"Your highness"

"Your highness"

I heard Isabella calling me, but I ignored. As I knew she would flaunt her conversation with Cassius, and I am in no mood to waste my energy over both of them.

"Marianne"

My quick steps finally halted when I heard his voice. So, the ever so busy man also had time today to waste here just because Isabella was having dinner with us.

No matter how much I tried a bitter taste still turned my face sour. I blinked to control my anger and tears but when I turned back my face was normal and serene.

"His highness" I nodded my head as greeting instead of a bit of bowing which I usually do.

He raised a brow in amusement, but I did not entertain him further. I stood there silently waiting for him to speak more.

"Isabella was calling you," he said tilting his head and looking deep into my eyes.

'Oh, so you are worried about her now.' i mocked him in my heart but smiled and said "oh, is that so. I was lost in my thoughts then. What are you doing here?"

"I was here to check Killian's sword training for the next competition. I heard Isabella laughing hard, so I turned here to find you two going in. But what are you two doing here? He explained.

I have to say this was the first time Cassius explained his actions to me, otherwise he would have either ignored me or would have said none of your business.

But why this time? I contemplated. is it because he was trying to cover his wrong deeds. Isabella was also looking anxious as if I had caught her red-handed.

I sneered at this thought in my heart but nodded, "I am going to have dinner with lord Killian"

"I am going there too," added Isabella, her face looking normal now.

He looked at both of us and then nodded.

I waited patiently for him to turn back and go but he stood there.

"Then I shall be on my way, his highness." I nodded and turned back but his voice stopped me again.

"Since everyone is going to have dinner together then I shall join too." he himself invited himself.

Now maintaining the facade of calmness was getting difficult,

"You don't need to do that, his highness. Everyone here knows you are busy with your work.`` I said calmly, hiding my clenched fists under the sleeves.

'If you want to have dinner with your loved ones then take her to your chamber why ruin our precious time.'

I saw him stifling a laugh, but when I blinked his face turned neutral. Was I dreaming? I tilted my head and stared at him.

"I am free today" he added still with amusement, but just then a man came running towards us. He whispered something in his ears and his expressions turned serious.

"Excuse me, I have to go," he said and turned back without waiting for our reply.

I took a breath of relief because he had found that I had mixed something in Isabella pie. It would have turned into a mess.

I turned back and increased my speed as I was getting late. I could hear Isabella closely following me. But I could not waste any more time on him. It was the first time Killian had invited me for dinner.

"Lord Killian"

"Your highness"

"Killian, my darling nephew.."

Before we could greet each other properly Isabella buzzed in. Killian turned to him and smiled,

"Aunt Isabella, how are you?"

She hugged him. "I am good, my child. I just missed you a lot." there was a sweet smile on her face.

I waited patiently but that was it, I tried to move and hug him but things turned awkward as he was not even looking at me.

"Welcome both of you, the dinner is about to be served," he added, moving in back and nodding as we followed.

Settling ourselves on the table I asked, "how are you feeling now lord Killian"

I could see his marks had almost faded.

He nodded, "I am very much fine with your highness" he replied biting his lip then after a bit of hesitation he added, "how are you now, your highness."

"What happened" I stopped in midway as realisation endowed on me. Was he worried about me?

I smiled brightly, "I am very much a fine lord Killian, I missed you." I added and he nodded. But I could see his ears turning red.

I bit my lips to stifle a laugh at his cuteness.

"Shall we start dinner?" interrupted Isabella and we nodded.

The dinner went disturbed as she continued her chummy activities with Killian, I must have learned this from her. No matter how much I try I always feel awkward behaving like that. I could see her smirking towards me, but I kept my smile there.

Finally, the pie was served. I saw her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Killian furrowed his brows looking at me and then at the pie, his face had complicated expressions but I smiled in return assuring her.

Though his suspicion remained, he still nodded and took the bite. This was the first step for him trusting me. It's a good start I guess.

He took a bite and smiled, the pineapple was his favourite fruit I knew. Then he ate big bites and enjoyed the pie.

Isabella furrowed her brows looking at Killian's face, and then looked at the pie.

I smirked, as she took the first bite and her face turned. She coughed badly and turned to take water but there was none. I had already asked Norma to change the water with bitter drinks.

She took a sip and coughed more.

"Are you okay lady Isabella?" I asked, bringing worried expressions on my face.

Even Killian was looking at her with furrowed brows.

"This pie is too spicy" she replied in between coughs as she waved her hand in front of her mouth.

[So is Cassius telling the truth or making an excuse? What's your view?]