My jaw clenched as the words played over and over in my mind, unwasted yet terrifying situations haunted my brain, making me sick.
“Robert?” I turned around as James called. “What does it say?”
Without saying another word, I handed over the note to him. My hand began to shake as I held back my emotions.
James’ face tensed as he looked at me. For once, we finally shared an understanding. This matter isn’t just about saving Laura anymore. Even innocent people were getting dragged into this mess.
Gonzalo stepped out of the room. “Your Majesty,” he bowed as he approached us, “The visitor is stabilized. I will have some of the maids to work on rotation to ensure his recovery.”
“Well done, Gonzalo. I would like for you to take a few guards with you to the bakery,” James instructed. “Hold an investigation and I want results within the day.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gonzalo bowed.
“Robert,” he turned to me, “Would you like to have a moment with your friend?”
I nodded. Grandpa Ben still doesn’t know about Laura’s case. And surely enough, he’s frightened for his employees. There’s no doubt in my mind Benjamin orchestrated the attack.
“Very well, then. Don’t take too long, he needs to regain his strength,” James replied. “After your quick chat, head to my study immediately.”
“Of course,” I bowed.
James then looked at Gonzalo. “Let’s go.”
As James walked ahead, Gonzalo gave me one quick look of disdain before following James.
I shrugged off his glare and proceeded to Grandpa Ben’s room.
♔♔♔
Upon entering, my heart stopped.
Grandpa Ben laid unconscious. Covered in wounds, he was sound asleep as the maids continued to clean his surroundings. I carefully sat down beside him, thanking the gods that I made it just in time to save him. I wasn’t able to do the same for Laura. But I vowed to ensure the safety of her loved ones.
“Prepare everything that the Medicine King has advised,” I said to the maids. “And I want everybody to work on the clock. Grandpa Ben must be properly taken care of.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” they answered.
Suddenly, Grandpa Ben groaned.
“Grandpa Ben?” I quickly turned back to him. “Fetch the needed medicines. Quickly!” I ordered.
Two maids rushed out of the room.
“Grandpa Ben?” I called again. “Are you in any pain?”
Slowly, he opened his eyes. “Robert? Is that you?” he asked as he reached out.
I grabbed his shaking hand. “Don’t be afraid, Grandpa Ben. You are safe now.”
“The bakery…”
“My father has sent men back to check on everything,” I said.
“Laura,” his eyes widened in horror. “They’re after Lau-- Oh!” he flinched as he tried to stan abruptly.
“Grandpa Ben, don’t!” I caught him, laying him back on the bed. “Your wounds are severe. It’s best that you don’t force yourself to move.”
“But, Laura--”
“I will find her,” I tightened my grip on his hand. I looked at him directly and continued, “I won’t allow anything to happen to her. Trust me.”
He remained scared, worried for Laura. And he has every right to be.
Laura was the only thing he held deeply within his heart. And as I failed my duty to protect them both, especially Laura, his worry is in the right place.
Guilt began to eat me inside again. I haven’t told him about Laura being abducted yet. I’m still waiting for the right time. But then again… when is the right time?
The two maids returned with water, medicine and food.
I stood up and gave way to the maids. “Grandpa Ben, the maids will look after you. The Medicine King has already told them what to do.”
Amidst my assurance, he still looked uneasy.
I walked around the bed and sat on the other side, “Everything is being taken care of, Grandpa Ben. Trust us, we will not disappoint you. What you have to focus on right now is to strengthen yourself,” I explained, smiling at the end.
The maid carefully offered a small, black pill to Grandpa Ben. He looked at it with a frown.
“The Medicine King said this will help with the pain. As well as prevent any internal wounds,” she said. “He personally made this himself.”
Grandpa Ben shook his head, rejecting the medicine.
“Please, Grandpa Ben, you must get well,” I begged. I took the pill and water, offering it myself. “This doesn’t have any side effects besides drowsiness. It’s very effective.”
Hesitant, Grandpa Ben took the medicine in one gulp.
I settled the cup of water on the bedside table. “I’ll take my leave now, Grandpa Ben. Should you need anything, the maids are here to help you,” I said.
He nodded. Slowly, he closed his eyes and went to sleep.
I stood and the maids helped him get comfortable. I took one last look around the room before heading out.
♔♔♔
Gonzalo was waiting outside James’ study as I headed towards it. “Is His Majesty inside?” I asked as I stood in front of him.
“Yes, Your Highness,” he bowed. “He’s waiting for you.”
“Thank you.” I reached for the door but Gonzalo immediately blocked me. I sighed before asking, “Gonzalo, is there something you wish to tell me?”
