II. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty-One ~

"Hello, my dear boy," she smiled as we met halfway.

On her left hand, she carried a black, metal lantern whilst her right hand clutched onto her cloak.

"Nana, what are you doing here at this time of the night? You can get lost," I said, worried.

She chuckled. "Robert, you must have forgotten that I know this maze like I know the back of my hand. I'm one of the people who planned this maze. Therefore, the chances of me getting lost is none," Nana explained.

"Nana, even if you know it from the inside out, it's still dangerous. Especially, for someone your age," I protested. I continued, "You are inside the maze, all alone. Someone can easily sneak from behind you and do something horrible."

"Son, I am more than capable of taking care of myself. You underestimate me too much," she answered as she held onto my arm. "What brings you here?" she then asked as we walked away from the arc.

"I saw your lantern from my balcony. I didn't know it was you. But I just had to make sure who is taking an untimely stroll inside the maze. I am beyond worried because anyone who doesn't know the correct path can get lost easily," I said.

"You need not worry anymore, son," Nana smiled. "Let us return to the castle. It's getting colder."

"Just hold onto me, Nana," I replied as I led the way back to the entrance. "Who were you talking to, anyways?" I asked.

Nana was quick to answer, "No one, Robert. I didn't talk to anyone. You can already see that I'm on my own."

"Nana, I saw you. You spoke to someone from behind the arc. You can't deny that to me," I insisted.

"I am but talking to myself, Robert," Nana said. "You know me, dear one. I am of old bones and gums. Sometimes, when I have no one to speak to, I talk to myself. I guess that's unavoidable when you reach an old age such as mine," she continued, giggling at the end.

"But, Nana–"

"You think too much, Robert," Nana interrupted me as she rubbed my arm. Smiling in assurance, she added, "I appreciate that you look after my well-being. But, you don't have to worry too much about this. Let us just go back inside."

With nothing left to say, I nodded and continued walking. Even though she denied it, I firmly believed that she was in a conversation with somebody. And whoever it was, I would have to find that out. I had so much uncertainty about this whole situation. It was as if there was a big secret that was being prevented for me to find out.

A secret that I needed to unfold in order for me to understand other aspects of my life.

~*~*~*~

I woke up to the sound of birds, chirping right outside my window. The rays of the sun entered through the window. After a quick stretch, I sat up and noticed that Elizabeth wasn't in the room. She was probably in the library again or having her breakfast with James.

Perhaps, Bethilda also joined them, seeing that she had no sense of respect for a time between actual family members.

A knock came upon my door.

Turning to the door, I answered, "Enter."

The door opened and Gonzalo entered. "Good morning, Your Highness," he bowed as he reached me.

"Good morning to you as well, Gonzalo," I smiled. "Punctual and respectful, as you'll ever be. I salute you for your undying patience and never-ending service towards me."

"Thank you, young prince," he bowed once more.

"What news do you have for me today?" I asked.

He then informed me, "I was sent by His Majesty. He requested that you look after Her Majesty for the time-being. He said he will be on a brief voyage with the high lords."