Abigail pov cont’d.

‘I can not believe that I was once again trapped between those siblings. They both were crazy yet the more i try to stay away, the more i get entangled in their mess.

“Abi, Abi? Wait for me.” I turned to see Isabella walking towards me with hurried footsteps, yet she was looking so graceful in that pink dress. That color really matched her skin and made her look like roses. 

“I am tired, after calling you so many times. Why were you not listening?” she huffed as she held my hand warmly.

“I apologize, I was thinking about something, and I did not pay attention to my surroundings.” She shook her head like a tired nanny who was tired of the mischievousness of kids.

“What is new in that. There is always something running in your mind. What were you thinking about this time? Are you not afraid that you will bump into someone or fall due to stepping on a stone? And here I thought that knights are always keen and alert.“ She looked at me with a frown and I sighed.

“Yes, they are. But I am an exception since I want to do everything at once. That reminds me, tomorrow I have fixed a meeting with Lady Amayra. This would be our first auction. So, are all the jewels ready?” she nodded her head but kept fidgeting with her dress.

“Is there something you are worried about, Bella?” I asked as she did not stop even when we reached the room. Come to think of it, she was not in the room last night.

“Where were you last night?” I asked as I held everything important that I needed to take back with me.

“I was in the learning room, we were doing final preparations for the auction. We have given finishing touches to every jewel and even packed them in small showcases.“ I frowned upon hearing her reply.

“Bella, you should not work the whole night. And more importantly, you should not stay with Oliver the whole night. The nobles would not take a minute in spreading rumors. Father would be displeased if he heard that.” she shook her head when she heard me.

“I know but it was the last day. Moreover we were not alone, brother Nickolas was there too with one more knight, i did not know. They were discussing the tactics of war. I think brother Nickolas is about to go to the borders to see the condition and chances of war. 

Since the Forchestier empire and Wunsunstan empire are in alliance now, the war could cost us a lot. So, they were discussing how to convince his majesty for an alliance too.” I sighed as she replied. I remembered there was no war as Gerard had taken the throne in two years by now. 

He had called a meeting and accepted a peace alliance with the other two empires. But if he did not get the throne this time, would his majesty announce war? Then wouldn’t father and brother Nickolas have to join it. Maybe me and Noah, also became part of it. No! I did not come back to lose my life in war.

“Your highness is too lazy to declare war. If he would be the emperor in next two years, i am sure war would be cancelled, and peace treaty would be signed.” I replied and she shook her head.

“There is no way his highness let the throne go that easily. And an empress would never accept his highness as the heir that easily.” 

“I see both sisters have too much free time to discuss with me in their free time.”

“Your highness”

“Your highness” we both bowed as William entered our room uninvited!

“I was not thinking of sneaking or overheard but your voices are easily audible in the hall. So, I thought of hearing what you were talking about me. 

The lady did not seem to find me worthy of the throne, did she?” he asked Isabelal who went pale in an instant.

“That’s not it, your highness. I was just discussing the upcoming war.” She clutched her dress tightly as William came closer and I rolled my eyes.

He enjoyed this a lot. He often holds my words against me too.

“Is that so? Don’t tell me that you also want to take part in it like both of your siblings?” he asked with an amicable smile but her face was drowned of all colors.

“I apologize for being late in the morning, your highness. When will you leave for the palace?” I asked, changing the topic and he finally looked at me. But instead of my face or my eyes, his glance went straight at my lips which were not looking swollen anymore.

“Why? Are you in a hurry to get rid of me?” he asked in a scornful tone and I realized he was still not over it.

‘What did I feel about the kiss? I feel warm and protected and I felt nice after kissing him, but at the same time, I know that he was a womanizer. And I could not let a man like him enter my life.” my eyes hardened with that thought.

‘No! I would not let anyone come into my life this time. I will spend my time leisurely living for myself once he takes over the throne. And once I will kill Gerard from my own hands.’

“I will leave in an hour or so. Be ready you are going to escort me in the carriage while other knights follow me on their horses.” he added as he turned and left with those cold eyes. He did not even wait for my reply.

“You are not coming home with me?” asked Bella with a sigh. And I shook my head.

“You can ask Noah to escort you or brother Nickolas.” I replied , rubbing her arms and she nodded.

“Oliver would also be going home, I will see who is free. It is not like I can not go home alone. Anyways, do you want me to send a letter to lady Amayra?”