One in a million (Prequel to 'Bad Blood')

Chapter 33: Stay on the road

- One week later -

James's POV

I sighed as I was cleaning the dishes.

"Everything alright?"

I sighed once more before dropping the towel. "No," I looked at dad. "Cassandra promised to hurry, she'd be back soon, but she's been gone for a week now," I looked down again. "I'm worried."

Dad put his towel down too before placing his hand on my shoulder. "She probably has a lot to take care of."

I looked at dad. "I know."

"I don't know how politics work but I don't think you can resign that easily."

I slowly nodded.

"Focus on her return," He smiled at me. "When she gets back, you two can live your lives without having to worry about the South."

I slowly smiled too.

"And I can play with my grandchild in between tasks."

I smiled even more. "I can't wait for our child to be here either."

"And that will happen soon enough," He showed me a small smile. "Give her some time, son. She'll come back, she always did before."

I nodded but wasn't reassured yet.

At night, I'd lay awake. I'd feel beside me for my wife but, of course, she wasn't there. She should be here, she belongs here with me.

And I'd lay awake thinking, worrying, about her. I was so worried something had happened. What if something had happened? What if she needed me? I wouldn't know, I couldn't know unless... Unless I'd go there myself.

And so, the next day, I prepared myself to go over to the Southern Kingdom. I had to see Cassandra, I needed to be sure she was okay.

"Where are you going?" Dad asked as he and Chandler were heading to the living room.

"Dad," I sighed. "I have to go over there. I cannot bear this uncertainty, I need to know that my family is fine."

Dad looked at me and seemed to understand. He nodded.

"What's going on?"

I turned around and saw King Alden and Queen Louisa. 

"James," Queen Louisa stepped forward. "Where are you going?"

I turned to face them. "I have to go to the South, I need to make sure my family is alright."

Queen Louisa's face softened. She nodded. "It's been a while indeed."

"It's nothing for Cassandra to not inform us." King Alden said.

"Be careful," Queen Louisa smiled at me. "Stay on the road."

I nodded. "Cassandra told me too."

"Good," She smiled at me again. "Tell her to hurry back home."

"I will," I then looked at dad and Chandler. "I'll hurry and bring my family too."

"We can play that game again, you, me and Cassandra." Chandler smiled.

"Of course," I smiled at him. "And I'll beat you."

"Na ah!" He stuck out his tongue.

"I'll make a pie for her, as a welcome gift." Dad smiled.

"Thanks, dad."

He nodded.

_____________________________

Stay on the road, stay on the road, stay on the road.