CHAPTER CONTENT WARNINGS
- violence [threatening actions]
- adultery [implied possibility]
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
He had no idea how far he'd gone before exhaustion set in. Still, he forced his legs to move in an attempt to put as much distance as possible between himself and the scene of the crime.
Calm down.
His mental command failed. His heart was racing and his ears were buzzing.
Why didn't I simply walk away? He'd only added to his troubles with his rashness. This was the second time he'd lost control in under an hour. Why are my emotions getting the better of me today? With Natalia, it had been guilt. With Pierre, the feeling was less clear, but "revulsion" would be a logical hypothesis. Whatever it was, it was a mistake. I must still be drained from that sickness... and running for my life... and nearly drowning... Given all that had occurred, it was no wonder he was having such difficulty restraining his impulses.
But that changes nothing. Even if he could justify his actions, no one would care why he'd attacked Pierre. It was the word of a convict over the claims of the son of an influential businessman. Plus, a guard and an officer had witnessed the act.
Hans rubbed his temples. He'd thoroughly destroyed any chance of carrying on as though he'd never gone missing. He shuddered to think what new punishment awaited him after his father and brothers were notified of his conduct.
A sudden gust jolted him back to reality. He'd returned to the harbor without realizing it.
I need to leave.
His body refused to respond.
There's nowhere to go.
His gaze drifted to the water.
Maybe I should just throw myself into the sea.
The thumping of running reached his ears, and he instinctively turned in the direction of the sound.
"Lars!"
The source of the yell was a panting Leone, who came to a stop in front of him.
"Er, sorry, 'Hans,' unless you want me to call you 'Lars.'" The foreigner smiled despite his gasping breath.
"No, I— Why are you here?"
"I— Whew— I'm not used to sprinting— I saw you, but I worried you'd run away if I called out, so I dashed over—"
"But why?" Hans interrupted. "Didn't Natalia tell you...?" He couldn't bring himself to specify.
"Oh, well, yeah—" Leone heaved, "—but I could've heard it for myself if Mamma had just let me eavesdrop like I wanted." He straightened, his breath beginning to slow. "Then I would've busted in there to hug you before you had the chance to make your theatrical escape."
"... What?" Once again, Hans was left genuinely bewildered by the man.
"Just come with me." Leone gripped Hans' shoulders.
Hans nodded, lacking the strength to physically resist. Leone grinned and doubled back, tugging Hans along by his upper arm.
"I'm glad I stayed on deck," Leone mused. "I tried to go after you earlier, but I lost your trail. Pappa said it would be too difficult to track you at night in your home city. We were going to look for you at first light, then go to the castle if we couldn't find you."
It occurred to Hans that perhaps they wanted to find him in order to punish him. That's what anyone else would do. Still, he knew better. There was no malice in Leone's voice. In fact, it seemed to be a mix of worry and relief. The hold on his arm wasn't tight — it was a guide, not a threat. These people weren't "anyone else." I needn't worry... about them, at least...
They alighted on the deck as the rest of the family emerged from the master cabin.
"I knew I heard two pairs of feet!" Mirella commended herself.
Vincenzo laid a hand on Hans' shoulder. "Let's go inside and talk."
Hans shook his head. "Whatever you have to say is irrelevant." His stomach twisted. Physical resistance is one thing. Mental fortitude is another. If Natalia's words can instill guilt, I don't want to test my resolve against all four of them. "Besides, I won't be staying long."
"Why not?" Natalia questioned.
Hans glumly gazed at the planks beneath him. "You told me yourself: I'm a wanted man."
"But that's why you're here!" Leone exclaimed. "So we can help you!"
"Help how? There's nothing you can do!"
The clatter of boots on the cobblestones alerted them to a multitude nearing the ship. Looking over the bow, a group of police and guards was visible on the pier. Ulrik stood behind them, the only one not in uniform. Lieutenant Ryberg, followed by a few officers and sentries, approached the gangplank.
"I am First Lieutenant Cornelius Ryberg of the Southern Isles Royal Guard," he announced. "Hans Westergaard, you are to return to the castle with me immediately."
"Why?" Mirella asked sharply.
"That's none of your concern, madam," the lieutenant replied.
"He's ill and under our care," Mirella retorted, "so it is very much 'my concern.'"
"Well, this supposed 'illness' isn't enough to keep him from assaulting a respected citizen," Ryberg sniped with a snide side-eye to the former royal.
