Chapter 8 — Admission

Everything suddenly came together, forming a picture that I never wanted to see. Something that I never thought I would witness. Benjamin had the princely attitude that Laura talked about when she said someone was trying to earn her affections. And Benjamin mentioned he never cared for a woman’s status as long as she wasn’t a criminal.

The only question I have now would be…what am I supposed to do? I don’t know who met Laura first, who loved Laura first. But my friend—one of the few people whom I trusted, the man I called my brother—was also in love with her.

Who should I side with? Who should I choose?

Him? Or her?

As I tried to sort out everything inside of me, Benjamin finally spoke, “Laura, we only knew each other for a short while. And I know that whatever I may say or do right now, I might seem like I'm moving too fast.” He continued, his eyes never leaving her, “But nothing matters to me anymore. Only you. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one I’m looking for. And today, I would like for my search to come to an end.”

“Benjamin, I know I should’ve told you sooner,” Laura said, sternly. Her eyes looked directly into his as she continued, “My heart already belongs to someone else. And nothing you say or do can change my mind.”

“Laura, I already know that. Your actions speak louder than your words. But you must realize something,” Benjamin quickly held onto her hand, desperate. He will not let her go that easy. “The gods allowed our paths to cross for a reason. And I believe they did that because you’re meant for me. And I can prove that to you.”

Her brows furrowed. Her gaze followed Benjamin’s head as he turned to my direction.

“Robert, tell her.”

My heart shattered even more as Benjamin begged for my help. His eyes were desperate. He knew he was running out of time. His persuasion wasn’t working on Laura. At the same time, Laura’s eyes plead to stop Benjamin. Laura and I never broke eye contact. But I could see Benjamin shifted from looking at her and then to me.

Truth be told, I wanted to be honest with Benjamin. Laura was the love of my life, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything else. I would fight for her until the very end of this world. But Benjamin was my brother. I’ve known him for almost all my life. I didn’t want to ruin our brotherhood because we loved the same person.

On the other hand, Laura was the woman of my heart. We had been through a lot of challenges, and I didn’t want to lose her again. But at this moment, I already knew the right choice. As a future king…my feelings would come second for the greater good of others.

With a heavy heart, I sighed and looked directly at Laura. “You deserve each other, Laura. He will love you with all his heart. He will take good care of you. He would be able to give your heart’s greatest desires, even more.” Those words felt like bile as they escaped my lips. Those words pierced my heart like a three-edged sword. And what I was about to say would become one of my greatest regrets. “Whoever you have your heart set on, you must forget. It’s best that you allow Benjamin to enter your heart as you have entered his.”

Her jaw tensed as her eyes watered. As she held her tears, her pain was given away by her teary gaze.

Our gaze was disconnected as Benjamin grabbed onto her other hand, putting the bouquet on the ground. “Laura, giving me your heart would make me the happiest man in this lifetime and the other,” his frantic stare never left Laura. But Laura, unmoved, gave him a blank reaction. “Give me your all and you’ll have all of me. I’ll provide for you and everything it is that you would ever need. All you have to do is say yes.”

As Benjamin caressed her hands with her thumbs, my insides crumbled. I should be the one holding her hands in mine. A part of me believed that her hands belonged to me and me alone. I then looked at Benjamin. I could never hate him or curse him. My love for him as a brother has overpowered my affections for Laura.

And if my pain is my sacrifice for the happiness of my brother…I was willing to let her go.

“Benjamin, I…” Laura struggled with her words. She then tried to free herself from his hold as she continued, “This isn’t the right time for this. Shouldn’t you give me some time to think about everything?”

“What’s there to think about when it’s true love?” he quickly replied. His grasp on her tightened.

“But I don’t feel the same way as you do,” she protested as she raised her voice. She was able to pull her hands back and she added, “I care for you and respect you as a friend. But I cannot give you more than that.”

Benjamin slowly stood up and towered over her. She took a few steps back, overwhelmed by his height. I wanted to shield her from him. But I didn’t want any conflict. “I’ve said this before, Laura: I don’t care about anything, except you. Whether you love me or not, I made a vow to myself that you will be mine,” he answered, tears now streamed down his face. His walls were down. Benjamin has shown his vulnerable side to Laura. “But I need to hear it from you. Because I know, in time, you will love me back.”

I cleared my throat, causing them to look at me. “I suppose that this is my time to leave. Your conversation has become too personal.”

“Robert,” Laura tried to stop me as I turned around.

