Chapter Twelve—Overwhelmed

“Gonzalo, you may leave,” I said, my eyes not leaving the sight of Laura.

“Are you sure, young prince?” he asked.

“There’s no need to worry, Gonzalo,” I smiled at him. “She’s a friend of mine. Take care of the letter.

He then bowed and left me with Laura.

“Laura?” my mouth finally spoke as I approached her. “Come now, Laura. There’s no need for that,” I helped her up. I lifted her face and smiled at her, pleased that she’s here right now. “You don’t have to do curtsies when it comes to me.”

“Don’t be silly, Robert. You know I have to do that,” she replied, fiddling with her fingers. “I’m in your realm, in your kingdom. I have to show you the respect that is given to you here.”

“Laura, you’re no different from me. Therefore, I say that you don’t have to be all ceremonial whenever you visit me here,” I explained, unable to contain my grin on my face. “You’ve been shaking ever since I got here. What’s wrong?”

She sighed before answering, “I’m sorry if I’ve been avoiding you. I was too heartbroken from what happened. I needed some time away from everything… including you.”

Her words pierced through my heart, so deep like it’s the sharpest blade in any kind of realm. She was so hurt, she had to stay away from me. The person I vowed never to hurt. But I understand why she had to do that. I don’t blame her for it.

“Laura, I should be the one who’s apologizing,” I protested. “I’m the one who lied to you. I didn’t tell you anything about Mallory. I’m the one who hurt you. I understand why you had to avoid me. There’s no need to explain.

She smiled but evidently, she was still shaking.

“You’re still trembling. Is there anything else you would like to tell me?” my brows furrowed.

“I don’t have much time here in your realm because I sneaked in. I didn’t enter through the main gate,” she answered.

My brows furrowed more, my head moved back a bit as I asked, “If you didn’t enter through the main gate, how did you get inside?”

She let out a mischievous smile, grinning like a child who’s done something. Her child-like innocence came out to the surface, replacing the nervousness she’s been feeling.

“Laura, tell me,” I demanded, not taking a no for an answer.

“I went over the wall by your garden. Luckily, no one was there so it was an easy entry,” she explained, smiling and giggling but still cautious. “The thorns hurt, though.”

“Thorns?” I asked.

“Mm… let’s say I landed on a bush… of red roses,” she lowered her head and played with her fingers.

“You landed on Mother’s roses?!” I asked hysterically.

“Hush, Robert. You don’t want to catch the attention of anyone,” she quickly covered my mouth. She slowly removed her hand as she continued, “I planned to land safely on the grass but as I was supposed to jump, I slipped and fell on the bush instead.”

“How badly are you hurt?” I asked, checking every part of her body.

“I’m not gravely injured, Robert. I just have minor scratches on my legs,” she said, trying to calm me down. She raised her skirt just above her calves, enough for me to see the cuts and scratches.

“Stay here. I’m going to get something to mend your wounds,” I led her to the wooden bench beside Lady.

“Robert, there’s no need for anything. These will go away on their own,” she protested.

“Laura, I am not letting you walk around with scratched legs. The least I could do is put something on it to make sure it doesn’t get infected,” I scolded.

“But Robert—”

I raised an eyebrow at her as she continued to argue. Seeing that I can’t be persuaded, she sighed out of defeat. I headed back to the kitchen, hoping that Nana Olsa had something for thorn cuts.

♔♔♔

When I returned, Lady moved closer to Laura and they were having their own time together. “Let’s mend those cuts,” I knelt in front of her as I opened the box.

“Oh, let me do it, Robert,” she leaned towards me, about to take the box from me.

“Laura, no,” I immediately moved the box away. “I will do it. You, on the other hand, should sit down and stay still. Do you understand?”

She then gave a nod and sat upright.

I raised her skirt to her calves so I could see where the cuts were. I began cleaning the cuts when dragged footsteps headed towards the stable. Our heads turned to the entrance and we saw Mallory.

Her head was down upon entering. But as she raised her face, her eyes landed on us. “Oh… I didn’t know you two planned to surprise me today,” she remarked, sarcastically.

