King Hugo

As I rode through the forest, hoping to reach Whelsire's border quickly, I couldn't help but think of Sofia.

Seeing her the way I did before I left broke my heart, but it was understandable, especially given everything we've been through.

I know that our love won in the end, but I know that to this day, I still get worried about her like she does for me.

I panic when I can't find her or know where she is, so we made a deal to inform each other about our movements.

For this reason, we can be more relaxed, even though I know it doesn't fully calm her. We have been married for 20 years, and I know my wife very well.

Although there are times she doesn't tell me and tries to hide it from me, the good thing is that our children keep her company.

At first, she protested and wanted to continue to go with me on these unexpected emergencies.

However, I reminded her that we had a son who needed her—that was until the rest of our children came.

I knew she didn't like it very well, but knew I was right. I have always told her and our children that they are my first priority, and their safety is my peace.

This is a good thing, in my opinion, because sometimes my children like to get a bit wild with me.

At the thought of this, I couldn't help but chuckle and smile slightly before it disappeared as soon as I saw the border of Whelsire.

"Your Majesty, look!" Exclaimed the General as we saw our guards tying up some men back to back with rope.

'That's odd? What is going on? The man didn't say anything about tying people?' I thought as the horse came to a complete stop.

I looked around and noticed a lot of men tied up along with necessary natural resources like wood, metal for armory, and even crops.

'No, this couldn't be right. Were these people stealing from me?' I thought as I got off the horse and walked to the people.

It was all men; strangely enough, I didn't even know them. Their faces were utterly new to me.

"What's going on here? I got the message you sent," I said as a knight stepped in and nodded.

"These men were trying to steal the shipment we were receiving at the border," he said as my eyes widened.

"There were a lot of them, which is why we requested backup, but strangely, many left," said another knight.

"They must have heard the horses," said the General as I turned to face him and noticed we brought some of the best knights.

I turned around and noticed the men tied together were very quiet. I bent down and looked at them with a serious expression.

"Do you have anything to say?" I asked, and one of them smirked before he began to chuckle, while the rest said nothing.

"Piss off, you little prick!" He said as he spit to the side.

It was then that I noticed there were about a dozen of them. I smiled and stood up before looking at the General.

"General, let's escort these men back to the dungeon for questioning," I said as he nodded, and one of the men's eyes widened.

"Why? What did we do?" He asked as I smiled.

"That is precisely what I want to know because I know you are not from my kingdom," I said as they rolled their eyes.

"Secondly, you are stealing from me, which is punishable by law," I said as the man's eyes widened.

"Don't you dare say anything squealer, or you'll be done forth!" Said the man who had given me an attitude earlier.

"Let's go, boys," I said before looking at the knights from the border.

"General, let's leave some guards to help our knight friends at the border in case someone comes back," I said as he nodded.

Then, the General ordered some men to stay at the border before we headed back to the castle.

After everything that has happened, I think there needs to be a bit more security on the borders of Whelsire.

I did add a few knights to protect the border, but I think I might add more and split the day and night watch to have 24 hours of surveillance.

As we made our way back, I wondered who these people were and who sent them.

We haven't had an attack in years; everything has been very peaceful until now, and that worries me.

'What is going on?' I thought momentarily as my eyes then widened.

'The trade treaty,' I thought as I couldn't help but worry.

I looked back and noticed the prisoners tied up in a wagon being driven by one of the knights.

"General, we need to get home ASAP," I said, and he nodded, understanding what I meant.

"Men meet tenfold at 12 o'clock," said the General as the knights nodded. Then he looked at me and nodded.

That was our sign to move with force, and so we did, leaving them behind. The General always preferred to use code with the knights.

This ensured the enemy didn't know our attacks and, therefore, couldn't plan ahead.

The good thing was that we weren't far away from the palace; therefore, we were able to make it back quickly.

Once we arrived, I noticed that my father was entering the palace before turning around to face me.

'Curious? What is Dad doing out of the palace?' I thought as I stopped and handed my horse to a guard.