I didn’t move for a brief second and proceeded to leave. I hopped onto the horse and went on my way. I just want to be alone, away from everybody.

♔♔♔

The day passed without any troubles. I locked myself in my room, sitting firmly on my chair by the window. The moon had already risen, and my room was covered in darkness. I didn’t bother to turn on the lights as I sulked away from the world. Only the moonlight that shone on my face was present.

During my time alone, I was accompanied by three pitchers of wine. I drank and drank as I pondered everything that’s happened to me today. A few servants have tried to disrupt my peace. But my page has done a good job in keeping other people out of my room. I lost everything today and I simply didn’t want to be bothered.

I lost Lady.

I lost Laura.

I couldn’t imagine that so much heartbreak can happen to someone in a day.

I refilled my cup when my door creaked open. “Your Highness?” my page called from behind. His voice echoed slightly within the darkened room.

“I thought we agreed that no one is allowed to enter,” I snapped before I took a big gulp of wine.

The door closed and a few steps proceeded to enter. “Pardon me, young prince. However, Nana Olsa is standing at the door. She wants to see you,” he explained.

My sigh was loud enough to fill the whole room.

“I understand that you don’t want to be disturbed, Your Highness,” he quickly added. His voice shook in fear. “I just wanted to ask what I should tell Nana Olsa.”

As I finished a cup of wine, I poured in more. “Let her in. But don’t tell her anything,” I instructed, filling my cup to the brim.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Fast-paced steps headed towards the door, only to be replaced by a sound of a stick, hitting the floor.

As the sound got closer, I continued to drink as I paid no mind to any possible consequences of overdrinking. “Hello, Nana. What can I do for you today?” I asked, trying my best not to sound drunk. I turned to pour more wine into the cup as she stood beside me.

“Can you tell me what’s going on, Robert?” she asked as the wine reached the brim.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Nana,” I replied, bringing the cup to my lips.

I took in a sip before she spatted, “Obviously, there’s something wrong with you today. You’re not the kind of person that would waste his time and energy, drinking to his heart’s content for no reason.”

I rolled my eyes before I turned to her. “Nana, there’s nothing for you to worry about. “I’m simply…celebrating this day,” I continued with sarcasm, raising my hands into the air. “Today is such a lovely day. Everything is just fantastic.” I then took another sip.

A long sigh came from Nana before she proceeded to stand on my other side. “Robert,” she then held my hand, making me look up to her. “You can always tell me what your problem is. You don’t have to hide it.”

From a stern guardian to a caring mother, her shift in approaching me somehow melted my angry heart. She looked into my eyes, gravely concerned about my well-being.

But what am I supposed to do? Tell her that I’m mourning the loss of a companion? That the man I considered a brother has taken the only love of my life? I wasn’t even allowed to fall in love with somebody else, to be with somebody else other than Princess Lorain. But Laura happened to me. The worst part was I couldn’t tell anyone because they can tell James about it.

She pulled a chair across us and sat in front of me. She kept holding onto my hand and continued, “I know that you’re in a lot of pain at the moment. To be frank, I don’t know what I can say to make you feel better. But to drink yourself away isn’t the solution.” She then caressed my hand a little. “You can always tell me what’s going on in your mind. You don’t have to keep it to yourself.”

I sighed as I hung my head low. I wanted to tell someone about my struggles. I want to tell Nana. But the fear of her possibly telling James was getting in the way. She was simply looking out for me and my well-being. However, she’s much more loyal to the crown than to me. So, at the moment, the only person I could trust with these thoughts…would be me alone.

I settled the cup on the table and held her hand. “I appreciate your concern, Nana. And I’m grateful that you always look after me,” I looked directly at her with a faint smile. “However, it’s best that I keep everything to myself right now. I want to be able to find the solution for what’s been bothering me. I apologize for worrying you about the wine. I just wanted to be numb for a while,” I continued. “Don’t worry, I won’t be drinking for a long time. I only hope that you understand that I need this right now.”

Her lips became a firm line as she nodded. She then reached out to my face and caressed it. “I understand completely,” she said before putting her hand down. “But remember, you’re not alone in this world. You can always tell me or your family if you need someone to talk to.”

I nodded as I forced a smile.

She slowly stood up and gave me a gentle peck on my forehead. “Control your consumption, please. I don’t want to receive any news that the prince of Western Wind has died because of overdrinking,” she added, returning to her state of stern guardian.

I chuckled. “The possible reason for my death would be a broken heart.”

“Robert,” she frowned, warning me.

“I was only trying to make you laugh, Nana,” I said with a cheeky grin.