I let out a sigh before putting my focus back on mending Laura’s legs. “We’re not going to have this conversation with you, Mallory.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” she started walking towards us, “I’m in the mood to talk. And since the two of you are here, I think it is only proper for me to say what I need to say.”

“Robert, let me do this, please. I don’t want any trouble with Mallory,” Laura whispered as she put a hand on mine, stopping me.

“Laura, I can do this. Don’t pay any attention to her. She just wants to get into your head,” I smiled at her.

“Isn’t that sweet, Laura?” Mallory entered the conversation, mocking Laura. “Prince Robert is willing to step down from his royal ladder and care for your wounds, a commoner’s wounds,” she continued. “How adorable… and sickening.”

“Mallory, will you please leave us alone?” I turned in her direction, looking up to meet her gaze. “I don’t want to speak with you or even see your shadow today.”

“How about tomorrow? Would you like to see me tomorrow?” she retorted.

“Robert, why don’t you and Mallory have a moment to yourselves? I’ll take care of myself,” Laura smiled, still trying to convince me to let her bandage her wounds.

“Yes, Robert, why don’t you let her do it herself? You don’t care about people lower than you, right?” Mallory snarled.

“Mallory, please. You don’t have to do this,” Laura turned to Mallory, talking to her calmly and kindly.

“Oh, so now you have the strength, the nerve, to talk back to me?” Mallory raised her voice as she spatted on Laura. “Just because Robert is taking your side, that doesn’t give you the right to look me in the eye and tell me what to do!”

“Mallory, I’m not trying to start an argument with you,” Laura explained, frightened by Mallory’s sudden outburst. “I was only trying to reason with you.”

“I don’t need your explanations! I don’t need to hear your stupid, faint voice so it’s better that you hold your tongue and keep your thoughts to yourself!” Mallory continued to scream at Laura.

“What do you want, Mallory?” I stepped in between them, putting Laura behind me to protect her from Mallory. I would’ve kept my composure, but Mallory wouldn’t stop. Now, she’s taking all of her pain on someone who doesn’t even deserve it. “What do you want from me?”

“You know what I want, Robert, but you won’t give it to me!” she began to throw a tantrum, a tactic that she’s been using to try and get her way done. “Instead, you gave it to someone you only knew for a few months!” she turned to Laura, giving her a death glare.

“Mallory, would you please leave us alone? We don’t need you here! Nobody needs you here right now!” I shouted back as I walked towards her, which caused her to step back. “I’m doing my best not to hurt you but if you keep on pushing me to my limits, I don’t know what I can do to you.”

“Robert? Robert,” Laura called me, holding me back. “Calm yourselves. Mallory,” she looked to her, “I didn’t come here to argue. I’m here to visit Robert. I don’t want to see you hurt. We’re just asking you if you can give us some time to talk.”

“Ah! So, it’s the two of you against me. Is that it?” Mallory answered. “Let me tell you something: I’m not afraid of you. Even you, Robert,” Mallory started walking towards us. I hid Laura behind me, afraid that Mallory planned to do something to her. “Even if you use your powers on me, Robert, I’m not afraid of you. And there’s nothing to be afraid of Laura. She’s too kind, anyone can easily push her around.”

“Mallory, please leave us,” I repeated, my teeth gritted.

“Is my presence intimidating? Is it scaring the two of you? Are you shocked that I’m able to answer back?” she raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms, smirking.

“Your presence is anything but intimidating. It’s disturbing, annoying would be the proper term,” I replied, not being affected by her taunts. “Nobody in this room is intimidated by you.”

“Oh, please, Robert, stop with the act,” Mallory scoffed. “We both know that once Laura leaves you alone, you can easily hurt anybody.”

“Mallory,” a soft voice came from the kitchen entrance. We turned our heads to see Nana Olsa, trying to stand firmly as her crooked staff assisted her weight. “I believe that exchange of words is enough for today,” she began to approach us.

“Nana, this doesn’t concern you. It’s better that you return inside. You don’t even know what we’re talking about,” Mallory snarled at Nana.

“Can’t you show Nana some respect?” I scolded Mallory. “Don’t vent all of your frustrations on her. She’s not involved in this.”