"What a wonderfully vague accusation," the older woman fired back. "Surely this 'respected citizen' can appear in person to make the charge? Otherwise, this is nothing but hearsay."
Hans noticed Ulrik twitch toward the main passage between the harbor and the city. Pierre must be on his way.
Lieutenant Ryberg seemed ruffled by Mirella's combative demeanor. "In any case, madam, regardless of the... alleged incident, Hans is still to be taken into custody for leaving the castle grounds."
Mirella looked as though she was about to stomp down to the dock and wag her finger in the lieutenant's face. "Given how often we see him, I presume the fault lies in your soldiers, rather than the boy himself."
Vincenzo coughed. "Now, now, I'm certain this can all be sorted out. Why don't we accompany you—"
"With all due respect, sir," the lieutenant interrupted, "this is a national, royal matter. Foreign commoners need not bother themselves with it."
"Why you little—!" Leone hissed. Natalia's touch on his arm pacified him, but only slightly.
Vincenzo was clearly displeased, but kept his composure. "I assure you, Lieutenant Ryberg, we have no qualms regarding our involvement with Prince Hans. We wish to remain at his side and speak on his behalf."
Hans' mouth popped ajar, stunned at the declaration. I don't understand them at all. His nausea intensified. If they keep arguing, they'll be detained too.
"I'll go," he mumbled.
There was a mixed chorus of "What?!" and "Hans, no!" from the family.
"It's fine," Hans continued. "As I said, there's nothing you can do."
The objections were cut short when the rumble of a horse and carriage drew everyone's attention.
"That's Pierre's," Natalia whispered. "Hans, did you...?"
She trailed off, watching the horse slow its pace. The ex-prince remained quiet as the coach halted behind the group on the pier.
The carriage door burst open. "What's going on here?!" a harsh voice emanated from inside. "Why is everybody just standing around?!" A middle-aged man emerged. "Has the brute been apprehended yet?!"
"He's on the ship, Father," Pierre pointed out, following behind (as best he could while nursing his injuries).
"Why is he not in shackles?!" his father demanded.
"I'm sure my and Chief Rosdahl's men were in the process of investigating, Mr. Mercier." Captain Sorensen disembarked from the coach and closed the door behind him.
"There's nothing to investigate!" Aldric shouted. "Do you see the state my boy's in?! Arrest him!"
The captain didn't flinch. "We have to do this properly." He inspected the ship and its occupants as he strode to the lieutenant, his two companions trailing after him. "Status report."
Ryberg saluted his superior. "I was just advising these visitors that their assistance is wholly unnecessary and that we will be bringing our prisoner to the dungeon now."
"You didn't say anything about a dungeon," Leone grumbled.
"We aren't trying to impede justice," Vincenzo explicated. "We simply wish to be able to give our side of the story at Hans' trial."
"One doesn't hold a trial for a criminal who attacked an innocent man while trying to escape!" Mr. Mercier sneered.
"I wasn't trying to escape," Hans muttered.
Vincenzo gave Hans a comforting pat as he raised an eyebrow at the captain. "Is that true?"
Captain Sorensen put a hand to his chin. "Well, this would be handled by the elder princes, so it wouldn't be an official trial..."
Hans chuckled dryly. It wouldn't be a 'trial' at all.
"The Isles' royal family isn't exactly welcoming to outsiders. You ought to bid each other farewell right now," Lieutenant Ryberg recommended.
"In your dreams!" Leone snapped.
"Pappa, Mamma, you won't let them take Hans, right?" Natalia pleaded.
Why are they so determined to fight for me?
The spouses exchanged glances as though having an unspoken discourse. Vincenzo then addressed the crowd. "If you gentlemen could wait a moment." He disappeared into the larger cabin.
"You're actually defending this worthless piece of trash, Natalia?" Pierre chided. "Even after what he did?"
"I'm not defending what he did—" Natalia linked her arms around Hans' left elbow, "—but he's not worthless, and he's part of this family."
"God, you're dense," Pierre scoffed.
Leone leapt to the railing and yanked Pierre into the air by his collar. "You want to say that again?"
"Barbarian! Release my son this instant!" Aldric bellowed as two privates attempted to pry Pierre free.
"Not until he apologizes!" Leone stipulated, lifting Pierre higher.
"Arrest them!" Mr. Mercier howled. "Arrest them all!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Hans recognized Vincenzo's voice, but couldn't believe the loud proclamation had come from the normally reserved man. He loomed in the doorway, glowering disapprovingly at the scene before him.
