Royal Love

Chapter 28

(Henry's POV)

   I thought about Sarah's father's words as I walked to her chambers. He had wanted to question me about my true feelings toward Sarah and the child. I recalled his last few words. "'I don't completely approve, but don't hurt her.'" he became protective all of a sudden.

   I opened Sarah's door and stepped into her chambers. She wasn't any where in the room. I stepped farther in and saw an envelope sitting on her pillow. I walked over and open it. I didn't recognize the writing. I started to read it.

   Prince,

    I have taken your love captive. I want you to feel pain. Real pain. I will take what I can from her. In the end YOU won't even want her. Meet me at the docks in two days. I will have the Princess. One last thing I must ask: to get her back alive I want a payment. We will discuss that in two days so bring plenty. Also if you are not at the docks at midnight exactly she is dead and in the sea.

                                                                                                                               The Duke of Spain

  No. This can't be happening. Every time we get past one thing, another gets in the way. I crumpled the paper and threw it. I sat on the bed and buried my head in my hands. "Sarah, I'm sorry." I stood up and stormed out of the room. I needed to tell the King.

   I ran down the halls. When I had talked to him he was in his office, I just hoped he was still there. I turned the corner and ran through the door. I stopped in front of the desk. "Prince Henry. What's the matter?"

   "She's gone! He took her!" I yelled.

   The King jumped to his feet. "Who's gone? Who took her?"

   "Sarah. Emanuel must have snuck into her chambers while I was here talking to you. He left a letter saying he was going to ruin her. He wants to cause me pain. Also that in two nights I am to meet him at the docks. He will give her back, for a price. If I'm late he'll kill her."

   The king swore under his breath and appeared to be thinking. "He couldn't have snuck out with without being noticed. I have a feeling he had help. We need to question the staff, starting with the people closest to her."

   "So her ladies."

   "Also others. She is very generous like her mother she got to know the staff and has befriended some."

  "Then why are we standing here. There are people who need to be questioned."

  I turned to leave but the King set his hand on my shoulder. "Calm down son. You aren't thinking rationally. You are letting thoughts of her cloud your decisions. We can't rush into this."

   "Then what do you suggest?"

   "We will call every one in the castle to the ballroom. I know how many people are in the castle. If a single one is unaccounted for then we will find them. With everyone together no one will hear about the questioning and be able to think up an excuse."

   "What happens if we find the person who helped?"

   "We will find out where Emanuel is and where he took Sarah. Once we get our answers we will execute them as a traitor and for treason." I wasn't a fan about execution but for Sarah it was necessary. We left his office. "You cover the east wing and I'll take the west. Yell as loud as you can. Say: 'Everyone, staff, guest, or Princess of the castle, must report to the ballroom. Anyone not accounted for will be imprisoned until further notice.'"