Chapter 1: The Hidden Daughter

Five Years Later…

Dust created a thin smokescreen on the racing tracks. Lustrous, shiny horses sprinted and whined as their riders forced them to go beyond their capacity. The racing was intense with the riders sweating in anxiety. The adrenaline mixed with it wasn't helping them. After all, they wanted to win and flaunt their horses.

Winners would make millions or even bag a job in the palace while the losers could lose their lives.

Regardless, the onlookers were extremely calm. One look and people would be deceived. Even though they were secretly betting on their favored horses and tensed about losing, their faces screamed 'not-interested'.

After all it was the Goldsman’s event!

Goldsman—Were an Imperial King’s lineage that had the power, strength and riches of the whole country.

A man in dressed in black coat, trousers and shoes, hurried to the onlookers stand. Normally people would turn their heads to check who came but not in noble families. He went straight to the last row and struggled to control his panting when he leant forward towards the king.

King, Alexander Peters Goldsman, the most beloved king of the last 3 decades, sat there with a soft smile, eyeing the match. He was impressed how the game turned out. After all, having guests from over seven provinces for this meant a lot to him. The investment was huge and hopefully the outcomes will be far better.

He nodded, feeling a presence next to him without sparing a glance, and heard the all familiar voice of his personal guard- James McMillan.

"The Duke of Albertville is nabbed." He whispered and the smile faded ever-so-lightly from the King's face.

He cleared his throat and James gestured to his subordinates to prepare to leave. 

The King's head turned towards his friend, The Duke of Camlittle and made an apologetic face.

"Friend Charles, I am afraid to cut our meeting short. Let me make it up to you next time, is that fine?" He asked and the Duke of Camlittle, Charles V. Camlittle beamed at him.

"Your Majesty, you don't need to apologize. Work is always a priority." He responded and the King smiled brightly.

No doubts why he favored Charles over others.

They had been friends ever since in their school times. Even before Charles' sister married him.

He stood and the entire onlookers stood immediately, bowing a bit, as the King left before gesturing them to enjoy the match.

He left the grounds and headed outside, dropping his soft smile. Only few have seen his serious side.

Alexander was a 'just' King who liberated his kingsmen but there was no doubt that he wouldn't leave traitors or such kind. He remembers the Duke of Albertville vividly and will teach him a lesson.

It was rare for him to get involved in matters outside the royal palace but the Duke of Albertville was a different case.

Gritting his teeth he slid inside his sleek vintage car and let the driver take turns to finally face the Duke.

After about forty minutes the car halted at a huge iron gated province. Regardless of his rank lower than the Camlittle Duke, this one knew fairly well to live luxurious. 

As soon as the King's car came into view, a huge procession started in his welcome.

James immediately ran out and opened the door for the King before opening an umbrella for him.

People stopped; feeling blessed at such a royal sight.

King Goldsman flashed them a smile while being escorted inside the huge mansion of Albertville.

Ladies gasped and fanned not believing their luck while men had similar reactions.

The King looks equally handsome in person as in the news channels and newspapers. 

Even being forty-six in age he was unmatched with his style, outward personality and looks. Wearing thick velvety-blue colored royal clothes with enriched embroideries and tight fitting trousers; he gathered automatic respect from his bystanders.

He never dyed his hair and in fact never cut them. The long grey hairs were groomed perfectly and people found it hard to not give him a second look.

As soon as he reached the entrance, the Duke's personal guards and knights welcomed him. The moment he stepped in he let go of his flashy smile and gripped his fist tightly when the Duke appeared; bowing low.

"His Majesty, what do I owe to have this pleasant surprise." The Duke looked uneasy yet maintained a firm persona.

"Abhor Albertville Jr.!" The warning was loud and clear in the King's voice.

Immediately Duke's guards were overpowered. Despite that Abhor maintained his calm composure. The King walked towards the Throne and watched as his guards were finished dusting it for him.

As Alexander sat on it he turned to give an overall to Abhor. He hated his guts. Knowing the danger the Duke didn't stop smiling.

"How dare you go against the orders and ditch the Royal Highness's water pact?" He demanded and saw Abhor shifting his weight on his legs.

"His Majesty, I apologize but the water pact was against the goodwill of our people. It was nothing like mentioned in the papers. I have intels—” he was cut off by the booming sound of the King.

"So you think I am incapable of being a King? I had it investigated before passing it on to you and you say it was nothing like the papers!" The king was furious.

How could a mere Duke point a finger at him?

"I regret interjecting here but I am misunderstood, Your Majesty. I never pointed it out on your capability rather the cunningness of Duke of Camlittle. If you could allow me to prove myself…" He sucked in a breath when a few guards rushed towards him.

The duke was hit in the knees making him kneel in front of the King. His lips tightened but didn't say a word.

"If I remember clearly I lost billions due to you earlier. You proposed a space project that didn't end up the way you thought. So, how do you want to repay me in case you want mercy?" The King asked and his heart sank with each word.

"The project failed due to interference of the Duke of Camlittle." He started but shut his eyes when the King whisper-yelled to him.

"Enough!"

How dare he?

An apology is all that's needed yet this man refuses to ask for one! How insolent he is.