“Why defend her? She’s not your family?” she answered. “Who are you to tell me how to treat her?”

“Mallory, don’t make me break my promise to your mother,” Nana threatened, putting her and over the other as she stood near us.

“I don’t need your stupid promises to my mother! I can take care of myself,” she replied to Nana, showing every single speck of arrogance in her body.

“Well, if that’s the case, I would like for you to leave the castle grounds,” Nana remarked, holding her head up high. Mallory was silenced immediately. “You said you can take care of yourself, am I right? Then, leave. We don’t need you here if you’re going to be a pain to everyone,” she continued. “I don’t need an ungrateful child to look after.”

Mallory took a few steps back and looked at each one of us with teary eyes. Her eyes widened, full of hurt and betrayal. She tried to hide the pain she was feeling but her tears didn’t help. As soon as she began to cry, she ran away with her hands covering her face.

“Nana, are you all right?” I approached Nana. “I apologize for how Mallory treated you. You didn’t deserve that.”

“You and your friend over here need to stop seeing each other,” Nana immediately cut me off as she turned to us. “Otherwise, Mallory will never stop bothering you, especially your friend.”

“Are you saying we can’t be friends anymore, Nana?” I asked in disbelief. Laura and I just reconciled. Now, we need to stay apart again for Mallory’s sake? Why do we have to adjust to her needs? Why can’t she just understand and move on?

“If that’s what is needed for Mallory to leave the both of you in peace, it has to happen,” Nana explained. “As the future king, you have to think of the benefit for the many, not just yourself.”

“Nana, there must be something else that we can do,” I pleaded.

“I’m sorry, Robert but as of now, that’s the only thing you can do. Keep in mind: I’m not always here to keep her and her emotions in check so as much as possible, you have to make certain decisions to prevent her from doing what she did,” Nana continued. “If she continues on this path, she will end up dying in an asylum. She will end up like her mother.” Nana let out a few coughs before walking back to the kitchen.

“Robert?” Laura walked up to me, turning me around to look at her. “I understand what Nana wants to happen. We both know it’s for the best.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re agreeing with what Nana said,” I grabbed onto her arms and shook my head in disbelief.

“Robert, she didn’t suggest it. She told us exactly what to do,” she said. “And Nana has a point: Mallory will only continue to bother us—especially you—if we keep on seeing each other.”

I quickly held her hands in mine. “Promise me we’ll meet each other at our hiding place. It’s the place that we can go to where no one can bother us. The world wouldn’t even care about us. Please, promise me,” I pleaded.

“Robert, I would love to, but Mallory can follow you anytime you leave the castle,” she replied. “We can’t risk anything.”

I let her hands go, stepping back, confused and angered by her words. “So… you’re willing to sacrifice me for Mallory’s sake?”

“Robert, we have no other choice. You know very well that she won’t stop if we continue to do this,” she replied, continuing her explanation. “You will never have any peace, as well as me. You have to understand.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I thought she was going to disagree with Nana but to my dismay, she’s convincing me to do what Nana told us to. She’s willing to make the sacrifice of not seeing me—maybe even forget me—just so Mallory would leave me alone. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be thankful or hate her for what she chose.

“Robert, you have to see it from Nana’s perspective—”

“Just leave,” I answered, turning away from her.

“Robert, please understand—”

“GO! LEAVE!” I shouted as I turned back to her, pointing to the entrance. “This is what you want for us to do, right?! Then go! I don’t want to see your face ever again!”

Her eyes widened, frightened.

As soon as I realized what I did, it felt like a big rock hit me. I was gutted. My heart was ripped from my chest, and someone stabbed it until it was shredded into pieces.

“Laura, I… I didn’t—”

“It’s okay, Robert. I’ll go,” she started walking away from me, very slowly. Her hands, folded in front of her chest.

“Laura, wait—”

“Goodbye.” She quickly ran away, not even looking back.

What have I done?

