Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 26

It took me less than twenty-four hours to realize that I was being unreasonable, that I needed Peter.

I had made up some dumb excuse about how I wasn't feeling feel well and by how emotional the week had gone, Rachel ordered me to bed and said she would go tell Theo that I would be unavailable.

The sun was relentless, beating down on my back as I searched. The dead leaves pricked at my fingers as I cast them aside until nothing remained but soft soil.

Oh god.

" Worms are better composers, no need to do the work yourself."

Prince Soto stood behind me, a warm smile illuminated his face.

" Your highness." I scrambled to my feet and brushed the dirt off my apron before curtsying.
" Are you tending the garden again?"

He looked down at his gloves and chuckled.
" Yes, I am. So what are you looking for?" He peered over me to the spot I had previously occupied.

It's fine. I can trust him.

" This is so embarrassing. But it seemed like I managed to lose both of my earrings near this spot."

Soto chuckled, " I'm sorry to hear that. But if you lose it in the leaves than you're out of luck. The guards burn all the scraps to make ash to compost."

My stomach dropped. He noticed my pained expression because he reached forward and asked if something was the matter.

I forced a smile and shook my head, " Of course not. It's just that my parents gave me then I was younger."

" I'm sorry. I'll call the guards to see if we can locate them. Would you like to accompany me today before we go ask them?"

Soto didn't really need my help, he was on his hands and knees pulling out weeds while I stood idly beside him. I had asked him if he needed help but he waved me off. He seemed he wanted conversation more than anything.

" You've been working for a few weeks. Is my brother treating you well?"

" Yes, Theo is very kind."

Soto turned to me, a knowing smile on his lips.
" Well, I'm glad someone that holds him in such regard will be looking over him."

He rose to his feet, " Thank you for keeping me company. " he reached forward and patted my head affectionately only in a way a father or father to be could. " Let's find Captain Darius and see if his guards have disposed of the leaves yet."

My mind wouldn't stop spinning. Zak. Ian. Peter. I'm sorry. I was being stupid and a brat.

We found Captain Darius talking to another guard by the outskirts of the garden. He sent away the guard when we approached.

" Your highness, is something the matter?" Darius seemed anxious as his eyes flicked back and forth from me and the first prince.

" Clara seemed to lost her earrings last night, I was wondering if you had sent the scraps to be cremated yet?"

" I'm sorry, they have already been turned to ash this morning. We can send some men to scour the ashes for any type of metal?"

Soto looked at me before answering, " That would be very helpful if your men aren't too busy today. Well, I'll be off, much work to do today. Captain, Clara."

As soon as Prince Soto was far enough away from us. Darius turned to me.

" How's he doing?"

" I think Theo's doing okay. As well as any person who has been shot. Have you found anything about the shooter?" I tucked my hair back and reached for my earrings only to find nothing. I dropped my hand quickly.

For the first time, Darius actually looked pained.

" My men found a partial footstep a few meters away from the scene. Although it's only a partial, I don't believe we're looking for a man."  He looked away from me.

" Which fuels the theory that you did this."

My neck snapped upwards to catch his emotionless gaze. He was scanning me, wearily watching my every movement.

" And you're starting to believe I did it. You said you believed me yesterday." I couldn't explain the squeezing pressure I felt in the pit of my stomach.

" My job is to protect the royal family Clara. I can't verify why you're here, who you work for, and what your intentions are. Unless you want to tell me?"

I bit the insides of my cheek.

" I thought so. Keep your head down and stay with the prince." He lowered his voice, " Be careful these next few weeks. Prince Theo has a lot of silent admirers in the castle."

" Why are you concern with me? You know who I am." I asked quietly

" Because although you might think I hate you. I don't. But I will protect the royal family."

I forced myself to maintain eye contact.
Everything in me screamed to look away and stop trying to be bolder than I was. I listened.

" Theo should be expecting me soon. Excuse me." I said it had been weeks since I've arrived, dodging Darius's attacks, dancing with him, and even standing by his side but he will never make me not cower in fear. And I dislike myself for it.

If Theo saw me, he would immediately know I lied about my health and possibly ask questions. Despite this, I walked quickly to his door.

I should've paid more attention because I bumped into someone. They reached forward and steady me.

" Clara."

Prince Frederick looked worse for wear. His hair was oily and a mess, his eyes were dark and he looked both physically and mentally exhausted.

He released me and I backed up. Fear and anger bubbled up from the pits of my stomach and threatened to spill out.

Frederick ran his hands through his hair slowly, a small smirk on his chapped lips.

" Why you so red, love?" His voice was deeper, his words more carefully slurred. He seemed like an entirely different prince.

I felt the heat in my face, the anger in my blood. He hurt Theo, he ordered his death. Frederick doesn't deserve the crown on his head nor the air he breathes.

I lowered my eyes and curtsied, " My prince, it's been a while. How have you been doing since Prince Theo's attempted assassination?" The words tasted bitter but I needed to see his reaction. I needed to see the false sadness in his eyes or the fake soothing words.

I received none of that instead Frederick looked pained. He set his jaw and my eyes flicked to his clenched fists.

Did he not do this? He planned for his brother's assassination and he acts like this? I don't understand, did Frederick not account that someone would have to die?

" It's been hard." He cleared his throat and straighten his spine in a way that reminded me of Soto. " You have to excuse me. I have a meeting with my father and Soto."

I stepped back and Frederick left quickly. A gnawing feeling refused to leave me. Even after I found myself at Theo's door.

I didn't want to believe it but with Frederick's reaction and his alibi, it was growing clear he didn't do this.