Chapter 11: Contradicting

Benjamin stomped into my room, followed by Gonzalo and the guards. Not wasting any time, he shouted, “How dare you do this to me?! I trusted you!”

I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath. That’s a good way to greet someone who’s been like your family for years. As soon as I faced him, I asked, “Is that your new manner of greeting a friend, Benjamin?” I stood and took a few steps forward. “Is that how you treat your brother now?”

He scoffed before he raised a brow. “Brother? Brother?! You call yourself my brother after what you did to me?!” he continued ranting as he came closer to me. Gonzalo followed him closely. He made sure Benjamin was within his reach. “You took everything from me! You’re the reason why she didn’t choose me!”

Upon hearing those words, Gonzalo looked at me, eyes wide open. Benjamin’s rant just gave confirmation to Gonzalo’s already built-up suspicion: I met a woman in the Mortal Realm, which became the reason for my frequent visits. Gonzalo’s expression slowly changed from shocked to furious.

I sighed and replied, “Benjamin, I didn’t do anything to influence her decision-making. I didn’t tell her. I didn’t force her to choose me over you. Must I remind you that I supported you amidst my own heartbreak?” I took a few steps closer whilst I kept my distance. “I encouraged her to choose you. You, Benjamin, even though the sight of you two together broke me. Instead of competing with you, instead of fighting for her, I chose to be the friend and brother that you needed. And you have the nerve to claim that I betrayed you?!”

“You did betray me,” he growled as he moved closer. We are now at arm’s reach from each other. “If you had any conscience, you would’ve never made any contact with her. I had a chance, Robert!” he stomped his foot as he threw a fit. “I had a chance but you.” He pointed at my face. “You just had to ruin everything!”

“I met her first, Benjamin! I met her first!” I screamed at his face, allowing my emotions to get the best of me. “I knew someone else was fighting for her affections. But I didn’t know it was you because she never told me who it was! All she said was that another man was also courting her, but she wasn’t interested in him.”

“You’re just saying that because you don’t know how I feel!” Benjamin suddenly pushed me. Gonzalo quickly held him by the arms. But Benjamin was strong enough to push Gonzalo off of him. He sprinted towards me and grabbed me by the collar. “You don’t know how I feel because you never felt this way before. You’re not the one who watched the love of your life choose the person you trusted the most. You don’t understand!” He then swung a punch on me, making me fall to the ground.

As my fall caused a loud thud, the guards rushed into the room and helped Gonzalo hold Benjamin back. Gonzalo pinned Benjamin’s hands on his back. The guards stood before him, their hands on his chest as they kept him back.

I stood up and wiped the blood from my mouth. I stared at him, catching my breath. “How dare you tell me I don’t understand?” I gritted. “How dare you say that when you’re the one who did that to me? How dare you!”

Stunned, his eyes widened and started to water.

“When you knelt down in front of Laura,” I stepped towards him slowly, “that tore me to pieces. And do you want to know why?”

He stayed silent as he stared at me, never breaking eye contact.

“It was because the woman I loved was pursued by the brother whom I loved. I had to make a choice. And who did I choose?” I stood close to him, my face meeting his. “Tell me, Benjamin, who did I choose? WHO?”

A tear ran down his cheek and he turned away from my gaze. He then sobbed silently.

“I chose you, Benjamin! I. Choose. You.” I poked on his chest as I pointed at him. Gonzalo, seeing that Benjamin was calmer, handed him over to the guards. Gonzalo then walked over to me, holding me by the arm and shoulder. “I chose you because you’re my brother and I didn’t want anything to come between us!” I cried out. “I was hurt. But because you were much more important to me, I gave up Laura for your happiness!” I took a few breaths in to calm myself.

The room then stood silent. The only sounds that were heard were our muffled cries and staggered breathing. The atmosphere within the room got heavier. Gonzalo kept his hold on me whilst the guards lessened their grip on Benjamin, now sobbing.

Once I regained composure, I looked at Benjamin and added, “How can I betray you? How did I betray you?”

Still, he didn’t look at me. He continued to cry silently as he kept his face away from my sight.

