A Usurper's Cause (Book #4)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Udolf stopped in front of the looking glass and smiled.

However, he slowly let it fade when he spotted Godwin behind him in his reflection. Never a moment of peace in this infuriating maze.

"I am aware why you suggested Eldon court Mercia," Godwin said, keeping his back to Udolf. "What I do not understand is why you still care about her."

Udolf laughed and turned around. "Why do you still think low of me? I only wish to see the love of her life fall for another. So, when she returns—which she will—she will know she has lost him indefinitely. Even if Haven can successfully restore his memories, his feelings for Merica will remain. If they are engaged, it is even better. I don't believe Eldon is the kind of man to leave a woman for another."

"For your sake, I certainly hope this is your intention with this plan."

"It is. From the beginning, it has always been my intention to take everything from this family." Udolf snatched King Philip's old crown off the dresser and faced himself in the mirror again. It was a hideous chunk of gold adorned with rubies that flattened his curls if he wore it too long. Yet it fit his head perfectly.

"I was meant to have this," he said, putting on the crown.

Godwin drawled out such a dramatic sigh that nearly made Udolf roll his eyes.

"Your father—your true father—would have been proud," Godwin then said.

Udolf blinked. "I've never asked you if you knew him. Did you?"

Godwin finally peered at him. "I know all my followers. I knew his mother and her father." Then a fond smile spread across his face. It didn't look right on him—as if such joy didn't belong on his face.

"What kind of man was he?" Udolf asked, moving away from the mirror. "My father."

"The kind who died without any regrets. He showed no fear during his final moments, especially since he had recently learned of you."

Udolf lifted his eyebrows. "My mother told him?"

"She confessed the truth to him during their last encounter. He insisted that she run away with him. She told him why she couldn't. She couldn't leave her son behind. This angered your father greatly. He could not fathom why she would care so much for Lord Winslow's son. That's when she confessed. Not only did she love her son for obvious reasons, but she also loved that he was the son of the man she truly loved."

Udolf remembered his mother well. She smiled all the time, even whenever her husband was in his usual moods. She stood beside him throughout everything, supporting his decisions, and encouraging him to do more for their people. Despite this, she reserved plenty of her already busy schedule for Udolf. She had smelled like mint and lavender from the oils she'd created herself.

Udolf still had one of these bottles, but it no longer smelled as refreshing and sweet as it had back then.

"Your Majesty!" someone called from the corridor.

Udolf sighed and hurried over to see who it was. A servant stood on the other side, bowing awkwardly.

"Get to it," Udolf scolded, snapping his fingers. "I was in the middle of something."

The young man straightened up and nodded. "I apologize, Your Majesty. There is a man who is demanding an audience with you. He has been out there all day and most of last night. The guards have done their best to deter him, but he is insistent. Your Majesty, the guards are awaiting... your order."

Godwin chuckled.

Udolf ignored him and folded his arms across his chest. "I suppose they are expecting me to want him dead or banned from the town." Then he smiled crookedly. "How does this sound instead: allow him inside and I will speak with him." Judging by the servant's wide eyes, that'd been the last thing anyone thought Udolf would say. Sometimes, he liked to surprise.