Villains also get Second chance

Marianne pov

"That was the condition of war. We never wanted to kill anyone. We just wanted to go home. They were afraid and attacked the knights and the knights retaliated. 

I still apologise for the loss you suffered. But trust me you are like family. And if you think we are still wrong. You have the right to give punishments.`` I bowed my head further to show my sincerity when I felt a hand on my back. I saw that Cassius was bowing too, and then Killian also joined.

"Hey, what are you all doing, it was our mistake too. We did not trust you fully. We were trying to know more about you discreetly that was why we were asking questions about you. And then when you request us to let us go. We denied." said Shui as she looked at her husband who was now nodding like a henpecked chicken.

"I think we can stay here for a day or two." said the husband when She glared at him.

We all stood properly and nodded, "Lina, go and show them my chamber. Give them the room near mine." 

"Yes, your highness" 

"I will join you once my mother gets her consciousness back. Killian, why don't you be the host in my absence and show them the estate.'' Killian nodded like a good son and then bowed towards them again.

"Uncle, aunt. Would you like to take a rest or see the estate first?"

"Well, we think we can see the estate. Since it is our first time in a luxurious palace" said the man honestly even when Shui elbowed him and our expressions softened.

"That is great then, I will show you all the best areas of this palace," he said confidently. He had been more and more familiar with the palace in the last few days while he was living here. I still looked at the knights who took the signal and left behind them.

When their figures turned more and more farther I looked at Cassius.

"Mother needs rest. All of you can leave except Daulla." they all bowed their heads and left.

I finally took a deep breath and then looked at Cassius, 

"Earl Alcantra was here in the morning." only this was enough for him to deduce the whole story.

"Do you think they wanted to kill the mother? Or was it just a trick to know if you will come and support me or not?" I closed my eyes and sighed

"I apologise Cassius, i should not have called you.'' I did not know how, but when the situation went out of my hands, the first person I thought of was Cassius.

"Marianne. You can call me anytime. You and my family are more important than any act of revenge. Never blame yourself for calling me. It makes me feel worth living that I am still needed by my loved ones." he whispered gently as he held my hand and pulled me in his arms.

I leaned on him further. Taking support of his broad shoulder, I hid myself in his chest. I suddenly felt very exhausted.

"What will we do now, Cassius? Everyone would realise we are still together or else why would you bring the best physician of the empire to help me?!" my voice was fading as i felt my whole body turning heavier.

"Ssshhh.. We will think about it later. For now, try to take a nap or eat something. You are looking pale, Marianne." I shook my head at his words.

"We did not have time. We need a plan to attack back." he sighed as he looked at me with defeat in his eyes. Brining me further close, he whispered.

"I am tired of this cat and mouse play. I am going to do what I always wanted to do?" he said in a voice i have never heard before.

I felt chills run down in my spine, just by listening to his words.

"You mean.." he nodded his head.

"He needs to taste his own medicine sometimes, Marianne. I did not want to dirty my hands. But now I can not see any other way. You didn't know anything, you did not hear anything. Now that you have an answer, would you sleep for a while?" he asked again and I shook my head further.

"Tell me the details" I asked him and he shook his head.

"As I said , you didn't know anything. Even walls have ears, Marianne. So, you better behave this time." his voice was just like Killian in the past life. Cold and merciless and even in this weather I was shivering. 

So, I just nodded and closed my eyes. How much time had passed when I heard voices. I blinked my eyes and opened them only to see Cassius was not there anymore. Maids were standing around me.

"Your highness, your dinner is ready." they asked with a bow when I shook my head and then looked at my mother.

The physician Cassius had brought was still there with the physician of our palace. Though she was still unconscious, her face was looking rosier again.

"She would be fine. But she would not gain consciousness before morning. So you should go and rest, my lady" said the old man.

"At least eat something," Daulla requested again.

"I am not hungry. Where is Killian and other guests?" 

"They have come to meet you after taking a tour of the palace only, but when they saw you sleeping, they returned. They were served dinner and now they are retired to their rooms. Do not worry my lady, lord Killian has taken good care of the guests."

"And.. where did his highness go?" I asked , looking around and she hesitated.

"Your highness left just after you slept. He told us to take care of us as he has some urgent work to tend to." their eyes were looking apologetic yet my eyes were filled with fear. Hope what he was doing would not affect us!