Chapter 17 - Big Misunderstanding

For the next few days, Prince Xavier waited for the Queen to approach him with great anticipation in his heart. His mood was much better as well, thinking of the impending marriage between him and Lady Melissa. However, after much wait, there was no sign of the Queen nor was there any summon for him to see her. After much thought, Prince Xavier decided to meet the Queen himself. His marriage was much more important than his pride anyway. 

When he reached his mother's chambers, he knocked and was summoned in.

"Xavier, my son! What brings you here today? Is something wrong?" Queen Serina was surprised to see her normally aloof son appeared before her today. 

"How do you do Mother?" Prince Xavier went to hug his mother. 

"I'm very well, thank you. Is everything alright, Son?" Queen Serina probed again. 

"Well, yes I'm doing well. Mother, I heard you've been busy choosing brides these past few days. How's that going?" Prince Xavier asked casually.

"That's a surprise! I thought you didn't like talking about this thing. I still remember the last time you were so mad when I showed you Lady Anastasia's portrait. You actually tore that portrait up! Why the sudden interest my dear? Are you ready to get married as well?" Queen Serina said while smiling at her son. 

Alarmed, Prince Xavier caught what his mother had said. 'As well?'

"What do you mean Mother? Who is getting married?" Prince Xavier asked, panic started to rise in his heart.

"Why, it's Zachary! He's been widowed since Lady Delia passed away 5 years ago, now it is time for him to settle down again. That boy's the same as you, so hard to convince. Fortunately, he has agreed this time. I guess he likes the choice of bride your Mother has chosen for him. He's just too shy to admit it." Queen Serina laughed softly, she seemed very pleased with herself. 

"Mother, who is the bride that you've chosen for Zachary?" Prince Xavier asked warily. In fact, he was on the verge of breaking down. In his heart, he somehow knew the answer but he was still unwilling to accept it. 

"Lady Melissa Rose Knight, the only daughter of Duke Malcom Knight. The Knights have agreed as well. Oh, yes I think you've met her once when she visited here with her mother many years ago. I heard you even saved her from Katherine's wrath back then. Now that little girl will be your cousin-in-law, how delightful is that? Xavier, Xavier, are you listening to me? Son, what's wrong??!" Queen Serina exclaimed in panic upon seeing his beloved son suddenly collapsed to the ground, with his hands holding onto his head, looking like he had fallen sick.

Prince Xavier's eyes turned red instantly. Lady Melissa, his one and only true love, was marrying someone else. He couldn't accept this. No, he couldn't! Suddenly, his vision turned black and he fainted. The last thing he heard was his mother shouting his name.

When Prince Xavier opened his eyes, he was laying on his bed. The Queen was seated next to him, looking worried. When she saw him awaken, the Queen looked relieved. 

"Xavier, you're awake. The doctor said you could be suffering from fatigue, hence you fainted. What's wrong Son, is everything alright?" The Queen enquired. 

Prince Xavier looked at his mother, a mixed of emotions brewed in his heart. He felt anger, resentment, regret and sadness, making him reluctant to converse with his mother. Thus, all he could muster was a short reply, "I'm fine. Mother, may I be left alone? I need to rest." The Queen was hesitant at first but after a moment of contemplating, she kissed her son's forehead and left his chambers. 

After Queen Serina left, silence engulfed the whole room. Prince Xavier had never felt so lonely in his life before. He had enjoyed his solitary life, away from the useless chatter of the common folk regardless of how noble they were. He liked to be alone, and most of the time he would think about Lady Melissa and how the future would be once they got married. He even went as far as planning on how many children they would have. Their future would be a happy one, he would cherish and pamper her in every way. With the thought of this, Prince Xavier's eyes grew heavy with tears and he started crying silently. With just a few words from his mother, his future was shattered completely. 

Prince Xavier's heart felt so much pain, as if something was pressing down on his chest, refusing to let go. He felt a mix of intense sadness, longing, and disbelief, all rushing to him at once, suffocating him. Lady Melissa, who was the closest person he held in his heart, had been snatched away from him under his very eyes! Prince Xavier couldn't bear this loss. He continued to weep silently, feeling lost.