CHAPTER 26-Varick's Identity Revealed.

***Varick’s POV***

The sixth day had come—the final day of the dose—and the doctors concluded that my memory was gone. They’d decided I was no longer Varick. From that point on, I was Henry. It was the name they called me, and I learned to answer it. 

A week passed in that room, and life continued on. They fed me well, offering fresh juice and fruit to keep me nourished. There was no real intention to harm me anymore; to them, it seemed their work was done. They had erased my memory, and that was enough. 

Though I was confined to the room, I didn’t waste time. I exercised daily and practiced my movements, training my body to remain sharp. The wounds from my past had healed completely, leaving only scars behind. They served as reminders of my brother’s betrayal and everything I had endured.

Star’s brother gave me a clean shave. I didn’t say much as he worked, merely sitting in silence, pretending I wasn’t mentally stable enough to engage in conversation. They didn’t speak to me often, either. Most of the time, they conversed amongst themselves, and I remained a quiet figure in the background. The only one who ever spoke to me was Star, but she was gone now. She’d gone out on a shopping spree for her wedding, preparing to show off her wedding gown. 

After my shave, Star’s brothers made me try on their father’s wedding suit. It was a strange tradition in their family: whenever anyone was about to marry into the family, they had to wear the suit passed down by the father of the bride. 

I reluctantly put it on. The suit was outdated, and it was clear it wasn’t my style. I looked like a tired, old gambler who had long since lost hope in life. It was laughable, but I dared not laugh aloud. There were reasons they wanted to keep me inside, especially with the wedding approaching. They feared that I might escape or that another family might take me in. 

Star’s brother adjusted the collar of the suit and nodded, surveying me with a critical eye. “Now I see why Star is willing to risk it all for him. He’s a good-looking guy, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he’s handsome. But do you think she’s doing the right thing?” Star’s younger brother asked, his voice full of emotion. “Our sister isn’t mentally stable, and look at what she’s done to this young man. What if he has a family looking for him? A wife? A child? Don’t you think we should be more careful?”

I had been watching him closely. He was the only one who seemed to have doubts about what they were doing. I could see the sorrow in his eyes. He felt for me, but he was powerless. He was the youngest in the family, and his opinion didn’t hold much weight.

Star’s older brother shook his head. “Don’t be dramatic. You’re the last person she’d listen to. When she unlocks her gifts, we’ll be rich. We can do whatever we want. I’ve tried talking her out of this, but Father won’t back down, either. Either way, we win.”

Preparations for the wedding were underway. Star’s father had informed the elders, and they began organizing the ceremony alongside the annual bonfire gathering. The event was going to be huge—after all, the daughter of the greatest healer in the clan was getting married. Everyone was scrambling to contribute in some way—food, drinks, money. There were donations from the council, and the wedding venue had been selected. 

When people asked about Star’s fiancé, Star’s father simply told them, “She’s marrying a prince from another clan.” This revelation caused jaws to drop. What they didn’t know was that I was a crowned prince, the heir to the mighty Drakonia Empire—something I kept to myself.

After my shave, I was given a full body wash and a facial treatment. They wanted to ensure I looked presentable, though I had little interest in such things. Once I was cleaned up, I was returned to my room. I lay on the bed, lost in thought. 

When everyone left, I was about to get up and go through my usual exercise routine, but just as I moved, I heard the door creak open. I stayed still, wondering who it was. I thought it might be Star, but when I looked up, it was her younger brother. He stepped inside and locked the door behind him. 

I furrowed my brow, unsure of what he was doing. He came over to my bedside and knelt beside me. 

“Hey, what’s your name?” he whispered.

I didn’t answer. I just stared at him, wondering what game he was playing. He didn’t back down. Instead, he looked around, ensuring no one was watching or listening.

“I know you can hear me. I know you’re not insane,” he said quietly. “I saw the tablets under the bed when my brother shaved you. The couch moving the other day? That wasn’t a coincidence. I know you’re not insane. I’ve seen you training. I’ve been watching you from behind the door.”

My heart sank. I said nothing, staying perfectly still, unsure if this was part of some trap Star and her brothers were setting. 

He seemed to grow frustrated. “Please, don’t pretend anymore. I know who you are.”

“Go away,” I snapped, my voice low. “My wife doesn’t want you here.”

But instead of leaving, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “All hail the crowned prince of Drakonia, Prince Varick, son of King Achillis VII.”

I froze. His words hit me like a punch to the gut. How did he know? How could he possibly know?

I rose from the bed, my hands gripping him by the shoulders, slamming him against the wall. “How do you know that?” I demanded, my patience thinning. “Speak before I hurt you.”

His eyes were wide with fear, but he didn’t resist. “Please, don’t kill me. I’ll tell you everything.”

I held him there, my grip tightening slightly, until I saw the sincerity in his eyes. Reluctantly, I released him, allowing him to speak.

“I recognized your face when my sister brought you here. I wasn’t sure at first, but I’ve read a lot about Drakonia. It’s my dream kingdom. I know about your father’s death. I’ve seen pictures of you with him, at public events. You were always by his side. And then, when my sister brought you here, I saw you in the same robes you wore at the coronation—just thinner. That’s when I started paying attention. And today, when you took off your shirt, I saw the mark on your wrist. I know who you are, Prince Varick. You’re the crowned prince of Drakonia.”

I was speechless. This was a problem. A big one. My plans for escape suddenly seemed far more complicated. How could I escape now that he knew my identity? Could I even trust him? Was he planning to sell me out,  or had he genuinely decided to help me?

I had no answers, only more questions.