“That isn’t a proper way to make someone laugh, Robert,” she argued. “That is not something to make a joke about.”

I continuously nodded as I answered, “I know, I know.”

“Send for Gonzalo if you ever need anything,” she added. She then went on her way, the door closed behind her. I turned back to the table and reached for the cup. But as I was about to touch it, Laura’s face entered my mind. My hand hung in the air as the image of her smile caught me still.

I could see her clearly. Her vibrant eyes. Her cheerful smile. Her rosy cheeks. Her laughter rang clearly in my imagination. Her aura of happiness that radiated off of her. That happiness that can easily affect you and your mood.

I blinked quickly as I got out of my thoughts. I pulled my hand back, settled my feet on the chair that Nana sat on and stared out the window. As the starry night filled my sight, I couldn’t help but feel drowsy. After a strenuous battle against sleep, I finally succumbed to its power.

♔♔♔

The sunset began as I sat beside Lady’s grave. The men did a great job in following my orders. They buried her exactly where I wanted her to be—on top of a hill, under the very tree where we stayed. Her grave was surrounded by small, white flowers. A big arrangement sat on top of her. Her grave was nothing but glorious. She was glorious from the day we met until the very last moment I was able to go on a ride with her. Until the end of my days, I will treasure every memory of her.

Patiently, I watched as the sun slowly disappeared between the two mountains beyond. I was still able to watch this with her. However, what was beside me wasn’t a champion but a grave. As my gaze was fixed onto the sun, I touched each petal from the red rose that I held.

My mind was blank.

Nothing remained inside of it but absolute emptiness. The only thing I can think of is the question, ‘What am I supposed to do now?’ The sunset was as slow as the time that pain was taking to leave my body.

I moved closer to Lady’s grave and settled the rose on top of her grave. “Lady,” I said as I stared down on her resting place, “you were taken from me the day I needed you the most.” I then sighed and looked back at the sunset. “Benjamin has asked Laura to be his. Without a doubt, she surely said yes. Who would refuse a gentleman such as Benjamin, right? He’s far better in all aspects than me.” I looked to the ground and played with the grass beneath me. “Who would refuse him?” I whispered to myself.

“Still, he wasn’t man enough for me,” a familiar voice spoke behind me.

My head turned around. Laura stood behind me and in her hand was a bouquet of sunflowers and daisies. Gently, she walked towards me, never breaking eye contact with me. “May I?” she asked, referring to the flowers she held.

I nodded.

She left a small kiss on the flowers and put it on top of Lady’s grave. She then proceeded to sit beside me, not saying a word.

We remained that way for a long while. We were so close and yet, so far. I wanted so badly to pull her into my arms and protect her with my embrace. But at the same time, I wanted to push her away. I wanted her to be as far away as possible so I could recover from the pain that was inflicted on me. I know that she doesn’t deserve the blame for the pain I’ve felt for a week. But she has become a part of the problem as Benjamin chose her to be his wife.

I cleared my throat, diffusing the tension between us. “So, what happened between you and Benjamin?” I asked, not looking at her.

“He left a few minutes after you did,” she replied with an almost faint voice.

I nodded slightly. “When will the festivities be held?” I asked another. Certainly, she’s already set to be his bride.

“Festivities?” she asked, her voice sounded confused.

“The wedding, I mean.”

She then forced me to look at her. “Do you see any engagement rings on my fingers?” she asked as she held out her hand.

Indeed, there was no sign of a ring. Perhaps they’re only together so they could work through their differences and build a long-lasting relationship.

“Then when is the celebration?” I continued with another question.

“Celebration for what?” she frowned.

“I’m certain that Benjamin will hold a grand and glorious banquet for your response to his proposal,” I replied. “I’m simply asking where and when it will be held so I can prepare for it.”

That is if I was invited to the celebration.

I’m not quite sure if Benjamin will invite me to any possible celebrations for the two of them. I don’t think that Laura herself would invite me as well. She must know by now that her relationship with my brother has continued to hurt me.

My thoughts were cut short when she moved closer to me and said, “Robert, I never said yes to him.”

My brows furrowed. Did I hear that correctly? She didn’t give him the answer Benjamin was expecting.

“I couldn’t,” she added.

I finally looked at her. “Why?”

She let out a deep breath as she held my hands. She then looked into my eyes and asked, “Why should I give my heart to someone who isn’t worthy of it?”

“Then, who deserves your heart?” I asked.

She smiled as she explained, “I once told myself that I will kiss the hands of the one who deserves my heart. It would be a sign of my affection, that I will be devoted to him.”

