William pov
I did not understand how a young girl, who had not even reached her coming of age, the girl who lived a sheltered life under her father, was talking about the battle of the throne as if she had always been a part of it.
"Little bird" i called her as she was looking so lost when she shook her head.
"I will think about your proposal. I will keep it as my last resort." she replied with a small smile on her face.
"Are you afraid for your father?" I asked , as his father was one of the strongest knights in the empire, what made her so worried!
"I am not worried about anything, because this time I am going to win the war." she replied, with burning eyes.
"I hope I can stay by your side when you fight in the war." I replied and she chuckled and shook her head at the absurdity of the idea.
"All I want you is to stay alive, your highness. If only you will not die and ascend the throne safely. Everything would be fine.'' I have never felt hurt when someone looked down on me, after all, that was what I wanted. To make them feel that i was worthless and did not have any threat to their plans, so that i could attack when they were least expecting.
But to see the disdain in her eyes, it felt like I should tell her the reality.
"Abigail, there are a few things. That I wanted to tell you.`` I did not know where to start and would she even believe me!
"Yes, your highness." she looked into my eyes and my resolve strengthened.
"Little bird."
"Oh, you are finally here." the door that was not moving at all, creaked open that instant. Abi, who was leaning on the door while talking to me, stumbled on her feet to maintain her balance.
I glared at the man who was obviously leaning on the door and listening to our conversation all this time. Or else how could he have such perfect timing!
He glared at me as if he would have beaten me if Abigail would not have been standing there.
The plan was I would keep Abigail busy in the conversation until there was some improvement in our relationship. Theodore was not about to open the door, no matter how many times we knocked.
"Oh, sir Abigail, you are also here?" he asked with a surprised tone as he looked at her and she smiled.
"I am the knight of duty of your highness. Sir Theodore" she replied, adjusting her posture and standing straight while I rolled my eyes at his acts.
"Ah, I see. Come in then. I have some urgent work with your highness. Why don't you take a seat and have tea till then." he asked and Abigail looked at me as if asking for my permission.
"It is fine. I am safe with Sir Theodore. You do not need to worry." I replied and she nodded to both of us.
"This way please." he took both of us in and Abigail settled in his office, as he called a maid to serve her tea. While we both walked to his inner chamber.
"What are you going to do?" he asked as soon as he closed the door.
"Abigail is one of us, we could trust her." I replied completely ignoring his anger as he gritted his teeth.
"There is no way that I would let that happen. Even if she is loyal, she is a young girl who always seems to do suspicious things. I have often seen her boarding local carriages and hiding her face behind her veil. Meeting different people in the dark.'' I cut him off before he could speak further.
"She is doing all this in our favor. For some reason, she wants revenge from Gerard. I have asked her so many times, but she did not reply or make excuses. But it is clear that she hates him.'' I tried to assure the giant but he was not prepared.
He shook his head as if he could not believe my words.
"That is even more suspicious., even if it is not. I did not want her father to know the truth. Do not forget, he is loyal to the throne, if he knew that we are planning a war against the emperor, she would not hesitate to attack you even when you are the crown prince. He is too rigid. Or else I would have taken him in a long time ago." he replied and I nodded.
"They do not understand that father will destroy the empire in his greed of war. Do you know that the Forchestier empire and Wunsunstan empire have even had a marriage alliance. If we start war now even against one of them, the other would surely join. Even if we have a strong army, we would not be able to stand against the richest empire and the biggest empire.:`` I replied, shaking my head and he nodded.
"That is why I am saying you have to sacrifice your feelings for her. You can always convince her after the war ends. It is not like she is running away." he consoled me and I shook my head.
"She had a lover. I have observed enough. They are still in the first stage, hesitating a bit. That is why I tried to intervene. If I would let it go for now, she would surely fall deeper and then marry only Noah." he sighed, feeling sympathy for me.
"Then your first plan was perfect, entice her to marry you and be the empress by fueling her will to revenge. The power of empress could help her in destroying her opponents. You just have to keep convincing her that this was the best way. And for that i will help you." he replied rubbing his hands in anticipation and i felt a foreboding in my heart.