IV. The Impact of Her

~ Fifteen ~

My jaw clenched as those words played in my mind, over and over again.

Unwanted yet terrifying situations haunted my brain. It made me sick to the stomach.

"Robert?" I turned around as James called me, "What does it say?"

As I tried to control my emotions, I handed the note to James. My hand shook as my mind scattered to keep myself calm.

James read the note and returned to me with a tense look. For once, we had a mutual understanding. This matter wasn't just about saving Laura anymore. It suddenly became a matter of importance as innocent people were brought into the problem.

"Gonzalo came out of the guest room. "Your Majesty," he bowed as he approached us, "The visitor is now in a better state. I will have some of the maids work on rotation to ensure his swift recovery."

"Well done, Gonzalo," James said as he turned to Gonzalo. He then instructed, "Take some of my guards with you to the bakery. Hold an investigation on what happened. And I want the results within the day."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Gonzalo bowed.

"Robert," James returned to me, "Would you like to have a moment with your friend?" he asked.

I nodded. Grandpa Ben still didn't know about Laura's case. And sure enough, he was frightened for his employees. There was no doubt in my mind that Benjamin orchestrated the attack.

"Very well, then. Don't take too long as he needs to regain his strength," James continued. "After that, head to my study immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty," I bowed.

James turned to Gonzalo. "Let's go."

As James walked ahead of him, Gonzalo gave me one quick look of disdain before he followed the king.

I shrugged off his glare and entered Grandpa Ben's room.

~*~*~*~

As soon as I stepped foot into the room, my heart sank.

Grandpa Ben laid unconscious. Covered in wounds, he was sound asleep as the maids cleaned his surroundings.

I carefully sat down beside him. I silently thanked the gods that I made it just in time to save him. I wasn't able to do the same for Laura. But I vowed to ensure the safety of her loved ones.

"Prepare everything that the Medicine King advised," I instructed the maids. "And I want everybody to work consistently. Grandpa Ben must be taken care of properly."

"Yes, Your Highness," the maids answered.

Suddenly, Grandpa Ben groaned.

"Grandpa Ben?" I quickly turned back to him. "Fetch the needed medicine. Quickly!" I ordered.

The door burst open as the maids shuffled behind me.

"Grandpa Ben?" I called out again, "Are you in any pain?"

Slowly, Grandpa Ben opened his eyes. "Robert? Is that you?" he asked as he reached out to me.

I grabbed Grandpa Ben's shaking hand. "Don't be afraid, Grandpa Ben," I said gently, "You are safe now."

"The... bakery..."

"The king has sent men to investigate what happened," I replied.

Suddenly, Grandpa Ben's eyes opened wide, horrified. "Laura, they are after Lau–Oh!" he flinched as he attempted to stand.

"Grandpa Ben, don't!" I caught him and laid him back on the bed. I continued, "You are severely wounded. It is best that you don't force yourself to move."