♔♔♔

Sitting on the edge of my bed, my head slumped into my hands. Disappointed. Frustrated with myself. As the silence surrounded me, I continued to regret and buried myself in guilt. Queered by what I just did to my saving grace. She was only concerned for my well-being. She only wanted what’s best for me and I didn’t understand that. Instead, I screamed at her. How could I be so cruel and insensitive to do that to someone such as her?

What have I done?

“Your Highness,” Gonzalo called from the outside after a knock.

I raised my head from my hands. “Enter, Gonzalo,” I answered, staring at my hands.

The door opened and footsteps walked in my direction. “There’s someone who would like to speak with you, young prince.”

“I don’t want to be bothered right now, Gonzalo,” I said after a sigh, still looking down at my hands. “Whomever this person is, please tell them that I’m not in the mood to speak with anyone right now.”

“It’s the messenger, Your Highness,” he replied as softly as possible. “He said he has a message from Princess Lorain. He said he has to say it to you directly.”

“Kindly tell the messenger that I’m out of sorts right now,” I finally looked at Gonzalo. “I will receive the princess’ message after I’ve composed myself.”

“As you wish, young prince,” he bowed and walked away, gently closing the door behind him.

As I let out a deep breath, I fell on the bed, not knowing what to do anymore. Making Laura leave was a decision out of anger. I understand what her motives were, but it was too late for me to realize. But I only saw what I needed: her. Perhaps the decision that she made has some sort of wisdom that I’ve yet to uncover.

I think I should visit Mother. I know she shouldn’t be bothered but she’s the only one I can talk to about these kinds of matters.

♔♔♔

As I approached the door of the master bedroom, I reached out to open it, only to stop when I overheard someone talking from the inside. I put my ear gently on the wooden door.

“Amelia, why do you continue to refuse treatment?” a husky voice spoke. It was the Medicine King.

“Good sir, even if I accept your treatments, it will all be for nothing,” Mother answered, her voice strained. “We will all die sooner or later. Why should we put effort into specific treatments if death will be the bottom line of everything?”

Why is Mother refusing to receive any sort of treatment from the Medicine King? It’s quite clear that he wanted my mother to get well but she doesn’t seem to be enthusiastic about it. And what kind of treatment did the Medicine King pertain to?

“Amelia, I made it very clear that this treatment can be your last chance of survival,” the Medicine King explained firmly, trying to convince her to agree. At this point, he’s begging her to go through with the treatment. “It may not completely heal you, but it can slow down whatever kind of virus is inside your body.”

“Good sir, you can see my state. An immortal, weak and fragile, unable to leave her bed. How can I go to another city with my condition?” she questioned, a hint of humor and sarcasm in her voice.

“Amelia, this matter isn’t to be taken lightly,” he scolded. “Your situation is already a matter of life and death. If you agree to this treatment, I can go and get the materials needed so we can begin.”

“I’m already too ill for myself to handle. As much as I can, I add a little bit of humor in everything that I do to lighten up the mood around me,” Mother explained.

“With your condition, humor isn’t needed. Humor isn’t a priority,” the Medicine King continued to scold her. “You need to take this seriously and accept treatment. James already agreed to this treatment. Don’t you want to get better for your family?”

“Good sir, I think we’ve discussed enough for today. I would like to take my rest now,” Mother said after she let out a deep breath. “I don’t need to hear such words right now. I’m already weakened by this unknown disease. I don’t need another reason to feel sicker.”

“Always remember to take the herbs I’ve given you. I will come back tomorrow.” As the Medicine King bid his goodbye, I quickly stepped away from the door. As the door opened, he immediately noticed my presence. “Oh, young Robert. It’s good to see you,” he smiled, closing the door gently.

“A good day to you as well, Medicine King,” I bowed.

“Have you been waiting for a long time?” he asked, walking up to me.

“No, I just arrived,” I smiled. “I wanted to pay Mother a visit, but I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation with her.”

“You could’ve just knocked, young prince. I would’ve given you time to speak with her,” he replied. “She’s about to take her rest. She must have a lot of it to strengthen herself.”

“I just want to sit beside her for a little while. Watch over her as she sleeps,” I answered. Should I tell him that I overheard what he told Mother? Because if Mother isn’t agreeing with him, she might agree if I ask her to.

