Chapter 4

Roseline was almost restless in her room. 

She sat on the bed and moved to the window from time to time to have a peep, wondering if the visitors had left already. 

What could the royal family possibly want? What could they be doing in the house? She couldn't comprehend it. 

Long minutes passed and she decided to have a peep at the window again. This time around, she saw them leaving. 

Oh! They were leaving already! They were done. She felt her throat become sour. 

She watched keenly as they rode away in their carriages and horses. 

She watched for a long time, even when they were long gone and couldn't be seen again. She still continuued watching, staring at the shaken leaves. 

Laggardly, she returned to the bed and sat and just then, the door opened and her nanny walked in. 

Oh! Thank goodness! She needed someone to talk to. 

"Nanny" she stood up and called immediately. 

"What's going on? What were those people doing here?" 

Hapitha sighed and led her to sit on the bed. 

"I don't know, dear. They came to see your father" she gave Roseline a paucity reply. 

Staring into her eyes, Roseline could see a little bit of insincerity which signified she was holding back some answers. 

"You don't.... know why they're here?" She asked again and Hapitha shook her head negatively. 

"But why would they want to see father? There couldn't be a problem, right?" She goaded. 

"I really wish I had an answer to your question, dear. But your father wouldn't tell me anything either. You know he's a very secretive man".

"Oh... of course" Roseline mumbled and looked away. 

She badly wished she could get to know what the problem was. She'd have gone to her father, but considering the fact that she was mad at him, she couldn't think of it. She'd rather swim in the pool of her curiousity. 

"Your hair's looking so rough" Hapitha suddenly broke the attempting silence. "come with me, dear. I'll fix it". 

Roseline just sighed tiredly and followed her to the mirror. 

********************

Hapitha walked out of the room, to the sitting room and met Richard there. 

He was just standing with his hands crossed behind his back, like he had been waiting for her or something. 

"How was it?" He asked as soon as she was close enough 

"Did she hear or suspect anything?"

"Not at all, sir. She's just as curious as a child. She doesn't know anything" Hapitha replied, guilt washing over her. 

"Good" he mumbled and shook his head. 

"It's better that way. She shouldn't get to know of her gifts or the fact that she's needed to heal a God-forsaken King! I can't believe that lady could even show her face to me. She probably has no idea what her damn parents did to me. And now, she wants me to risk my only daughter's life for her brother?" He scoffed. 

"She must be joking!"

Hapitha didn't say a word but kept her head bowed. 

Truthfully, she felt bad for the young lady - Roseline. She was 23, yet was being kept in the dark like a prisoner. The poor lady knows nothing about herself. Nothing at all. 

Well, she also understood her father's reasons and knew he only wants to protect his daughter. He's only doing what he feels is best for her.

"Please Hapitha, let's keep it that way" Richard's voice broke into her thoughts "I wouldn't want Roseline to ever hear of this. I'll increase the number of guards around the area, just Incase those animals think of launching an attack or something" his voice was rough. 

"No problem, sir. You'll always have my full support" she said. 

"Please, if you wouldn't mind, id love to finish up some work in the kitchen" she bowed slightly and left. 

*****************

Hapitha always worked till nightfall. 

If not for the fact that she had a son at home, she'd have probably moved in permanently to stay with Richard and his daughter. 

Each day, before she leaves, she'd make sure Roseline takes her milk, then tuck her into bed and make sure she didn't leave anything carelessly kept. 

So, as usual, when Hapitha was done with her routine,she bid Sir Richard bye and left for her own place. It was usually a very long walk. 

She walked for a very long time before spotting her old little hut and she felt so relieved. She could hardly wait. 

From a distance, she could spot the lamplight on and was more relieved her son would be in. He was around 12 years of age and she was sure he could take care of himself, anyway. 

She got to the house, opened the creaky door and walked in. But the sight that welcomed her was too alarming; too alarming her bag slipped from her hand to the floor. 

Whaaaat??

She was gobsmacked. 

She looked in awe and found the princess standing in front of her, one other lady beside her and some guards. Hapitha was almost hyperventilating. 

"You...?" She called, her brows furrowed in surprise. 

She looked around in fear. Owen - where could he be?

"What're you doing here? Where's my son?!" She almost yelled, but her voice was too shaken to do that. 

"Your son is in a safe place with some of my guards" Princess Martha said, that icy tone reflecting in her voice. 

"But I'm not so sure he'll be safe for long". 

There was a great skip in Hapitha's heart, her eyes dilated more. 

"What're you talking about?! What did you do with him?!" This time around, she yelled and tried going to the princess, but the guards around stopped her. 

"I don't want to hurt you or your son" Martha said when the guards had been able to restrict her. 

"And if you do as I say, I promise I'll give him back to you immediately". 

Tears streaked the hurting mother's face. That was her only son - the only family she had left. He shouldn't be gambled with. 

"I want you to get me the Healer first thing in the morning" the princess continued. 

"Bring her to me and I'll give you your son. But, if you fail to do it, then I'm afraid you'll never get your son back - because I'd also be losing my brother".