“I chose my brother instead of fighting for love,” my voice cracked as I put my hands on my waist. “And now, the person I stood by told me I betrayed him. I didn’t betray you, Benjamin. If anything, you betrayed me by doing this to me.” My chest stung as those words escaped my lips. Never in my life had I imagined that I would be hurt by Benjamin. He was one of the people whom I expected that would never do anything to cause me pain. But here we are.

I turned around and headed to the window. The moment my back was turned, my tears finally escaped my eyes. As footsteps left my room, I fell to the ground and Gonzalo rushed towards me. I knew that our friendship—our brotherhood—was destroyed because of love.

I lost my brother all because of love.

I chose him out of love. And it is because of love, he was taken.

Gonzalo then leaned towards me. His hands sat firmly on his knees. “Would you like something to drink, Your Highness?”

I shook my head as I took a deep breath in. I wiped my tears and replied, “You may take your rest, Gonzalo. That was a lot to handle.”

“Are you sure you don’t need anything, Your Highness?”

“Yes, Gonzalo,” I said as he helped me stand. “I would like to be left alone for a while,” I continued, my lips forming a firm line.

“As you wish,” he bowed. As he turned around, the trumpets played their fanfare. My family has returned from their visit. Gonzalo looked back at me, waiting for my orders.

I groaned as I slouched back on my chair. I was too exhausted from the fiasco with Benjamin. Now, I had to face my family in this state.

“If you would like, Your Highness,” Gonzalo took careful steps towards me. “I could tell Their Majesties that you’re still sleeping. You can have more rest. Leave the explanation to me.”

I sighed, and my hands landed on my thighs. “There won’t be a need for that,” I slowly stood from my chair. I walked towards him and continued, “If anybody should explain Benjamin’s presence, it should be me.”

He nodded. “I’ll go right ahead and welcome the royal family. I’ll return here should His Majesty look for you.”

I shook my head. “Unnecessary, Gonzalo. We shall go together.” I walked ahead of him, and we made our way down to the Great Hall.

♔♔♔

The family was welcomed by the guards and Nana Olsa as we walked down the staircase.

“Did we have any visitors whilst we were away?” James enquired, handing his coat to the maids.

“Prince Benjamin paid Robert a visit,” Nana said without hesitation.

Horrified, I quickly turned to Gonzalo, and we shared a frightened look.

“Is that so? Why was he here?” Mother asked another question. “He should’ve waited for us.”

“Benjamin couldn’t wait, unfortunately,” I intervened as I quickened my pace. They turned to my direction as I continued, “He said he still had other things to do. Also, good morning.” I smiled as I hugged Mother and Elizabeth. I briefly turned to Gonzalo and raised my brows.

He agreed as he understood what I hinted on. He then stood beside Nana.

“Where were you, Robert?” James approached me, fixing his sleeves. “When servants checked your room, you weren’t there.”

“I woke up early today. I went to Lady’s grave and had a simple picnic with her,” I replied with my hands hidden behind my back.

“You could’ve told us last night. Or you could have woken us up this morning. We were so worried about you,” he said.

“My apologies, Your Majesty.” I bowed. I slowly stood and added, “I only planned it this morning. I didn’t want to disturb the peace of the castle. That would’ve been rude of me.”

“You must never think in such a manner, Robert,” James held onto my arm. “Your whereabouts are always important, as well as your safety. You’re the future king of this kingdom. Your life must be preserved.”

Just when I thought he was concerned for me as a father, he had to say that. The security of the succession was still the priority in his mind. Well, at the very least, he was concerned about me. That was better than nothing at all.

“Now, how about you join us for tea?” he smiled as he retreated his hand. “It’s a good day to be with the family.”

“I would love to. However, I would like to choose a new champion today. I didn’t want to replace Lady that quickly. But I do need my own horse,” I replied.

“Can I accompany you?” James asked, hopeful.

“Thank you, Your Majesty but there won’t be a need for that,” I smiled firmly. “This must be done on my own. To choose a new champion would be…a bit personal.”

“Will you be back home for lunch, then?” Elizabeth entered the conversation.

Her eyes were even more hopeful than James. I looked at Mother and James. They all carried the same expression in their eyes.

Outnumbered, I sighed and gave a light nod.

“Perfect!” Mother squealed as she walked towards me. “I’ll have the servants prepare a grand meal for us.”