I cleared my throat. “And who is this man that you speak of? Is he the one you already have your heart set on?” I asked. My heart beat faster as we continued this conversation.

Slowly, she laid a kiss on both of my hands. She caressed the spots she kissed and looked back at me. “The one whose hands I just kissed.”

Time stopped.

“Me?” was the only response I could utter as I held back my tears, trying to process what I just heard and witnessed.

“Who else?” she smiled as a tear escaped her eye. She explained as the tears continued, “Robert, as I got to know you better, you’ve been the man I prayed and waited for. You taught me how to trust. You’ve given me genuine love and care. It’s something that is only given by my bakery family. And from the moment we touched hands, I just knew it.”

I sniffled as tears ran down my face. “But Laura, I’m not like Benjamin. I cannot give you what he can,” I said.

“I never asked for material things, Robert. They never made me happy,” she replied.

I closed my head and lowered my head. I didn’t know how to answer her. She’s never said such things to me before. I still struggled to process or react to her admission. I didn’t expect her to say that. She never gave any implications that she felt the same as I did.

I then felt her forehead on mine. She whispered, “Robert, I understand if you can’t accept my heart.” She continued, her voice shaking, “But always remember my love and that it will never change.”

With those simple words, my heart melted. My stomach turned and my eyes opened wide. All the while that we’ve spent together, she’s never admitted anything about her feelings for me. She was distant, always detached from anything. And for her to say such words to me, I didn’t know how to react.

She was about to stand but I quickly grabbed her hands. Never would I let go of these hands. Never would I let any other man hold her hands.

I raised my head and came face to face with her. I put her hand to where my heart was. With my other hand, I cupped her face. Softly, I caressed her cheek with my thumb. She closed her eyes as she buried her face even more in my hand.

“Laura, your words…you don’t know how much they meant to me,” I started. “To be the man you love is an honor. However, I can’t promise that I will give you a life filled with treasures and glamour. All I could give you…is me.” I tightened my hold on her hand as I pressed it harder onto my chest. “This heart, this body, my whole being, is all I can offer you. My devotion, my affections, my care. Me and me alone, that’s all I can give. And I apologize if I couldn’t give you more, even if I wanted to.”

She smiled, and another tear escaped her glistening eye. “That’s all I could ever want, Robert.” She grabbed onto my clothes as she sobbed happy tears.

I pulled her into my arms. My hold on her tightened as she clung harder onto me. Finally, I could see that I’m complete. The love that I so longed for has finally happened. The woman I had hoped for was in my arms. And the gap that Lady left in my heart was filled up once again. I turned to Lady’s grave, and I couldn’t help but smile, thanking her in my mind.

Perhaps this is what they said when something has to leave in order for another to enter.

As we stayed in our embrace, she continued crying. I slightly pulled away and asked, holding her face, “Why do tears continue to run down that beautiful face?”

She took a bit of time before she replied, “I was afraid, Robert.” She struggled to speak through her tears, “When you left me with Benjamin, I never thought I’d feel so much fear.”

My brows furrowed. “What were you afraid of?”

She sniffled as she wiped her nose. “I was afraid…that after you walked away, you would never give us a chance.”

I was gutted as she said that. Trying to stop my own tears, I kissed her forehead. I then looked into her eyes and said with a smile, “My sweet, that will never happen.” I held her hands again and continued, “I will fight for you, Laura. I will fight for whatever we have. And you must always remember that, okay?”

She nodded without hesitation.

I hugged her once more and I felt her smile within my arms. As the sun continued to set before us, Lady’s presence was felt in the wind. It’s like she’s watching over us, satisfied with how things turned out. I imagined her, looking down on us and happy that Laura and I were finally together.

♔♔♔

When I returned to the castle, Bethilda’s fancy carriage waited at the foot of the stairs by the main door. Curious, I quickly returned James’ champion in the stables and rushed to the main hall. When I got there, Mother, James and Bethilda stood at the center of the room. Servants carried her belongings as they talked to one another.

“Do you have to leave so soon, Bethilda?” James asked.

“Hmph! It’s quite clear to me that your children don’t want me here,” Bethilda spatted. “From the very day I arrived, I received nothing but hostility from them, especially from your son.”

“Dearest sister, you must be mistaken,” Mother quickly intervened. “Our children were taught with extraordinary manners. They’re just not used to having you around. You rarely pay us a visit,” she continued as she tried reasoning with her sister.