"Hugo, you're back," he said, smiling as I nodded and embraced him.

"I am; it was rather a quick errand to supervise," I said as he nodded.

"What happened? Why are you outside the palace, Dad?" I asked as he chuckled.

"Am I not allowed to go outside the palace?" He asked, chuckling as I smiled.

"Of course you are. But you know that's not what I mean, Dad," I said as he sighed before smiling.

"Let's head inside to talk," he said as I nodded, and we headed inside. Once inside the palace, I immediately felt something was off.

"Where is everyone?" I asked as Dad smiled.

"They're all at the village," he said as I nodded.

"Did you inform…" I started as we entered the office, and he shook his head.

"I did not; Sofia asked me not to," he said as I nodded, and we sat.

"Tell me what happened?" I asked as he began explaining to me what happened.

"After you left in a hurry, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen, and we needed to be prepared in case of anything," he said as I nodded.

"I went to find Sir Anthony and gave him the order to prepare men and be ready in case of anything," he said as my eyes widened.

"But William and Edward were with him," I said as he nodded.

"They were, but they did not hear anything that I made sure of," he said as I nodded.

"The boys decided to head to the village after training was over," he said as I nodded.

"Honestly, Dad, I am happy you prepared that because I didn't even know what would happen," I said as his eyes widened.

"What happened?" He asked, confused as I sighed.

"It seems that we have some theirs among the kingdom again," I said as his eyes widened.

"What? How is that possible? You make sure the kingdom has enough to prevent theft," he said as I nodded.

"I know, Dad, but I think these people might not be from here," I said as he looked confused.

"What do you mean?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.

"You know that I have known my people ever since I was a boy, and the thieves don't look like any of our people," I said as his eyes widened.

"This is not good; this is not good at all," he said as I agreed.

The last time we had this type of problem was when Frederick was alive and was stealing from us.

"Where are the criminals?" He asked.

"They are on their way over; in fact, they should be here any minute; it wasn't that far when the General and I took off to return quickly," I said as he nodded.

"I can see why the kingdom is in trouble again," he said as I nodded.

"All of them are. I didn't want to believe it, but I think the Trade treaty is in trouble," I said as he nodded.

"The good thing is that you and Sofia have many alliances with friends and family," he said as I nodded.

"True, but I don't like where this is going, Dad," I said as he nodded.

"I know Hugo, distrust and loyalty will begin to break here," he said as I nodded.

"Worst case scenario, war," I said as he nodded.

"We need to meet with the council people in the treaty to discuss what will happen," I said as he nodded.

I was about to say something when we heard a knock at the door, and we turned to see Isaac.

"Yes, Isaac?" I asked as he smiled.

"Your Majesty, King Bailey is here to see you. He is waiting in the throne room," he said as my eyes widened in surprise.

"Thank you, Isaac. We will be right there," I said as he nodded, and I looked towards my father.

"What would King Bailey be doing here?" I asked Dad as he shrugged.

"Maybe to discuss the Trade treaty," he said as I nodded.

"I know that part, but why start with us?" I asked as Dad, and I headed to the throne room.

King Bailey's family is known as the makers of the Trade treaty; I was surprised he was here to see us first.

Once we arrived, we saw him waiting for us. He turned around and began to greet us.

"King Hugo, Garrick," he said as Dad and I smiled and shook his hand.

"King Bailey," we both said with a smile.

"What brings you here?" I asked as he sighed.

"It's not good news, I'm afraid," he said as I nodded.

"It's about the treaty, isn't it?" I asked as he nodded.

"I decided to come to you because you and Queen Sofia have the highest number of deals in the trade treaty," he said as my eyes widened.

"Really?" I asked as he nodded.

"Followed by Freezenberg, Enchancia, Zumaria, Corinthia, Alcazar, and Mezbez," he said as my eyes widened.

"Wow, I didn't even know that myself," I Said as he raised his eyebrows.

"You didn't?" He asked as I shook my head.

