A long while has passed and I am still stuck in Lord Roland’s office. I read each document very carefully in order to avoid complications in the future. I tried to keep my focus here but something inside of me was being difficult. My mind kept thinking of Laura. I just felt uneasy about being away from her. And I shouldn’t be feeling that way because she was accompanied by two servants and Wonder as well. 
“That would be all for the release of Wonder,” Lord Roland explained as he sat down before me. He has rummaged through everything and anything within his office. He then added, “All that’s left is your signature and you can be on your way.” 
His words were muffled as I continued to feel restless. The quill was in my hand. It was only a few inches away from where I should sign. But I couldn’t sign it. Instead, my eyes would already look at the door, hoping for her. 
“Is something the matter, Your Highness?” he asked, trying to get my attention. 
I turned back to him, my brows knitted in the middle. “I don’t know why but I’ve been uneasy for a while now.” 
“What do you mean, Your Highness?” he leaned forward as he grew even more confused. 
“It’s as if something wrong is about to happen,” I struggled to find proper words to express my emotions. The only thing that was on my mind was Laura. 
Lord Roland was silent for a few seconds when he replied in a much cheerful tone, “Maybe you’re nervous, Your Highness. To lose a beloved champion and to choose another wasn’t an easy decision. But I’m certain that Lady would be happy with your decision.” 
I looked up to meet his gaze as I tried to believe his words. Was it possible that I was only afraid of upsetting Lady’s spirit? Lady would want me to be happy, I’ve been made aware of that. However, to choose a new champion felt like I’ve forsaken her and everything that’s happened between us. 
“Your Highness,” he called out once more, removing me from my emotion of thoughts. “There’s no need to fear a new chapter. Lady meant a great deal to you. No one can change that,” he said as he looked earnestly into my eyes. “However, to stay in the past is to die as well. You won’t be able to move forward. You would always believe that she doesn’t want that for you.” 
As Lord Roland explained himself, I found myself to believe in his words a little bit more. Lady wouldn’t want a miserable life for me. I shared a lot of great memories with her and they would be cherished until my last breath. But I must move forward with my life, and she would already remain in my heart. 
I nodded, smiling. “I might have been overthinking again. I apologize if I’m in such a state. I’m still in shock about everything that’s happened,”I explained. 
He chuckled and laid back on his chair. “You simply acknowledged your emotions, Your Highness. You have nothing to be sorry about,” he said. “We were all created with our own hearts and minds. You’re allowed to feel some type of way after a devastating loss. Now, if you could sign all the needed documents, that would be perfect. We could also return to Laura and Wonder.” 
“Of course.” The quill finally landed on the paper and I gave my signature. 
Lord Roland then took it and marked two seals beside my legislation: one seal represented the stables and the other represented the royal family. He rolled the document and slid it through an elongated, wooden tube.  
“Here you are, Your Highness,” he handed the wooden container to me. 
I smiled, shaking hands with him as I said, “Thank you for your help, Lord Roland.” 
He bowed. “It’s been my honor. And thank you for trusting me with this decision-making of yours,” he replied. “Shall I have the servants prepare Wonder for you?” 
“There won’t be any need for that,” I replied as he approached me. “I think Laura and the servants have prepared Wonder whilst we prepared the documents.” 
“Ah, yes, the lovely lady that accompanied you today,” he smiled teasingly as he crossed his arms. He rested his chin on top of his hand. “If I may, Your Highness, I’m happy that you found love for you.” 
My eyes widened but I quickly calmed myself, clearing my throat. “I’m not sure what you meant by that, Lord Roland.” 
He let out a brief chuckle. He slid his hands into his pockets as he replied, “I’m past the years of my prime, Your Highness. But the tantalizing gaze of two lovers is all too familiar with me. No need to deny anything to me, especially to yourself.” 
I couldn’t help but smile. “You saw right through my facade, my lord,” I remarked. 
He nodded as he stepped forward. “And with all due respect, Your Highness, you cannot hide your affections for her,” he said. “Your eyes cannot hide the truth; that she makes you happy and she brightens your world. And I’m a firm believer of choosing whatever it is that makes you happy.” 
I sighed. I answered as we headed to the door, “I’m afraid that my happiness isn’t something to be considered, Lord Roland. As the future ruler of our kingdom, my happiness mustn’t get in the way of my duties.” I continued, “The comfort, the benefit, the security of my people will always come first. My kingdom should be my priority. And at this moment, my quest for love has taken over that sense of duty.” 
I shook my head slowly as I hid my hands behind me. “I now fear for my rule as king. If my emotions are this out of control, it could be fatal for my realm.”