“I understand that what she did was unacceptable but you should still treat her with respect as a relative,” he replied.

“I would like to make one thing clear between the two of us, James: I respect everyone that crosses my path,” I moved closer to him, “But when someone gives me a reason not to, then I’m sorry. That person won’t have any kind of respect from me. The same goes with Elizabeth.”

“Robert, please,” he said, calmly stopping me from walking away.

I groaned.

I’m trying my best to have a calm conversation with you, both as a king and as a father,” he continued. “Let us not treat each other with hostility just because of what your aunt did.”

“James, you’re making me act this way,” I replied. “And please, I don’t want to talk about anything right now. I just want to be alone in silence.”

James let out a sigh as he nodded. “I understand. I will see you at dinner.” He lightly tapped me on my arm and walked away, not saying another word.

I sighed as I sat on a nearby bench, putting my head in my hands. I grasped my hair and pulled on it as I let out another sigh of frustration. A lot has happened and I don’t know how to process everything in such a short amount of time.

“Your Highness?” Gonzalo walked towards me.

I looked up. “Yes, Gonzalo,” I answered.

Gonzalo then handed a letter, folded into a small square. “The messenger just arrived from Middle Earth and has brought this from Princess Lorain.”

“Thank you,” I smiled, receiving the letter. “Has my study been kept in order today?”

“Yes, young prince. Your room and your study haven’t been touched after the recent… events,” he nodded.

I stood up. “Good. I would like to attend to this letter in my study. How’s my sister? Is she still asleep?”

“Yes, Her Highness is still taking her nap.”

I nodded. “Kindly accompany me to the study.”

“Yes, young prince.”

I then led the way, keeping the letter safe in my hand.

♔♔♔

As I sat down in my chair, Gonzalo began to prepare my quill and paper before I wrote a response to Princess Lorain. The letter reads:

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To my dearest Robert,

By the time you’ve read this letter, I’m quite sure Mother has returned to the kingdom. Allow me to be the one to apologize for her unacceptable behaviour. She’s very welcoming when it comes to other people visiting the castle. However, I’m well-aware that when she visits other kingdoms, it’s an entirely different thing.

I believe she’s acting this way because she’s from a line of royals where they have been utterly superior to other monarchies in the realm. I wouldn’t tell you to get used to her ways but that’s how I deal with her presence.

That’s the treatment she has given my brothers and I ever since we were little. With all honesty, the very reason that I agreed to marrying you is so that I can finally escape the turmoil I’m in under her wing.

I hope she didn’t gravely offend you and your family. I also hope that I would be able to do something to make peace with you and your kingdom if she ever has done anything to offend you.

Until my next letter, waiting for your response.

Your dear friend,

Princess Lorain.

A heavy feeling crept up my heart as I folded her letter. She suffered so much from her mother and all I knew was the surface. I can’t imagine living with that kind of person every day. James is rather similar as her mother but I would choose James rather than Queen Marta.

My dearest Lorain,

You don’t have to apologize for your mother’s actions. How she chose to act around other people is her own will and there’s nothing we can do about that. You shouldn’t take the blame for her indecencies.

As your future husband, I have no choice but to understand and bear her. She is, after all, my mother-in-law and your mother. I still have to respect her.

And don’t you worry about your future with me. Once we officially marry, I will make sure that you won’t have to suffer the same darkness that you’re experiencing under her rule. Everything will be taken care of for you. I’ll make sure of it.

Sending you all my love and to your mother, understanding.

Robert.

As I folded the letter and stamped my seal, a knock came on my door.

“Allow me, young prince.” Gonzalo walked to the door and opened it, stepping outside for a moment. After the letter was perfectly sealed, Gonzalo returned to the room, closing the door behind him.

“Who was it?” I asked as he walked back to me.

“It was your page, young prince,” Gonzalo said, his hands behind his back as he stood in front of me. “He said that someone’s looking for you in the stables. She said she knows you and she wanted to talk to you.”

“Please tell Mallory that I’m not interested in talking with her right now.” I then handed over the letter to Gonzalo, “Have the messenger send this to the Middle Earth. Make sure that this letter will land directly to the princess’ and only in her hands.”

“As you wish, young prince. And the girl waiting for you at the stables?” he enquired.

I looked at him, confused. “Gonzalo, I just told you what to tell her.”

“Tell who, sir?”

“Isn’t Mallory the one you’re talking about?” I crossed my arms.

“No, Your Highness. I never mentioned it was Mallory. Mallory has been sent to the marketplace,” he replied.

“If it’s not Mallory then who’s looking for me?” I questioned. “Didn’t my page state any name?”

“According to your page, the girl wouldn’t tell her name. She just kept on insisting that she knows you,” Gonzalo explained.

With a sigh, I stood up and headed to the stables. Gonzalo followed closely behind me, which would be for the best because I’m not sure who else could be looking for me other than Mallory.

♔♔♔

When we arrived at the stables, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing with my eyes. I stayed frozen in my place. My heart raced as the unexpected visitor slowly turned around. It was her. It was Laura, sitting beside Lady. When she saw us arrive, she immediately stood up and bowed in front of me.