"Since we get shipment as well, I didn't think we'd be the top one," I said as he smiled.

"Well, you and the queen have a good sense of business and priority for the people, which I have always believed helps the kingdom," he said, smiling as I nodded.

"As the biggest trade treaty ambassador, I want to know what you and the queen think. Or plan to do?" He asked as I sighed.

"Honestly, we thought at first it was just gossip because we haven't heard from any kingdoms about the theft of their resources," I said as he nodded.

"We didn't think people would try to steal and break their agreement of the treaty until today," I said as his eyes widened.

"What happened?" he asked worried.

"Caught some thieves among my lands this morning, and they aren't my people from the village," I said as he shook his head.

"Hugo, do you know what this means?" He asked as I nodded.

"The war has officially begun," I said as he nodded.

"And since Whelsire is one of the top kingdoms in the trade treaty, they are going to attack you first," he said, which worried me.

"What can we do?" Asked Dad as I shrugged.

"I have no idea, Dad; it is very tricky," I said as he nodded.

"We are the one with the most allies as well," said Dad as I nodded.

"And traitors," I said as Dad shook his head.

"Don't think like that, Hugo," said Dad, nodding as I looked at Bailey.

"I'm afraid Hugo is right, Garrick. At this point, you don't know who you can and can't trust," he said as I nodded.

"I mean, we did have this problem before," said Dad as Bailey thought momentarily, and I nodded.

"That's right, with Alcazar, right? Frederick?" He asked as we nodded.

'What would Sofia do?' I thought momentarily before Isaac walked into the throne room.

"Lunch is ready, Your Majesties," he said as we nodded.

"Thank you, Isaac. King Bailey, would you like to join us?" I said, smiling as he nodded.

"It would be my pleasure, King Hugo," he said as we entered the dining room and took our seats.

Once we were seated, they brought our food, soup, which was light but delicious. As we ate, I couldn't help but think of the situation; it was a hard decision.

We were either to be loyal to the treaty and get ruined in the process or go solo and protect our people.

"Hugo, I am going to be honest with you and Garrick," said Bailey as we looked at him confused.

"I think we may have a rat in the trade treaty," he said, my eyes widened.

"Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me; there's always one every couple of years," said Dad as Bailey nodded.

"True, but we always capture them in time; this time, we have no idea," said Bailey as I looked confused.

"So, what do you suggest I do?" I asked as they sighed.

"Protect yourself and your people," said Bailey as Dad nodded.

"Since Whelsire is the largest one worth the trade, why don't you set a trap to find them?" Asked Dad as I nodded.

"Believe it or not, I was thinking about that, but I didn't know how it would fit with the trade treaty rules," I said as Bailey smiled and nodded.

"Don't worry about that, Hugo; in situations like this, the treaty contracts within kingdoms become invalid," he said as my eyes widened.

If I'm not mistaken, I learned this from Axel before going into war all those years ago.

"Unless the kingdoms signed another agreement with a notary," I said as he nodded and smiled.

"Correct. However, there have been situations when this even happens with the corporates responsible," he said as I nodded.

"But still, it doesn't affect the kingdoms," said Dad. Bailey nodded.

"Correct, Garrick, once the corporate is found, his shares and belongings go automatically to the kingdoms he hurt," said Bailey.

"What if they have heirs to those kingdoms?" I asked as Bailey looked at me confused.

"Well, they are given a chance to keep the kingdom, but that means they are in debt and have to repay their Father's debts," he said as I nodded.

"That doesn't seem fair, though," I said as he nodded.

"I agree with you, Hugo, but something has to be done to reimburse what was lost by the corporate," said Dad as I sighed.

"However, that hasn't happened yet, so I wouldn't worry, Hugo," said Bailey as I nodded.

Once we were done with Lunch, we headed back to the office to discuss a plan to bring these people down.

"What if we have a ball?" I said as they both looked at me confused.

"W-Why would we have a ball, son?" Asked Dad, confused as Bailey thought for a moment.

