The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 69: The Prince's Resolve

No. No. No. This can't be happening. How did he find out?! Who told him? Leo? No, he would never have told a single soul about our identities. Not even to Cassiel. Sebastian? Unlikely. He doesn't seem too close to Cassiel and he knew better than to tell him about my royal heritage. So who else could have told him?

No one at school knows about my true identity so neither Thomas or Angelica could have told Cassiel. Anyone else could be the staff that accompanied us from the kingdom but they know better than to say a word about our identities. The only other people would be my parents, however, they won't say anything either. Though, I could probably see my father hinting it to Cassiel to threaten him to keep his distance but I do not think he would ever do that. He would need to believe that exposing our secret would be the only way to scare Cassiel away for good.

But I don't think Father would stoop that low. . . I thought quietly to myself as I try to calm down from my developing panic attack. Fortunately, I had the foresight to call Sebastian to retrieve me immediately after my talk with Cassiel. I asked him to come pick me up from school because I needed to speak to Father urgently.

However, Father was currently in another meeting and would not be home until he's finished. Thankfully, Sebastian allowed me to go home early just as soon as he spoke with my mother to authorize my early leave. After that brief talk, I hung up on Sebastian and waited for him in front of the school for a couple of minutes. Since Sebastian picked me up before school ended, it didn't take him long to drive me home. What did take so long was Father's meeting. He did not come home until late afternoon when Mother barely called for me and Leo for dinner.

It wasn't until we were all sitting at the table that Father made his appearance. He strode inside the dining room, only stopping to give my mother's cheek a peck, and sat down at the head of the table. Father greeted us all a quick hello then started to eat the food that was placed in front of him. Yet, I felt my heart beating faster than usual when Father sat down. I didn't know how to bring this up to him but I know I shouldn't let it fester for too long.

With that thought in mind, I decided to wait until we were all done with dinner before bringing up my conversation with Cassiel. By the time our plates were taken and we were all getting ready to leave the table, I summoned every ounce of courage when I spoke. "Father? Could we speak for a moment?"

Father had a surprised expression on his face, but I do not blame him. I hardly ever asked for us to speak alone so it is safe to assume that Father understands that what I have to say is extremely important. With a nod, he stood up from his seat then went straight for the study room as I followed after him. Once we were settled inside, Father sat behind his desk and gave me his full attention.

It's time. . . Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, then speak, I thought to myself. I squared my shoulders back and looked directly at Father. His face was expressionless but his steel grey eyes held a calculating gaze. As if he were trying to deduce what I wanted to tell him before I could utter a single word.

"Father, what I am about to tell you is drastic. However, do not overreact because I handled it." I begin to say but Father was not pleased.

As soon as I mentioned the word "drastic", Father's expression harden by furrowing his eyebrows just a tad and a slight frown appearing on his lips. "What happened?"

". . . Cassiel knows who I am. Who I really am." I confess as I steel myself for him to lose his temper.

"Is that so?" Father responds in a calm voice. I wasn't expecting him to be this calm ever about my identity being known. "How did you handle this problem then?"

"Oh, well. . . I have told Cassiel to keep that particular detail about me to himself or I will react." I answer, but he was not satisfied by it.

"That's all? You didn't bother to mention you will involve our lawyers?" Father questions while he tries to control his anger. Though, I could hear how irritated he is with me.