Abigail pov contd

It took me all my courage to ask that with love and care, “Would you like to have any dress or jewel among them, mother?” But all she did was stare at me as if I had spoken a foreign language which she did not understand at all. 

“I think I shall go and join duty back since the guests have started to leave their seats.” With that I ran out of the room.

I was sure that she would not open her heart for me. Then why did I even try?! I shook my head at my irresponsible behavior as I walked towards the next floor which was booked for the royal family. It has only four balconies one for his majesty, one for her majesty and one each for royal siblings. 

“Wait.” I heard the cold voice when I was walking towards the balcony of William.

“Your majesty.” I turned and bowed as she called me to stop.

“So, you are Lady Abigail?” her tone was telling there was nothing good going to come from this conversation. But she was still the empress, the second most powerful person in the empire.

“Yes, your majesty. It is my honor to meet the moon of the empire.” I continued to wait for her to rise but she did not. What a way to take revenge. Tsk tsk. She needed to learn in class!

“I wonder how you convinced Josephine to go to the academy. I heard that she attends all the classes and studies diligently while you are absent in most of them. And then she is the one to help you in learning what you missed. Shouldn’t it be another way or are you treating yourself higher than her just because you are closer to William?” Where did this come from. Yes, Josephine taught me a few things but I also helped her with a lot of matters.

I was even teaching her politics these days! But she had not even asked me to rise! Sigh! I have to turn blind eye towards manners again. 

I stood up straight, making her stunned. Then I looked at her and smiled brightly. 

“Your majesty. Her highness and I are good friends. Your informer must have misunderstood. I am helping her in politics and social matters while her highness is helping me in improving my sword wielding technique by teaching me the secret art of fencing in the royal palace. I do not need to learn what is taught in class since I am already a knight.

And if it’s about his highness, I am only serving as his knight. We are not as close as you think.“ First she stood there dumbfounded as I started talking but soon she gained her composure back.

She chuckled when I finished speaking, “do you think you have more knowledge and expertise in social and political matters than the masters that were teaching her for a long time? 

And it is good that you know that you are just a knight. Even if William is showing any interest in you. It is just his temporary affections. He would soon forget you like other women. His marriage is fixed with the princess of eastern empire, princess Scarlet.” why did it feel like she was the angry rich parent trying to shoo the poor girl from the life of her son.

I was also the daughter of the duke, you know!

“Your majesty. If the masters were that efficient then why did her highness never attend any social event or academy in the past?” I asked, completely letting go of the matter of William as this was not the right time to argue about that.

“Because she is still young and learning. Do you think she has learnt everything from you? There is a limit to being a delusion too.” all the nerves of my head popped open when the woman did not stop to insult me. 

‘Control! Control!.’ I tried to repeat the chant when she opened her foul mouth again.

“Do not tell me that your father has asked you to win the favors of his majesty so that he could gain a higher post like your stepmother did.” That was it!! I knew since start that the empress was arrogant, toxic and dumb.

She believed every word that her brother and nephew said and worked accordingly but I never knew she was so delusional.

“Your majesty, do you think that I am trying to win your favor by my actions? If I had to win the favor, wouldn’t I have been trying to flatter you? I am not even interested in the conversation. I would have been working if you would not have stopped me midway.

“You?” She looked at me horrified as if I had told her that I would kill her any instant. 

“Yes, me. The proud daughter of Duke George. Who is famous for his honesty, hard work and loyalty towards the empire. I do not need the favor of his highness or her highness to live the luxurious or leisure life I want. Yet here I am. For serving the royal family like my father did all his life.

Now if you pardon me. I need to go to that balcony to fulfil my duties.” 

“How imprudent. Do you even know the punishment for insulting me?” her voice was telling that she was not only threatening but she would punish me if i did not apologize. But I had done nothing wrong!

“I would be sent to prison. And if the crime will be proved. I would be hanged for treason.” I replied and an evil smirk formed on her face.

“So you are not that ignoramus as i thought.” If I had doubts before, now I am sure that she was there to create trouble for me.

“I am certainly well informed when it comes to the law of the empire, your majesty.. That is why I know that as the daughter of the duke, a higher noble, I can not be punished until his majesty announces me as guilty.”