A Few days later
King Hugo
I was looking at the letter I had just received from the kingdom of Aragon, and I couldn't believe my eyes.
The king informed me that Duke Ben had been missing for days, and he and Duke Ben's wife, Malorie, believed I was involved somehow.
I placed the letter down and couldn't help but worry—first, about the deterioration of the kingdom's treaty alliance, and now about this.
We really couldn't trust anyone, but far from that, I wasn't a murderer; why would they think I was capable of that?
Edward's graduation was tomorrow, and I wanted nothing more than to relax with my family and be calm for once since things seemed to be going well.
Especially, with William and Rosalie. Over the past few days, they have been spending time together and seemed to really get along.
However, William has been a tad distant because he has been helping me with meetings and overseeing projects.
But I constantly told him not to neglect Rosalie, especially if they were getting along well.
Sofia and I think this is a sign of good news, that hopefully, it's real love. If it is, I'm glad it is because I want my son to be happy.
However, now I won't be able to fully relax for Edward's graduation because I am being called a murderer.
I wonder why they didn't just come directly to me and talk to me, and most importantly, why they think I did it.
I have never had any deals with Duke Ben; I am not even connected with the kingdom of Aragon, so he would have no business being in Whelsire.
Instead of the accusation, I would rather they talk to me or even question me about this instead of telling me I am a murderer.
"This doesn't make any sense, Dad; why would they think I would do anything?" I asked as he crossed his arms, upset.
"I don't know, Hugo, I don't even believe it myself. Hand me the letter," he said as I sighed and handed him the letter as he read it.
"It's complete foolishness if you ask me," said Dad as he handed me the letter and shook his head.
King Hugo,
You are at this moment named suspect of the murder of Duke Ben; he was said to arrive and discuss manners with you in your palace a few days ago and has yet to return home.
His wife has reached out to me and informed me about this situation, and I agree that it is weird that he disappeared the day he was set to meet you.
We will do everything we can to make sure justice is provided for Duke Ben, and I hope for your own good you are not the cause of his death.
If we find out you were involved in some way in his disappearance or even death, we will make sure you hang for your crimes.
Sincerely, King Lyvot of Aragon.
"Kidnapping is one thing, but death? What proof do they have of me? And why do they automatically say death instead of disappearance?" I said as Dad thought.
"Yes, it is odd they keep saying death as if they know he's dead," said Dad as I nodded.
"Someone is giving them false information to sabotage me; they are out for my blood," I said as Dad looked at me worried.
"Who, though?" he asked as I shrugged.
"We have a very long list, Dad, and it doesn't help if we don't catch this person," I said as he nodded.
"Hugo, I have a hunch. What if this is the same person?" asked Dad as I thought momentarily.
"Honestly, Dad, that has crossed my mind multiple times, but if it is true, we are still on square one since we still don't know who he is," I said as he nodded, upset.
It was then he heard a knock at the door, and it opened to reveal Sofia with a ray of tea and some snacks.
"Time for your tea, Dad," she said, smiling as she placed the tray down and filled a teacup for Dad smiling.
"Do I really…." Started Dad, but Sofia cut him off with a stern look.
"Yes, you do. Remember the doctor said to take a cup of tea in the morning and at night, so drink up," she said, handing Dad his tea as I chuckled.
My Dad was already entering an age where they needed extra attention and care, and Sofia has been doing a fantastic job helping me.
She makes sure the food is served as it should for Dad and that he takes his tea regularly. This will help him improve the quality of his health.
At first, Dad protested, but eventually, he came around. All it took was for Liz to give him the puppy eyes, and he was sold.
"Don't tease Dad; remember you will be this age sooner than expected, darling," said Sofia, smirking as I raised my eyebrow at her.
"Honey, look at me. I am still young as ever," I said as she raised her eyebrow and shook her head, causing Dad to chuckle.
"So, what's the news?" she asked as I smiled nervously as Dad took a long sip of his tea, turning around, and Sofia frowned, confused.
"What is it?" she asked, sounding a bit worried. I sighed and showed her the letter as she read it.
Long ago, I learned that it was better to let Sofia know the truth whenever a problem occurred instead of hiding it from her and having a discussion with her about hiding it from her.
As she read the letter, I noticed her eyes widened in shock. Then, she dropped the letter and shook her head.
"What the hell is this?" she asked as I shrugged and sighed.
"That's what I want to know; I mean, I barely even know Duke Ben," I said as she thought momentarily.
"If anything, I know his wife," She said as I looked at her surprised.
"You do?" Asked both Dad and me as she nodded.
"She's Lucinda's distant cousin; their Mothers are cousins," she said as my eyes widened.
"So, she used to be a villager?" asked Dad as Sofia nodded.
