The Unwanted Prince

Ch. 11 - King Marlo

"Your Majesty,"

William entered my office, catching me signing papers sent from dukes in nearby cities. 

"Yes, William?" The morning sun had fully settled in for the day, a soft ray shining through the window behind me. William, my trusted advisor, stood there wearing his usual blue attire.

My advisor cleared his throat, simply saying, "His Highness, Prince Adrian, has set off to the Dark Empire along with a knight and a scholar."

Hm, interesting. Prince Adrian hadn't informed me that he was going to bring along two others. Oh, what does it matter? The knight and scholar will perish on the journey, it's the prince that matters.

Prince Adrian will be the one who chooses how this quest ends.

Oh, this is all too stressful. 

"Do not fret, Your Majesty," William said, nearing my desk at which I sat at, "I believe that this time, the princess will come home."

I could only stare at my advisor with no expression. Every time I've sent out a man to rescue my dear Eleanor, it's ended in death. She is yet to be here, as she rightfully should be.

My dear Eleanor... She had blue eyes, just like her mother. Beautiful blue eyes like the rarest of sapphires.

But she is no longer here. Instead, she is trapped, put under a spell at that wretched empire of magic.

I've heard it all before, the hope that my daughter will come home. I know I should keep holding onto that hope, but Adrian is the last one to go attempt the quest.

I've heard of his tales rescuing nine princesses. Perhaps I should have faith in the man.

William rested his hands on my desk, fingers grazing my papers that have yet to be signed. "Remember, as long as you have your daughter, you, as humanity's most powerful king, can win this never-ending war. So trust that the prince will save her."

A gracious smile slipped.

I could always trust William to cheer me up. He's been by my side since we were children, William is almost like a brother to me. Loyal, charismatic, and patient. Sometimes, I feel like he'd make a much better king than I.

William would never let anything drag him down. He would've moved on, made another heir to the throne, and fought against any who dared stand in his way. And yet, he chooses to stay as my advisor while I'm the king. There had been so many times I've been vulnerable, but William stays loyal no matter what.

"Thank you, William," My smile touched my heart warmly.

William nodded.

There was a soft knock on the door, followed by a quiet, "Excuse me?"

"Yes?"

A woman poked her head as she opened the door just a bit, she was a maid. Oh, it was this maid. "Cassandra, yes, I almost forgot, forgive me."

Cassandra fully walked in, giving a polite smile to William.

William turned back to me for a moment, saying quickly, "I'll be in my office if you need me, Your Majesty."

When William had completely gone, I strolled out from behind my desk.

Cassandra was a well-liked maid in the palace, and she was my personal healer. Cassandra was kind and oh so loving to everyone. Her heart welcomed anyone and everyone.

Twice a week, Cassandra would come and give a check-up on my condition.

You see, as all the tales say about me, I am disabled. I cannot walk, haven't been ever since my daughter was taken away. I've been bound to a wheelchair. It's not all that bad, honestly. The first few years were tough but I overcame it.

Cassandra has been a big help. She makes sures my blood flows evenly throughout my legs. Besides, she's a nice woman to talk to. She knows the pain of losing a child.

Behind that kind smile of hers, Cassandra hides her sadness.

Two years before my own daughter was kidnapped, Cassandra lost her newborn. She wasn't working at the palace at the time so I don't know the details that well.

But she understands my loss.

"Let's go to your private quarters, Your Majesty," Cassandra said, bowing her head in politeness. She turned to open the door, waiting for me as I rolled passed.