Villains also get Second chance

Marianne pov contd

"Mother, I am sure you would handle this. Your choice is much better than mine." i said as it had been an hour yet we are not able to decide the flowers. Would it really make much difference if there would be one rose or tulip more or less.

She narrowed her gaze at me and I sighed, "I was thinking of going to Cassius and helping him in choosing his suit. But I think you are right. I should help you first. After all, you are doing all this for me." I said in a low and disappointing voice. And as expected her eyes gleamed.

"Oh, is that so.. Then you should have told me earlier. You can go, I will handle the rest. Make sure that both of your dresses should be matching." she said with a serious face but i could see how her eyes were shining.

She really was turning hopeless.

"Alright, now go. Don't just stand here and stare at this old lady." This was the first time she had called herself an old lady. But all i could do was smile and nod, so i walked out from there in hurried footsteps before she could change her mind.

I walked straight to Cassius's office.

I thought Ian would be there in the assistant office but still Francis was there,

"I want to have an audience with your highness' 'I stated and he bowed his head.

"Your highness, his highness have given us instructions that you can go in any time without permission. '' I was surprised a bit but I kept my expressions neutral as I nodded and walked in.

"Yes, oh.. Marianne. Come" he was looking happy today! 

"You asked your mother for a grand party, rather than a small family dinner?" I asked and his smile turned stiff, he nodded hesitantly.

"Good, i am grateful that you have planned everything so well" i said with a bright smile and he looked at me surprised

"Do you really think so?" he asked and when I nodded, his smile returned.

'What did he think that i forgot my plan. Tsk tsk'

"The more people there would be, the better. I want the whole empire to know about it, ``I said with an evil smirk.

"Surprise, what kind of surprise, i have not planned any surprise." he said and i shook my head.

"Oh, you do not need to plan it. I have all the plans ready. You just have to give me the proof and i will handle the rest.'' I replied and he frowned.

"What are you talking about?" he asked with bewilderment and I sighed.

"I am here for the letters" I said , cutting out the chase, as I took the seat.

He frowned and looked at me confused. It took him a minute to understand what I was saying and then he nodded.

"So that was the reason you are happy about the grand party?" he asked with a disappointed face.

I did not know why but I felt a bit guilty. It was true that our relationship had much improved but there was a feeling of being hurt that was not going away and did not let me connect to him completely.

He sighed when I stayed silent.

"I will ask Ian to collect them and then deliver them to the dutchess chamber." he said finally and I nodded.

"Then I will not take more time for you," I said and stood up ready to leave.

"Marianne" he called me just as I turned ready to go.

"Yes, your highness," I asked with a smile that was hard to maintain.

"I hope your drama will end, and we still could celebrate the party even if it is for a bit" his voice was not authoritative but pleading and it made me feel guiltier.

I had always been a villain but at this moment I felt bad about it after a long time.

"I will take care of it, your highness. You will not be disappointed.'' I said and he nodded and then started looking into flies again.

I gulped as I left the area, why did it feel that he was very disappointed with the way I behaved. I sighed at the thought of changing moods these days. As if he was crossing the stage of menopause!!

"Penny" 

"Yes, your highness"

"Ask the chef to make chocolate truffle and deliver it to the duke's office.'' I said and she bowed and left.

"Wow, so even sweets and gifts have started to be exchanged. Huh?" I really wanted to curse at her timing now.

"Roselia"

"Yes, your highness." she said, being serious looking at my grave mood.

"I need some help. I want the official letterhead and seal of Marquees Wiltshire '' I asked and she frowned.

"So do you want to go to their palace and steal it? What are you even thinking?" she asked me with confusion.

"Not from there, but I am sre Isabella has her own sealed letter. She uses them every time she sends important things. I want you to steal it once she comes to work tomorrow." 

"That is very risky. Why do I need it anyway? I thought that all the letters already have the seal" she asked and I shook my head.

"I am sure it did not. She is not a fool to use the official seal to write a love letter to a married man. Well, I just want to be prepared in any case since tomorrow is the last chance to steal it, '' I said and she sighed.

"Alright tell me what is the plan, i will try my best"

"I will accidentally throw tea on her dress and when she  leaves for the powder room you have to steal the seal somehow from her bag" 

"What if she takes her bag in?" 

"That is why I need your help. You have to do something to get a chance and take her bag from her"

[many readers were asking me for my server, so i did make one yesterday. though it is pretty empty right now. i hope a few of you would still like to fill it. the link is in announcement. thank you]