"Most importantly, is she a witch?" I asked as Sofia shook her head.
"I don't think so; her Mother was never able to do magic because her Father wasn't a wizard," she said as we nodded.
"At least we know she won't curse or hex us," I said as Sofia smiled and shook her head.
"I wonder why she didn't come directly to me," said Sofia, slightly upset as I took hold of her hands.
"I mean, things are tough right now, Sof. Many don't know who they can and can't trust," I said as she nodded.
"I know, still; I thought we were friends," she said, upset as I sighed.
"I will contact Lucinda and see if she can help us with her cousin's issue," Sofia said as I smiled.
"That's Good because Mom is too young to be a widow," said a familiar voice as we turned to see William, and Sofia giggled.
"You got that right, dear," said Sofia giggling.
"Then again, maybe I could use a newer Dad," said William as I crossed my arms at him and raised my eyebrow as Dad and Sofia laughed.
"How did my son turn out just like Axel?" I asked, smiling before shaking my head and turning around.
Like Axel, William seemed to inherit his sense of humor; it was pretty funny because I could finally see how Axel and I were with Edward and William.
"You are Lucky I inherited my uncle's humor," he said, walking in as I shook my head.
"What did I miss?" asked William as I smiled at him.
"Apparently, I am a murder now," I said, handing him the letter. He read it and began to chuckle, and he read it.
"This is a joke, right? Tell me they aren't serious?" he asked, confused as I shook my head.
"Dad, this is stupid. Are they insane? We don't even talk to the Duke," he said as I nodded.
"I know, William, but they believe we are behind this," I said as he shook his head.
"If they suspect anyone, it should be King Ricardo," he said as we looked at him confused.
"Why do you say that?" I asked him as he looked at me confused.
"Dad, when we had the ball for the kingdoms, King Ricardo and Duke Ben were always together," he said as my eyes widened.
"Who said it was you?" he asked as I shrugged.
"I am not sure, but both King Lyvot and Duchess Malorie think it was me," I said as William nodded.
"We even think that the person who is trying to hurt your Dad might be the same person who is behind all this mess with the peace treaty with the kingdoms," said Dad.
"Let's say that was the case; we are still at square one because we don't know who he is," said Sofia as we nodded.
"But we may have a lead," said William as I frowned at him.
"I know that we should be suspicious of everyone, but we also need proof of that, William," I said as he nodded.
"And I do, Dad. Think about it. Why does he suddenly want Rosalie to marry me? Where is one of the most powerful kingdoms in the nation?" he said as I nodded.
"That is true. We don't depend on anyone; we actually help them," I said as he nodded.
"It could be power," said Dad as I nodded.
"For what motive, though?" asked Sofia as I shrugged.
"He doesn't need to have a motive for power; when you want it, it's usually because of ambition," said Dad as I nodded.
"Although, I think there might be another reason here," Said William as we looked at him confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused, as I saw him look at Sofia, who shook her head.
"William, I think this is silly," said Sofia as I began to understand what he meant.
It is true that I have noticed that when we meet with King Ricardo occasionally, he seems too interested in my wife.
"I see what you mean, William; I, too, have noticed what you mean," I said as he nodded.
"But then again, it doesn't make sense because we haven't known him for very long," I said as he sighed.
"That is what always gets me stuck," said William as I nodded.
"There are all good accusations, but there needs to be proof," Said Dad as I nodded.
"The proof lies with Rosalie. When she first arrived, she was all bruised up, and thankfully, the bruises are slowly healing," said William, upset.
"That would only prove he is an abusive Father," said Dad as I thought momentarily.
"Maybe so, but it could also prove that he's not mentally well and could do things to control people," I said as their eyes widened.
"And who would believe us?" asked Sofia crossing her arms confused.
"No one, but they would believe Rosalie," said William as I nodded.
"Wait, are you really going to ask her to stand up to her Father? Her abuser? Who has done nothing but torture her for years?" said Sofia, upset as I sighed.
"I don't like it either, Sof, but we need to start digging here to find proof that we can either take him off the suspect list or make him pay for his crimes," I said as she sighed and looked at William.
"What do you think, William? Do you think she could handle that?" Sofia asked as he sighed and thought momentarily.
"Honestly, I don't know," he said as we nodded.
"At least she trusts us a bit more," said Sofia as I nodded.
"We have to start pushing her to get some answers, first the treaty, and now I am being accused of being a murder; what's next?" I asked, confused.
"Your death," said William as my eyes widened.
"This attack isn't for power," I said, looking at Dad and Sofia as their eyes widened.
"It's revenge," said Sofia as she began to panic slightly.
"But why? What motive does someone have to hurt you?" Asked Sofia, confused as I shrugged.
For once, I was at a loss with her. I don't seem to have any problems with anyone; the only people I have are dead.