I smiled, nodding once more. “I shall see you all later.” I gave my bow and headed to the stables.

♔♔♔

As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the bakery, I got off and approached the chauffeur. Sternly, I instructed, “Should my family ask for my whereabouts, tell them that I’m already choosing a new horse. You’re not allowed to tell them the truth.”

“As you wish,” he bowed.

Given my permission, he went on his way. I entered the bakery and as expected, it was filled with people. Customers who chose rushed orders lined up until the door. This has been one of the busiest days I’ve seen so far in the bakery.

“Robert!” a voice surfaced from the noisy, crowded shop. I looked around and found Grandpa Ben waving from the counter.

I smiled, returning a wave.

He then gestured for me to come forward and patted an unoccupied chair.

Gently, I pushed through the crowd. I didn’t want to bump into anyone, especially the workers. “Grandpa Ben,” I greeted as I reached the counter.

We shook hands before he replied, “Have a seat, son.”

I raised my voice in order for him to hear my response, “That won’t be needed, Grandpa Ben. I won’t be staying here for long.” I leaned in and spoke by his ear, “I was wondering if I could take Laura with me to choose a new champion.”

His brows furrowed as I stepped away. “A new horse? What happened to your Lady?”

“Uh, someone poisoned her,” my lips formed a thin line. “She was buried yesterday.”

Shocked, Grandpa Ben immediately held onto my hands. “Oh, my dear boy. I’m very sorry about your loss.”

“It’s all right, Grandpa Ben. I don’t want to spend the rest of my days, sulking in a corner,” I smiled in reassurance. “I already mourned for my Lady. I’m certain she doesn’t want to see me miserable until my very last breath.”

“Well, as you can see, Laura has her hands full at the moment,” he briefly pointed at Laura. She was preparing a big load of dough for her fellow bakers. He turned back to me and said, “You’ll have to wait for the chaos to die down a bit.”

I nodded. I sat on the empty chair and replied, “Then I shall wait.”

“And while you wait,” he then grabbed a menu list and put it in front of me, “what would you like to have?”

I shook my head as I slightly pushed the menu away. “No need, Grandpa Ben. You already have a lot of people to cater to. And besides,” I leaned forward and whispered, “I didn’t bring enough money with me.”

He laughed for a moment before his hand landed on my shoulder. “Robert, you don’t need to have money all the time whenever you visit. If you want anything from the bakery, all you need is ask.” He grabbed his pen and a small piece of paper. “Now, choose whatever it is that you want.”

“Uh,” my knees shook as I grew nervous looking at the list. “Perhaps, the tea and pie that I had before,” I asked, shyly.

After he wrote my order, Grandpa Ben entered the kitchen. He gave his instructions, as well as encouraged everybody. I turned around and saw the continuous wave of people that arrived. Looking at the servants, it seemed like they’ve been working since early this morning. Some people stayed and ate their food with a satisfied grin plastered on their faces. Others continued to wait in line. And instead of losing people from the line, more came in and waited.

I looked back to Grandpa Ben and asked, “Don’t they get tired? The people who are waiting?”

He raised his face and briefly looked at the line. He smiled and said, “I already told them that they can return their orders. But they preferred to wait.”

“Today must have been a handful for you and the workers, huh?” I asked.

“There are no stagnant days for us in this bakery. The only exception we have are our rest days,” he explained as he grabbed a chair and sat across from me. “Some would send their servants for their orders. Either they wait or they ask us to have it delivered to their homes.”

A worker from the kitchen rang a bell. He then put a tray with tea and pie onto the counter behind Grandpa Ben.

He then served it to me. He slowly laid the tray before me, “Here you are, son. You’ll need something to help you decide on choosing a new champion.”

“Thank you,” I nodded as I poured tea into my cup.

He cleared his throat as he returned to his chair. “Lady was a fine champion for you. I saw how close you were as horse and master.”

I nodded before taking a sip. The tea had a relaxing fragrance. Its divine smell and taste instantly calmed me down. As the hot liquid touched my tongue, it sent chills down my spine.

