The weeks drag on, and with each passing day, Arthur’s frustration grows.Madin has disappeared as though swallowed by the earth, leaving behind only the faintest traces—an innkeeper’s vague memory, a merchant’s passing mention of a cloaked figure matching his description.Yet no sighting brings Arthur closer to him.He stands at the edge of a vast forest, his breath misting in the cold morning air. His horse paws the ground restlessly, sensing his master’s unease.The trail has gone cold again, leaving Arthur with only his doubts and Jeremy’s words echoing in his mind."You punish him for wanting it."Arthur clenches his fists, the leather of his gloves creaking under the pressure. He doesn’t want to think about Jeremy, or the accusations in his tone, but the truth is inescapable.This search isn’t just about finding Madin—it’s about confronting his own failures.“Your Majesty,” one of his knights approaches, his voice hesitant. “We’ve checked the nearby villages and taverns. There’s
As Arthur sits in the dimly lit chamber, his head heavy with exhaustion. He remembers the night that he spent with Madin, the unforgettable night.The night he never wanted to end , he wanted to spend all his nights like that, but he doesn't know how that never even came to happen.Catherina enters without knocking, her movements graceful and deliberate. Arthur barely glances at her, his jaw tightening.“Leave,” he says flatly, his voice devoid of warmth.“Arthur—”“I said, leave!” His tone sharpens, and she hesitates before retreating, her skirts rustling as she disappears into the corridor.Ever since she gave birth to the twins, none of them breastfeed, the royal servant and family wonders why such little innocent Soul would refuse to breastfeed on their own mother.While Catherina doesn't even care about that, she doesn't even go to see her babys , she's been busy conducting secrete searches for Madin because, the more Arthur ignores her , the more hatred for Madin grows , now she
Arthur rubs his temples, the memories crashing over him like waves.Catherina had been methodical, planting seeds of doubt and turning him against Madin one calculated move at a time.She had claimed innocence while subtly stoking Arthur’s guilt over Madin’s jealousy.She had played the role of the victim flawlessly, making Arthur believe he was protecting her and their unborn child.His hands tremble as he recalls it all. He had been a fool, blinded by guilt and the weight of his responsibilities.Catherina had played him masterfully, using his love for their unborn child as a weapon.And now, as he sits alone in the darkness, the realization cuts deeper than any blade. He had failed Madin—not just as a king, but as a man who once swore to protect him.The search must go on, not only to find Madin but to seek redemption for the mistakes that haunt him.He tries to push away the memories , but they force their way back in his head uncontrollably.More memories,,,••••Another time ,,T
The next morning, during the meeting with the council, Arthur apologizes for being distracted and neglecting his duties.He chooses not to divulge the details of his personal struggles, keeping his explanation brief.He simply apologizes and assures the council that his responsibilities will always come first.After the elders depart, only the family remains. The room falls silent, with no one knowing how to break the tension.“I don’t understand... Why is he so important?! Does he have gold hidden on his body, or wh—” Catherina begins, but Arthur cuts her off sharply.“If you still know your place in this palace, you’d better keep your mouth shut—very tightly!” Arthur thunders, slamming his hand on the long table. “All of this is happening because of you! You’re nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. From now on, I don’t want to see you in court meetings!”“You can’t talk to her like that! She’s the mother of your children—your queen!” Jona interjects angrily.Arthur glares at him, h
Elsewhere...In Jona’s room, tension hangs heavy in the air. As soon as Jona stormed out of the grand hall, Catherina trailed after him, her steps purposeful. She’s seen the cracks in his resolve and knows this is the perfect moment to strike.She doesn’t bother to knock, pushing the door open and stepping inside without hesitation.Jona is pacing furiously, his clenched fists trembling with suppressed rage. Tears glisten on his cheeks, though he quickly wipes them away when he hears her enter.“What kind of man are you?” Catherina’s voice cuts through the room, sharp and disdainful. “Crying instead of fighting? Pathetic.”Jona freezes, then whirls around, glaring at her. “What are you doing here?”She steps further in, closing the door behind her with a soft thud. “You think everything you want is just going to fall into your lap while you sulk?”Jona’s scowl deepens. “What are you talking about?”Catherina crosses her arms, her expression cool and calculating. “Oh, come on, Jona. Ev
In the palace the activities are muted. Servants hurry about, their movements brisk and quiet, as though trying not to disturb the tension simmering among the royal family.In the grand dining hall, former King , Elias sits at the head of the long table, his imposing figure a reminder of the authority he commands.Arthur enters, his steps slower than usual, his face set in a mask of calm that betrays the storm within. He bows slightly to his father before taking his seat.“Arthur,” Elias says without lifting his eyes from his plate. His voice carries a tone of quiet reproach.“Father,” Arthur replies, his voice steady but lacking its usual conviction.The silence stretches between them, a heavy weight neither seems willing to lift. Arthur’s thoughts drift, unbidden, to Madin. He spent the night tossing and turning, haunted by memories of the one he drove away.No matter how hard he tries to focus on his duties, the ache of Madin’s absence claws at him, relentless and unforgiving.“You
