A Usurper's Cause (Book #4)

Chapter Fifty-One

Eldon was sure—even in his past life that he'd forgotten—he'd never seen anything as grand as this city. He kept stopping in his tracks and turning slowly, taking in the sight of tall buildings and balconies. It made the capital of Aristol look like a small village.

"Quit gawking," Udolf whispered to him.

"I ain't—I'm not." Eldon sighed.

Udolf glared at him and hurried along to walk beside King Victor. Eldon only slowed his pace even more when they started passing the peculiar tower he'd spotted in the distance. He stopped and stared up at it. Then he tilted his head as he watched a long arrow move and point to the next number.

"That is a clock tower," Prince Henry said.

Eldon widened his eyes and turned to him.

Henry smiled. "It is operated by a strange mechanism. I was fifteen years old when it was built. It was a gift from the royal family of Titanas Unitum."

"Titanas... Unitum?"

"Yes. That was King Philip's homeland. If you believe we are a faraway kingdom, you will not believe where Titanas Unitum is."

Eldon furrowed his brows as he looked away. Then he winced and touched his head.

"Are you alright?" Henry asked.

"I—" He shut his eyes.

"I see you are a fan of Titanas Unitum's exquisite designs." Princess Elouise's voice startled him.

Eldon jumped back and spun around as she approached him. Then he bowed, hoping he looked like he knew what he was doing. Afterwards, he glanced her up and down.

She wore a thin green gown with a high collar made of lace, much less fancy than the bigger gowns he'd already seen her wear. It suited her, though. And he couldn't help thinking how much better she could probably breathe now.

When she reached his side, she gestured to the vase and said, "My paternal grandparents gave this to my parents as a wedding gift. Each of these symbols you see on it represents an important God in their religion. Oh, there are so many fascinating stories about them! You must find the time to read them!"

"Pardon?" Henry asked, bringing Eldon back. "Is everything fine?"

Eldon blinked hard and faced him. "Yes."

"I am sorry. I've realized I don't know your name."

"Uh... Vincent." Eldon stepped back and gestured to the group already disappearing within the large crowd of the market.

Henry nodded. "We should hurry and join them." He led the way, but Eldon lingered behind a moment and glanced up at the tower one more time.

What was that? Why did I remember that?

If that'd been some sort of memory, it was... weird. The Elouise he'd seen was nothing like the Elouise he saw now. She'd seemed so excited about whatever vase they'd been looking at. Eldon couldn't remember if he'd ever noticed that vase at the castle. But if it'd belonged to King Philip's family, no doubt Godwin had it tossed out.

Eldon finally caught up with everyone and found himself right behind Elouise. She kept her head low like she wanted to avoid any eye contact with anyone, and her hands were folded in front of her. This was who she truly was. Whoever had been in his memory was only the mask she'd worn to trick him into trusting her.

That'd been his mistake then. He wouldn't make it twice.

---

Although the palace itself looked like a jewel sparkling beneath the sunlight, Eldon desperately wanted to wander the grounds. The enormous lawn that led them to the entrance only appeared to be half of it, spreading for miles. He could just imagine racing through on horseback with no obstacles in his way. The freedom to roam and stare out into the kingdom.