Villains also get Second chance

"You would have been in jail, if Dami, would not have joined," she replied and I shook my head, but before I could say anything, Dami spoke first.

"That's not right, aunt Diana, all the proofs were collected by Mary, and she was already ready to fight the case by herself." he protected me and I smiled, he always gave me more credit than I deserved.

"Oh, we can see that Dami, She even copied the dress of lawyers," said Rose, laughing hard and I glared.

"What is wrong with my dress,'' I asked and they all looked amused. Only Killian still had a serious face, I wondered how much time would he take to lose himself in the laughter.

My eyes twinkled at the idea, "Killian, baby. Look they all are making fun of your mother. Is my dress odd, Killian?" I asked and he furrowed his brows and looked at my dress in full concentration.

He was looking at it as if it was the map of the enemy's base, and I had to stifle a laugh with many others who were more amused by his actions now.

"You look beautiful in all the dresses, mother," he replied finally and we all laughed.

Why did he even take so much time, if he wanted to say this at the end? 

"Oh, you are such a sweetheart, Killian, come here," I called him and hugged him, then I made him sit with me only. And now I could feel his body relax.

He was still socially weak I guess, what could we expect from a child, who had spent his whole life in closed four walls. He was developed as a very cold and silent person in the past, that had even left Cassius far behind in his ruthlessness. 

But right now, Killian was nothing but a small innocent child, and I would make sure he would grow up this way.

"Mari, I see you are happy here," my father said, and I nodded. But I could see the hesitation on his face, he must have wanted to ask about Cassius.

But even if I tried I had nothing to say about our relationship, so I shook my head and replied, "you can not get everything in your life, so it's better to let go of few things.'' My words affected the mood of my parents. 

But it was better to know the truth from the start and let the minor pain hurt them, rather than improve their expectations and hurt them immensely later, like me.

"Alright, tell me when my brother comes, I would try to visit him, to assure him that I am fine, maybe it will reduce the impact of the hurricane," I said and all laughed.

"Oh, you should have seen how much destruction happened after your marriage, the whole area was afraid to even come out of their houses," said Rose and Damien elbowed her.

I would have expected his anger but not to this level, I looked at my parents surprised and they just shook their heads.

"So, Mary, you had appointed Rose as your personal knight, out of everyone. Did she even try to protect you or just sit here eating and gossiping," asked Damien, changing the topic. And I felt that he was the most mature, yet childish one here, knowing best what needed to be done all the time.

"Hey, I would do my best if the need arrived but till then I can't attack anyone just because I have to be a good knight." she defended and I shook my head.

"If nothing happened, Then why did she have a bandage on the body?" asked my mother and my hand instinctively moved to my neck, the wound of my hand was completely hidden in my sleeves. But it was difficult to hide the wound of the neck,

Roselia bit her lip, I was sure she would speak the truth if my father narrowed his gaze on her, she was always afraid of my father. Even Killian who had started to relax stiffened at the question. The poor child was still blaming himself for what happened!

"It's nothing mother, I was overestimating my sword-wielding skills and started practising with Killian. 

And even challenged a few strong knights to show him my prowess. That's the result of my own mistakes and assumptions." I replied and she looked at me with suspicious eyes.

"But I did fight bravely and even wounded the enemy,'' I assured her, and she nodded reluctantly.

Lina entered and announced that the food was already served and I took a breath of relief. She had come right on time like a saviour.

We all walked to the dining room where food was getting served. Although reluctantly I sat on the seat of the head, instead of my father being there, even if he was the richest man and marquees, I was still the archduchess, a whole level higher than him in the rank.

Killian sat on my right side followed by Damien and Roselia. and my father and mother sat on my left side.

"Lina"

"Yes, your highness."

"The food I ordered, pack the food for three people and send it to the duke chamber and rest of the food is for all of you, ask the cook to don't cook servant's food separately today. You are 20 in counting right?'' I asked, and her eyes widened.

Of course, servants and maids eat in the place as the work here 24/7 just getting a day leave in a week. But they were given simple soup and bread or other simple meals while we had luxurious meals every time. They could have some leftovers, but it was hardly enough for 20 people to eat from the leftovers of a single person.

So eating the best meal was something they only dreamt of during winter or summer ball or annual day celebrations.

"Go on, don't just stay here '' I reminded her, only then did she bowed and leave, strange how this small gesture was enough to touch their hearts.

All looked proud of me when I looked back at the table and smiled.

"Since you are that rich, why have you not offered a good fee to me", asked Damien furrowing his brows,