255 Find someone who takes the blame

William pov contd.

I hugged her again to feel her warmth. She had no idea how difficult it was to go through her search when the whole palace was on fire.

"Abigail?" I called her again and again as if I wanted to be sure that she was here.

"I am fine. Mother needs me, your highness." she replied as she looked back at the duchess. Since when had she started calling the duchess, mother. But the love and concern on her face was telling that she had genuine feelings towards the lady. Wasn't she Abi's step mother? Then how could she be so close to her? I just nodded as it felt so surreal that she left my arms and reached to her.

She sat and patted her back as the duchess continued to cough.

"Are our staff saved?" was the first question she asked after getting over her fit of cough.

I looked at James and Lucas who nodded their heads in unison.