Love & Duty

Chapter 16

As time flew and the days passed, there was no news of the Black Cobra's movements. They stuck to their plan, hiding in the night's shadows and darkness, reserving their energy and maintaining peace until it was time to strike.

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Sophia continued working on her assignment and exploring all the places in Greenwind and what it has to offer. She has sent reports of her analysis and findings to her parents and brother and was proud to receive their approval and compliments.

She has also been working on getting closer to Rowen, and it was working.

Day by day, Rowen started letting down his guard around her. There are even times when he's caught teasing her. However, if he was confronted about it, he would deny it.

One night, after everything that happened with her, she writes a letter to her brother. Not only to check up on him but to also let him know of the feelings in her heart. Valerie and Tyler told her it wasn't necessary, but Sophia was used to telling her brother everything. She felt this was something important enough to share with him.

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Eric himself followed John's advice and avoided any news on the Black Cobra. It was hard at first, but he eventually let it pass, with John always finding something for him to do.

Sitting at his desk at the moment, going through the reports his sister has sent him, he drops one on the floor. "Prince Eric, you dropped one." Sam goes to pick it up and gives it to him.

He looks it over and realizes it's a letter, not a report. He instantly gets excited. "Oh, Sophia sent a personal letter." he leaves the reports on the side and gives the letter priority.

He opens it up and starts reading it.

"Dear Eric!

How are you these days? I hope you aren't too bored without me there. I'm sure you have gathered from all the reports I've sent, but I'm doing great. Even better, if possible. I'm really grateful for this opportunity. I'm learning something new every day.

Ren and his friends are helping as well. It was my first time meeting them, but Rowen and Nikki are great. You would get along with them as well.

Speaking of friends. Do say hi to John for me. I hope you aren't causing him too much trouble.

Anyway, I'm writing you this letter because I felt the need to tell you something. Please don't overreact and get upset...

There's this guy... I honestly don't know what to do anymore. He is making me crazy. I try to keep him out every day, but he is always there. I think I'm not accepting the fact that I will never get away, and a part of me is worried about it.

I don't want to cause anyone trouble, so I thought I'd speak to you about it. He is different, Eric; I can feel it. I want to take a step forward, but I wanted your opinion first.

I hope to hear from you soon; I miss you and Mom and Dad a lot. Kisses to all of you!

Love, Sophia North. Best sister in the world."

Eric abruptly stands from his chair after reading the letter. "What's wrong, Eric?" John asks.

"Prepare our horses and a horse for Sam. We need to leave. Now!" he orders and goes to exit his office. John and Sam look at each other confused and run to follow him.