Chapter 88

Chapter 88
Alexander's POV

The letter arrived just after breakfast, delivered to my private study by one of my most trusted men. The moment I saw the Stewart family seal, my heart started racing. I dismissed everyone from the room before breaking it open.

Sloane's handwriting. Even after all this time, I'd recognize it anywhere.

I read through her words carefully. So many emotions hit me at once. She was staying. Not running away, not choosing the easy path, but staying to take care of Juan and the fractured Stewart family. She'd chosen responsibility over freedom, duty over her own desires.

This is exactly why I fell in love with her in the first place.

I set the letter down and stared out the window for a long time. She was choosing to become the woman she never was meant to be, living under another person's name, carrying burdens that weren't originally hers. But somehow, it felt right. The scared girl I'd saved in that cave had grown into someone who could shoulder this kind of weight.

She's not running anymore. She's choosing to stay and fight in her own way.

There was something beautiful about it, even if our future just got way more complicated. But when had anything between us ever been simple?

I moved to my desk and pulled out fresh paper. She needed to know I understood, that I supported her choice completely.

"My dearest Sloane," I began writing. "I completely understand and support your decision. You've chosen to use your own name, your own way, to care for that broken family. This is exactly one of the reasons I fell in love with you."

She doesn't need to worry about us, I thought as I continued writing. Real love can survive time and distance.

"You don't have to worry about our future. True love can withstand the test of time and distance. No matter where you are or what identity you live under, you're the only woman in my heart. I'll wait for you, wait until you complete the responsibilities you feel you need to fulfill. Forever yours, Louis."

I was sealing the letter when urgent footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Before I could call out, Chris burst through the door. His face looked seriously worried.

"Alex, I just got word from my father. There's big trouble brewing."

I looked up sharply. Chris rarely looked this serious unless something major was happening in the political sphere. "What kind of trouble?"

"Last night at the Stewart family's charity gala, something went very wrong." Chris moved closer, lowering his voice. "Someone supposedly tried to murder Miss Sophia, and some kind of shocking secret was revealed."

I kept my expression carefully neutral, though inside I knew exactly what had happened. The confrontation with Eloise had finally come to a head. So the news is finally spreading.

"The whole noble circle is buzzing with rumors," Chris continued. "But here's the real problem - some factions are trying to use this chaos to their advantage."

"How so?"

"They're questioning Juan's leadership, saying the Stewart family is falling apart from the inside." Chris ran a hand through his hair. "Some are even suggesting it's time to redistribute the Stewart family's political influence."

This is exactly what I was afraid of. The Stewart family's downfall would create a power vacuum that our enemies could exploit. And more importantly, it would put Sloane in even more danger.

"There's more," Chris said grimly. "Father thinks some of the opposing factions might move against us while Juan is weakened. They see this as an opportunity."

I stood up abruptly. This was spiraling exactly as I'd predicted. I need to act fast to protect both Sloane and our political position.

Just then, another urgent knock came at the door. "Your Highness, His Majesty requests your immediate presence in the throne room."

I exchanged glances with Chris. "Looks like Father's heard the news too."

The throne room felt heavier than usual when I walked in. Father sat on his throne, looking tired. Really tired. The stress had aged him fast, and I could see this situation was eating at him.

"Alexander." His voice carried the exhaustion of a man who'd spent decades managing political crises. "I assume you've heard about the Stewart situation?"

"Yes, Father. Chris briefed me on the way here."

"Good. Then you understand the gravity of what we're facing." He leaned forward slightly. "Juan has been one of our most reliable supporters for years. But now his family is in chaos, and our enemies smell blood in the water."

I nodded. "What would you have me do?"

"I need you to go to the Stewart estate personally. As the crown prince, your presence there will send a clear message that the royal family stands behind Juan." His eyes sharpened. "It will also give you a chance to assess the real situation firsthand."

Perfect. This was exactly the opportunity I'd been hoping for. A legitimate reason to get close to Sloane and protect her, while also handling the political crisis.

