Odette

Twenty Five

Eric

"Your highness don't move to much" the seamstress said poking more pins into my pants

"Everyone is filled with joy that you were found! With the coronation in two weeks we are excited to crown a new king" she went on to say

The old lady was sweet but I didn't want to hear about my coronation. It's been two months  since I left the forest and my heart still felt like it was gone. I've been stuck in this castle prepping for my coronation and duties as king 

"Things have gotten worse and the people pray your rein will change things"

"What do you mean?" I asked not understanding what she meant 

"I thought you knew... the royal guards started taxing the commoners and anyone now harboring mythical creatures face extreme punishment. Your uncle has been enforcing many strict laws and-"

"Eric!" my uncle yelled shutting the lady up

He motioned for the seamstress to leave and she quietly left not making eye contact 

"How are you feeling future king?" he asked getting comfortable in the chair

"Joyful" I flatly said 

"Uncle what have you been doing since I've been gone?"

"What do you mean" he gave me a confused look

"I've heard their are new laws" I said taking off the pants and putting my robe back off

"Well those are just precautions after we found you hostage in that fairy village. I've been investigating your kidnap and looking into that fairy who almost killed you in the forest"

Him mentioning Odette made my skin crawl. He spoke of her as if she was a criminal, "she wasn't going to kill me" I barked 

My uncle started to laugh, "no need to get defense. Almost sounds like you love the girl" 

"Just make sure you inform me of any changes. I am the next king" I dryly stated heading out the door

"As you wish... your highness" 

Walking down the hall I stood in front of my fathers chambers. Since being home I haven't visited him once... part of me was ashamed yet anger. But I knew I couldn't stall any longer, turning the knob I saw my father's pale body on the bed. He looked almost lifeless 

"Eric?" he coughed sitting up the butler at the corner of the room had a sad look on his face as I moved inside

"Don't speak father" I said walking towards the bed 

Knelling down besides him grabbed his hand, "Your alive" he smiled and squeezed my hand 

"Father... I'm sorry" 

"Boy you have nothing to be sorry for. I am the one with much regret" he began to cough again this time blood following

Was he dying? I couldn't think about losing somebody else close to me. Just thinking about that possibility I started to tear, "Father... I fell in love" I whispered

"Really! Where is she? I would love to meet her" he cheered in the bed

"She hates me now... I ruined everything"

"Love is never ruined if it's the right person. Before you were born I cheated on your mother, she was distraught and hurt. I had broke a vow between us and betrayed our marriage. But because she had a heart of gold, she took Benedict in as if he was her own son, sure she hated my guts for years. But if that was a chance for me to try again, I took it! I bet in the afterlife when we reunite she'll smack me for being foolish again" he started to laugh