Marianne pov contd

The whole lunch it felt like we were non-existent in mother's eyes. The place where James was sitting till yesterday has been taken by Killian. She kept serving him and he kept nodding and smiling brightly while we could only see both of them from the distance.

Though I was fine, since the place was never mine, James was brooding. I could not believe that my smart and mature brother is feeling jealous of a kid. His eyes were fixed at his place which was taken by Killian.

"You should have taken meals in your room in the first place." I said as I looked at James.

He gave me a sharp glare and continued to have his meal.

'What did i do?!'

Everyone is behaving strangely, I say. My calm mother was behaving like a kid. Killian who said that he was here for me had completely forgotten me, James, ever so mature and calm was seething, and Cassius! The one who never cared whether I was alive or dead, was trying to fill my plate with meals!

It was so embarrassing! Thank goodness no one noticed when he passed the bowl of custard to me. I didn't even want to look at him after the chamber event. Even now my cheeks flush when he keeps looking at me.

It was like I was sitting on pins and needles all the time.

I sighed when the dinner finally ended.

But then what were we supposed to do?!

"Well, since everyone is here. Why don't we organise a tea party for tomorrow" said mother as the desserts were served.

"I don't think it is a good idea mother" said James and i nodded, we hardly get some time together.

"Oh, I will only call Baringstone's, it has been a long time since we all are collected at one place. I hardly see Damien these days." she said with a sigh and I smiled. I knew where he was but I could not share, mother. You would soon know anyway.

"That is a good idea mother." I nodded my head when I felt cold waves hitting me.

I turned back only to see Cassius with a darkened face.

Now, what happened to this man? Wasn't he all smiles just a few minutes ago! If I did not know any better, I would have thought that he was suffering from menopause.

"Then, I shall go and get ready. Where are we going today to meet the noble lady, lady Jessica, right?" I asked and mother shook her head.

"Your brother is injured, so i have sent a letter to them to cancel the meeting." she replied and I furrowed my brows.

Of course James was injured but he sat and had a meal with us and did other things too. It was not that the wound was not severe, but through the years of training he has become habitual of these wounds, and my mother was not among those who would break the promise at the end moment. Was she really considering the proposal of his majesty!

"Since, I am free for today. I shall go and train the knights." said James and mother and I shook heads together.

"Since you are injured, take rest." I said and my mother nodded.

"Come let me do your hair message and we can play chess together." Mother's suggestion instantly brought a smile on James's face when she added, "Killian would you like to join us?" which instantly made his smile stiff.

'Tch.. Men! No matter what their age or maturity level, they seem to be so competitive and jealous!'

"Cassius, why don't you go and rest for a while you still seem to be tired. So as you, Marianne. Since you don't like chess, you will only be bored with us" she replied and for the first time i came to know that i didn't like chess!

Yes, it was true that i was not so fond of it, but i was good at it and had often given her company in the past. It was clear what she was trying to do and I was sure that she would ask the maid to keep an eye on the chamber like morning, so that we both would stay in.

Did such tricks suit her at this stage, playing cupid, where did she even learn this from? Thank goddess, I have not taken her traits.

But then it was a good chance to ask Cassius about the properties, and he would not have any place to run away after making excuses.

"You are right, mother. I have been feeling sore since this morning. I should take rest for a while.'' I said as I stood up.

They all looked at me surprised and Cassius started coughing. My brows furrowed looking at his queer reaction.

"Oh my, you are already feeling sore. Since when and how?" asked my mother, making me even more confused.? And then without giving any explanation, she started chuckling.

"I shall leave first." said Cassius and ran from there as if demons were chasing him and mother's laughter took further momentum.

"Why are you laughing mother?" James asked, confused.

She glared at him and added, "go get married and you will know."

My eyes widened at her response and she nodded confirming my doubts. My face turned crimson because of her response. Who the hell was she, and where was my mother!

I ran from there to hide my embarrassment as Killian and James looked at me to know the reason for her laughter. If they wanted to know, go and ask her, why me!

I walked to my chamber only to see Cassius was already there, drinking water. His face was no less red than mine, indicating he had got the message before me.

I looked at the floor as I walked , afraid to look at him again. Walking towards the sofa, I sat on it comfortably to relax myself and after a few minutes I started.

"Cassius, I want to know a few things from you."