“Laura did mention that something happened to your champion. I didn’t know it was her departure. Again, my condolences,” he lowered his voice. He dismissed his cheerful tone and replaced it with a comforting approach. “I, myself, have lost three champions in my lifetime. I understand the pain that you’re going through. Our adventures will always remain here,” he pointed to his heart.

“At least you have no regrets on what you lost, Grandpa Ben,” I said as I put my cup down. The emptiness slowly formed within my heart once again. My eyes fixated itself on the food before me as my heart began to break. I continued, “Lady and I still had adventures to discover. However, it would seem that time wasn’t on our side. Without her, I would never be able to fulfill those.”

He put a hand on my shoulder, causing me to look up to him. “You mustn’t give up, son. Perhaps those adventures are meant to be explored with somebody else. It’s just waiting for you to open your eyes and heart,” he smiled.

Could it be with Laura? Or another champion?

Grandpa Ben had a point. Maybe, for the next chapters of my life, Lady wasn’t needed anymore. But still, Lady’s death wasn’t necessary in my opinion. I still had questions about my life and Lady was my only source of solace before Laura came into my life. I’ve yet to discover the answers to my every question and Lady suddenly left.

♔♔♔

After a while of heavenly munching, my meal was devoured entirely. Not a crumb was spared, and I let out a silent burp as I adjusted myself on my chair. “Thank you for the meal, Grandpa Ben,” I said as I cleaned the plate and utensils. “I promise I’ll pay for everything on my next visit.”

With a smile, Grandpa Ben replied, “You don’t have to, son. You’re a part of our family and families don’t owe each other anything.” He then took the tray and put it on the counter behind him. He shook his hands clean as he returned to me. “Well, unless it's about business matters, there will be a conversation. Am I correct?” he leaned onto the counter, his folded arms supporting him.

“Grandpa Ben, this,” I pointed at the whole bakery, “is your business. I can’t just eat here and not pay for anything. You would lose profit and eventually, you could lose your business.”

Stepping back with a smile, he shook his head again. He chuckled before he answered, “You’re quite persistent. How about this: pay when you can. However, I’m not obligating you to pay each time you visit.”

Laura then appeared from the back and carried the tray. Grandpa Ben put his hand on top of hers, stopping her on her tracks. “What are you doing?” he asked.

Her brows furrowed. “I’m putting this in the sink,” she said as she lifted the tray momentarily.

“You’re definitely not doing that,” said Grandpa Ben as he stole the tray and returned it on the counter. “You’re accompanying Robert,” he pointed towards my direction. “He’s going to choose a new champion and he needs someone to be with him.”

Laura grew even more confused. “Uh, Grandpa Ben, are you aware of how crowded we are today?” she asked, pointing at the line of customers that didn’t seem to have died down. “You need all the help that you can get.”

“I’ll have Ronald take care of your duties,” he replied.

She rolled her head back, groaning. “I can’t entrust my station to Ronald. The last time we did that, one of the ovens almost caused a big fire,” she replied.

I covered my mouth as I snickered. I quickly turned around, preventing anyone in the kitchen from seeing me laughing. Ronald couldn’t be that bad of a worker, is he? Perhaps Laura was exaggerating. She has been annoyed with Ronald for the longest time.

“Hmm,” I turned around as Grandpa Ben spoke. His chin rested on his hand. His lips pouted a bit and his brows furrowed, in deep thoughts. “You’re probably right about that. I’ll handle your station, then,” Grandpa Ben smiled, which caused Laura’s eyes to widen. “Ronald shall take over counter duties. You, on the other hand, shall go with Robert. He could use some of your insights in choosing a new champion.”

Laura sighed as she saw no other excuse against Grandpa Ben. “If you say so,” she smiled firmly as she took off her apron, handing it over to Grandpa Ben after. She hugged him for a second and left the bakery with me, following closely behind her.

“Shall we?” I asked.

She looked at her clothes before she turned to me. “Can I change into something else? I smell of cookies and to be completely honest, I’m a mess,” she replied.

I nodded. “Take your time. I’ll wait for you.” I laid a soft peck on her forehead, and she went on her way, hiding away her flushed face.

♔♔♔

A while passed and Laura hadn’t returned yet. My legs started shaking as I anxiously waited in front of the bakery. What could be keeping her? I didn’t require her to look too much of a princess or noble lady. I’d prefer for her to wear something she was comfortable in. Something that she knew she looked good in.

