Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 18

I shouldn't be scared. There was no way Frederick knew I knew about his plan to kill his brother. Still, standing before him, my legs threatened to buckle beneath me.

" I'm very sorry. I appreciate your generous offer but I want to stay with Theo."

Frederick smiled and I wanted to run but I clasped my hand over the other in an attempt to stop shaking.

He took my hands into his. It wasn't a romantic gesture, it was more of a friendly one. I flinched.

" Aww, we could have had fun together." The double meaning of the sentence made me pull back.

Fun planning Theo's death? Or fun me serving you?

" Maybe if you had chosen me first." I laugh. The laugh came out harsh and uneven.

I'm scared, I'm very scared of you.

" Thank you for your time and kindness." I curtsied quickly and scurried for the closest door.

His eyes burned long after I left his room.

When I returned back to the cottage, I fell back against the bed. It had been days since the dance and days since Theo called for me.

Oria was gone as usual and Rachael had disappeared off somewhere.

The only remote interaction I received was from Zak and Ian. I told them about the dance but have yet to revealed my realization about Theo.

" You think the royal family wants to kill Theo?" Zak said slowly, " Why?"

" Theo's changing. He doesn't agree with his family anymore and that's what makes him a liability." I bit my lip as I considered my next words carefully. " We need to save him."

There was a moment of silence, " We can't." He sounded almost confused. " He's the son of the most powerful man that has the power to help people like us but refuse. The nine doesn't save people like him."

My heart dropped. The Nine saving Theo was my only plan.

" I talked to the other division and they agreed that you staying at the castle is the best choice. Please, Clara, don't do anything stupid."

" I won't." I took my earrings off, weighing them carefully in my hands. My thumb running over the smooth part of the metal. I dropped my earrings back into my apron and jumped to my feet.

They want me to stay. I shouldn't be looking for a way out. Would I be compliant if I didn't like Theo?

I shook the thoughts out of my head. I needed a walk to calm my thoughts. Just a walk.

I found myself canvassing the garden. I haven't had time before but now, looking closer the beauty took my breath away. The flowers were bursting with color, the fruits looked ripe enough to eat. Whoever tended the garden clearly loved every single plant.

A flash of yellow caught my eye and I saw a figure of a man crouching on his hands and knees. He was carefully removing weeds.

I don't recall Rachael mentioning a gardener. As I got closer, I noted his muscular built.

Why does he look so familiar?

The man looked up to the sky and pulled his hat down. I couldn't contain my surprise when he turned around.

Prince Soto.

He noticed me and gave a friendly wave. I immediately rushed to his side and curtsied.

" Your highness." I waited for him to say titles are for my father, call me Soto. But he didn't.

" As you were." He chuckled. His laugh was smooth and deep. Almost too perfect. " I apologize I didn't catch your name at dinner. You're my brother's maid?"

I nodded, " I'm Clara."

" Well, Clara would you like to help me water the garden?" He rose to his feet, wincing slightly, " I'm getting too old."

I giggle, Prince Soto didn't look older than twenty-five.

For the next few hours, I helped Prince Soto hosed down the garden. He spoke to me like we were old friends. He mentioned his courtship to Duchess Katerine and how he quite literally fell for her. (He saw her once at an annual festival and in an attempt to catch her attention, he fell face-first into a fish tank game). The eldest prince even asked me what names I would name a boy.

" Usually my wife is more of the outdoorsy type, but she hasn't been feeling well and with the baby on the way, I took over today."

" That's very kind of you, your highness."

He waved his hand, " I'm doing what every nice husband would do. No need to praise me. You shouldn't either. My family is the reason why people like you are in this situation." His voice had taken on a serious tone.

" People like me?"

" People not on the list. Only a thousand names are on that list. And millions suffer because of a stupid law made ages ago." His grip had tightened on the hose.

I couldn't help but feel validated. He was right. I suffer and people like me continue to suffer.

" Once I'm king, I promise the first thing I'll do is get rid of that law." He looked so determined, I couldn't help but believe him. He was going to be a great king- unless the Nine destroys the royal family as they planned.

I lost my breath and Prince Soto looked over, concerned.

" I apologize, you look awfully young and I assumed that you would be able to take the heat. Please rest before you get heatstroke." He guided me to the shade.

" No, no. I'm okay." I tried to smile.

The Nine wants to destroy the only thing that could save us.

He placed a hand over my forehead and I flushed. I never was good around good looking people.

" You look flushed. Please return back to your cottage." He was begging now.

I nodded, " You will make a great father, your highness." I curtsied once more before taking my leave.

My legs wouldn't move fast enough, once inside in the safety of the cottage, I slipped on my earring. I was desperately willing anyone to pick up, anyone.

" The nine can't destroy the royal family. The king's successor, Prince Soto Nobel has a plan to help people, not on the list. Once he takes the throne, he'll reverse the laws." My words came out quickly and at the end of it, I was breathing heavily.

There was silence on the other end.

" Clara, be honest. Have you become too comfortable at the castle?" It was Zak, his tone was patient.

" No, of course not," I replied.

He sighed, " I didn't want to tell you this, but the nine has no plans to spare anyone in the royal family. Not even Theo."