Villains also get Second chance

Marianne pov

Finally I came back to the palace. But Killian and mother already had breakfast when I reached the dining table after taking a long bath. So I decided to have breakfast in the garden instead.

I could see Killian was getting trained with James who was looking at me with a knowing look. I just ignored him as I kept encouraging Killian.

"If you are so interested, why don't you come and join?" asked James and I shook my head.

"My hand is still injured.'' I replied, he looked at my hand with worry and then nodded, this time paying whole attention to the training.

Finally I saw Philip walking towards me. 

"My lady, may I join you for the meal?" he asked in a polite way which surprised me, though i nodded with a bashful smile. If he could change his colors then so could i.

He sat there comfortably and Daulla served him breakfast.

"My lady, Marquees is still not back from his trip" he asked me as he looked at the distance where Killian was training.

"Well, many times when father has a hard time dealing or he likes other things too, he spends more time getting deals done or just exploring the new market. So it is normal for us that he took more time than he had told us" i replied, though i was also surprised that father did not come back for my marriage anniversary party too.

"Then I am free for a few days. I wonder if you have time to show me the estate?" he asked politely, "if you are busy with other things, you can assign an aide to help me too" he added when i did not reply directly and i smiled. This was the chance I was looking for.

"Of course, I can show you the estate. It would be my honor to help you in settling down. But with that i will also assign an aide for your help. This estate is new so you will need one experienced helper to support you." I said with a smile.

"Oh, you do not need to take so much trouble for me. I have my own staff serving me." he replied, trying to avoid the topic, but I ignored his hesitation.

"How could that be, it is part of our hospitality, my lord. I will ask my mother to get a good aide for you. Anyways, when would you like to take a tour of the estate?" I used to not give him a chance to decline further.

"Anytime would be fine, my lady." 

"Then why not now, since I am feeling bored. Let me have a chance to entertain you.`` He was visibly surprised by my reply as he was expecting me to postpone or brush off the matter like the past.

"It would be my pleasure then" he said and we both finished the breakfast soon.

We both stood up ready to leave when Killian's step halted and he looked at me with disappointed eyes. I bit my lips at his gaze. Sigh, it was getting out of reach and it will only create misunderstandings in the future.

'I will talk to Cassius today and tell Killian the truth before he gets upset further. I did not like when he looked at me that way.' I decided and with that thought I felt better and turned to leave.

"This is stable my lord, and there are orchids in the distance. We have the best fruits grown there. Would you like to walk or ride a horse?" I asked as I continued to show him the important areas of the estate. I was silently waiting for him to try to flatter me again.

"I would walk with you, Marianne."  I nodded as I let the walk to the stable go and we walked straight to the orchid.

The sky was bright with just perfect weather. It was not so hot or cold. The gentle breeze was giving a drowsy feeling as we walked into the orchid. The sweet smell of ripe fruits made my eyes even heavier. I did not sleep at all last night except for the half an hour nap that I had taken after vigorous exercise. My body was still sour after all of the events.

"You  are looking tired Marianne. Why don't we sit there for a while?" He pointed at a large apple tree that was big enough to give shade to both of us and I nodded.

When I moved to sit, he stopped me, "wait my lady, '' he said as he took his coat off and then spread it on the ground. 

He stood there as a gentleman while I just rolled my eyes internally. "Ah, thank you, my lord" 

"The pleasure is mine." he said again as I sat on his coat, even though it felt creepy to me. I was glad Cassius was not here or I was sure he would make a big fuss about it.

I smiled as he looked at me and he tilted his head, "you are behaving differently today" he said and I sighed in my heart. I had thought that he would never ask.

I nodded as I looked into his eyes. There was a sweet smile on my face, "I was married to Cassius and loved him a lot in the past. So I was wary of every other man around me. But now that he has betrayed me even after all the efforts I have done, I want to not think about him anymore and start a new life. 

I apologize if my past behavior has hurt you. I didn't mean to offend you, my lord." I said with an apologetic face.

His face brightened as he had received the world's best gift. If my hunch would be wrong and he really was wrongly accused then I would feel guilty to play with his feelings but I didn't know why I still felt there was more to him than he showed.