Not only would I help my people, but I would also help neighborhood kingdoms and the small ones who are just beginning.
'Could it be someone from my past?' I thought as I turned and looked at the kingdom map.
Everywhere I looked, I saw many allies from the people and kingdoms; the only reason was that the enemy wasn't in my kingdom.
"That would explain why they attacked us first when the rumor started about the peace treaty with the kingdoms," said Dad as I nodded.
"They weren't attacking other kingdoms, just Whelsire; they spread that rumor to break alliances and try to weaken me," I said as they looked confused.
"How do you know they haven't attacked other kingdoms, Dad?" asked William as I walked over to my desk and opened a drawer full of letters.
"When we had that first attack and the rumors started, I quickly sent letters to our family members," I said as they looked at the cards.
"What did they say?" Asked William.
"They have never been attacked since the rumor started, and they haven't been attacked to this day," I said as they looked confused.
"Let's suppose we were the only ones attacked. Why would someone start the rumor for us?" Dad asked, as we thought.
"Because we never would have said anything, and they needed to weaken us," Sofia said as I nodded.
"We told everyone at the ball, but before that, who knew?" I asked Sofia as she shook her head.
"No one except family," said Sofia as I nodded.
"And the person who planned this," said William as I nodded.
"We need to go through our list," I said as Sofia nodded.
"I will help you, dear, after I send the letter to Lucinda," she said as I nodded and smiled at her.
"What list?" asked William confused.
"The list of all the kingdoms of the Realm and our connection to them," I said as he nodded.
"I will try to get answers elsewhere," he said as I nodded.
"Be gentle and patient," said Sofia as he nodded.
"I will try, but we are at war here, Mom," he said as I shook my head, chuckling as he left the office.
Sofia quickly took a seat and began to write to her friend Lucinda as Dad and I took the scroll with the names of every king and queen in the realm.
'I sure hope this works.' I thought, placing the scrolls on the desk as Dad chuckled slightly.
"Dad?" I asked as he smiled at me before looking at Sofia and then at me again.
"Should we consider any stalkers you and Sofia had?" he asked, and the three of us couldn't help but chuckle.
"Um, I think mine are dead, Dad," I said, chuckling as Sofia nodded.
"Mine is happily married," said Sofia, smiling.
"Maybe it's someone you don't even know yourself," said Dad as I thought momentarily.
"You know, that could be a possibility, Sof," I said as she thought before agreeing with us.
"It wouldn't be the first time someone has tried to take me away from you, dear husband, and it won't be the last. What can I say? I am a beauty," she said, smiling, as I shook my head.
Honestly, she wasn't wrong about that. My wife is beautiful, and many were not happy when I won the competition for her hand.
"What makes you think it isn't the other way, darling?" I asked, smirking at her as she raised her eyebrow before smiling and continuing her writing.
"It Won't be the first time, nor the last time. They'll return you so quick that I am not worried, though," she said, and Dad couldn't help but chuckle at this.
"She's got you there, son," he said as I smiled and shook my head.
"But yes, we should also check all those, just in case," I said as he nodded.
Within a few minutes, Sofia was done and gave her letter to Isaac, sending it urgently before joining Dad and me as we went over each kingdom and our situation with them.
Prince William
As I walked out of my Dad's, I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed. We were in trouble and needed answers, yet we couldn't find them.
I don't know why, but I have a feeling Rosalie might have the answers I am looking for. Yet, I don't want to rush her progress.
Over the last couple of days, we have been getting closer, and I have gotten to know what she likes and doesn't.
However, she has yet to talk about her family; she occasionally talks about her horse and nanny but not her parents.
I understand she may not want to and isn't ready for it because of everything that has been happening, but we need answers now.
'I hope you are ready, little Dove,' I thought as I headed over to the library and saw her sitting down with Liz talking.
Slowly, she has been getting out of her room and walking around the castle more, sometimes exploring with Liz or me.
However, her best time might be with my Mom; they sit together and make clothes for the children of the orphanage.
"Hey, Willy, How's it going?" she asked me, smiling as I smiled at her.
"Good, and you?" I said, smiling but sternly as she looked surprised before smiling.
"I am doing good, but I have to run; I promised Izzie I'd help her with the last-minute touch-ups for tomorrow's party," she said as I nodded.
"I will see you all at dinner," she said before hugging us and leaving the library as I sat next to Rosalie.
"How are you?" I asked her, smiling as she returned the smile.
"Good, I haven't seen much of you lately," she said, raising her eyebrow as I chuckled slightly.
Over the last two days, I have been busy helping Dad attend meetings and visiting the village to oversee the growth.
"I'm sorry about that, Dove. I have been attending lots of meetings and overseeing things for my Father," I said as she smiled and nodded.
