**Nicholas's POV**
Two months had passed in a semblance of peace, a fragile tranquility that seemed to settle over the house like a delicate dusting of snow. The days blended into a comforting routine, and the shadows of the past seemed to fade into distant memories.
But that illusion of calm shattered one crisp morning when I sat alone in my study. The sun filtered through the high windows, casting soft light on the polished wood and the scattered papers on my desk. It was then that the letter arrived, its seal bearing the unmistakable emblem of the White Army. This letter will always remain the reasons of my illness if I'll tonight feel sick.
I hesitated before breaking the seal, the weight of the envelope heavy in my hands. As I read, the blood drained from my face. The letter claimed that the White Army knew I was still alive and offered me the opportunity to reclaim my throne.
Anger flared within me, a hot, searing flame that matched the icy terror coursing through my veins. How had they found me? How had they discovered not just that I was alive, but precisely where I had chosen to live in relative obscurity? My mind raced with frantic questions and dark possibilities.
I clenched the letter tightly, my knuckles white. This was more than a threat—it was a breach of my fragile safety. My heart pounded as I considered the implications. Moving to a new house was the only option, but the thought of doing so without Diana knowing filled me with profound sadness. I could not bear the idea of her being frightened or suspicious, but the risks were too great.
I paced the room, my mind a tumult of conflicting emotions. The sense of betrayal and fear mingled with a deep, unsettling uncertainty about the future. I had worked so hard to build a new life, only to have it threatened by forces beyond my control.
With a deep breath, I resolved to act swiftly. I needed to find a way to relocate discreetly, ensuring Diana remained oblivious to the danger. The less she knew, the better. I would handle this alone, as I had done so many times before.
As I looked out of the window, the peaceful landscape seemed to mock my inner turmoil. I knew I had to protect the life I had built with Diana, no matter the cost. I steeled myself for the challenges ahead, determined to keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing the comfort and stability we had only just begun to enjoy.
I'm hearing footsteps, I called for Sandro and the Dowager Empress Maria, these would be then coming. my voice betraying a tight edge of urgency. As they entered the study, they approached my desk, their faces reflecting concern.
"What's happening?" Sandro asked, his brow furrowed, while Maria's eyes were filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
I glared at them, my anger barely contained. Grabbing the letter from the desk, I slammed it down with such force that it rattled the polished wood. "I've been trying to have a simple, safe family life," I roared, my voice echoing through the room. "And now the White Army has found out where I'm living!"
Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the gravity of the situation. Sandro and Maria exchanged worried glances, clearly unsettled by the intensity of my reaction and the threat now looming over us.
Maria's eyes widened, and she quickly stepped forward. "Nicholas, please, don't yell," she said urgently. "Diana could hear you any minute."
I clenched my jaw and nodded, forcing myself to calm down. Sandro moved to the desk, his expression serious as he picked up the letter and began to read it. His brow furrowed deeper with each line, his concern mirroring my own.
"This is more serious than we thought," he finally said, handing the letter back to me. "We need to act quickly and carefully." Maria, her face pale with worry, took a deep breath before speaking. "Nicholas," she said firmly, "we should all stay with me at the palace. It's safer there, with guards around. I don't want to live through the nightmare of losing you again, especially after losing two of my other sons."
Her words carried the weight of her past losses, and I could see the fear in her eyes.
Despite the turmoil of the situation, her offer provided a glimmer of reassurance. It was a practical solution and one that would ensure Diana and I were protected while we navigated this new threat.
I nodded in agreement, understanding the necessity of her suggestion. "We'll do that," I said, my voice steadier now. "We need to prepare for the move and ensure everything is handled discreetly."