"Do you have anything that I don't have and is worth granting you life?" The King asked, ditching all the nonsense.

He wants to get it done immediately and knowing there is nothing he doesn't have that a duke has, satisfies his majestic ego. 

"I-I don't." The Duke spoke softly, feeling an unknown fear grip his heart.

Unknown to the world outside this province, he had a daughter and the thought of not being able to bid her a goodbye was eating him up. He hated to know that she would be left alone after this.

Oh lord, who will look after her?

She has never stepped outside the comfort of my arms and this mansion, so how will she survive?

It was at this moment he realized how his decision of keeping her hidden from the world would come biting him back. He knew there was no way things would return back to normal and he willed his tears away.

Oh he wishes he could have at least taught her how to survive; at least he should have shared her origin truth so she knew well to fight and live.

"Fine then!" The King's word let his tear-drop fall to the ground and he didn't lift his head to even glance.

He knew how it is going to end—the guards will slaughter his neck!

Closing his eyes shut, recalling his daughter's face for the last time, he waited for a sharp pain that would end it all.

"Your Majesty, there's a girl." The words of James stunned the Duke. 

No, No, No, No… this isn't happening. 

"A girl?" He heard the King and snapped his head only to see the King approach to his left.

His eyes widened when he spotted his daughter giving him a worried look and darted her eyes back to the King. 

"Dad? Who are they?" She was scared of so many unknown people.

"Dad?" The King carefully weighed the word and turned swiftly to face the Duke who was baffled.

This was never meant to happen, now what!

He was concerned.

Everybody knew the recent agenda of the King and now when he has spotted his daughter the Duke is helpless.

“Young lady, I am Alexander Peters Goldsman. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The King approached her with his graceful movements.

The girl cocked her head to one side and suddenly her eyes sparkled with delight. She quickly let him hold her hand and bowed; her hand stretching her mid-gown a little farther at her curtsy.

The King was overjoyed. Such a beauty she is! He mused. How come he never was aware of her birth?

The girl was nineteen and delicate. She smelled like the first drop of rainfall on earth and lilies. Her unusual, maroon colored hair was long, reached her hip and appeared to be silky soft. She had cool-grey eyes and blood-red full lips. As expected, even her skin was supple and soft like a feather. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Your Majesty, I have heard a lot about you.” She shied and the King was elated to hear her speak.

What a calming effect her voice had!

The first impression was hopeful for the King. Such a beauty should be at his palace! He smiled brightly and pushed away the bitter thoughts of her father.

“You never mentioned having such a precious daughter, Abhor. She is worthy of your life. Release.” He said to his guards and Abhor’s shoulder fell in dejection.

The girl didn’t catch a meaning of it but was glad to sense that her father was not in any form of danger.

However his eyes were full of sorrow and guilt.

“Would you lie to come with me to my palace?” The King asked and the girl nodded quickly.

Regardless of the hesitation she knew never to refuse a King; he was a father figure for the entire kingdom and country. Moreover she can sense that her refusal might get her father into trouble.

“No, please… I beg you your Majesty. Not my daughter.” He whispered and the King turned to give him a death glare; hidden from the daughter.

“I believe the earlier punishment would be harsh on her too. What do you say?” The King masked his warning in front of the girl and the Duke ended up breaking down.

Seeing this the girl rushed to his side and wiped her father’s tears. She herself began tearing up when her father kept apologizing to her; unbeknownst to her.

“Elma, I am sorry hon.” He gripped his daughter’s hands and cried into them.

The girl panicked, she had never seen her father vulnerable. He was always happy so what is the cause of it all?

“Dad, please…” She cried and her father hugged her tightly.

“Your Majesty, I can give you my life instead but not my daughter.” He stood his ground and the King’s face scrunched up.

“Don’t be stupid Abhor. Since her existence is a surprise that means she was never introduced to the outside world. Either you hand her over to me and I promise her safety or you can die and leave her to god knows how to live. I don’t think we can trust men nowadays, what say?” The King clearly pointed out all perverted men and the Duke felt his heart clench.

He knew he stood nowhere in the bargaining. The King made sense.

“You will be allowed to pay a visit now and then. Plus, if she miraculously makes it past the curse then she would be the next queen. So choose wisely.” The King condescendingly walked to them and smirked seeing the duke giving it a thought.

It was tough but it was for the best. He hates to know that his daughter is being used as bait against the Prince’s curse but it was better than not knowing how she was doing after his demise.

With heavy heart and pain, he pulled his daughter away and caressed her cheek before flashing his considerate grin.

“Remember to take your meds, alright? I’ll see you soon enough.” He smiled even though he cried inwardly.

The King bent infront of him to extend his arm towards the petite girl. She considered it before understanding the whole situation. Finally, letting the King take her palm, she kissed her father’s forehead to calm him down and ease his pain.

Though she doesn’t know the entire story, she knew her father was dying to see her go. Inside she doubted she would ever return to this place back, the way her father cried. So, it was better for him to forget about her than die everyday living apart. Thus, she turned her back glancing back at her unconscious father and followed the King outside the mansion.

It was the first time she ever stepped out and the very first emotion she felt was—fear and sorrow.