"For a peace treaty party," said Bailey as I nodded.

"Exactly, we could say something like we are worried and are throwing this party to ensure that we still trust each other," I said as Dad began to follow.

"It could serve as a warning," said Bailey as I nodded.

"What if we have treaty breakers as well?" Asked Dad as I looked at him confused and Bailey nodded.

"I think that's a great idea, Garrick. Besides, I know many kingdoms would retreat from some they don't trust to protect themselves," said Bailey.

"Wouldn't that cause a fine?" I asked as Bailey shook his head.

"This is the emergency break treaty, and in this case, I'd say the emergency is reasonable," said Bailey as I nodded.

"I have some ready; all it needs is the kingdoms' names and signatures," he said as I nodded.

"In other words, we're going to have a trade treaty party where many will leave, and others will take the chance to strengthen and join other kingdoms," said Dad as Bailey and I nodded.

"If my wife agrees," I said as they chuckled and nodded.

They both understood what I meant: when you rule, you must ensure your partner agrees, or it will break loose.

"Where is the queen, by the way?" Asked Bailey as I smiled.

"She and our children went to the village when I took off to see the trouble with the thieves," I said as he nodded.

"I think it's a wonderful idea; just be careful," said Bailey as we nodded.

Knock Knock

We turned around at the sound of the door being knocked and noticed it was Isaac.

"King Bailey, your carriage is ready," he said as Bailey smiled.

"Excellent, thank you, Isaac," he said, facing us.

"Well, gentleman, I am off," he said, smiling as we nodded.

"We'll go with you," said Dad as I nodded and Bailey smiled.

"How kind of you, thank you," he said as we began to walk towards the exit.

Once we reached outside, we noticed his carriage was ready as we bid goodbye.

"I will be waiting for that invitation, King Hugo," he said as I smiled and nodded.

"Say hello to your wife for me," he said as I nodded.

"Will do," I said as he smiled.

"Take care, Garrick," he said as Dad smiled and nodded.

Once Bailey got into his carriage, we saw it take off in the air. As we saw them depart, the General approached me.

"They're in the cells now, Your Majesty," he said as I nodded.

"Have they said anything?" I asked as he shook his head.

"Nothing," he said as we heard the noise of horses. I smiled as I looked to see the royal carriage arrive and my sons with tier horses.

"Keep them locked up until they decide to talk. But make sure they get bread and water," I said as he nodded and left.

Once I looked back, I saw Sofia step out of the carriage with Elizabeth as Edward and William got off their Pegasus.

They quickly raced up the stairs when they saw me and embraced me for a hug.

"You're back," said Sofia, smiling as I smiled and nodded.

"I am, just like I promised," I said as she smiled.

"Daddy, you're back!" Exclaimed Elizabeth as I hugged her, smiling.

"Of course I am, sunshine," I said as she smiled.

"Good because you and GrandDad have to scold Edward and William," she said as I raised my eyebrow and looked at them.

"Oh, do I?" I asked as she nodded. Edward smiled, and William rolled his eyes. Sofia couldn't help but giggle.

"What did you do to your sister?" I asked, crossing my arms as my Dad followed right behind me.

"Well?" Asked Dad.

"It was just a joke, Dad, promise," said Edward, smiling nervously as William sighed.

"Not when I am doing my work," said Elizabeth as I looked at her confused and then at Sofia.

"Princess duties: She was leading the men at work and helping until her brothers decided to mess around with her," said Sofia as I looked at them.

"She wasn't doing much work till she ordered us to do it for her," said William as Edward gave him a look.

"But we still had fun, right," said Edward as William sighed and shrugged.

"I guess it was a bit funny to spook her," said William as Elizabeth crossed her arms, and I shook my head, smiling.

"Boys, what did we talk about?" I said as they sighed.

"To not bother but protect our sister," they both said as I nodded.

"That's right, apologize to your sister," I said as she looked at them angrily, her arms crossed.

"Sorry, Elizabeth," they both said as she smiled.