“I’ll leave, then. I will see you soon, Robert,” he lightly tapped my shoulder before walking away.

I was about to open the door, but I turned around and chased after him. “Sir?” I called out.

He was quick to turn around.

“Medicine King, I would like to ask you something,” I said, finally catching up with him.

“Yes, Your Highness?” he replied.

“Do you have any clear diagnosis on what kind of disease my mother has?” I started. “Also, I overheard you mentioning some kind of cure for her. Can you tell me more about it?”

He let out a deep sigh. “Your mother’s case is a complicated matter. Discussing it would take a long time and I need to get back to my office.”

“I’ll escort you to the entrance,” I quickly replied. “But as we walk, I would like to discuss Mother’s condition with you.”

“Are you sure? I thought you were going to visit Her Majesty?” he said, confused.

“I would like to know everything first, good sir,” I insisted. “She’s not only the queen and consort of James. She’s also a mother to my sister and me. And I would like to see her get well,” I continued to persuade him.

We stared at each other for a brief moment before he finally surrendered. “There’s no need to escort me to the entrance, young prince.” He then pointed to the window, leading the way as we stepped to the side. As we reached the humongous window, the Medicine King began, “With all honesty, Your Highness, no one knows what’s happening to your mother. Her Majesty is in perfect health and for her to suddenly become ill and for this long has left me baffled indeed. I don’t know what to do anymore. I believe my medicinal herbs are helping her, but it won’t last long.”

“And what of this treatment that you discussed with her?” I repeated my previous question. “Forgive me for listening to your conversation with her. But just like you and His Majesty, I would want to get to the bottom of this.”

“There’s no need to apologize, young prince. I understand where you’re coming from,” he nodded in assurance. “For unknown yet dangerous diseases such as this, there’s one treatment. One kind of cure that the ancient Medicine Families have been using. It’s proven to be very effective.”

“If that’s the case, why isn’t my mother agreeing to this cure?” I asked.

“Your mother strongly believes that she got ill because it’s her time to die, which is something I’m almost certain that all of us don’t agree with,” he answered. “She believes that if she’s to die, she should die without any struggle or effort.”

Mother is the strongest woman I know, and she continues to be strong. But she’s acting foolishly in this situation, especially with her condition. I can’t believe she would think that it’s time for her to rest for eternity.

“I’ve suggested this treatment to James and he has agreed to it. I would proceed with it since I have the king’s blessing. However, I do need the consent of the patient before doing anything,” he added.

I asked, “Is the cure some sort of herb?”

“Yes, young prince,” he nodded.

“Can you tell me what it is?” I asked as I stepped closer, eager to find the cure.

“Young prince, even if I told you, the queen doesn’t want to take it. Getting the herb will be for nothing,” he said.

“I don’t care, good sir. I’ll persuade her as hard as I can. But I need to know the herb,” I replied, persistent.

He shook his head out of doubt but I’m not about to give up. I will not rest easy unless I know I’ve done something to help cure Mother.

“Please, Medicine King,” I begged once more.

He sighed. “The Medicine Families called it ledoras. It’s an ancient herb that the primordial deities used to cure any kind of illness, both from simple scratches to life-threatening situations. And since your mother’s case is currently a mystery to us, the ledoras is our only hope.”

“Do you know where it is?” I quickly asked.

“Its specific whereabouts are unknown, but it’s said to be found in the Mountain of Heavenly Falls. That’s all I know about the ledoras herb,” he explained. The Mountain of Heavenly Falls is known as the place for those who pledged their lives in solitude, focusing on protecting everything holy and pure. If the ledoras herb is within the mountain, it must contain some kind of primordial power.

It could cure Mother in an instant!

“That’s all I know, young prince. But for now, I take my leave.” He was about to start walking before I stopped him once more.

“Are you sure that the ledoras herb still exists?” I asked.

“Its existence has been a mystery ever since the primordial deities left our realm,” he said. “There are only claims of the ledoras being seen.”

So, he suggested treatment with no definitive answer, no assurance of success? He offered my mother a treatment when he’s not even sure of the herb’s existence?! I wanted to scream at him so badly, but I don’t want to waste my energy on it. I simply nodded and he bowed, walking away.

