chapter 16

Chapter 16

Federico remained in his quarters, his eyes fixed as he looked out the window, observing the sun rising higher in the sky. He had become used to the weight of his duties as the upcoming ruler, but that didn't mean he had to enjoy it. Thoughts of his impending marriage, responsibilities, and family tensions filled his mind, clouding his thoughts. The sudden rap at the door interrupted his train of thought.

"Enter," he invited, his voice crisp.

Jones bowing, entered the room with his trusted advisor. "Your Majesty, did you ask for a status report on the princess?"

Federico gave a confirming gesture, his jaw tightly closed. "Did my dad send agents to check on her?" He spoke in a curt tone, showing his annoyance with the whole situation.

Jones remained still, his expression showing no emotion. "Yes, Your Majesty. The monarch dispatched a small number of reliable scouts to investigate the princess's history and her present condition. All appears to be in place for the wedding to continue as planned.

Federico sneered, his face becoming even more rigid. "As though her condition matters to me." He reclined in his seat while squinting with his eyes. I will never feel any love for that woman. She will simply be a plaything to me, a pawn in my father's game.

Jones remained silent, understanding it was wiser not to inquire about Federico's mood. Over the years, he noticed the prince becoming more distant and tough, especially following his mother's death. Federico's growing anger and resentment towards his father and stepmother, Queen Lucia, appeared to intensify every day.

Federico's jaw clenched once more as a loud knock interrupted their discussion. "Come in," he said, his impatience evident in his voice.

Queen Lucia entered the room with her regular royal grace as the door made a creaking sound. She entered with a restrained, deliberate smile on her face. Federico stayed sitting, showing no emotion on his face, while his eyes remained sharp and impossible to read.

"Hello, my stepson," she greeted in a silky voice, but there was an underlying tension. "I notice you are getting ready for the significant occasion." "What an event."

Federico remained silent initially, observing her as if she was a threat in his territory. In the end, he angled his head a little and uttered, his voice quiet and threatening. "Aren't you afraid?" Do you want to be by yourself with me? In the end, my mother passed away under this roof under mysterious circumstances.

Lucia's smile wavered briefly as her hand twitched by her side. She regained her composure promptly, releasing a dry, laughter devoid of humor. "Oh, Federico, constantly being overly theatrical." She made a dismissive gesture with her hand. It was unfortunate that your mother passed away, but we must all continue forward, don't we?

His eyes grew darker, and the tension in the room increased. "Is that so?" he inquired, speaking softly with a hint of vengeance in his voice. "Should we simply continue, Lucia? "Following all that?”

Lucia's lips were pressed tightly together, and briefly, the facade of icy superiority faltered. After looking around the room briefly, she focused her gaze on him again. "There isn't much time left for you to keep dwelling on things, Federico," she warned, with a sharp tone. Before long, my plans will come together perfectly, and you'll see that you have been participating in a game much larger than you ever thought.

Federico gazed at her with a frosty expression. "Leave," he said, his tone lacking emotion but filled with a warning that was impossible to disregard. Jones, accompanies her as she leaves. Instruct the guards to ensure she never enters my part of the kingdom.

Jones obediently moved forward toward the queen, but Lucia stopped him with a raised hand and a look of contempt. "You better not lay a finger on me, Jones," she spat, rage burning in her eyes. "Unless, of course, you're prepared to part with your fingers."

Jones stopped, looking quickly to Federico for guidance with his eyes. Federico nodded briefly to indicate that the advisor should not physically contact her, but should continue to urge her to depart.

"Your Majesty," Jones stated, his voice composed yet resolute. "It is time for you to go."

Lucia made a contemptuous expression but stayed silent. Turning quickly, she walked swiftly towards the door, the elegant gown's fabric swishing as she moved. Federico observed her closely as she departed, and only after the door closed did he release a slow exhale.

"She's keeping a secret," he whispered, more to himself than to Jones. I do not doubt it.

Jones looked at him briefly, feeling the strain on his leader. "Would you like me to investigate this further, Your Highness?"

Federico nodded in agreement, already considering the potential outcomes. Absolutely. I desire to learn all the details regarding her—her actions, her interactions, her supporters. She is more than just the queen consort; she is scheming something much more intricate. And in case she was involved in my mother's death...

His voice gradually faded away as he clenched his fists by his sides. Jones was aware of the unspoken threat that lingered in the air, so he wisely chose not to push the issue.

Jones responded that he would take care of it right away. "We will delve further into her behavior to uncover any potential insights."

Federico rose from his seat and moved towards the window, scanning the kingdom below with his eyes. "Quietly," he said, "Good." I won't allow her to leave without consequences. Her plan, whatever it may be, will ultimately result in my involvement. I will ensure that she faces consequences for every action she has taken against this family.

Jones acknowledged the significance of his prince's words by nodding. Federico was not someone to be underestimated, especially at this time when the agony of his mother's passing influenced all his choices. He approached the door, prepared to begin the investigation right away, but Federico spoke once more.

"And Jones?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty?"

Federico cautioned to ensure that his father doesn't find out about this. I haven't done it yet. We cannot allow him to meddle.

"Got it, Your Majesty," Jones said as he bowed and left the room.

After Jones closed the door, Federico kept gazing out the window, his thoughts moving quickly. He could still observe Queen Lucia making her way to her car, displaying a rigid and tense posture. She was skilled at concealing her emotions, yet she couldn't entirely disguise her fear. Federico had witnessed it—a brief flash, yet sufficient to validate his doubts.

Lucia presented a threat. He was sure her end game extended further than just becoming queen, as she had been strategic in her actions. She desired power, and influence—maybe even beyond what her father understood.

As Federico saw her vehicle depart, a slight grin appeared on his face. Allow her to believe she was succeeding. Allow her to think she was in control. He would go along with it, at least for the time being. But in a short amount of time, the situation would change rapidly.

He shifted his gaze from the window, his expression becoming severe again. The forthcoming wedding held no significance for him—his future wife would only be another element in the plan, another pawn in this complex power game. However, it was Lucia who posed the actual danger. He was determined to make sure she failed, no matter what.

He whispered to himself that she would have her moment, feeling the resolute determination taking root within him. "And once it happens, I will be prepared."

After that, Federico exited his quarters, already mentally planning out his next moves. This was no longer only about the crown or the throne. This was about something personal. And no one, not even Queen Lucia, could hinder his progress.