Cassius pov

I walked out without turning back because my facade was breaking, I was beyond furious.

As I walked into my chamber, my patience finally faded,

"When was I supposed to know that Isabella tried to feed raspberry pie to Killian?"

"It was stopped by her highness on time, your highness, so the matter ended there," he replied biting his lips.

"Ha, the woman who had fed the same pie to him a few days ago" I snarled and he shut his mouth.

"And what about the perfume, weren't you responsible for the gifts, how did it happen then?" I asked once again and he shook his head,

"I left the venue once you left, your highness, while the gifts were still there, someone must have done things behind my back." he reasoned and I turned to him, his eyes met mine and he flinched.

"Was it an excuse Ian" he shook his head.

"Check the list again, there are still spies amongst us. We need to get rid of them as early as possible otherwise all the efforts would go to waste," I instructed and he bit his lips,

"The list... The list was asked by her highness, some time ago when she gave leave to the butler for which you had denied earlier" he stated my footsteps halted.

I took a deep breath and walked further.

"Ask your spies in the duchess chamber to come and meet me after the hearing." he nodded, as we reached my room. I closed my eyes once I leaned on the sofa"

"Your highness."

"Hmmm"

"Why have you denied her highness from having a lawyer?" he asked and I snapped my eyes open.

"Because I want her to lose the case,'' I replied with a smirk but he kept staring at me as if he could look into my soul.

I sighed. "Would you stop that, you are looking at me like a father, you are younger than me you know?" I rebuked and he just shrugged his shoulders.

"She is good at law, so she can handle, or if she could not, she would call the person, from whom she had learnt. So you do not need to worry about her.

There are many moles in the palace, Ian, it's better that she use her sources.'' I replied and he smiled.

"Your highness, So finally you are worried about her highness," Ian replied and I shook my head,

"Its in exchange for hurting her, but who would have thought that like an idiot she would wield the sword, that also in a knight's uniform, just for a stupid bet. She could have ordered Killian to host with her.'' I replied and his smile widened.

"You mean, you are allowing her highness to host the party with lord Killian." and I immediately glared at him.

"Who cares, what she does in that stupid party. Just take care that it would be according to our status,`` I replied and he chuckled.

"Alright, leave," I said and he bowed.

"Do you need sleeping pills for tonight too?" he asked worried and I shook my head. Even those sleeping pills were not able to stop the stream of memories that were flooding my mind.

He stood there reluctantly before finally sighing and going out. Sometimes I was amazed at his willpower, we both had faced the same fate, still, he was a lively and caring person. While I am nothing but a broken piece with sharp edges, which could do nothing but hurt everyone around me.

I walked to my bed and laid there waiting for the chains of the past to come and bound me in them. I knew they were there, lurking around, ready to pounce on my senses and make me relive that horrible past again and again.

********************

Marianne pov

"Are you going to call a lawyer?" asked Rosella the moment I entered my chamber.

It was already late and I was tired to my bones, yet I knew she would not leave me until her every query got satisfied.

"No, I am not calling any lawyer. Yes, I am ready for the case. And I had enough proof for Wednesday. And right now, I just want to sleep." I replied and she bit her lip but nodded.

I walked into the room and laid there, as the whole day passed in front of my eyes, my hands moved to my neck, the pain was unbearable, but at least I was reminded of the reality I was slowly forgetting.

Closing my eyes, I welcomed the fact that Cassius had never even looked at me above the crowd. It was all in my brain that we were friends.

I still remember him wishing me a birthday as the first person. We walked in the park, discussing debates. We even shared a plate. I shook my head, "it's time to let go of that past too."

**************

As the sun peeked into my room, I opened my eyes. Today is a very important day, and I could not be late.

As I stood up. Daisy was already standing there, I put my feet and she slipped slippers into them,

"Kate, would you prepare an official dress for me"

"Yes, your highness"

"Daisy, give me the best massage, you can, I need all my muscles to relax in the courtroom"

"yes your highness"

"Your highness, would you have breakfast before going?"

"Of course, Lina. Have you ever heard a war could be won with an empty stomach"

She was looking confused but nodded and left.

I got a good bath, and then Daisy showed me an open red gown which had black pants below, it was one of the unique designs I had designed. It would get popular after 20 years.

Since I already knew the future, why not utilize it well. I let the dress go, with all hairs tied in a bun and simple round ruby earring,

I walked to my office and picked up the file.

"Norma, are all the witnesses ready?"

"Yes your highness, but" she replied hesitatingly.

"But what" this was not the time to make mistakes.

"Someone else is ready too." I heard the voice, which I can recognise even in my dreams.

"Damien"