BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 13

                                                                                     The Division

Bash have managed to keep his true intentions as he spend the days as an apprentice, immersing with the members of The Order. He follows exactly everything that Vincenzo tells him to do and to say. The young prince found out that although The Order have started as a single organization, it has been divided between two parties, namely, the Traditional and the Radical. The Traditional party is composed of the seasoned mercenaries, who strictly uphold and abide by the old practices. They believe that their lives must be dedicated in maintaining the balance of power among nations. The Radical party on the other hand, is composed of the younger and ambitious generation of mercenaries. They take risky offers so long as the price is right. The Radical's aggressiveness and nonconformity toward tradition created a huge rip in their relationship with the more experienced members. The former insisted that they prefer to be led by a single individual of their choosing, while the latter chose to not elect a leader, maintaining equality among themselves. Vincenzo and Bash belong to the Traditional party. Bash have observed how these mercenaries dedicate themselves to change the world. He is surprised that despite their extreme influence and wealth, the traditional members managed to remain grounded and principled. They are the men who would risk their lives for their sworn brothers, but would not hesitate to inflict punishment to individuals whom they deem as traitors. The traditional party's symbol is the letter "T", which means that they are not responsible for Carlos and Mary's abduction.

"I need to pull more strings in order to identify who's behind their disappearance. It will be with great difficulty, but we will sure try." Vincenzo whispered to Bash as they prepare to retire for the day after long hours of combat practice. "We have no knowledge of the whereabouts and the identity of the current leader of the Radical party. They managed to elude us for decades as they enlist more members by the day. We know that when they order a hit, they use the red "X" mark." He added. Vincenzo then took a deep breath. "Bash, without men like you, the Traditional Party will soon vanish. We are greatly outnumbered by the Radicals. Should they  launch an attack, we will surely be defeated. We need more recruits; we are the only force that can stand against them." The French prince looked at his protector and replied, "Master, you know why I am here." The mercenary then placed his hand on his apprentice's shoulder and said, "Bash, soon you will realize that you are destined for greatness that no King can ever accomplish."

                                                                                           Queen Maria

As days come to pass Carlos and Mary are getting closer and closer. Although they are obviously attracted to each other, the Spanish prince opt not to pursue anything deeper than friendship with her at this time. He knows very well that Mary is still recovering from a recent heartbreak and that it would not be wise for him to start courting her... Not now... Not yet... Not until she is ready to welcome a new man in her life. Nevertheless, Carlos is overprotective of Mary. He does not allow her to be with the guards by herself. The prince is with Mary from morning until the evening. They spend hours talking about Scotland and Spain as they walk around the castle garden. "Your Highness, thank you ones again for your company." Says Mary after she and Carlos had dinner together. "Your Majesty is always welcome. It is my pleasure to be at your service." He replied. Carlos stood up and offered his hand to Mary, which she accepted. They walked toward the terrace and watched the clear night sky. "Mary, you are so beautiful. You remind me so much of my mother, the Queen Maria." Says Carlos with a sad tone. "What happened to her?" She asks. "She died when I was just a child during Spain's war with Italy." Carlos tries to hold back his tears. "King Philip traveled back to Spain as soon as he heard that Queen Maria was gravely ill, but she died before he arrived. " "I am so sorry." Says Mary as she placed her hand on his cheeks. "My father have never been the same since." He added. Mary wrapped her hands around him. "Perhaps that is why I am not capable of loving any woman. I am afraid that if I lose her, I will end up just like my father." Mary cannot find the right words to say. She begins caressing his head in an attempt to console him. "Mary, I don't want to lose you." He whispered. "You won't. I am here." She replied with a calming tone. "I wish that one day, you will come and visit Spain. I want to show you the marvelous garden built by my father in memory of my mother. I believe that you will be deeply pleased." Mary looked him in the eye and with a smile says, "Carlos, It will be my honor to see your country. When this is all over, I will look forward for your formal invitation." Then surprisingly, she gives him a kiss on his cheek, which made them both blush. Carlos reciprocated by kissing Mary's hand and wrapping his hands on her hips, allowing her to rest her head on his chest. They both smiled as they gaze at the stars, like they did during their first night together locked inside their captor's chamber. It is a moment that allowed them both to express their fondness for each other, a moment that the Condottiero had witnessed as he remained hidden behind the near wall.

                                                                                         The Proposal

As soon as Carlos and Mary retired for the night, the Condottiero immediately run downstairs to the secret chamber located at the lower ground level of the castle. Inside the chamber is the man with the scorpion tattoo in his right upper arm;  the same man who ordered him to place the two royals in a less restrictive area. "Master, forgive me for keeping you waiting. I have good tidings." The Condottiero says as he approach the unidentified man. "It is now evident that our captives fancy each other. The prince seems to be totally mesmerized with the queen. They are already planning to be together in Spain as soon as they are free." The unidentified man smiled and replied, "Excellent, then we are having progress... Soon it will be much easier to convince Prince Carlos to agree to our proposal." The Condottiero gave his Master a questioning look. "A man who is blinded by love will do whatever it takes to achieve his heart's desire. Do not underestimate the Prince's capability to act all so recklessly for the sake of her." He added.