The Kingdom Heir

Chapter 23: L'Inconscience

Prince Sherlock Holmes

I was walking down the castle's halls the sun hiding behind clouds, so it was cloudy. Most people would find it depressing, me, on the other hand, found it relaxing. Yesterday my family and I had dinner with John's family and I could sense the hostility John's sister held against him.

After John had left dinner yesterday I saw no reason to stay further so I left excusing myself after a considerable time difference from John so no one thought we were making a little escapade together. John had suspected something when he questioned me about my ankle but I dismissed it making him believe his diagnostic was too exaggerated and I was fine now but the truth was that I may or may not have healed my ankle magically but I really couldn't tell John that I healed my ankle or that it healed miraculously by its own.

I began to walk down the east side's second floor when I heard a beautiful melody coming from the door to my left. I thought it was the music room so I opened the double doors without knocking first and stepped into the room not closing the door behind me and then I froze on the spot... this was not the music room, it was someone's chambers.

The room was huge, there was a fireplace, two arm chairs, a desk,  a door at each side of the room, a large table for eight people and a large piano forte. Playing the piano forte sitting on the wooden bench was no other than John Watson. I stood on the threshold watching John as he played the sad yet beautiful melody. John had his back towards me so he did not repair on my presence.

He continued to play without noticing I was at the door but I said nothing I just stood there listening to the melody which had so much sentiment and power that I found myself hypnotised by it.

"I did not know you played" I commented when I thought the melody was over, oh but how wrong I was

John missed the notes he was playing and then stopped abruptly playing the piano. I stood there not moving or saying anything else on the matter, I just stared at John's back

"How long have you been there?" John asked after a long moment of silence but he did not turn to look at me, his voice was hoarse and I could sense he was upset for some reason and I had the impulse to go over there and hug him but I did not move

"Long enough to decide that your skills on the piano are formidable" I said smiling lightly because I had no idea about this trait of John and I thought I had him all deciphered but he still proves me wrong and surprises me 

"I see... I am sorry but I must excuse myself" John said as he stood up from the bench in front of piano not looking me in the eye

"Don't go, it is your room after all" I said softly and cautiously because I had no idea why John was acting so cold

"It is getting late Sherlock, I am sorry but I can't talk right now" John whispered harshly and I noticed his voice was trembling and he seemed to be a little bit hoarse.

"Why are you so defensive when I told you I have heard you play?" I asked not understanding why John was being so defensive all of the sudden

"No reason" John spat and then I caught a glimpse of his face... he was crying, his eyes were bloodshot and there was a small trace over his cheek of the fallen tears

"Tell me please, I know you are lying" I pleaded softly not wanting to see John in such a state, John was always strong and cheerful I would have never imagined John Watson looking this way, so broken.

I took his wrist to stop him from leaving but when I noticed he flinched I dropped my hand to my side

"I am sorry I can't" John cried out in a whisper and began to flee from the room leaving me there frozen and confused