"I get it. You are to be king, and that is the life of a king," she said as I nodded.
"But I have some time now, and I was hoping we could talk?" I said as she raised her eyebrow before smiling.
"Alright, about what?" she asked, curious as I sighed before taking a deep breath and telling her what I wanted to discuss.
"Why don't you want to talk about your parents, Dove?" I asked her as her smile disappeared, and she turned away.
"Because…..Because there's nothing to tell there," she said, slightly upset, as I looked at her confused.
"What do you mean there's nothing to tell? There's clearly something. I mean, it's on your skin," I said as she got up, her back towards me.
"If you know, then why ask? Why do you want me to tell you?" she asked, facing me confused.
"Rosalie, I need to know who you are and who your family is. We are at war, and…" I started as her eyes widened.
"And you think I am the enemy?" she asked, confused. I sighed, stood up, and walked to her.
"I don't think you are, but…" I started, but she cut me off.
"You don't trust me, do you?" she asked as I slightly got a bit annoyed.
"I mean, you did lie to me during our engagement dinner," I said as I saw her give me an angry look.
"Because I didn't know you, how do you expect me to tell you everything on the day of our engagement dinner?" she said, upset.
"I don't expect you to tell me everything quickly but soon. I mean, we are to be married, and I'd like to know who I am to marry," I said as she crossed her arms, looking away, upset.
"Who are you? What's your story? How come we have never heard about you?" I asked, but she cut in.
"I already told you I was…" She started as I cut her off.
"I know you were home-schooled, you have been most of your life, yet I feel like you are lying; you must have gone to public school once, even if it was slightly," I said as she looked at me with a blank expression.
Her expression seemed empty and alone, and I wanted to hug her and let her know that everything was going to be alright, but I couldn't.
"I'm not your enemy," she said as I looked at her confused.
'Why would she say that unless…Unless she knew something,' I thought as my eyes widened.
"Tell me, what do you know?" I asked her as she looked at me confused before she sighed.
"I am not going to tell you anything about my past life that you don't already know," she said, upset as I crossed my arms.
"Is that so?" I asked as she nodded.
"Goodnight, William," she said, leaving from the library.
As I watched her leave, I couldn't help but kick myself in the gut. We were making progress, and I felt like I just ruined the progress.
But then again, why do I care? I mean, this union is for the best of the kingdom; why do I care about making progress with her?
Then again, there was something that I felt like I was missing. As I have gotten to know her over the last few days, I can't help but wonder if she is the same princess I met years ago.
They have the same hair and eyes even though they seem the same as the girl I met weeks ago with her horse.
I needed to find some answers, and I think I know where to start; I headed over to my Father's office to see him and Mom studying the scroll carefully.
"Knock, knock. Can I come in?" I asked as they turned to look at me, smiling as I noticed GrandDad wasn't around.
"Of course, darling," said Mom as I entered.
"Where's GrandDad?" I asked as they smiled.
"He went to rest a bit before supper," said Mom as I nodded.
"How did it go with Rosalie?" asked Dad as I sighed and shook my head as Mom looked upset.
"What did you do?" she asked me, raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms.
"I may have pushed too much," I said, smiling nervously as they shook their heads.
"Why?" asked Mom as Dad shook his head and smiled slightly.
"Welcome to the dog house," said Dad as I rolled my eyes, and Mom looked at him sternly as he quickly looked down.
"William, I told you not to push. What's the first thing you do?" asked Mom, crossing her arms as I looked at Dad for help.
"Don't look at me; you got yourself into this mess; I ain't helping you out," said Dad, chuckling as I rolled my eyes.
"Thanks, Dad," I said, looking at Mom, upset.
"I know, I know," I said as Mom cut me off.
"But of course, you are your Father's son," she said as Dad's eyes widened.
"Hey! This is about him, not me," said Dad as Mom gave him a stern look before he quickly became quiet again.
"What are you planning on doing about it?" asked Mom as I smiled.
"I have a plan, but I may need to travel to Enchancia and Zumaria," I said as my parents looked confused.
"For what?" asked Dad confused as Mom nodded.
"For Edmond, Alexander, and Adrian," I said as Dad smiled.
"Ahh, I see," said Dad, smiling as Mom looked confused.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Mom as Dad smiled and came to hug her from behind.
"Consider this as a grand gesture if you need your buddies involved," said Dad as Mom looked surprised before smiling and looking at me as I nodded.
"And send a letter to Amathest," I said as Mom continued to look confused. I smiled and hugged her.
"Trust me," I said as she looked at me curious before nodding.
"Don't wait up," I said, leaving the study room.
"Good luck!" I heard my Dad say as I approached my room and sent the letter to Amathest.
'I hope this works.' I thought as I entered my room and began writing the letter.