“Extraordinary manners?” she scoffed. “Is disrespecting their aunt an example of having manners? They behave like animals!” Bethilda screamed at Mother’s face. “Animals, you hear?!” She then turned to the both of them and proceeded with her rant, “What kind of parents are you? Their poor treatment towards a relative is a result of poor parenting!”

My blood boiled as she humiliated my parents, in our own home. She has no right to scream at their faces. She has no right to judge how they raised us. I could accept insults that would be thrown my way. But to do that against my family was different. We were raised perfectly by parents who were also parents to a kingdom.

She has crossed the line.

“For those complaints to come from a living embodiment of a boar is an absolute shock,” I remarked as I approached them.

“Just as I was talking about,” she pointed at me. “Is this what you call manners?” she looked back at my parents.

Without any warning, I stepped in front of her, face to face. My distance caught her by surprise, which made her step back. With a low voice and my hands behind me, “And who are you to call us animals? Who are you to tell my parents that they have poor parenting skills? Who are you to disrespect them in their own castle?”

Her eyes widened in a panic as she began to feel uneasy with my tone and close distance. She tried avoiding my gaze, but she couldn’t.

“Robert, please,” James attempted to stop me.

“You have no right to stop me, James,” I replied, not lifting my stare from Bethilda. “This hog is a relative. But she’s also a guest. She has no right to scream at you and demean you within your own household,” I continued.

Bethilda swallowed a big gulp. Sweat formed on her forehead, which she quickly wiped away.

“You may be a relative but as a royal visitor, your actions were unacceptable. Must I remind you that you insulted the ruling monarchs of this kingdom?” I started my own rant. “You call us animals because of how you were treated? We did our part in respecting you. However, you overstepped your boundaries as a visitor and as an aunt,” I gritted. I counted on my fingers, “You were given a beautiful room. You were served and pampered by some of our best handmaidens. But I received word that you treated them like animals.”

She opened her fan and began to fan herself. She took a few steps back, only for me step even closer.

“Our parents taught us to stand for what is right. You are in our home. We did our part, but did you do yours?” I continued. “You were welcomed with great fanfare, with open arms. And you dare to treat us this way? If you weren’t a relative, if you weren’t a woman, you would’ve been kicked out of this castle from your very first offense.”

The room stood quiet as my fury reached its boiling point. The servants stopped with their actions, not wanting to be within my reach.

I stepped back. “Now, if you would be so kind as to leave our peaceful home, that would be highly appreciated. And don’t even think of returning if you still act this way.”

With one final look, she turned around and walked away. The servants rushed to get the rest of her things and followed her. As the doors slammed shut, her carriage left. A wave of relief washed over me, knowing that my family would be left in peace.

I turned around to face Mother and James. But instead of receiving approval for what I did, James scowled at me.

“How could you do that to her?” he scolded. “She was your aunt. No matter how disrespectful she is, she’s your relative and deserves respect.”

I rolled my eyes as I chuckled. “Thank you for your appreciation.” I walked past them, bumping shoulders with James.

“Son, please,” Mother spoke as I went up the grand staircase. I didn’t bother turning around as I don’t want to have an argument with James. I stood up for them and this is how I’m thanked? Is this how James expresses his gratitude? If so, that says a lot about his actions.

♔♔♔

Dinner had arrived.

Gonzalo said the family requested that I join the family dinner, but I declined. After what James did, I didn’t want to see him. I didn’t want to spoil dinner all because of him. And besides, I don’t have the appetite to eat right now.

Another knock came upon my door. “Whoever you are, let me be,” I answered, adjusting myself underneath the sheets.

The door opened and I looked to see who it was. Elizabeth’s head peeked from the door. “Can I come in?”

I groaned. “I kindly asked to be left alone,” I laid down and covered my face with a pillow.

As I turned my back on her, I felt her sit beside me. “Come now, little one,” she suddenly removed the pillow, making me wince from the sudden light. “Join us for dinner. Mother is still waiting for you.”

“I don’t want to see James right now. And I don’t want to eat,” I said, my back still turned.

She then sighed. “I know what happened between you and James. But you shouldn’t let that get in the way of your growing relationship.”

“I thought…” I started after a sigh. “I thought everything was going great between us. But today, we just returned to where we started. And I don’t see why I should keep trying.”

“Don’t give up, Robert,” she replied, turning me to face her.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.”

She said nothing. She stared, trying to persuade me by her stare. However, when she saw there was no chance of reconsideration on my end, she gave up. Her shoulders lowered as she sighed another. “Think about it for a little longer.” She left a kiss on my forehead and left my room.

