The Baroness Misbehaves
Chapter 149: An Invitation

Chapter 149: An Invitation

Stepping into a room that was three rooms away from her own personal room, Madeline’s attention shifted to Catherine who lay unconscious on the bed. From her current neatness, Madeline could easily observe that her wound had been treated, and her clothes had been changed into a plain blue dress.

Inna, who was present in the room, had helped Catherine take her medicine before standing to her feet. She was about to leave with the tray when she ran into Madeline who smiled faintly at her.

"I see you’re doing a good job tending to Catherine." Madeline’s words were genuine and sincere, holding no disdain as her tired eyes lingered on Inna whose face beamed at the stable sight of Madeline.

"Orson asked a favor, and I couldn’t refuse, but I am happy to see you up and well." She smiled in relief before turning to look at Catherine. "The physician already came here to attend to Catherine, these are just the pills he offered to improve her health, and Orson requested I help him give it to her."

"How is she?" Madeline’s brows knitted concernedly, and Inna shook her head with her lips pressed into a thin line.

"I can’t say for now, her wound was quite severe, but with proper treatment, the physician assured she’ll be back on her feet again. We’re still waiting for her to regain consciousness before deciding what step to take next."

"I see." Madeline nodded in understanding, "don’t let me keep you waiting with this tray, I just wanted to see how she was doing."

"Orson told me about what she did, you are really..... kind-hearted coming to see her after how she tried to kill you. I don’t think I have that amount of kindness in me to even see her if I were in your shoes" She smiled proudly, "I will take my leave now, you can see her as you wish." And Inna quietly exited the room.

Madeline moved closer to Catherine’s bed, she stared at Catherine’s face for a while, her thoughts racing as Cassian’s earlier words kept repeating itself in her head. Exhaling through her nostril and shaking her head, Madeline adjusted the thick blanket over her body before smoothening Catherine’s hair.

After making sure she was in a comfortable condition, Madeline left the room, closing the door behind her while also pondering on why Catherine would take the hit for her if she really wanted her dead. She couldn’t possibly have changed her mind at the last minute, and until she wakes up, Madeline realized she would be stuck with these unanswered questions.

Going down the stairs, Madeline showed up in the living room where Orson and Cassian were seated. Something about their expression as their gaze was fixed on the letter Cassian was holding made her assume there was a problem, and she approached them quietly.

"Cassian, Orson." She made her presence known by mentioning their names, and both gentlemen looked up to see the young woman standing in their midst.

"You’re awake!" Orson exclaimed almost immediately as he stood up, "are you feeling alright? You shouldn’t be standing, have a seat."

He gestured for Madeline to take her seat beside Cassian, but Madeline smiled faintly before refusing, already feeling touched by Orson’s concern as she noticed the worry in his eyes. "I am fine, you two look busy and I don’t want to get in the way by coming in between, I’ll sit somewhere else."

"You shouldn’t have come down in the first place, what did I say about getting out of bed?" Cassian rose to his feet as he assisted the young woman to the next couch, already half-scolding her for getting out of bed.

"I’m not that fragile, I can manage myself." Came Madeline’s retort as she took her seat on the empty couch. She looked at Orson who’s cute expression had turned into one of guilt as he tried to meet her gaze, rubbing his palms anxiously before letting out a soft sad chuckle.

"I don’t know how to start or where to begin my apology, but..."

"What apology?" Madeline appeared stunned, finding his statement ridiculous. "I should be the one apologizing, your sister is in a critical state because of me, and for that I pass on my sincerest...."

"You only add to my pain if you apologize." Orson stopped her, "she wronged you first, so I take this as karma striking in your favor, after all, one has to reap what they sow, and she brought herself into this mess."

"I knew my boy was smart." Cassian gave Orson’s shoulder a brotherly squeeze.

"Whatever the case maybe, let’s hope she wakes up sooner." That was Madeline’s most concern before her gaze rested on the letter in Cassian’s grip.

"I saw you two reading that, what does it contain?"

"Oh, It’s an invitation." Orson replied, "but I don’t think I can make it, I’ve had enough heart attacks for one day." He leaned back against the couch, closing his eyes as he could finally relax, but Cassian on the other hand looked the least relaxed.

"I wish I could make such decisions without thinking of the odds." His lips twitched. "It’s an invitation to a luncheon meeting, father invited me, and unfortunately, I have to be there since the king will be there, actually.... we’re meeting after the luncheon meeting, God, I need a break."

"What’s a luncheon meeting?" Curious, Madeline felt the need to ask.

"It’s a small fancy gathering hosting high council members and quorums. They talk about crucial stuff happening in Carmarthen over lunch. You really need time to learn about Cas’s history, this crazy man made many achievements that very few people are aware of. Did you know, he was one of the youngest respected generals to serve Carmarthen and fought countless battles to protect our home when the borders were having serious conflicts." Orson began the tale of Cassian’s younger days.

"If you want I can tell you everything in detail." Orson volunteered, and Madeline looked interested to hear all about it if Cassian hadn’t intervened.

"I’ll do the telling, but not today." Cassian dismissed the idea with a straight face. He folded the letter, keeping it back in the envelope "We’ve faced a near-death experience today, and it’s just our luck we made it out alive."

He looked at the two of them, "Elijah is still out there, I’m not sure what he needs Catherine for and why he’s after her, but for protection, I think it’s safer if she stays here for a few days."

"But why do you think he’s after her?" The conversation had switched into something more serious, and Madeline could remember how he had observed her like he knew her from somewhere.

"I don’t know." Cassian hissed out, "but I think I know someone who will."