Chapter 108 - Charmed Yet Scared

Josephine pov

When I said I would be joining the academy, it was something I did on the spur of the moment. But when I looked at the stunned faces of all three of them, I regretted it. I wanted to see how life was behind these four walls. Yet I never went out no matter what! Because I knew, my father wanted me to find a groom and then marry.

When I go out a man of his choice would woo me and my fragile heart would fall into his trap. No, I would never let that happen. I would never feel emotions or love anyone. 

I would never marry a man. So that he could control the man and rule even after getting retired.

I was nothing but a pawn in his eyes. But I will make sure that I will never move the way he wants. 

"That would give you a new experience, your highness. I will try my best to assist you in the academy."  said Abigail, the girl who had taken my attention.

There was something special in her. She did not have any ethics and she could do anything to win, just like my father, I should hate her. But whenever I saw her or talked to her it felt like she had an immense desire to survive but she did not want anything.

She was not like a girl of her age at all. It piqued my curiosity to start but now I want to know more about her. Should i go to academy since i have already said that.

"You have taken a wise decision, your highness. I will try my best to serve you too." said Leo before I could deny. Poor boy! Even he was not able to go to the academy because I was not ready to go. They all were looking at me appreciatively. Well, I suppose going to an academy would not be that bad!

"I never knew that I needed so many people to serve me. Anyways since they bet was already finalised, i will wait for you to come and serve tomorrow.'' With that I turned and walked towards my chamber, followed by Leo.

I still feel guilty towards him for the last punishment I had given him but the man did not even complain once. I did not understand why he did not leave his job like others! Why was he not hating me! Why was he still serving me with the same warmth!

I shook my head so that the guilt would not take over me. I had to be a cruel and selfish person. So, those nobles would never accept me as their ruler.

"Your highness."

"Yes, Leo"

"I apologise for my indolence, your highness, but are you sure that you would join the academy?" He was hesitant and doubtful but at the same time worried.

"I will. Why? Are you doubtful that I will not be able to manage?" my voice was sharp and he shook his head taking a step back.

"Don't you want to join the academy? Leo?" I asked and finally he looked above and his eyes met mine. I should have chided him to look into my eyes. I should have looked away, but like always his honey eyes enlaced me. I continued staring at him for a minute when he finally spoke.

"I want to be where you are, your highness. I have no other personal wish to do anything or be anywhere.'' His words were filled with so much sincerity that I did not know how and what to reply.

"You are talking like you are not human at all. Every human has his own will. You are working for me, you are not my slave, Leo '``I retorted his words when a subtle smile formed on his lips, it was so small that it was hardly distinguishable. His pale thin lips always stay neutral, I have never seen him laughing hard, yet there was always warmth on his face.

"I am not your slave, your highness. I have never seen myself as one. B because slaves serve forcefully. I serve you with all my heart willingly." This time his words came more sincerely and I felt my heartbeat increasing. For a moment I felt like I was frozen. My sharp tongue was not able to utter a word at all. 

"You must be tired, your highness. I shall go and bring some snacks for you. Would you like to have something sweet?" when he had almost reached the door only then did i come to my senses. 

I blinked and looked at his retreating figure. He was talking about his work, Jose! What the hell was cooking in your mind! Stop being a foolish teenager! I chide myself as I pinched my arm.

Taking a deep breath, I sat on the chair and took the parchments from the table. 

I started reading the book about the social skills of the empress that I have to learn this week when I heard his footsteps again.

"Your highness" he served me tea and then the snacks I love. He knew everything about me perfectly.

"Leo, i want you to go and inform my father about my decision to attend academy this year. You will attend it with me in the same class but make sure you attend it as a fellow student not as my side.'' I cleared it in case he just stood there and looked at me learning instead of learning by himself.

He looked at me surprised when the words left my mouth.

"I apologise again, your highness. But it is impossible for me to sit equally and learn with you."

"Did I ask for your opinion? I am the one here to decide if things are possible or impossible. Not the other way around. Now go and ask as i said, if he did not agree, tell him then i will not join the academy in any case"

"......"