IV. The Impact of Her

~ Twenty-Three ~

Our walk to the guest wing was eerily silent.

Absolutely uncomfortable. Our footsteps were loud enough to echo throughout the halls.

"Robert," Benjamin called from behind me.

I didn't respond.

"Robert, is it possible for us to talk?" Benjamin persisted. "We are brothers. We used to settle everything through calm discussions."

"Do not call me your brother," I lifted a finger. "We stopped being brothers the moment you attacked me. You even labelled me as a traitor," I spatted.

"Robert, please."

I ignored his plea and opened the final door at the hall. I entered first and opened the door for them. "If you need anything, just ring the service bell," I said as they stepped into the room.

Benjamin's page slowly helped his master reach the bed.

Benjamin nudged at his page, who was quick to leave the room. Benjamin sat properly on the bed and said, "Robert, I am not leaving this kingdom unless we settle our differences."

"What do you want me to say, Benjamin?" I asked, irritated. I turned to him and continued, "Do you expect for me to forgive you as if nothing happened? You don't know how much you have wounded me. So, I suggest that you don't expect too much from me."

Benjamin quickly replied, "I don't understand why you feel that way. I admit that I wrongly accused you of something that you never did. I shouldn't have done that. You have to believe me when I say I am sorry."

I sighed as I closed my eyes. I pinched the bridge of my nose and turned away for a brief moment. Truth be told, a part of me still loved Benjamin as a brother. That part of me wanted to forgive him for his previous actions.

However, I still didn't want to believe that Benjamin was innocent of Laura's abduction. And until his innocence is proven, he was still a suspect in my perspective.

"Benjamin, I have a lot of matters to take care of," I said as I turned back to him. "I worry about Laura and the family that she left behind. I worry for my family, especially for my mother's sanity. My head is spinning in so many directions. I don't know where to start," I ranted. "Repatching my relationship with you isn't something that I'm thinking about."

I added, "And a broken relationship cannot be repaired, simply by an apology. Whether it's with family, friends or even a lover, an apology isn't enough to repair the damage that has been done."

Benjamin's jaw clenched. His eyes were wide open and began to water. He took a deep breath before he lowered his head.

Benjamin shouldn't assume that forgiveness was that easy. I deeply loved him. He was my brother. But his actions were just unacceptable.

With nothing else to say, I turned around and left. I had more pressing matters to attend to.

~*~*~*~

When I returned to the throne room, James, along with the captain and his men huddled in the middle of the room.

"Will that be the quickest way to her domain?" James asked the captain as I arrived beside him.

They all gave their ceremonious bow to me before the captain replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. The king's road will be the safest out of our lands. Once we reach the borders, I will have my men scout the area for the fastest and most secure path to the duchess' residence."

"Why not scout the area now?" I asked, which made everyone turn to me. I continued, "If we hold the scouting during the trip, that would mean a long duration within the forest. And that is never a good idea, especially for us monarchs."

James nodded before he turned to the captain, "The prince is right. It will be better if you investigate the area before our departure."

"You heard His Majesty," the captain then turned to the guards. They all stood in command as the captain continued, "Travel to the vicinity and look for the best possible routes. Include detours that can be of help as well."

The captain and the guards made their bows and left the throne room.

"Has Benjamin settled in?" James asked as he examined the map.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I also told him that should he need anything, the service bell is within their reach," I replied.

James remained silent as he put markers on the map. After a while, he turned to me and asked, "Did you apologise to him?"

I chuckled as I slowly shook my head. I was amazed at how much James wanted me to apologise. He cared more for Benjamin's feelings than mine. I retorted, "Did you ask him to ask for my forgiveness?"

"He already did that. Why are you still–"

"That doesn't answer my question, James," I interrupted him. "Did you ask him to apologise or not?"

James' lips formed a firm line as he answered. "No, but–"

"Then, why are you forcing me to apologise when I don't want to?" I snarled.

"That is exactly my point, Robert. I knew from the very beginning that you will not apologise," James replied instantly. "I knew you wouldn't do that, even if you nearly killed him with your antics."

"Technically, you are saying that it is acceptable to hurt your son. But it would be distasteful if I did the same to other people," I added, appalled.

"I didn't say that."

I raised my voice, "Well, that's what you are implying."

James sighed once again before silence made its presence known.

How could he treat Benjamin with such leniency? I was the first to get assaulted and my side was never defended.

"Unfair, without any doubt," I remarked.

"Robert, this matter, this issue, began with you," James replied. "Therefore, all understanding and efforts to make amends must come from you."

I groaned. "You never listened to my explanation as to why Benjamin and I lost our friendship," I gritted through my teeth.

"You stole the woman that he loved, Robert," James said. "Benjamin told me everything. He said–"

"Oh, you remember his side of the story," I remarked as I faced him completely. I chortled before I continued, "I presume you asked him about it. Do you still remember my side of the story?"

With utmost confidence, James said, "Of course, I do."

"And what was my explanation?" I asked as I crossed my arms.

Stunned, James' eyes widened in a panic. Frantic, he looked around the room.

'As if the walls will give you the answers, James,' I thought to myself.

Honestly, I wasn't surprised that James didn't know the answer right away. Quite frankly, he wasn't good at remembering what his children would tell him.

I chuckled as I put my hands behind me. "I am not going to continue this conversation because it will only prolong my agony. But allow me to say this: one way or the other, the truth will be revealed. And I guarantee that Benjamin will be at the end of this debacle."

Before James could respond, I bowed and walked away. I didn't need this exhausting conversation with James. I had more things that needed my attention.