A gentle voice then called me from behind, “Robert?”

I turned my head and there she was. She wore a white, long-sleeved top that was a bit loose at the sleeves. She paired it with a long brown skirt, and her work boots. Her long, dark brown curls hung free down to her shoulders.

This was her—the Laura that caught my eyes.

I stood and walked towards her. Unable to contain my smile, I spoke, “You look radiant, Laura, as you always do.” I leaned in to plant a kiss on her lips, only to be pushed back by her.

“Robert, please,” she murmured as she looked around, frantic. “People could see us.”

I stepped back, smirking as I raised a brow. “I didn’t know you cared so much about what other people think. Why does it matter if they see?” I replied.

She sighed and stepped closer, muttering, “It’s high time that you know this. You’re highly respected here. Ever since your presence was made known in our street, they held you in high regards. Should they catch you being affectionate with me, they might say you have bad taste in women.” She added, “A young, rich man philandering with a lowly woman? Scandalous.”

Amused, I smiled as I stared at her. I found her adorable whenever she was in a worried state. “Laura, I don’t care if they saw what I just did,” I said, gently grabbing her hands. I caressed her hands softly with my thumbs. I continued, “And why do you see yourself in such a low manner? You may not be of noble birth. But I hold you to high standards, the same standards I have for my mother and sister. So, there’s nothing for you to worry about.” I stepped closer, closing the gap between us. I moved a piece of hair from her face and asked, “Do you understand?”

She was about to protest but resigned to a nod and a smile. She then whistled and Leo stepped out from behind her. She quickly held onto Leo’s rein as he stood beside her. “How are we going to settle this? Perhaps you can ride Leo and I’ll walk,” she smirked as she teased me.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, Laura,” I pulled her to me. “It seems you didn’t learn anything from the moment we met.” I carried her and winked. Without hesitation, I assisted Laura up Leo and I followed. I secured Laura within my arms and whispered, “Hold on.”

With a light kick on Leo’s side, we made our journey to the champion seller back in the Immortal Realm.

♔♔♔

“I offer my deepest condolences upon your loss, Your Highness,” Lord Roland, the owner of the champion selling business, said as we walked through his plantation. “Upon hearing the death of Lady, I was heartbroken for you.”

I smiled cordially. “Thank you, Lord, Roland,” I replied, squeezing Laura’s hand as she walked behind me.

Lord Roland has maintained his reputation as the most trusted horse keeper in our kingdom. He has consistently provided well-mannered and healthy champions to anyone who wanted one. Lady came from his stables, which is why I knew exactly where to go when I made the decision to have a new champion.

“What sort of champion are you looking for, Your Highness?” his voice became a bit enthusiastic, probably an attempt to lighten the mood. “I suppose you’re looking for something a bit bolder.”

“With all honesty, I haven’t thought about it yet,” I replied, my lips forming a tight line. “I had Lady for the longest time, and never did I imagine that I would be here today, looking for a new champion. No other horse can replace the bond we had. Ever,” I continued. “But I also don’t want a horse that’s just another Lady. Loyalty and deep connection are all I need, aside from a healthy stature. And the champion must be able to hold their own.”

Lord Roland. “It would take a lot of time and consideration in choosing a new horse, Your Highness. But with many choices laid before you.” He proudly pointed at all the horses. “I’m certain you’ll be able to find the perfect match.”

We then stopped in the middle of the room. As my eyes scanned my surroundings, not one horse caught my attention. When Lady was bestowed in my care, my eyes were set on her and her alone. I never looked at another kind of horse because she was more than adequate as a companion. But to be in the position of choosing a new champion, I never knew it would be difficult.

My worry was about to consume me when Laura walked over to me. She remained by my side and around the corner of my eye, I saw she was looking. I turned to her, and she smiled as soon as our eyes met. She tightened her hold on my hand and grabbed onto my arm with her other.

I took a deep breath before I returned to Lord Roland. “If it’s not too much to ask, I would like to have a moment to think. As you mentioned, there are a lot of things to consider.”

“Please, Your Highness,” he bowed, “take all the time you need.” He then called the two servants that accompanied us and left the room.