Villains also get Second chance

Chapter 35: motherly rights

1 person (Marianne Pov)

"To say that I was surprised would be an understatement, it had been just a few hours that Isabella had threatened me to file a case, and I was already summoned.

Didn't these cases need further processing, collection of proofs and much more before summoning the parties and having an audience?.

Or was she getting special attention in the procedure of law too! No matter how much I tried to stay away from both of them in my lifetime, they kept on coming back.

"Did the written notice come, Lina?" I asked her, looking at the empty hands of the maid who brought the news.

"No, your highness, the case has not started yet. His highness has summoned you to discuss the matter before the case gets started," she replied bowing but confusion was clear in her voice too.

"Very well, I will meet them after lunch," I replied by taking another piece of cake in my mouth.

"So, Killian, would you like to practice with me sometimes?" I asked him, trying to divert his attention from the news.

He looked at me with a smile, "sure, I would like that, your highness. As you are asking for my rights from his highness."

"He did not agree yet, but yes, I was asking for your training and education rights, what are your views about this matter?" I asked him with relief that he did not ask about her aunt's matter in detail.

"That depends on many things in the future. Like the one just happened a moment ago," he replied, looking at the maid coming from the court.

"Why are you getting summoned in the court, your highness.", asked Killian, tilting his face to me.

"Uh, you don't need to worry about Killian, I will handle it.", assured him as I Didn't want him to drag in this mess.

"I am sure you can handle anything, your highness, but I still want to know what is the matter if you do not mind.",e added, at the end.

I sighed, even if I would not tell him, I was sure Isabella would also have her own version of the story,

"your aunt, lady Isabella, how much are you attached to him Killian?" I asked about testing the waters.

He furrowed his brows at my question, "does this have anything to do with last night's dinner, your highness?" he asked me, but his tone was much like a statement.

I bit my lip, why was he so smart. "Yes, she had some blisters on her body and she is claiming that I had done that to her.

But when i denied, she decided to plead in the court.'' I told him that everyone knew but his smile told me he knew much more.

Sweat filled my palms as I looked at his devilish smile. What did that smile mean, it was looking full of mischievousness.

He looked back and eyed the maids, taking the signal, they went out of the room,

"Your maids are not that efficient. They left the pie in the bin freely. Sure, no one would touch the dustbin normally. But it was a proof, and proof can be taken from anywhere.

And that chef, he is a cowardly man. Just a single threat and he spoke everything like a parrot. Tch, wrong choice of people, your highness." he started shaking his head.

Dread filled my eyes, so he knew everything. Yet here he was discussing my sword wielding ability.

"What else do you know, Killian?" I asked again, filling my voice with all the leftover confidence.

"The roses, your highness. White roses are the one my father used to give the nobles every time. The right way to trick someone, I must say." he added the last stance I was afraid about.

'I am doomed' all the colour drained out my skin as he continued speaking, but I still comforted myself, if he wanted revenge, he would not have been talking sweetly before... right?

"Uh, I can explain Killian." I started nervously when he shook his head.

"There is no need, your highness, I know everything," he replied in his solemn voice.

"You know everything?" 'what, how, when, how much' thousands of questions started flashing in my mind.

How could Killian know everything when even I was not sure.

"Yes, the chef told me everything," he replied in a soft tone.

"What did he tell you?"

"He told me, you were angry that Isabella had ordered raspberry pie. That's why you asked him to make the pepper pie.

You were worried about me, I appreciate it very much. But aunt Isabella is not a bad person, your highness. She is just impulsive sometimes, forgive her, your highness." He explained it to me with patience, as if he was dealing with a kid.

I bit my lip hard, it was the first time Killian had asked me to do something but he did not know the reality of Isabella.

But I couldn't blame him, if I was fooled by her for 16 years in my past life, then Killian was just a kid. Slowly slowly I had to shred her facade.

"Are you sure Lord Killian, it could have hurt you?" I pointed again. Hoping he would understand.

"Didn't I forgive you too?" he asked, tilting his head.

'I didn't do it intentionally' I wanted to scream but just nodded, as the metallic taste slowly started filling my mouth.

"Thank you, your highness. Do you want me to testify that it was all just a misunderstanding?" he offered but I shook my head.

"No, let me talk to your father first," I assured him I would handle it.

"Very well. Uh, your highness, is everything alright between you two," he asked hesitating.

I understand him, it wasn't his place to meddle, but I wanted to come clean with him. So I nodded.

"As you know Killian, your father married me just to give a duchess to the kingdom and maybe a mother to you.

So rather than pleading for his affection and favour, I am going to be a strong duchess and a good mother to you. Will you support me in doing that?" I asked, touching his cheeks gently.

His eyes widened and then softened as he smiled and nodded, "I will gladly do that, your highness."

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