Abigail pov

“Abigail, we need to go for the classes, are you still sleeping?” came the voice of Noah, breaking my reverie. 

‘Sleeping! I did not sleep at all whole night i was thinking why did i even kiss him? And the most important thing was it gave me strange comfort. Since my death, I have always been restless, alert and too wary of the people around me. As if a knot was formed in my heart that could not be opened no matter how much i try!

Yet when he kissed me, i forgot about everything and was lost in that moment and that knot opened. I ran a hand in my hair with that thought! What was happening to me! I have a mission to complete! A revenge to be taken! And William.. He.. he has so many lovers. My life will turn into my past too. 

“No I would not let that happen?” I stood up abruptly as I made the decision.

“Abigail, are you coming or not?” asked Noah again as he knocked on the door. 

I took a deep breath and determination filled my eyes and I walked towards the door. But I was surprised looking at his face. His cheeks were swollen and his eyes were red.

“Did something happen, Noah?” I asked as he was looking too distorted.

“I had a small argument with someone.” he replied in a low voice, as if the conversation finished right there.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked with concern but he shook his head.

“We are already late for the class. Even his highness and her highness left. Shouldn’t you go with them as their knight?” he asked in a strict tone but how shall i explain to him that i still need some time to harden my heart before facing William that was why i didn’t come out of the room.

The way he had asked me if I was just playing with his feelings, was still hurting me and making me feel guilty.

“I think I was too tired yesterday.” was all I could say and he patted my shoulders.

“It is fine, since today is the last class and we can go home on weekends.” if he would not have told me i would have completely forgotten about that! 

“Yes! Then we will go and check the boutique. Did you receive any news from them?” I asked and he shook his head.

“I have sent Mathews to guard them as you have requested but after that I did not get any news. But I think the matter with the burnt store is already solved as there was no new rumor or gossip.” he replied as we continued to walk and I frowned.

“Didn’t northern duke released a gossip parchment about it just two days ago?” He looked at me with confusion and then shook his head.

“I did not hear something like that. Nor any kind of new parchment has come in circulation.”

“But I am sure, I have seen it. I have personally checked its details too.“ I replied and he shook his head.

“Then the archduke must have stopped its circulation and closed the production. Though he may sound a just man, he would not let his son suffer. It will affect his image too after all.” I sighed, if that was the case then I have to think of something bigger.

“I thought the northern duke is stronger than the archduke?” or did he pressurize me?!

“He is! But it did not mean he wanted to have a feud with the archduke, after all they both are part of nobles. Now go and attend your classes first. We will think about this matter later.” he added as we reached the building. I nodded and he gave me a last look then left.

“And here I thought that you agreed with me using your name.” I looked at the letter pad and seal in between my files and my eyes narrowed.

“Was it a joke then?” I asked as I had a strong desire to store them but I refrained myself as I could still use it in future.

Taking a deep breath I walked to the class when I saw a group of boys standing and talking to each other.

“Yes, I have heard some noise too but when I went to check, I was told that Master Theodore had cleared the whole passage and no one was allowed to go in.” my steps halted when i realized they were talking about last night.

“Oh, but isn’t it impossible? I have heard that the northern duke has never left his territory even when the emperor has invited him on many occasions.” said another and I took a breath of relief. So they were not talking about me and William.

But then didn’t he say that the man had sent the message through his attendant. When did he come by himself!?

“There is no way to confirm that, but then why will the whole area be evacuated if only a servant will visit? I think they are hiding the fact of his arrival. Who knew maybe he was still here.” said another and I nodded. It did not make sense to clear the whole area just because of a letter. But then did William lie or did master Theodore hide the facts from him too.

“Anyways, do not tell others what I have told you,” added the man and then left for the class while I continued to stand there deep in thoughts.

“You know what i heard in the morning..” I looked at the students who had promised to keep their mouths shut just a few minutes ago and were now telling others enthusiastically and my eyes sparkled.

“Who said that we need parchments to spread the news?! Since centuries, the best way to spread the rumor have been gossiping citizen, either they were nobles or commoners or man or woman”