"I'll leave immediately," I said.

"Good. But Alexander..." Father's tone grew warning. "Be careful. This situation is volatile. One wrong move could pull us into the mess instead of solving it."

"I understand completely, Father."

"Also, I need a full report on what really happened. The rumors flying around are contradictory and dramatic. I need facts, not gossip."

As I left the throne room, my mind was already racing with plans. This crisis was actually a gift in disguise. I could legitimately protect Sloane while stabilizing the political situation. Kill two birds with one stone.

That evening, Leo appeared in my chambers, his expression darker than I'd seen it in months. He closed the door behind him with more force than necessary.

"So, brother, Father's sending you to clean up the Stewart mess?"

There was an edge to his voice that I didn't like. "Someone has to handle it. Why, were you hoping for the assignment?"

Leo moved closer, his blue eyes flashing with something that looked almost like jealousy. "Do you know how dangerous this could be for your reputation? The Stewart family is radioactive right now. One wrong step and you'll be dragged down with them."

Is he genuinely concerned, or is this about something else?

"Since when do you worry about my reputation, Leo?"

"I'm serious, Alex." He sat down heavily in one of my chairs. "The rumors about what happened at that gala... they're insane. Murder attempts, family secrets, scandals involving illegitimate children. You really want to wade into that mess?"

"Someone has to stabilize the situation before it spirals completely out of control."

"Why does it have to be you?" The question came out sharper than he probably intended.

I studied my brother's face carefully. Leo had always been more emotional, more impulsive than me. But this felt like something more than brotherly concern.

"Because Father asked me to handle it," I said simply. "Because it's my duty as crown prince."

Leo was quiet for a long moment, then shook his head. "I just think you're making a mistake. This whole situation feels like a trap."

A trap? Or an opportunity?

"I appreciate your concern, Leo. But my mind is made up."

After he left, I stood at my window looking out toward the direction of the Stewart estate. Tomorrow I would see her again. This time, I wouldn't have to sneak around or meet in secret. I'd be there as Prince Alexander, with all the power and protection that title could provide.

I can shield her from whatever storm is coming.

Near midnight, Chris returned to my chambers, this time looking even more troubled.

"Alex, I've been thinking about this Stewart situation all day, and I'm not sure you should go there tomorrow."

I looked up from the documents I'd been reviewing. "Why not?"

"The rumors are getting more specific and more damaging. People are saying there was attempted murder, that family secrets were exposed, that there's some kind of illegitimate child involved." Chris paced restlessly. "If you show up in the middle of all that, people might think you're taking advantage of their weakness."

"Or they might think the royal family has principles and stands by our allies when they're in trouble."

"But what if there's more to it?" Chris stopped pacing and looked at me directly. "What if people start speculating about why you're so interested in helping them? Some might wonder if you have... personal reasons for getting involved."

That comment got under my skin more than I wanted to admit. I kept my expression neutral. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting that you be very, very careful. Political enemies love nothing more than finding ways to use a prince's personal interests against him."

After Chris left, I sat alone in my study, weighing his warnings. He wasn't wrong about the risks. But he also didn't understand what was really at stake for me.

This isn't just about politics. It's about protecting the woman I love.

I pulled out Sloane's letter and read it again. She was choosing to stay and fight, to take responsibility for people who weren't even her real family. The least I could do was use my position to make sure she had the support she needed.

Tomorrow, I go to her. Not as Louis the lost man with no memory, but as Prince Alexander with all the resources of the crown behind me.

For the first time in weeks, I felt like I had a clear path forward. The political crisis that everyone else saw as a disaster, I saw as an opportunity. A chance to protect Sloane while proving my capabilities as a future king.

Let them come. I'll show them what happens when they threaten what's mine.

I sealed my reply to Sloane and prepared for tomorrow. Whatever chaos awaited at the Stewart estate, I'd be ready for it. And more importantly, I'd make sure Sloane was protected throughout whatever storm was coming.

My woman, I will definitely protect you.