Their meeting

Before the matter escalates the whispering started, as they all agreed to what I or Marianne had said

"Oh dear, these men always behave like they are free to move and we are bound to the home. It's high time that we would also work," spoke Meredith, and many nodded.

In this way, everyone soon started discussing it. I took a sip of my aromatic tea. Its taste was wonderful, due to royal tea or because of getting positive response from others! I started to enjoy the peace and the sore face of lady Veronica when I heard the hasty footsteps of guards.

"Your majesty, your majesty." two guards and some maids came there with color drained faces.

"Your majesty, the kids are fighting." I frowned as it should not be a big matter, kids fought a few times when they did not agree with each other. I was going to ask Beth to see what the matter was when I heard the sound of dishes falling.

Before my mind could process what was happening, Marianne was already running to the other corner of the royal garden, where kids were playing.

I heard many gasps, whispers that were turning into loud noises.

"Oh my how disrespectful!" I heard Veronica as her face formed into a scowl.

"She did not even ask for your permission, such insolvency." came the infuriated voice of lady Elena, she was Isabella's ain't right. I had thought that next would be Isabella to pass the comment but she did not say a word.

"If you may excuse me too, your majesty." She bowed her head and I nodded. Though I did not think that the matter was anything serious, I still decided to look into the matter now that everyone was interested in it.

"I must say, the duchess is a very loving and caring mother. The way she ran for her son's betterment. She must be very close to him." my words shut the mouth of everyone who was trying to take advantage of the condition, while the face of duchess Baringstone filled with relief.

"As a host of the party, it is my responsibility to see any matter that has created a disruption. I apologize but if you would excuse me.'' They all stood up and bowed as I left the table and walked towards the other side of the central garden.

It took me twenty minutes to reach from one corner to another, that's how large the garden was.

When I reached there, I saw Philip was standing behind the kids who were fighting. For some reason. So here he was! And I thought he did not attend the party.

Marianne was trying to call her son who was the one beating the other two kids without even taking a breath. She walked forward trying to hold him, still calling him, "Killian what are you doing? Killian, leave him!"

Just when she touched him, he was pushed backwards. Its pressure fell on her as she stumbled upon and was about to fall when Philip moved and held her. I moved forward to see if they were fine, but I was surprised to see that none of them tried to move from each other's embrace.

I raised a brow as I know Philip did not like touching women at all. In all the years, many women tried to come closer to him but he always maintained a distance telling that he liked someone but in these years i have never seen him with someone. Yet here he stood holding a married woman as they both kept looking at each other's eyes.,

And I was standing a few steps away bewildered shall I disturb them so they realize where they were!

"Are you alright, your highness." Finally Philip spoke and she moved. She fumbled and moved away finally coming back to her senses and I took a breath of relief as I was sure the other noble ladies would soon follow to see the drama!

But just as she tried to stand properly, her legs wobbled. He held her again, this time his hands were on her waist and I sighed, the drama was bound to occur.

It could create a great scandal. We live in a world where a female could not be touched by a man except her hands unless he is her husband.

There was no one in the empire who did not know that Marianne did not have a good relationship with her husband. If someone saw her like that, I was sure that rumors would fly. I have to interrupt them.

"Are you alright?" he asked again.

"Yes I am, sir…" she replied as she straightened herself just on time as the other ladies entered.

I took a breath of relief at the fact, no one saw what they would call opprobrium. I did not want any further drama. She turned at the moment and her eyes met mine, I smiled but she looked at me with surprise and then embarrassment. Why? It was not like she did it intentionally.

I approached them with a reassuring smile as I asked, "Are you alright Marianne?"

"Yes, your majesty. I am fine. Thank you `` she replied with a bow and I nodded but when I turned to see Philip, he was still looking at her with that strange twinkle in his eyes as if he had finally found something he was searching for, that raised my brow. But before I could ask him anything the sound of fighting increased, so my gaze went to the children and soon other ladies joined us.

All the maids, knights and children presented there bowed as they wished her.

"Glory to the empire, her majesty."

"What is happening here?" I asked the knights.

"Your majesty, the kids were playing here, then suddenly they started to fight. We could not interfere as it was not a grave situation," they replied hesitatingly.

"Grave or not, I expect you to help the children in maintaining the decorum of the palace." I commented coldly.