Isabella pov
"I also got admission here. So, I was just going back to the palace. Shall we go together my lady?" he asked me politely, his behavior was much more polite today which surprised me but i felt comforted too. I could see he was trying to protect me from the insults.
I smiled and nodded to him when I heard them laughing.
"So, you are still acting innocent. You should at least chose a better noble to act pitiful, i did not even remember this man in the noble circle." said Sophie, finally putting alcohol into the fire.
Oliver glared at them, he was looking too irritated by their comments, I was too. But I knew they all were higher nobles. I would not be able to argue with all of them, it would be better that I go home and ask my mother or father to deal with them.
"Ah, it would take time for her to be calculative like her mother. Hope she will learn before losing her innocence to a random person." said the girl that had started the discussion.
I gritted my teeth at their statement and closed my eyes to take a few deep breaths. That was it! They needed a reply now.
But before I could turn and face them, I heard a slap. It resounded in the whole hallway. I turned to see what happened and my eyes widened.
Oliver slapped the girl who had said that line. Everyone was frozen and looked at the scene with shock in their eyes.
And before I could react, knights came and covered him.
"Wait, what are you doing?" I called the knights who looked at him and then at me.
"I apologize, my lady. But this insolence has hurt our lady. He would be taken to the prison of our palace." my eyes widened at the fact that Oliver was a commoner so he could be taken to the prison without any procedure or trial. He could not even plead for his innocence.
What had this fool done! I gritted my teeth as I walked towards them.
"You can not take him, he is with me." I announced. Trying my best to sound authoritative.
"Even if the commoner is serving you, my lady. It would not change the fact that he had committed a crime.`` The knight was adamant to not let him go.
I looked at the girls for help. But they were looking furious. And a few of them were smirking looking at my predicament. But it was not a joke anymore. If Oliver was taken to the prison he would not be able to attend the academy anymore or work anywhere. His whole life will be ruined.
"Is there no other way to solve the matter?" I asked the ladies this time but they just snorted and sneered ignoring my question completely. I knew they would not help me. I still did not know why Sophie hated me so much.
I looked at Oliver who was still standing there nonchalantly. He did not have a single sign of worry or anxiousness. Soon they started dragging him.
"I said wait a minute, you can not take him like this!" I was sure my words sounded more pleading than strict. I looked at the entrance, where was Abi?
If she would have been here, I was sure she would have found a method.
"Can't you hear the girl, or you did not want to hear it? Tsk tsk.. Taking advantage of a girl being alone. Are we?" I heard the voice and turned to see the royal knights.
He walked forward and other knights who were dragging Oliver stopped. They stood alert looking at the knights.
"Even if the commoner had made a mistake, you can not drag him like that if his master was ready to take the responsibility. Lady Isabella, are you ready to take the responsibility of that young man?" asked the knight looking at me and I nodded.
He was in this problem due to me from the start. Or else he would have long gone to the palace peacefully.
"Let him go, if you have any problem send the complaint letter to the duke Gerard. Don't try to create a scene in the academy.'' His voice was strict and authoritative.
The knights looked at their mistress who was gritting teeth but let them go.
"Let my friend escort you to the palace my lady." said the other knight.
I nodded my head and walked towards the carriage without looking back. I was feeling too exhausted for now. What kind of idiot was he! How could he offend the higher nobles like this.
I really wanted to beat him for one and tell him what kind of fool he was! But for that i have to talk to him too.
I closed my eyes the whole way and once reached home
"Then I shall take my leave, my lady," said the knight and I bowed , giving him my gratitude.
"Aah, the royal knights have escorted you personally, I knew that my daughter would achieve great success, '' my mother said as she walked towards me.
"Mother, I am very exhausted. Can we talk about it during dinner. I want to rest for an hour or two.`` I replied and she frowned.
"Is everything alright darling. Did something happen? And where is Abigail?" she asked, looking around.
"She has more rounds of test mother. I am really feeling drowsy. I will meet you later" and with that, without waiting for her reply, I walked straight to my chamber. He followed me there. I could see he wanted to say something but I did not want to deal with him at all.
I was having complicated feelings about what he had done. I knew that he had made a foolish mistake but I knew that he did it for me. I did not know whether to support him or beat him in the end, so it's better that I give myself sometimes and talk abt it with Nickolas or father.