"Thank you. You're lucky you're my brother's, too, or I would not have been so easy on your punishment," she said as I shook my head.

"Come on, let's go inside. We have much to talk about," I said as everyone nodded and we headed inside.

"I swear those two remind me of you and Axel; it's like having you two young once again," said Dad as Sofia chuckled.

"I was the angel; Axel was the wild one," I said as Dad smiled.

"Keep talking," said Dad as I shook my head.

It was then that I remembered that I had wanted to talk to William earlier, but with everything that happened, I didn't have the chance to do so.

"William, I need to talk to you," I said as he nodded.

Then I looked over at Sofia, who looked concerned. I smiled and nodded, gesturing for her to come if she wanted to.

"Edward, Elizabeth, why don't you come and tell me about your day while your parents talk with William," said Dad as the children nodded and left with him.

Once we walked inside the office, William and I sat down, and Sofia stood up.

"What did you want to talk to me about, Dad? About why you are keeping me in the dark?" He asked as I looked at Sofia, who looked upset.

"William," she started, but I shook my head as we sighed.

"William, you know I am not keeping you in the dark," Started as he looked at me confused.

"Are you sure?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.

"I didn't tell you anything you didn't already know," I said as he sighed.

"Why didn't you let me come with you to the border?" he asked, and I looked at him surprised.

"How did you?" I asked, looking at Sofia, who looked a bit confused.

"William, who told you?" She demanded as he shook his head.

"I'm not five anymore; I know how to hear and observe," he said as we looked at him.

"Plus, during the training, Sir Anthony left early on GranDad and your orders," he said, and I looked at him surprised.

"I guess you do see everything because your GrandDad told me he didn't say anything to you," I said as he nodded.

"How can you say I am your heir when I don't do things involving the kingdom with you?" He asked as I smiled.

"But you do," said Sofia as I nodded, and he looked confused.

"You help around the village; we attend meetings here, sometimes balls," I said as he shook his head.

"But I want to do more, Dad; I want to be there when there is trouble and help you," he said as I smiled.

"Son, I am very proud of how far you have come and your commitment to the kingdom, but you need to slow down," I said as he sighed.

"There's still time for me to teach you everything. I want to go slowly because it's a lot," I said as he looked at Sofia and nodded.

"It's hard, darling, and we don't want you to feel the big burden, which is why we started you off slow," she said as I nodded.

"I know you want to come with me, but as you said, you're my heir son, and if anything happens to me, we need you safe to rule," I said as he began to relax.

"If that time were to come, the kingdom would need you, your siblings, and your Mother, but I promise I will leave you trained enough to if that were to happen," I said as he nodded.

"Besides, I am not going anywhere, so there's still time to teach you," I said as he nodded.

"Okay, Dad," he said as I smiled at him.

"But there is something your Mother and I want to discuss with you; it's about your future," I said as his eyes widened.

"What about it?" He asked, raising his eyebrow, confused.

"Sweetheart, you're 20 years old and are not betrothed yet," said Sofia, and I could see Williams' eyes roll.

"Mom, Don't," he said, shaking his head as I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Your mother and I just wanted to know what you plan on doing about that?" I asked as he shrugged.

"Nothing," he said as her eyes widened.

"Nothing at all?" She asked as he nodded.

"You know you have the freedom to choose as of this moment, and not many have that opportunity, son," I said as he nodded.

"I know, Dad; I just don't want to do anything about it," he said as I looked at him confused.

"But Why?" Asked Sofia as he shook his head.

"Because I don't," he said as I couldn't help but slightly smirk at him.

"Are you sure there isn't a special girl out there you like?" I asked as he rolled his eyes.

"If I am being honest, I don't see myself getting married unless I have to, for the kingdom's sake," he said as my eyes widened.

I couldn't believe what I heard as I looked at Sofia, who had the same expression.

"But sweetheart, that is no way to live; I want you to be happy," said Sofia as I nodded.

"There wasn't any at Royal prep that got your interest?" I asked him as he shook his head.

