Born to Run

Chapter 13: Free

“And so, hopefully, once we aid the villagers in rebuilding their homes, we shall gain their respect and support,” his Majesty said. He looked over at Julian. “Boy, are you listening?”

“Huh?” Julian snapped to. “Uh, yes, your Majesty.”

The King raised an eyebrow at his restlessness. The boy could not focus on anything today! “What is it, my boy?”

Julian pretended as if he did not know what the King was talking about. “Nothing, your Majesty,” he said.

“I have never seen you so restless since you had broken your father’s port bottle, Julian,” the King chuckled. That had been an event. “What is the matter?”

“I…” he attempted, but then pretence faded with a look from his Majesty. “My thoughts were elsewhere,” he mumbled.

“Indeed they were!” the King cried. “But where were they, precisely?”

“With a stubborn woman,” he muttered in reply.

This intrigued the King. “Oh, we have women troubles, do we? Who might we be dealing with, pray tell?”

Julian did not say anything. The King undoubtedly would not approve of his lust for Miss Goldworth.

“I have heard rumours of a certain tutor who has caught your attention, my boy. Do not pretend that it is a secret.”

Julian’s head snapped up. “How?”

“Wagging tongues are a good source of information, son, true or false,” he replied. “She is a very attractive woman.”

Julian nodded. “But you do not approve, your Majesty?”

Thoughts of Fiona came rushing back to Edward. Would he have surrendered her to Sir Mansfield? Both Mansfield men were always after a pretty face, and would do just about anything to achieve one. He suddenly felt protective over Miss Goldworth.

But Julian was also different from his father. With his mother dying when he was five, there had been little love for Julian. Would Miss Goldworth be able to teach him the difference between love and lust? If she was anything like Fiona, the King did not doubt her capability. “I do not think you are taking the right course in trying to woo her, son.”

Bewilderment crossed Julian’s face. “I beg your pardon, your Highness?”

The King smiled. “Think about it, my boy. Not all women fall for bodily charms.”

(#)

“I do not know what to do, Ken!” Esme fumed as she walked in the park with her brother. “The advances he makes, assuming that I shall just give in without a fight!”

The Prince had dared to touch Esme, and it drove Ken’s anger beyond comprehension. Easy, Goldworth, he told himself. Soon, Julian Mansfield will get back all the pain he has inflicted. “He will die. He will die for what he has done, Esme.” He said evenly, burning with hate.

He saw the fear and shock in her eyes. “Ken! You don’t plan to…”her voice trailed off at the thought of assassination. Esme wasn’t too sure what she feared most: Julian getting killed, or Ken getting charged for murdering the King’s advisor’s son.

“Julian Mansfield’s actions will be the only reason for his end.”

Esme’s eyes grew wide as she clutched onto Ken’s red sleeve. “Do not kill him, Ken. Think of your family!” she cried, face serious. “Think of me when you are convicted!”

Ken sighed. “I will not be a murderer, Esme, if that is what you fear.”

Instantly Esme’s features softened. “Thank God,” she whispered with relief.