I took a deep breath in and proceeded to the master bedroom.

♔♔♔

I carefully sat beside Mother, looking at her as she slept. Even though she’s ill, her beauty never faded. Her cheeks may have sunken a little but her rosy skin still glows. The areas around her eyes have darkened but her long, beautiful lashes still gave her a look of everlasting beauty.

After looking at her for a few seconds, I turned around and began to think about the ledoras herb. Does it still exist? How do I find it? Where is it located in the Mountain of Heavenly Falls? What does it look like?

So many questions raced through my mind regarding the ledoras plant when a hand suddenly held onto my shoulder. My head quickly turned to see Mother open her eyes.

“Hello, son,” she smiled.

“Mother,” I immediately turned to her, holding her hand. “Did I disturb you?”

She chuckled. “No, you didn’t because I wasn’t even asleep, to begin with.”

“But you were asleep. The Medicine King told me you were taking a nap,” my brows furrowed.

“That was just an excuse to make him leave,” Mother smiled. “His words made me feel even worse than I already am.”

“How are you feeling, Mother?” I enquired.

“To be honest, I was feeling a bit better this morning. However, the Medicine King ruined everything for me,” she rolled her eyes as she mentioned the Medicine King.

“Mother, I think you should reconsider what he told you. He just wants you to get better,” I answered.

She looked at me in surprise, baffled as well. She remarked, “Did you eavesdrop again?”

I smiled and replied, “I was about to knock on your door when I heard the two of you talking. And allow me to say this, Mother: you’re acting like a child. Not accepting help from other people and being stubborn.”

She giggled gently, careful not to hurt herself. “Robert, I’m not being stubborn, I’m being realistic. And since you already have an idea of what we talked about, I have my reasons for rejecting his suggested treatment.”

“He said that you believe your time has come,” I raised a brow at her. “I don’t know how you can think in such a way. Aren’t you worried about leaving Elizabeth and me?”

“Robert, we all must accept if our time has arrived,” she then reached out a hand on mine. “The Medicine King has been treating me like a child when I only tried to reason with him. Acceptance is key to everything, including death.”

Mother, please stop saying that you’re going to die,” I blocked her declarations of death. “You’re going to get better and you will get better. Do you understand me?” I leaned in closer.

“Robert, I know the truth and I’m not afraid of it,” she smiled. “I will humbly accept the fate of death instead of suffering endlessly.”

“Mother, just because fate has decided, doesn’t mean you can’t change it,” I protested. “We mustn’t let fate decide what’s best for us. This is your life, Mother. You should be the one controlling it, not the other way around.”

“Robert, even if we do something, death is inevitable. So, what’s the point of even trying?” she argued.

“Mother, are you in a rush to leave us?” I asked. “The point of us wanting you to get treatment is that you can live longer so that we can be together for a long time.”

“And still die in the end,” she retorted.

“Mother, can you please stop that?” I groaned.

“My dear son, sooner or later, you’ll realize why I act and think like this,” she smiled in an attempt to comfort me. She might not know this but she’s everything to me. I can’t afford to lose anyone in my life, especially my mother. She’s been the constant rock of this family for years. And now that I feel like my life isn’t going the way I expected, I need her more than ever.

We need her more than ever.

“How about you take your rest, Mother?” I smiled. “I will come back later.”

She nodded; her face still has that gentle smile. She’s been very brave during her illness. She must retain as much strength as she possibly can. I laid a soft peck on her forehead.

Her eyes slowly closed as she drifted to a peaceful slumber. After watching over her for a few more minutes, I quietly left the room and headed back to mine. Mother has been thinking too much about her condition to the point where she believes she’s about to return to dust. But for me, she only needs some rest from everything. And I think I’ll take a quick nap as well. I have nothing much to do today, anyways.

♔♔♔

My eyes squinted as the soft light from the afternoon sun greeted me. It already peeked through the window, ready to see me. I sat up and gave myself a bit of a stretch. And even though I have rested, my mind, heart, my soul is still uneasy. I still have this clenched feeling within my chest. Being reminded of what I did to Laura continued to hurt me.

