Chapter 1: The good Father and the bad Father

June, 2013

"Congratulations, little princess", Charles told his daughter as she moved closer to him with her award as best graduating student in her hand.

"Thanks, daddy", Aurora said and hugged her father.

"Finally out of high school, huh?"

"Yeah, Dad. It feels great to be out."

"So, do you have any after party to attend or we should go home."

"Dad. You know I'm not like that. I prefer hanging out with you."

"That's true. Well, since you are going to college by January, you have me to yourself for whole six months."

"Yeah!"

"Should we go to a restaurant and celebrate?"

"No. Let's go visit Mum", she said.

Charles sighed. 

"Please, Dad."

"Okay. Let's go."

"Thanks, Dad", she said and moved to the car but was stopped by her best friend, Charlotte.

"Aurora!” She shouted and Aurora stopped at the mention of her name.

"What's up, Char?"

"You're going already?"

"Yeah. I'm I not supposed to?"

"Aren't you going to the party?"

"You know I don't go to parties."

"But this different. It's our graduation party."

"I'll still pass", she said and scrunched up her nose.

Charlotte shook her head. "Such a nerd."

"What's wrong with being a nerd?"

"You're just too boring."

"Well, I like being boring." She shrugged.

"Just shut up and go."

"Come on, Char. You know I don't like going to parties."

"At least go because of me."

"I can't. I have to go visit Mum. Let's do like this. I'll come over to your place by weekend. How is that?"

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Okay. And don't forget to buy ingredients for cookies because we are baking."

"Deal. I'll see you."

"Okay."

Aurora got into the car and closed the door gently. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Dad."

"It's okay."

"Let's go, then."

They drove out of the school's parking lot and made their way to the cemetery where Aurora's mother, Sandra was buried, 13 years ago. They bought flower on their way to place on her grave. They got to the cemetery and came down. They made their way to where Sandra was buried and Aurora felt sadness wash through her vain. She remembers all the moments with her mum and she missed the good old days a lot. Even though she was still a small girl when her mum died, she still remember everything about her mother clearly.

They got to the spot her mum was buried and they bent down to place the flowers there. 

"Mum, I wish you were here", Aurora said.

Charles placed his hands on her shoulder. "She is." He placed his hand in his heart. "She is always here. In our hearts. She will always be there if not physically. She told you that, right?"

"Yes." She remember very clearly what her mum said to her about being in her heart always. "But I can't help it. I really miss her."

"I do too. But fate can't be changed. You just have to have faith."

"But Mum said wishes do come true."

"Of course, princess. Wishes do come true."

"Then I wish she were here right now."

He chuckled. "I'm afraid that's not possible, princess. I already told you that she can't be here physically. Okay, let me tell you this. There is a belief that when our loved ones die, they turn to stars and watch us from the sky."

She smiled. "You still treat me like a little girl."

"You will always be my little princess", he said pinching her cheeks making her smile. 

She faced her mother's grave. "Mum, I know you'd be very proud of me right now. I'm out of high school and came out as the best graduating student. I'm happy that I make you wish come true, mum. I'll forever love you."

Charles stared at his daughter with keen interest and made sure not to disturb her. When he noticed she was through, he spoke up. "I think we should go now. The weather is bad and it seems it will rain soon."

"Okay. Dad, can we bake cookies using Mum's recipe?"

"Sure. I actually don't think I have time to go to the company again. So, why not? Let's go, then."

"Okay. Bye, mum."

*~*~*~*

Prince Zuerien sat by the piano playing quietly. He has been working on the music sheet for a while but it feels like an important note is missing in it. 

"My music is missing a note just like my life is missing happiness", he thought to himself.

He heard a knock and looked up to see Marco, his brother and best friend standing there.

"Come in", Zuerien said.

Marco walked in and moved closer to him. "What are you playing?"

"Just trying to make music but I can't just seem to get this particular one right."