He cleared his throat, stepping closer to me. “Your Highness, I’m trying to understand your logic, your thought process on everything,” he said, lowering his voice.
“Logic on what?”
“Why do you insist on pursuing this matter?” he continued. “Royal guards were killed. Innocent people were dragged into this mess. All because of your stupid affection for a mortal.”
“And I’m trying to understand why you’re affected by this,” I responded. “None of this even concerns you, Gonzalo.” I grabbed onto the door handle.
Gonzalo grabbed hold of my wrists. “Everything that’s connected to the well-being of the royal family is my daily concern,” he replied, almost growling. “I vowed to ensure the family’s safety, most especially you, young prince. But you don’t seem to appreciate that.”
I removed his hand and replied, “All your efforts to keep me safe have always been highly regarded. But when it comes to these matters, you should know that I’ll stop at nothing to inflict justice.”
“But Your Highness--”
“Gonzalo?” James called from the inside. “Is that Robert?”
We stared in silence before he replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Please, let him in,” James replied.
The door opened and I was escorted in by Gonzalo and James’ page.
“How was your friend?” James asked as I came closer.
“His condition is stable. I gave him the medicine that was prescribed by the Medicine King,” I replied.
“Has he asked anything about what happened to his bakery?”
“Yes.”
James looked at Gonzalo. “You may begin your investigation, Gonzalo. And make sure that no one sees you and the guards,” he instructed.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gonzalo bowed.
“You may leave us,” James said.
Gonzalo and James’ page took their bows and left the room.
James then put the note I’ve given him on the table. “Do you have any idea on who wrote this?”
“I already have my assumptions. But you might not agree with me,” I replied, moving closer to his desk.
He crossed his arms. “It depends on how logical your claims are.”
“I only have two people in mind. Mallory would be the first,” I said.
His brows furrowed. “Mallory?” he leaned forward. “Nana Olsa’s granddaughter?”
I nodded.
“Why would she do something like this? And how would she be able to do something like this?” he asked. “I don’t think she has the skills and resources to stage such a grave crime.”
“She might have had some help from my second suspect.”
“And who is it?”
I took a cautionary pause before I uttered, “Benjamin.”
Horrified, his eyes widened. He carefully placed his fingers on the table and said in a low voice, “Please don’t tell me that this Benjamin you mentioned--”
“Is the prince of Eastern Sun?” I finished his question. “Unfortunately, you are correct.”
He slammed his fists on the table. The sound echoed throughout the entire room. “Be very wise about your assumptions, Robert,” he gritted. His brows furrowed and his eyes squinted. “For a maid to be a suspect is already unbelievable in itself. But to accuse the son of our greatest ally is a monstrosity!”
“My accusations are valid, James,” I replied.
“And what are those, may I ask?”
I took a deep breath and answered, “Mallory hates Laura because I chose Laura. Benjamin hates me because Laura chose me. It would make sense that they will try and make things harder for me.”
“Have you asked Mallory about this?” he asked.
“Nana is still looking for her,” I replied. “I am still hoping that Mallory is innocent from all of these matters. But I have a strong feeling that Benjamin is behind all of it,” I continued.
James stood upright. He closed his eyes and sighed. “All because of a mortal, we are entangled in such a mess.” He opened his eyes and glared, “Now, you have seen that as monarchs, we must never stray from our predestined life. And as immortals, we shouldn’t associate ourselves with humans.”
I bit my cheek as he continued, walking towards me, “As the future heir of Western Wind, you are the hope of peace and unity of this kingdom. But instead, you have brought chaos and possible bloodshed on us.” He stopped beside me and faced me, “Why are you acting like this? Has the mortal bewitched you?”
“Don’t you dare speak ill about Laura,” I growled as I turned to him. “If you have one specific image of a mortal woman in your head, she’s not like that.”
“Then why have you been acting foolishly? Why are you defying the rules of our realm? Why did you neglect the sanctified principles of being an heir?” questions came out of his mouth. And I’m surprised by this. I’m shocked that he doesn’t know that this would be a possibility. That the refined and respected heir of Western Wind can be this unruly.
“James, by the way you treated me all these years, did you not think I will retaliate?” I asked, my eyes narrowed. “All the years of abandonment and neglect, did you really think I would be fully committed to you and your principles?”
His eyes widened. Horrified, he took a step back. “You… you dare retaliate against your king?!” he shouted, pointing at me. “I have given you everything you could ever want. From riches to power, everything was given to you on a silver platter.” He stepped closer on me. “How could you do this?”
I moved my face, ignoring him. My hands balled into fists as I held my breath. I don’t want to say it. I don’t want to say the truth.
“Why?!”
“Because I hate you!”