Standing at the very end of the last row of beautiful girls in dazzling dresses, I tug at my oversized black gown, trying to stop it from dragging in the dirt.The itch from the wig Aunt Christabel forced on me is unbearable, and my patience is wearing thin.We're all lined up in the palace courtyard, waiting for the crowned prince to choose his personal servant.My gaze flits across the courtyard-rows upon rows of girls fidgeting with nervous excitement.Their colorful gowns shimmer under the sunlight, and their perfect hairstyles speak of hours of preparation.I shouldn't even be here."Tomorrow, get ready. I've found a dress for you," Aunt Christabel had said last night, her tone as sharp as the needle stitching my fate. "You'll be near the crown prince. Imagine that!"But I don't want to imagine that. Why would I? I'm a boy-not a girl dreaming of a crowned prince!Instead, I'm here, surrounded by girls desperate to be chosen, pretending to be someone I'm not.Flashback to the Anno
After that, I am escorted by a woman into one of the mansions. My mind is in turmoil, replaying the events that just unfolded. I follow her silently, like a zombie. We climb stone stairs, and she pushes open a door, motioning for me to enter. Once I step in, she closes it behind me.She hands me a long black dress with white decorations, white gloves, and a headpiece.“These are your duties,” she begins curtly. “Clean prince Arthur's room, change and wash his robes and bedding daily, arrange his belongings, inform him of meal times or take his meals to him if he doesn’t join the royal family. Prepare his bathwater, clean his battle attire, wake him at dawn, and keep any palace or personal secrets of his. There are more tasks, but those are the basics.”How am I supposed to remember all of that?!“Put these on and come out. I’ll show you around and explain the rules and additional duties,” she says, leaving no room for argument.Additional duties?!I change quickly and step out, findin
In the palace the activities are muted. Servants hurry about, their movements brisk and quiet, as though trying not to disturb the tension simmering among the royal family.In the grand dining hall, former King , Elias sits at the head of the long table, his imposing figure a reminder of the authority he commands.Arthur enters, his steps slower than usual, his face set in a mask of calm that betrays the storm within. He bows slightly to his father before taking his seat.“Arthur,” Elias says without lifting his eyes from his plate. His voice carries a tone of quiet reproach.“Father,” Arthur replies, his voice steady but lacking its usual conviction.The silence stretches between them, a heavy weight neither seems willing to lift. Arthur’s thoughts drift, unbidden, to Madin. He spent the night tossing and turning, haunted by memories of the one he drove away.No matter how hard he tries to focus on his duties, the ache of Madin’s absence claws at him, relentless and unforgiving.“You
Elsewhere...In Jona’s room, tension hangs heavy in the air. As soon as Jona stormed out of the grand hall, Catherina trailed after him, her steps purposeful. She’s seen the cracks in his resolve and knows this is the perfect moment to strike.She doesn’t bother to knock, pushing the door open and stepping inside without hesitation.Jona is pacing furiously, his clenched fists trembling with suppressed rage. Tears glisten on his cheeks, though he quickly wipes them away when he hears her enter.“What kind of man are you?” Catherina’s voice cuts through the room, sharp and disdainful. “Crying instead of fighting? Pathetic.”Jona freezes, then whirls around, glaring at her. “What are you doing here?”She steps further in, closing the door behind her with a soft thud. “You think everything you want is just going to fall into your lap while you sulk?”Jona’s scowl deepens. “What are you talking about?”Catherina crosses her arms, her expression cool and calculating. “Oh, come on, Jona. Ev
The next morning, during the meeting with the council, Arthur apologizes for being distracted and neglecting his duties.He chooses not to divulge the details of his personal struggles, keeping his explanation brief.He simply apologizes and assures the council that his responsibilities will always come first.After the elders depart, only the family remains. The room falls silent, with no one knowing how to break the tension.“I don’t understand... Why is he so important?! Does he have gold hidden on his body, or wh—” Catherina begins, but Arthur cuts her off sharply.“If you still know your place in this palace, you’d better keep your mouth shut—very tightly!” Arthur thunders, slamming his hand on the long table. “All of this is happening because of you! You’re nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. From now on, I don’t want to see you in court meetings!”“You can’t talk to her like that! She’s the mother of your children—your queen!” Jona interjects angrily.Arthur glares at him, h