I groaned as I rose from my bed, putting my head in my hands. I couldn’t take it in anymore. All of these emotions that have built up inside of me. And there’s no one in this castle that would take my side. To hide it from everyone has become tiresome at this point. Everybody would always defend James and tell me that I should give him a chance.

But what about me? What about how I feel? What about the baggage I carry upon my shoulders?

I then looked around the room, in search of something that could distract me. My eyes landed on my writing table, which sat near the window. I removed the blanket from me and headed to it. I immediately sat down and began to draw Laura.

Remembering her features, a smile escaped my lips. From her long, lush hair to her soft skin then to her dazzling smile, I allowed the quill to control my hand. In a world where I feel nothing but isolation, a brief moment with Laura would change everything.

She would be there to listen to my woes. She’s given me her unbiased opinion, something that I needed from the very beginning. She wasn’t quick to judge others and of their actions. That was a breath of fresh air. For in this castle, the people would follow the crown and the crown alone.

In the midst of my creation, I turned to my right only to be frightened by Gonzalo’s sudden appearance. “Oh!” I jumped from my seat. “Gonzalo,” my hand on my chest, “it’s just you.” He was taken aback from my sudden movement.

His brows furrowed. “I didn’t know you were easily startled, Your Highness.”

I cleared my throat, straightening myself. “Well, who wouldn’t be startled by your unannounced entry, Gonzalo?” I replied as I sat properly. “You would’ve been punched if you did that to somebody else.”

“Did I interrupt anything, young prince?” He then leaned towards me, putting a hand on the table. “You seem to be drawing…a woman.”

“Oh, this?” I smiled, pointing at the portrait. “I’m making this for a friend. I mentioned I was honing my skills in drawing, and she offered to be my muse.” I proceeded to draw, hoping that my excuse was enough to be believed.

“I must say, Your Highness, it’s very beautiful. Very detailed,” he remarked. “It’s almost as if…you’ve been staring at her for a long time to memorize small features of her.”

I scoffed as I folded the paper. “Don’t be ridiculous, Gonzalo,” I replied, putting the paper in my pocket. “Nobody just stares at someone just so they could draw them,” I tapped his shoulder before heading back to my bed.

As I prepared myself for sleep, Gonzalo followed closely behind me. “Your Highness, I know it’s not in my place to say this,” he said, causing me to stop and turn around. “Whatever it is that you’ve been doing, wherever it is that you’ve been going, it must end once and for all,” he continued.”

“I don’t understand where this is coming from,” my brows furrowed as I put the blanket down. “But I don’t recall doing anything to jeopardize my family’s reputation,” I added as I put my hands behind my back.

“Your frequent visits to the Mortal Realm have been suspicious, Your Highness. The servants have been whispering about it and I had to remind them not to speak about it in the presence of Their Majesties,” Gonzalo explained. “It has caused a lot of gossip within our halls and that’s not a good thing.”

I rolled my eyes before answering, “Gonzalo, you know how the servants are, especially the maids. They would blow everything out of proportion. They can gossip all they want but what I do in the Mortal Realm is nothing but a stroll. And it’s none of their business.” I continued, “Besides, shouldn’t have they been reprimanded for that? I thought they already learned their lesson from the previous incident.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” he briefly bowed his head, “but I can’t control their mouths. The best thing we can do is to avoid giving them something to speak about. And in your case, it’s the Mortal Realm.”

“Gonzalo, I assure you that nothing I do in the Mortal Realm will cause harm to our kingdom,” I said as I looked directly at him. “Should you hear the maids speak about it, you have my permission to put them in the dungeons as punishment.”

“But Your Highness—”

“Gonzalo,” I said as I blocked his protests. I understand Gonzalo’s concern. His worry is in the right place, which is why I’ve done everything within my power to prevent anyone from discovering Laura’s existence. That is why I put on the facade of an ordinary traveler whenever I visit her and the bakery.

Laura is now a part of my life. I couldn’t just abandon her just like that. We’ve been separated too many times. We’ve been through so much and I swore to never let her go this time. Yes, to be associated with a mortal was already too big of a sin. But I never did anything beyond that. I never paraded my relationship with her within the court. Because I was made aware of how scandalous that would be.

My only wish was to be with Laura, even though it was to be in secret. To remove her from my life was never an option from the moment we became invested with one another.

Gonzalo simply nodded in agreement. He then bowed and headed out of the room.

I then laid down on my bed and as soon as I pulled up the sheets, my eyes slowly shut.