Leone dropped Pierre and retreated from the rail. The disgruntled young man straightened his shirt in a huff. A tense stillness settled over the area as everyone waited for Vincenzo to act.
The patriarch exited the main cabin and came to rest at his wife's side. He was holding two small leather pouches, one of which he handed to the matriarch. He faced the lawmen on the dock.
"I was hoping to avoid this," Vincenzo stated solemnly as he opened his pouch, "but you leave me no choice." He held up a medallion emblazoned with a jeweled coat of arms. "Prince Hans Westergaard of the Southern Isles is under my protection. No action shall be taken concerning him without my consent. So say I, King Vincenzo Rovero of Sicilia."
The dead silence exploded in chaos.
"Lies!" Mr. Mercier screeched.
"Impossible!" Pierre spat.
"Treasonous impostors!" Lieutenant Ryberg cried. "You're all under arrest!"
Several of the armed men seized their sword hilts.
"Stand down!" Captain Sorensen ordered. "All of you, stand down!"
"But, sir," Ryberg protested, "Sicilia's been a democracy for six years!"
"A parliamentary democracy," Captain Sorensen corrected, "with a figurehead king who only intervenes when the representatives have reached an impasse."
"Sometimes I suspect they fake a deadlock just to get us to come home," Vincenzo reflected with a note of amusement.
"I thought the royal family willingly abdicated the throne," a sergeant wondered aloud.
"We did," Vincenzo replied, "but the parliament voted unanimously to reinstate us, with majority support from Sicilia's citizens. They had to accept our terms, though."
"So he doesn't really have any authority, then," one of the officers commented.
"If the Rovero name is not good enough for you," Mirella countered, "then we will use my lineage, the Navarra house of Southern Italia." She raised her own unique medal for all to see.
Captain Sorensen turned to the clusters of men. "If anyone doubts their word, I can personally verify the identity of this man from our previous encounters. He is the monarch of a land we have no quarrel with, and will be treated as such."
Several of the men shifted uneasily.
"What happens now, sir?" Lieutenant Ryberg inquired.
"King Vincenzo has invoked his royal privilege, so this matter may only be resolved by King Lauris." Captain Sorensen faced La Stella Luminosa again. "It would be best for us to go to the castle now. Since it's late, please gather what you need for an overnight stay. We will wait for you here."
"Understood." Vincenzo gestured to his children to go first.
Hans' knees had buckled at Vincenzo's revelation, with only Natalia's and Leone's support keeping him standing. The siblings practically dragged Hans into the smaller cabin.
"Well, I suppose that could have been worse." Leone scratched his head and peered at Hans. "You still with us?" He snapped his fingers in front of his friend's face.
Hans blinked and gave a slow nod.
"Good," Leone acknowledged.
Hans massaged his forehead. His mind had gone blank in shock, and now a million questions rushed in at once.
Natalia's voice cut through his thoughts. "We were going to tell you."
"It's my fault we didn't do it sooner," Leone admitted.
'I'm not exactly eager discuss our past with anyone.'
"It wouldn't have made a difference," Hans informed them.
Leone was unconvinced. "If you'd known I was a disgraced prince myself, you would have been more forthcoming with your own history."
"I can't say either way." There were too many factors to accurately assess whether the additional data would have resulted in an alternate outcome.
"Did you go after Pierre because he told me your secret?" Natalia asked, wiggling a pile of clothes into a sack.
"Actually, he found me so he could brag about his plans for you," Hans recounted.
"'Plans?!'" Leone repeated, incensed. "What sort of 'plans?!'"
"To use my dishonesty as a way to get closer to Natalia." The sentence left a vile taste in his mouth.
Natalia was hunched over an open chest, trying to cram something into a different sack. "What a blockhead. I can't believe he was still plotting even after I directly declined his proposal."
"He proposed?!" Hans and Leone shrieked in unison.
Natalia winced and giggled sheepishly. "Uh, well, it was more of a business proposal than a marriage proposal... though it was a marriage proposal..."
"What does that mean?!" Leone groaned, flailing his arms.
Wait, don't tell me...
She melted under the duo's intense stares. "Pierre may have sort of suggested that I marry him so I could send the family money and not cause anyone to worry about my health anymore."
... Of course he did. Idiot.
Leone's upper lip curled in disgust. "Ugh, that guy's slimier than an eel. I can see why you punched him, Hans."
