Villainess Becomes The Knight

"You can go and ask father. I would not lie about something which could be confirmed easily. If you are afraid to ask, I can do that for you too. Now tell me would you like to play some board games or go out with me?" I offered again but she ran away crying as if I had bullied her.

I could only sigh. I took another piece of cupcake in my mouth and started reading the book again.

"You should not eat this much sweets if you want to be a strong knight and heir of the dukedom," said Nickolas standing in front of me. Surprisingly I didn't even hear him enter.

"I am a fine brother. My metabolism is strong. I will not gain weight ``I replied with a smile as he sat on the front chair taking a piece of cookie and eating it slowly.

"Isabella is crying that you bullied her again and that you are trying to usurp the whole dukedom," he said in a blank voice, and I had trouble understanding his emotions yet I nodded honestly.

He nodded back as he continued eating his cookie.

"I even heard when she asked you seriously. You just continued to offer her playing board games or going on a picnic?" he asked again in the same blank voice and I nodded again.

He nodded and took the cup of tea which Beth prepared for him.

"So was this offer only for her or does it also include me?" he asked, finally looking at me with a smile taking the sips of tea and I blinked.

"Brother."

"Yes, Abi. Would you like to go for a picnic with me or play a game? We can even go to the music room and play the piano if you want" he offered, bringing a warm smile to my face.

Feeling warm towards him, I smiled and hung in his arms.

 "Ah, I feel I can breathe now! I missed your affections Abi"

Nickolas whispered, holding me when I was wrapped in his arms. As if he touched something precious, he stroked my hair cautiously. I closed my eyes. He smelled refreshing as he held me in his arms. I felt so relaxed. All my frozen body started to feel warm again, and the smile bloomed. My family is the one for whom I was fighting. 

"So, shall I take it as a yes?" he asked, chuckling and I nodded.

"Good, then I will ask maids to prepare a food basket for tomorrow after training. We will go have a picnic at the lakeside where mother used to take us." He replied softly and only then did I remember I had made the same excuse last night. 

Did he think I was upset and missing my mother? That was why he was here to make me feel better. I felt cared for and loved that instant.

No matter what the reason was, it was a good chance to take a break from the drama and bask in familial love. When I have chosen to come back to my past life, except for revenge, what I was craving was love. The love of my family who had sacrificed their life for me.

"That sounds like a good plan, brother," I said with a warm smile as he ruffled my hair like I was a kid.

"Then I will see you tomorrow after the training," he said, kissing my forehead and walking towards the door.

"Nick" I called him, hesitating.

"Yes, Abi," he asked, holding the knob of the door which he was about to open.

"About being the heir of the dukedom" I wanted to explain to him that I was just flaring Isabella. I did not want to be entangled with power. I just wanted to live my life peacefully after ending the chapter of Gerard.

"I would be a proud brother of yours serving you all my life when you would rule our estate," he said with a warm smile and my heart melted. Though he was a soft person who did not stand much for me. His love for me was unconditional. Otherwise in the period where nobility and power was everything, who would step down to let his sister rule and promise her to serve her for the lifetime. Where relatives were ready to kill each other.

I suddenly felt a surge of emotions filling me to the brim. But before I could say anything he had already left. I just shook my head as I continued to read the books to make myself stronger for all those who loved me and cherished me.

How much time had passed when I finally finished the book that had more information than my final year medical books.

From what I remembered, shall I try to learn about herbs? Since my base was strong I would be able to grasp the information easily and maybe I could use it in future. 

I nodded at my own thoughts and decided to buy the book on the medical knowledge of this period. Books at this time were very less available and were very expensive as the education was limited to nobles and some nouveau riche.

I stretched myself and looked out of the window. It was already dark. I did not even realize how the day passed. I looked at the five empty cups of tea and the empty plates of cookies and cakes and shook my head. Nickolas was right. I had to keep a check on my intake of sugar.

"My lady"

"My lady everyone is waiting for you on the dinner table" Beth informed me and I nodded. Though I was sure I was already full.

When I walked down behind her I saw Noah on the table too. He heard footsteps and looked at me, but I ignored him as if I could not even see him there. He pursed his lips and looked back at the table ignoring me too.