The guilt has overpowered my body, I can’t think properly because of it. I’m too mad at myself. I hate myself for what I did to her. I’ve become some sort of monster, all because she didn’t agree with what I wanted. And I hate myself for that because that’s how James has treated me.

Am I turning into him? Or am I like him?

The two sides of my conscience have been in a constant battle, trying to give me the perfect solution to my problem.

Chase after her, you imbecile. You have offended her and you’re not going to do anything about it? The right side scolded.

Then the other side quickly refuted it. Why would you go after her? She did choose to leave you rather than fight for you!

The other side intervened without hesitation. Robert, you know better than this. You want to make things right, you know you do. You know you want to go after her.

That statement was quickly silenced by the other as it snapped. Be rational. She chose that path. You simply opened the door for her.

I groaned as I engulfed my head into my hands, not knowing what to do anymore. Even my conscience is having a hard time deciding on what I should do! Should I go after her or not? Should I apologize or just let it be? Should I pursue some kind of relationship with her or move on? Everything just came rushing in, not giving me time to process.

I was close to insanity when Elizabeth suddenly entered the room.

“Hello, little brother,” she smiled, closing the door. “You seem like you needed some company,” she walked towards me.

“Hello, Elizabeth. Where did you come from?” I asked, lifting my head with a smile.

“Um, the same way you entered this world? From our mother’s womb?” she replied, smirking as she sat beside me.

Elizabeth always comes up with the best sarcastic answers. It’s both hilarious and sometimes, irritating. “What I meant was where did you spend most of your time today?” I repeated after a groan.

“Do ask your questions properly next time,” she giggled. “And as always, I was at the library. It’s the only place I can be away from Bethilda.”

“Have you visited Mother yet?” I asked. “I was with her before I took a nap. She slept before I left.”

“I did go to check on her, but she was still asleep. Bethilda said Mother woke up to take her medicine and then went back to sleep,” she explained. “Bethilda also told me not to disturb her and to give her time to rest.”

“Please don’t tell me she’s also meddling on how we take care of our mother,” I snarled. “She’s our mother, our queen. We have the right to see her.”

“Let her be, Robert. We’ve been so frustrated about her, but she doesn’t feel the same thing,” she said, putting her arm around me. “That’s a bit unfair on our side, don’t you think?”

I sighed as I nodded. “I guess you’re right about that. What are you planning to do now?”

She let out a deep breath, removing her arm from me. “I would probably sleep and rest my brain. I would like to wake up before dinner is served. How about you?”

“I don’t have any sure plans, as of this moment,” I scratched my nape.

“Why don’t you try and go to the library? It will help you pass the time until dinner,” she suggested, smiling.

“Elizabeth, you know that—”

“I know you don’t like reading books but sometimes, books could be the best of friends that you can make,” she smiled.

“Books as friends?” I scoffed in disbelief. “That’s not a possibility.”

“Robert, books aren’t as horrible as you think they are. You’re thinking too much out of it,” she explained.

“How come you submerge yourself fully into books? All I can think about is boredom,” I groaned. “I tried reading once and I couldn’t last for another minute.”

“What made you feel that books are a bore?” she asked, her brows furrowed.

“Elizabeth, there are not as many pictures as I want there to be!” I exclaimed. “I would prefer to have more illustrations in our books. The words aren’t that enticing, even.”

Elizabeth gave out a bit of a laugh before saying, “Brother, books are made to inspire, to nourish your mind. Books aren’t meant to be some kind of museum.” She continued, “Words are meant to be poetic. They are meant to be in such a way so your mind can think. Books are supposed to take you to different places, places where you can’t go.”

“I will try next time,” I sighed.

“I suggest that you do that as much as possible. Even the wisest men in this world read books because even they don’t know everything,” she comforted.

I stood up. “I’m going to visit Nana. Will you be all right on your own? Shall I send some of your maids here?”

“My maids are outside. I told them to wait for your permission to enter,” she answered as she went under the covers.

I kissed her cheek and headed to the kitchen, giving the maids permission to enter my room and accompany my sister as she took her nap.