An hour later, we finally arrived at the bakery. We returned to the castle first to get Lady. It was for Laura’s comfort and mine as well. To be carried on someone’s back for a long time wasn’t comfortable to anyone. “Laura, we are here,” I whispered. “Laura?” My call was answered by a faint snore. I smiled to myself. She probably fell asleep on the journey back. “Robert!” Grandpa Ben greeted us as he came out. “Grandpa Ben,” I smiled. He immediately noticed Laura sleeping as he walked up to us. “What happened to her?” My heart quickened as he asked. I had to think of an excuse and fast! I said, “We had a little jog around town and she was exhausted. I didn’t notice that she fell asleep on our way home.” Grandpa Ben nodded as his lips formed a firm line. “She does have a bit of a faint heart. I will have Ronald bring her to her room,” he replied. The mere thought of Ronald carrying Laura back to her room didn’t sit right with me. He never treated her kindly whenever I was aroun
When I arrived, Lady was on the floor, barely breathing. “Lady!” I pushed through the servants. I dropped beside Lady and screamed, “Lady?! Lady, what is happening to you?!” I shook her continuously as I didn’t know what to do, “Lady!” “Robert?! What is the matter?!” Nana rushed in with the other servants. And she gasped immediately at the horrific sight. “Call the Medicine King! Hurry!” I shouted. “You heard the young prince! Do it now!” Nana yelled. One of the servants jumped onto the service horse and went on his way. “Lady, please,” tears fell down my cheeks as I pulled Lady into my chest. I gripped tightly onto her as the fear of losing her was taking over me. ‘I cannot afford to lose Lady. I will not let that happen,’ I thought to myself. “Robert!” I looked to the entrance and James ran towards us with Gonzalo right behind him. He quickly knelt down and checked Lady’s condition. “James, you have to help me,” I cried. I continued, “I don’t know what is going on. I don’t kn
I knocked as I reached the master bedroom. “A private meeting is in session,” Bethilda answered. ‘Why am I not surprised that Bethilda is here?’ I thought to myself. I ignored her response and entered. Inside was Mother and Bethilda, who stood together by the window. I kept my hands behind me as I walked towards them. I kept the appearance of the calm, sweet breeze. But inside of me, a bottled-up fury boiled slowly, only waiting to explode. “Well, hello, dear one,” Mother smiled as I stood beside her. I smiled and replied, “Greetings to the most beautiful woman in the world.” I then kissed Mother on her cheek. “As I recall, I mentioned that a meeting is happening here,” Bethilda interrupted our mother-and-son moment with her sarcasm. “Dearest sister,” Mother turned to Bethilda with a gentle smile on her face, “Robert was present in almost every meeting that I and James attended. Whether it’s a public meeting or private, we allow our children to talk to us if they need to.” “You
I covered my mouth as my reaction silenced the entire room. All of our eyes widened, surprised. ‘Did I just call James “Father”?’ I thought to myself. I cleared myself as I straightened myself. “I mean, yes. It was indeed a good laugh, James.” James nodded as his smile slowly turned into a firm line. “Also, I would like to express my gratitude for saving Lady a while ago. Lady wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for your help,” I continued, keeping a formal tone with him. James let out a satisfied smile. “I did that for you, son. I understand how important Lady is to you. I don’t want you to lose her because of someone’s ill intentions,” he said. I nodded. “I guess this is where I take my leave, then,” I replied as I stood from my chair. Putting my hands behind my back, I continued, “I didn’t have my rest yet so this will be the perfect time to do so.” “Will you be joining us for dinner?” Mother asked, grinning as she walked towards me. I kissed her cheek gently. “If I wake up
Mother’s giggles were heard as I approached the dining hall. The guards from the master bedroom told me that she and James were already having dinner. As I stood by the door of the dining hall, I straightened myself and knocked on the door. The door opened and James’ page appeared, quickly announcing me into the room. As I entered, it was only Mother and James who shared the table. “Robert, is there something wrong?” Mother asked immediately. “Forgive me if I disturbed your dinner. I can return later,” I replied as I was about to turn around. “No, son, you didn’t disturb anything at all,” James said, stopping me right on time. He stood from his seat and asked, “Would you like to join us? We can have a place prepared for you.” “I appreciate your offer, James. But I will be having mine in my room,” I smiled as I kept my hands behind me. James asked another, “Is there something you wish to tell us?” I raised my hand, instantly showing the note. “Someone left this on my doorstep. I
‘I squinted as I opened my eyes. ‘Slowly, my sight adjusted to the sun’s brightness. Though it was partially blocked by the leaves’ shadows, it still stung. I covered my eyes with my hands as I sat up. I looked around and I saw nothing but the wide open plains. There was only the rustling of leaves above me as the wind blew gently. ‘I stood up and not for long, a child’s laughter came from afar. I turned my head and a kite was thrown into the air from the voice’s direction. However, it plummeted back to the ground. ‘I reached another hilltop as I walked towards its direction. There, I saw a family. And it was the same family in the castle from one of my previous dreams. I hid behind a nearby tree to get a closer look. ‘A little boy was the one who made the attempts to make the kite fly. His parents sat under a tree behind him. They sat comfortable with their other child, the girl. ‘The boy tried once more but it fell short. He hung his head low as he returned to his family, defeat
As they slowly stepped away from the scene of commotion, my world stopped. My heart slowed down - stopped, even - as I saw the corpse on the ground. James and Mother called out my name from behind. But the noise around me was muffled as my ears rang. All I could hear was the slow beating of my heart and my rasped breath. Finally, I fell to my knees. “NO!!!” I screamed until my lungs gave in. Lady was lifeless on the ground. Her eyes and mouth hung open as she was laid on her side. I reached out to her body as my tears fell. As soon as my hand landed on her body, it confirmed my fear. She was truly dead. “Lady…” I sobbed as I crawled closer to her. I carried her head in my arms and put it near to my heart. “No, please…” James sat beside me and put his hands on my shoulders. In an effort to console me, he lightly squeezed my shoulders. “Lady, please, don’t,” I whispered to her ear, helplessly hoping that she would reawaken with my voice. A hand then rubbed my back as I pleaded wit
An elderly worker was at the door upon my arrival at the bakery. She greeted all who entered with a warm smile. As soon as I approached her, she said, “Good morning, sir. What can I help you with today?” “I am looking for Laura. Is she here today?” I asked as I forced a weak smile. “Oh, that little darling of ours!” she squealed. “You must be her friend,” she took my hand without asking and shook hands with me. “I will call her for you.” She then headed for the kitchen. I headed to the wooden bench outside the bakery to avoid causing trouble. And right when I was about to sit down, Laura’s voice came from the door. I looked in her direction and she approached me whilst she wiped her hands on her apron. “Robert,” she greeted with her ever-dazzling smile, “How are–” her smile faded as she stood before me. Slowly, she held onto my arm and asked, “Has something happened? Your entire face is red and your eyes are swollen.” “She… she didn’t wake up,” I choked as I held back my tears fr