Hans cringed. "Actually... it was my suggestion," he admitted weakly.
One could have heard a pin drop.
"You helped him?! Since when?! How?! Why?!" Leone interrogated.
"We made a deal that I would aid him in his scheme to marry Natalia so he could keep his inheritance. In exchange, he would stay silent regarding my identity and freedom, as well as hire me as a stable hand once he had his own place."
"I knew it!" Natalia exclaimed.
Hans was taken aback. "You did?"
"Well, I suspected something was amiss," Natalia elaborated, "but it all makes sense if you were working together! I mean, how did he know to get me art supplies when I never told him I draw? Then there's how you were so supportive of me seeing him. It was weird. Oh, that was you at the restaurant, wasn't it? You probably had to witness things first-hand to give proper advice. And the timing of everything was dubious. Like, how convenient that Ulrik just happened to tell him about you right before I rejected him. 'He stopped over not an hour ago.'" She stamped her foot. "Balderdash!"
Maybe it was her vivacious gesticulations, or possibly her choice of words. It may have been that her fuming expression was as ferocious as a kitten, or perhaps the surreal stress of his plight was finally affecting his brain. Whatever the reason, he couldn't suppress his spontaneous laughter.
"What's so funny?" Leone questioned.
Unable to reply, Hans merely pointed at Natalia.
Natalia pouted. "I wasn't trying to be funny."
Her pucker only made it worse. He broke into another fit stronger than the first.
Natalia struggled to keep a straight face as she shoved a bag into Hans' arms. "If you have time to laugh, you have time to pack."
"Wait, what?" he wheezed. "Why do I have to pack?"
"Because, judging by his lack of motion, Leone is incapable of doing so," Natalia enlightened Hans with a smirk.
"Hey!" Leone complained.
"And he'd probably forget under garments," Natalia added.
Leone paused with his mouth half-open. "... You win this round, sister."
The ruckus had brought out the people aboard the anchored ships and those whose homes bordered the wharf. Hans imagined he and his cohorts would be the topic de jour for the local gossips tomorrow morning.
The police had taken the Merciers, Ulrik, and the second witness to the nearest station for an official statement. The remaining guards surrounded the group of five as they began their trek to the castle. Mirella and Vincenzo were in front, Hans in the middle, and Leone and Natalia at the rear. Each family member carried a sack containing clothing. Leone had a second bag that appeared to be filled with books. Hans had offered to carry the heavier load before they departed, but Leone refused on account of Hans recovering from his illness.
All were silent as they traversed the city streets, until Captain Sorensen struck up a casual conversation with Vincenzo. Some of the privates did the same amongst themselves, chatting about their families or schedules.
Leone trotted forward and leaned close Hans. "I'm curious: did you beat up Pierre for breaking your agreement?"
Hans recalled Pierre's lewd implications. "I'd guess it was more due to his crassness when speaking of... certain things."
Leone's eyes darted to Natalia, then back to Hans. "Oh," he growled.
"Don't let Natalia even think about marrying him," Hans murmured. "Infidelity is just one of his many shortcomings."
"I doubt we need to worry," Leone encouraged him. "After what he said earlier, and lying to her before that, he'd have to be a completely different person for Natalia to ever reconsider accepting a proposal from him."
"You're right," Hans conceded.
"So, what about you?" Leone whispered inquisitively.
Hans squinted in confusion. "What about me?"
"You'd be faithful to her, wouldn't you?"
A shiver shot up his spine. "Why would you ask such a thing? We're not in any sort of relationship that would even lead to marriage. And even if we were, I've been equally awful, if not more so."
Leone stroked his chin. "You admit you were wrong, then."
Hans grimaced. "Some of my decisions produced less-than-desirable consequences, so, in that sense, yes."
"Hm." Leone shifted both bags to one hand and wrapped his free arm around Hans' shoulders. "It's a start."
The group came to a stop in front of the entrance to King Lauris' study.
Captain Sorensen knocked. "Your Majesty? We have a situation that requires your attention."
The man's scoff was audible despite the thick wood. "Unless we're on the brink of war, it can wait until morning."
"I would never threaten war over something personal, Lauris," Vincenzo called, "but it is important."
The right-hand door flew open, a perplexed face appearing from within. King Lauris studied his visitor. "Oh, Vincenzo. I didn't recognize you; it's been so long since we last met."
"Too long," Vincenzo responded.
