Abigail pov contd.

“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.“ Why is it that these days everyone is trying to punish me or get hold of me. Her eyes turned red as she heard me. Her seething anger can be felt from a distance.

“Such audacity? Are you trying to challenge my position?!” She moved closer and raised her hand. 

‘Shall I hold it. Shall I let her hit me.’ it was such a dilemma i was facing that i did not know what shall i do! Sigh! Let her hit me and calm down, I would use it later in front of his majesty to get his favor. A slap would not affect that much!

I closed my eyes and anticipated the burn, but it had been one minute, two minute.. Minutes passed but the pain did not arrive. I opened my eyes only to see the siblings standing in front of their mother.

“What were you trying to do mother?” asked Josephine as she matched the pressure her mother was showing.

“I never knew that the empress had the hobby of hitting people for her enjoyment!” came the sarcastic reply of William who was leaning on the wall. His attitude was still lazy but his voice was poisonous. Even i flinched while listening to him.

“She is the one who insulted me. She thinks so highly of herself.” she replied, without ready to bow down to the two youngsters.

“Even if that is the case, she is just a kid. You are not only an adult but the empress, the mother of the empire, you should be magnanimous here and learn to forgive.” said the man who was her first enemy.

“For a change, I agree with Philip. You should not mind the words of a kid.” repeated Josephine as she nodded her head. As if they both were old men and women and why are they so sure that I have actually insulted the empress!

‘Hey ask me too. I have done nothing of that sort. It is all a trap!’

She fumed as she looked at me and then turned and left. Both siblings took a sigh of relief as the sound of her footsteps faltered.

“Why did you continue to fall into trouble? Could you not just sit silent for a while?” asked William as if i personally went to invite the empress to come and slap me.

“You don’t know my mother. She is not like me that will bear you!” as if she was the easy one to handle.

“I swear I did not say a word. Her majesty was furious because she thinks that I am closer to his highness and I am using you to teach me fencing and I did not give enough respect to both of you.“ I told them honestly and they nodded as if all these were true.

“Really? So, both of you agree with her?” I asked, stupefied at their reaction.

“Well, you did not respect us at all.” replied William as if he even deserved anymore respect! Hmph!

“You even called me by my name and kid once.” came the quick reply of Josephine. As if she ever behaved like an adult to me.

“You have injured me too.” she added when i did not  reply.

“Alright, I understand that I did not respect you enough. But then i have not asked to save me, if you are so dissatisfied with me you should have stayed silent and have watched the show. It is not like I begged you to save me.“ I returned to the team of siblings who were teasing me together.

“Nah! What is the fun in that. I would rather beat you in sparring.” came the reply with an evil smirk.

“Yes, and I still have to convince you to accept my deal.” added William and Josephine raised a brow.

“Only a fool would accept your deals, and Abi is sure not one.” she restored her brother who just rolled his eyes.

“By the way, have you watched the show. It was good, right?” I asked, changing their discussion.

“You are asking the person who has just bought the costliest jewel from the show,” replied Josephine, shaking her head.

“It would be a waste if you give it to any of your lovers. At least keep it for Scarlet and give it to her when she marries you.” she added and for the very first time William nodded at her word without thinking twice.

“Of course, I have brought this piece of jewelry for my wife. I am just waiting for her to accept my request. And then not only this but the whole empire would be hers.” Although he did not deny marrying Scarlet, his eyes kept looking at me as if he was trying to look deeper into my soul.

“Really, then I would ask your father to confirm your marriage with Princess Scarlet.” Josephine almost jumped from her place with relief and delight while his eyes were still burning my cheeks.

“That would not be needed. I have to win the heart of the lady first before taking the permission of her parents. And that also would be done by me not by my father. So, you better keep your nose out of this matter.” he snarled and she nodded, delighted by the fact that he was ready to marry Scarlet. If only she knew what he meant by his words.

I shook my head to get rid of the heat rising in my body. But his eyes were not leaving me even when he knew that I was feeling uneasy.

“Your highness, shall we go now?” I asked to distract him but he chuckled.

“What is the hurry, sir Abi? what do you think i should do to win the heart of the girl i love?” 

“……….”