"I'm sure you will get it soon. You are actually a good player. By the way, The King requests your presence in the garden."

Zuerien looked at him. "Why do I have the feeling that this is not going to be good?"

Marco chuckled. "Your Royal Highness, you can't be sure until you see for yourself. I suggest you go and don't keep him waiting."

Zuerien sighed. "Okay. I'll get going."

He stood up and went to the garden. He met his father practicing archery. Zuerien himself is a very good Archer but cannot be compared to King Edward's. It's like Kind Edward has been practicing archery since he was in his mother's womb. He moved towards his father and saw that his mother was standing quietly beside her husband watching him as he hit the targets neatly.

"Father", Zuerien called moving his father's interest from the game.

"You are here at last. Seems like it's been forever since I asked that pathetic boy to call you."

Zuerien cringed at his words and Queen Anne gave King Edward a deadly glare which he didn't notice.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. He could not find me on time."

"Where were you, then?"

"I was playing the piano."

King Edward laughed. "Piano? The kingdom of Valtoria doesn't need a king that seats behind the piano and play some stupid notes but a king who is willing to sacrifice everything for the kingdom."

Zuerien know fully well why King Edward wasn't pleased with him playing the piano. That was because the Queen is a very excellent player and he seems to hate everything she likes.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

"Indeed." He stretched his hands and gave Zuerien the arrow and bow. "Your turn."

Zuerien took the bow and arrow with a little bow and focused on the target. He made sure he was relaxed and he took aim. He released the arrow and it hit the target perfectly.

"Splendid. You've really improved."

"Thanks, Father."

"Well, I called you here to tell you something important."

Zuerien tensed because something told him that he wasn't going to like what his father will say next.

"I talked to Duke Bartholomew and told him to allow his daughter stay here in the palace for some months."

Immediately, the Queen's looked at the king, surprised. Zuerien felt his heart been ripped apart. He was actually hoping that his father will let him choose who he wants but his seems his prayers are not answered.

"Edward, you can't do that", Queen Anne spoke up quietly as usual.

"Why?” He asked firing another shot at the target.

"He told you already that he doesn’t feel anything for her. As a father, you should understand."

"Shut up!” He shouted making Zuerien and his mother cringe. "Do you mean I'm a bad father to my son?” He said glaring at her.

"A good father should not order his son around even if he is the King of a big Kingdom but listen to him and guide his steps!", She shouted back at him.

Edward and Zuerien opened their eyes wide in surprise because this is the first time the Queen will shout. She has always done everything her husband ask her to do without questioning. Zuerien was surprised that his mother's voice could actually be this loud because since he has been a boy, his mother talks gently and has never raised her voice.

"What? Did you just raise your voice at me?"

"Yes, I did!” She shouted again. "You have absolutely no right to hinder my son's happiness."

"Happiness? Is that word still present in this life?"

"It is. You just fail to look. You and I know we are not happy in this marriage. So, should you allow your son experience the same thing you experienced?"

"Shut up!"

"No, I won't. I have had enough of your words. Stop being pathetic and act like a father."

"Anne!” He shouted glaring at her dangerously.

"What? You're gonna hurt me? You and I know you can't do that. So, I'm not scared of you. Just act like a true father and understand your son."

"That's enough!"

"I was even through with what I have to say. Good day", she said and turned walking away from them.

"Anne! You don't walk out on your King! Be back here this second!” He said but she didn't bother to turn.

Zuerien still looked surprised at what played in front of him. For a moment, he thought he saw his father looking hurt at his mother's word. As far as he know, no one talks like that to the great King Edward. The look on his father's face was confusing. Like he was angry at himself that the Queen talked to him that way.

The bow and arrow from King Edward's hand and he held his chest.

"Father!” Zuerien shouted and moved closer to his father. "Father? What is wrong with you?"

"I'm fine", he said.

"No you are not. Somebody call the court physician!"