Arthur rubs his temples, the memories crashing over him like waves.Catherina had been methodical, planting seeds of doubt and turning him against Madin one calculated move at a time.She had claimed innocence while subtly stoking Arthur’s guilt over Madin’s jealousy.She had played the role of the victim flawlessly, making Arthur believe he was protecting her and their unborn child.His hands tremble as he recalls it all. He had been a fool, blinded by guilt and the weight of his responsibilities.Catherina had played him masterfully, using his love for their unborn child as a weapon.And now, as he sits alone in the darkness, the realization cuts deeper than any blade. He had failed Madin—not just as a king, but as a man who once swore to protect him.The search must go on, not only to find Madin but to seek redemption for the mistakes that haunt him.He tries to push away the memories , but they force their way back in his head uncontrollably.More memories,,,••••Another time ,,T
As Arthur sits in the dimly lit chamber, his head heavy with exhaustion. He remembers the night that he spent with Madin, the unforgettable night.The night he never wanted to end , he wanted to spend all his nights like that, but he doesn't know how that never even came to happen.Catherina enters without knocking, her movements graceful and deliberate. Arthur barely glances at her, his jaw tightening.“Leave,” he says flatly, his voice devoid of warmth.“Arthur—”“I said, leave!” His tone sharpens, and she hesitates before retreating, her skirts rustling as she disappears into the corridor.Ever since she gave birth to the twins, none of them breastfeed, the royal servant and family wonders why such little innocent Soul would refuse to breastfeed on their own mother.While Catherina doesn't even care about that, she doesn't even go to see her babys , she's been busy conducting secrete searches for Madin because, the more Arthur ignores her , the more hatred for Madin grows , now she
The weeks drag on, and with each passing day, Arthur’s frustration grows.Madin has disappeared as though swallowed by the earth, leaving behind only the faintest traces—an innkeeper’s vague memory, a merchant’s passing mention of a cloaked figure matching his description.Yet no sighting brings Arthur closer to him.He stands at the edge of a vast forest, his breath misting in the cold morning air. His horse paws the ground restlessly, sensing his master’s unease.The trail has gone cold again, leaving Arthur with only his doubts and Jeremy’s words echoing in his mind."You punish him for wanting it."Arthur clenches his fists, the leather of his gloves creaking under the pressure. He doesn’t want to think about Jeremy, or the accusations in his tone, but the truth is inescapable.This search isn’t just about finding Madin—it’s about confronting his own failures.“Your Majesty,” one of his knights approaches, his voice hesitant. “We’ve checked the nearby villages and taverns. There’s
Arthur stares blankly at the floor of Madin’s room. The silence presses in on him, broken only by the faint creak of the walls. The scent of Madin lingers in the air, faint but enough to twist the knife already lodged in Arthur’s chest. Jeremy’s words replay in his mind, each one cutting deeper."You don’t deserve him, Arthur, and you know it."He drags a hand through his hair, frustration and confusion swirling inside him. Is that true? Has he been blind to the pain he caused? Arthur’s thoughts are chaotic, one moment consumed by rage, the next by guilt. He doesn’t want to admit it, but Jeremy’s words make him feel like he’s staring into a mirror—and he doesn’t like what he sees.He gets up, pacing the room. His eyes land on the scattered remnants of Madin’s belongings: a forgotten scarf on the bed, a worn notebook tucked under a pillow. Arthur grabs the notebook, opening it with trembling fingers.Inside are sketches and notes—small, fleeting pieces of Madin’s thoughts. Some pages
The laboring queen’s cries echo through the corridors as Arthur strides into her chamber. Despite the chaos surrounding him, his mind fixates on the storm that brewed earlier with Madin. His words were harsh, but seeing those marks on Madin’s body shakes something deep within him—something he can’t quite name but feels acutely. Betrayal? Pain? Or perhaps guilt?He pushes the thoughts aside as he approaches the queen. This moment requires his focus. The birth of his child—a future heir—is an event of monumental importance. But even as he sits by the queen's side, offering words of comfort, his mind betrays him, dragging him back to the confrontation in Madin’s room.As the hours pass and the child is born, Arthur forces himself to remain present, maintaining the image of a dutiful father and king. Yet, the moment he steps out of the chamber, the weight of Madin’s words crashes down on him."Are we even still together?"The bitterness in those words replays in his mind like a haunti
Jeremy exits the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the grand hallways of the palace. After some time, another figure follows, though not along the same path. Doubts plague his mind as he walks, his thoughts circling around Arthur's sudden interest.Why is Arthur looking for him now? They barely speak anymore. He isn’t even Arthur's servant, nor does he hold any position in the palace these days. No one seems to question his presence, but the void of purpose gnaws at him.His musings deepen as he walks. Staying here seems pointless, yet leaving feels impossible.The roof over his head and the meals he receives are enough for now, but what happens if those are gone? Where would he even go?Thoughts of escape often dance in his mind, particularly when Arthur’s tempers flare. If the situation worsens, perhaps Jeremy would offer him an out. Yes, that might be his fate—to wander aimlessly, clinging to whoever offers him a shred of belonging.The murmur of voices grows louder as