"Dad, all these princesses of today are pretty spoiled and bird brains; in my opinion, the only smart ones are my cousins and friends," he said as I shook my head.

"Funny, that's the same thing Elizabeth said," Sofia said in a low voice as I turned to her, confused.

"Say what now?" I asked as she smiled and shook her head.

"Nothing, dear," she said, smiling nervously before walking over to William as I thought for a moment.

"Why don't you at least try to get out with your friends? You never know; maybe you will meet someone through them," she said as he stood up and shook his head.

"Mom, we don't live in the same times you and Dad did before," he said as he looked at him, confused.

"And honestly, I wish I had because from what I heard, you changed everything for royal prep once you arrived," he said as she smiled, and I nodded.

"Well, you're right on that, son; I don't think half of us would be married if your mother didn't come to royal prep," I said as he nodded before looking at Sofia.

"There was no you there, Mom, no one to challenge or change anything; that was us," he said, upset as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't need someone like that in my life. I want someone like me, and as far as I know, she doesn't exist," he added as we looked at him.

"This is why I'd rather do what's best for my kingdom; my people are the ones who truly need me," he said as Sofia hugged him tightly.

Once she let go, I went to my son and touched his shoulder before smiling.

"I get it, son, but you mustn't give up. Trust me, she's out there for you. You have to be patient," I said as he shook his head.

"I used to think like you. I was surrounded by many princesses who didn't seek my interest," I started as he listened.

"I, too, wanted someone like me, a friend with whom I could always have fun and be my true self. But when I didn't find her and gave up, things turned worse," I said as he smirked.

"Let me guess, you became a bad boy, Dad?" He asked as I chuckled and nodded.

"I became arrogant, rude, prideful, and most importantly, I shut down all my feelings," I said as his eyes widened.

"By doing so, I didn't even notice that your Mother was exactly the one I was looking for, and because of that, I was very rude to your Mother and, in my opinion, almost lost her," I said as Sofia smiled.

"Well, I wouldn't say you lost me. But then again, you made me fall from Minimus during the flying derby, so you're right, partially," she said, smiling as she embraced me from behind.

"I think you have already met her son; you just don't see it yet, or you're denying yourself," I said as he sighed.

"But if you want to marry for the kingdom's future, I have no problem with that," I said as his eyes widened.

"I will see what can be arranged, and I will let you know as soon as possible," I said as he looked a bit upset but nodded.

"Thank you, Dad; I will wait for your news," he said, upset as I nodded.

"See you at supper," he said as he walked out upset. Sofia turned towards me and frowned, confused.

"What was that?" She asked, confused as I sighed before looking into her blue eyes.

"Trying to knock sense into this boy," I said as she raised her eyebrow.

"By proposing an arranged marriage?" She asked as I shook my head.

"I'm not going to do it, but I need him to think and wake up," I said as she nodded understanding.

"Am I being too harsh with him?" I asked as she smiled and shook her head.

"No," she said as she walked closer, embracing her arms around my neck and smiling.

"He's our son, and I know you want what's best for him, as do I," she said as I nodded.

"I think that plus a bit of our story will open his eyes a bit," she said as I nodded.

"He really reminds me a lot of myself, and I don't want him to make those same mistakes I did with you," I said as she smiled.

"I know, but like how I forgave and helped you change, so will his future wife," she said as I nodded, smiling.

"I am so glad I married you; you kept me waiting for a long time," I said as she giggled.

"I'm sorry, my dear husband. I was in the village living a simple life," she said, giggling as I chuckled.

"Took me a long time to find you," I said as she smiled.

"But you found me in the end," she said as I nodded.

"Can you believe it? Twenty years of marriage," I said as she smiled and nodded.

"20 years of happiness," she said as I caressed her cheek, and she leaned in for my touch, closing her eyes.

"I love you," I said as she opened her eyes and smiled.

"I love you too," she said as I clashed my lips with hers, and we shared a passionate kiss.