James Pov

"It was one hell of a horrible night" Marianne mumbled as we sat in the carriage.

"It would not have been that bad, if you would not have come with me." I said as I opened the first two buttons of my shirt. I could not explain how frustrated I was feeling. If she would not have been there I still would have chance to return by making some excuse.

"Thank goodness, you made an excuse that parents should be the one to decide the marriage. But what if mother and father agreed?"

I sighed as she started barging her questions.

"Then I would accept Mari, it's not like marrying her is a bad decision. I just did not like the way his majesty was pressurising both of us. We are not even duke" i said as i remembered his sharp eyes looking at us.

"What, you would marry her royal princess?" she asked as she was too shocked and i raised a brow

"Why not! Though I may not be young enough, I am liberal. I guess I can give her a better life than the golden cage she is living in. Even mother would treat her better than that fake queen and that statue of an empress" i replied as i could see the reality of both.

One did not care and one was too torn to care!

She sighed as she looked out of the window.

"I do not brother. Maybe I am overthinking. You are right, marrying a princess is not that bad''

"Your tone is not supporting your words, Mari. Are you doubtful about me being a good husband? Or you think we are not good enough for a princess. Well we are the highest noble left. As Cassius and Carl are already married. Edward is not married but he would not get the dukedom Carl would. The highest peerage he would get would be the leader of knights.

Then only me and Damien are left as the heirs of Marquees. While I have higher achievements than him. So it's obvious that his majesty is taking a political decision. And it's not like we are having any loss in the marriage. We would have strong footing in the empire after marriage"

Though it was not my choice, yet I knew it was a good decision. She sighed as she looked at me with worried expressions

"But brother, you don't love her" she said and I shook my head. Yet a smile bloomed on my face. So she still cared about me, even if it was a bit.

"Yes, you are right. But Mari, i don't love anyone.. So it does not matter. If we look into the empire there are not even a handful of marriages where the couple love each other or even know before getting married. You are just a lucky one here ``I turned to console but a smile that was blooming on her lips slowly died down after listening to my last line.

I just closed my eyes and let it be. She had to learn to face the demons she was hiding in her closet if she didn't want to bring them in light. All I could do was guide her and hope she would do fine. I closed eyes and silence ensued. I did not love anyone, right?

"My lord, we have arrived at the palace"

"Mari, I will talk to father about it later. Do not discuss it with mother before that!'' i knew mother was like her she would take decisions from her heart, so i needed to deal with it before they both could reach any conclusion.

She nodded and walked away silently and I turned back when my eyes fell on the messenger who was entering.

A quick smirk formed on my lips when I noticed Mari was already at a distance.

"Wait, where do you think you are going?" I asked as the man continued to move further.

"My lord," he bowed his head as he replied, "Lord Killian has sent a letter to her highness. I am here to deliver it my lord, i was in hurry that i do not feel your presence, i beg you to forgive me for my insolence"

The man was filled with worry and sweat. Who am i! He would not have noticed even if god was standing there. Looks like that kid was a tyrant to scare him so much!!

"Marianne has gone to her chamber. Men are not allowed there.`` I lied but it was common in many noble families so he believed instantly.

"I understand my lord, I will pass the letter to the maid or guard there," he said, bowing further and I shook my head.

"It would prolong the process, you seem to be in a hurry here. Pass me the letter i would go at this instant and give it to my sister personally"

"Oh, that would be a burden on you, my lord. How can i let the lord be troubled for the measly work"

Even the workers of the arrogant duke are troublesome.

"I am not asking you, messenger. You are not allowed to go further in the palace. So either pass me the letter or return with it"

He shivered at my cold voice and instantly kneeled passing me the letter.

"You can go now" I ordered and he nodded hard and ran away.

I looked at the letter with a smirk.

"This is not the way to convince my sister, kid. You and your arrogant father have to come her personally and plead to take her back that also when i use my sword a few more time in shredding his pride.'' I put the letter in my pocket as I walked towards my chamber with a satisfied face.

I walked straight towards the mahogany table and opened the drawer where already 4 letters from the duke palace were sitting leisurely and added one more to it.