magnificent black, brown and with light colors.
"Since you have lost the match that day, would you like to have a race for now. I can even call Josephine if you want." he offered and i knew he was trying to tease me, but before i could deny we both heard the sound of neighing and gallops of horse.
"I did not know that you miss me so much brother." I wondered if today was the day of magical teleportation . No matter who the other person was calling, they all were getting present in a matter of seconds.