"Hm." King Lauris neglected to return the sentiment as he surveyed the rest of the group. "I see you brought your family this time—" He stopped short as his eyes fell on Hans. "Why is he here?"
"He's the reason why we're here," Mirella answered.
"Then this can absolutely wait until morning," King Lauris declared with a glare at his youngest son. "Captain Sorensen, take that prisoner to the dungeon where he belongs. Have the maids prepare rooms for King Vincenzo and his family." He returned his focus to Vincenzo. "We'll discuss this tomorrow."
Vincenzo bowed. "As you wish."
The door slammed shut.
One of the corporals accompanying Hans prodded him to move. He hadn't gone far when he heard Captain Sorensen.
"Your Highness, the guest quarters are this way."
Hans looked over his shoulder to see that Leone had begun following him.
"You go," Leone asserted, more to his family than the captain. "I'll stay with Hans."
Hans couldn't believe his ears. What? Why?
Natalia cast a hopeful glance at her parents. They both nodded.
"We all will," Mirella affirmed.
The three joined Leone, and the quartet tailed the ex-prince as he was escorted through the halls.
This is ridiculous. Who voluntarily rejects a castle chamber in favor of a prison cell? These people must be insane. He peeked at the four behind him. They seem so confident, though. However, given their strange life circumstances, 'insane' might indeed be a correct evaluation.
Musty, stale air greeted his nose. He trudged into his cell and sat on his bed. The quartermaster secured the door while Captain Sorensen spoke with the Roveros.
"You'll each have to sleep in your own cell: they can't accommodate more than one person. We won't lock you in — you're guests, not prisoners. I'll have the maids bring down extra blankets and pillows. If you need anything else, there will be two guards at both entrances all night."
"Thank you." Mirella curtsied in gratitude.
Vincenzo shook the man's hand with both of his. "Your assistance is appreciated more than we can say."
"I only wish I could be of more help," Captain Sorensen lamented.
"You've done plenty," Vincenzo consoled him. "I believe it was the Lord's will that you were on duty tonight."
"It was due to our meeting last week, so perhaps it was divine intervention after all."
After another handshake, Captain Sorensen bid everyone good night as the guards took their positions. The five were left alone.
"Why'd you bring all these books, Natalia?" Leone lifted the weighty sack.
"They're for Hans."
The named man tilted his head just in time to observe Leone attempt to stuff the ridged mound through one of the gaps in the gridiron.
"For goodness' sake, Leone, do it one at a time!" Mirella scolded.
Hans snickered at Leone's dejected countenance. The curly-haired youth stuck out his tongue in defiance as he passed two novels through at once.
"You can put them on the table," Hans instructed, since the furnishing resided below the man's arm.
"I know it's not much—" Natalia set her bag down in the cell across the hall, "—but I wanted you to have something to read."
Hans eyed the stack of books. "That's quite a few 'somethings.'"
Natalia giggled. "I didn't have time to be selective, so I grabbed them all." She grew somber. "In case you can't visit us again."
Hans reclined against the wall behind him. "You're always thinking ahead."
The young woman approached the locked cell. "I'm glad we're able to be here with you."
"You should be angry," Hans contradicted sullenly.
"I'm not," Natalia assured him, clinging to the iron grate. "I'm hurt that you deceived us, but I still care about you."
He folded his arms over his chest. "Why?"
Natalia traced one of the bars with her fingertip. "Because real love isn't based on what you do, or don't do. Your existence is enough for us to want the best for you."
Her sincere smile was barely visible in the lantern light.
A prickling sensation spread from his ears to the back of his neck. He lay down, staring at the wall as he ignored her disappointed whimper.
"Psst! Hans! Are you awake?"
Hans gave a groggy groan. "I am now." He sat up. "What do you want, Leone?"
"I couldn't sleep." He plopped down in front of the cell. "I... I feel you deserve to know the whole story."
"One might argue that I deserve nothing," Hans noted, "but if you wish to tell me, I'll listen."
Leone exhaled. "I should have explained everything from the beginning. I know no one else brought it up because they didn't want to speak badly of me. They were waiting for me to broach the subject... which I didn't, even though I had plenty of opportunities." He ran a hand through his hair. "I was so consumed with preserving my image that I failed to be honest. I didn't want you to look at me and see who I was instead of who I am." Leone rested his head on the metal and sighed. "I know I've been forgiven, but my sins still haunt me. It cost us our fortune, our reputation... and it almost cost Natalia her life."