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S L A V E ~ 22

Justin

As I walked through my home, my mind wondered everywhere. Having various thoughts swarm me at once was not a good feeling especially if I have no answers to my questions.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair, further disheveling it. I stopped in my tracks when my eyes landed upon a slave ... she was setting the dinner table, and she was not Catalina. A frown creased my eyebrows as Catalina crossed my mind; I have not seen her since day and It was now evening time.

When she did not show up to clean my room, I figured more than less that she needed her space, that she needed to be away from me ... no matter how hard it is for me to admit. I took a deep breath and shook my head at the thought as I made my way over to the slave. It is as if she felt my presence because she turned around instantly, looking up at me — before slightly bowing in respect,

"your highness" she said, I have seen her before ... If I am not mistaken, this woman is Catalina's friend; Evelyn, I think.

I moistened my lips, "Evelyn, is it?" I asked. She nodded in response with a confused expression, "yes, your majesty, how can I be of service?" She asked.

"You are doing Catalina's work—"

"Please don't punish her" she quickly said, interrupting me. My frown deepened and I clenched my jaw, punish her? why would I do such thing? is there something that I am not aware of?

I shook my head and took a deep breath as I felt my anger at the question started to rise. I believe Evelyn could see it too and she quietly took a step back. I could see in her eyes that she regretted blurting out such a question. "I am sorry your majesty, I—"

"I would appreciate it if you just answered my question" I interrupted her. Evelyn cleared her throat and looked hesitant as if she if pondering whether or not to give me with held information. That bothered me very much... what was she hiding pertaining to Catalina? I needed to know. & so I stepped closer to her but still stood at a good distance — my expression slightly softening.

"please, I need to know where she is" I whispered as I cleared my throat slightly.

"I do not know where she is" she stated. I frowned once more, "If you are lying to me—"

"I am doing no such thing" she interrupted me yet again. The fact that she is Catalina's friend is in her favor right now & that is why I am letting this slide. "I saw her leave to the garden last night but she did not return. I believe she felt sick, I saw her crying ..." she trailed off, "that is all I know"

My gaze fell in guilt at the information that I was given. I shook my head and looked at Evelyn as I asked, "did you attend to her at all?"

"I wanted to, but I was busy with attending to your guests, your highness" she frowned, "and I apologize in advance if this may be a bit out of line but .." she gazed around a bit as if to make sure no one is in sight, before turning to me again and letting out a sigh, "you have hurt Catalina so much since she has been here. You claim you love her but show something different. She deserves better than you are willing to give and I would not be surprised if she ran away to get away from you... to remove herself from this toxic equation" she shook her head as a few tears slipped her eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing,

"If you cannot be there for her completely because of the skin tone she carries... then leave her alone, or else you're going to be the death of her" she finished with a sniffle.

In all honesty, my hand at my side itched to hit her across the face, but for some reason, I couldn't. Everything she spoke was the truth and I would be a coward if I placed my hands on her because of the truth she spoke. The truth hurts and it was currently hurting me deeply. As the anger boiled within me, I had to step away before I do something that I do not want to do. I said nothing to her as I just walked away and up the staircase to my chambers. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration as I sighed.

I know I hurt Catalina, but ... did she really run away? I shook my head at the thought — no, it can't be. I refuse to believe that I will not be seeing her again I-I.. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself, closing my eyes as I rested my head against the wall — only a few feet away from my room door. What was I going to do?..

"your highness" I heard, I stood straight and looked up at the person who addressed me. To my surprise, it was Charles, Isabella's father. With a lack of my response, he stepped closer, "are you okay?"

I turned my body to face him, standing straight, I shoved my hands into the pockets of my trousers, "Are you looking for Isabella?" I asked, ignoring his question. "actually, I am here to speak with you privately ... if you don't mind" he said. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, but nodded all the same and opened my room door. I walked in, and allowed him to enter right after, "thank you" he mumbled.

I silently walked across my room and took a seat on the sofa placed in the corner. I watched as Charles stood in place, hesitation and fear seeping through his emotions as if he is in a constant battle with himself. But, what was he afraid of?

"What do you need to speak with me about, Charles? What has gotten you so scared and hesitant?" I asked, leaning forward in my seat. Charles shook his head, running his fingers through his hair before he looked directly at me, "I would prefer if this conversation stayed private"

"Who would I tell? secrets... are sometimes what keeps this world going" I mumbled, but my voice was audible enough for him to hear. As I reflect on the words that I spoke, my mind instantly clouded with Catalina.

With a slight nod, Charles then took a deep breath, "The slave that works here — she has a lighter complexion than normal, curly hair, and absolutely beautiful—"

Without giving myself time to really think of my actions, I rose quickly from my seat with a frown on my face as my feet carried me to only stop a few feet in front of him, "why have you taken an interest?" my voice harsh and stern,

Charles took a step back & raised his hands as if in surrender, he looked at me in confusion—but soon, his face softened as if he came to realization, "I do not take that kind of interest in her, Prince Justin, but from the looks of it, you know her quite well" he then let his hands fall to his side. I slightly glared & folded my arms, "her name is Catalina" I said.

"May I know her last name?"

"why does it matter to you?"

"because I recognize her from somewhere.. years ago. But I am not sure if my mind is playing games with me–" he sighed, "I–I think she may be related to me" he mumbled as if in defeat. I stood there puzzled, until it all came back to me.. the letter that Catalina showed me, her last name. But I had refused to believe it, I–

I ran both my hands through my hair and shook my head in disbelief. Charles, is Catalina's father?

I took a deep breath, my gaze entertaining everything else in my room before I finally looked at the man in front of me that looks ... broken, emotionally.

"Pierce, her name is Catalina Pierce"

Author's note : Probably the shortest chapter i've ever done lol. I am so so so so so so sorry I took so long to update guys. I am currently in my senior year of highs school and I have been so busy because everything has been so hectic. I honestly did not expect my time to be so limited because its my last year.. but omg I was so wrong!
I apologize my lovelies! you guys must be so tired of me. If you're still here and reading, a huge THANK YOU. I really appreciate your continued love and support. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Look out for another update which will be in just an hour or less guys! I love you all lots!

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