"Your brother Ethan is in love with a girl named Natalie. And, she recently tried to commit suicide and this has effected your brother so much that he decided to go away with her and live a simple life with her." It's his stepmother, Queen Elora who said.

Though she tried to stay strong and sound normal, Louis could see the sadness and fragility in her eyes.

Louis immediately went to his stepmother and took her into his arms along with his sister Eliina.

When Elora sensed her son's protective aura engulfing her, she broke out crying.

Louis gestured to the guards to go away and they immediately pressed their fist to their heart and walked out of the room, leaving five people alone in the room.

He doesn't want anyone to see the queen's weak side. A queen should be as strong as the king, especially at this time. Her words are the law!

"Edward, your big brother Ethan wrote a letter, abdicating his princeship. He even made his last seal on it, officially retiring from the royal family. He left everything and went away, far from us." she cried.

"Did this cause a heart attack to father?" Louis asked, frowning.

His father isn't this week!!

He is the King of one of the richest and powerful country!!

"Not exactly." Eliiina choked as she remained in her brother's embrace.

"As soon as this happened, Olivia found out about this and returned to her parent's estate. We don't know what happened or what they have discussed. Her House has immediately retrieved their membership in court and it was also rumored that they are trying to get into a treaty with our enemies." his birth mother's brother, Francis said.

"You know what will happen if the court gets unstable with the internal disputes. It's not an exaggeration to state that Olivia's House has high influences over our noble families. Two of the seven Houses are loyal to them and it's enough to make our court unstable. And, to face this we need a potential prince who can handle all of this matter." Adela said.

"Leave about it. First tell me how father is doing?" Louis asked.

Like always, he isn't much interested about this. But deep down, he knew what was coming for him.

He knows why all of these people are here now.

To take him back.

To bind him in the heavy responsibilities of thousands of life's.

Francis sighed.

"King Edgar's condition is not stable, Edward! Doctors are suggesting him to retire from his kingship. Otherwise, it will be problematic for his health."

"Moreover, no one knows about this and if the enemies get to find out that the King is sick and the Prince eloped, they will surely plan a rebellion, disrupting commoners' lives."

"Now, it's your turn to become a prince of our country and bring everything back to normal, Edward." Francis told him, firmly.

Seeing Louis's indifferent face, Francis understood what Louis is thinking. He was never interested in living his Royal life and it is the reason he shifted to aboard and started his own company there, starting with scratch.

"Edward, as the only son of the ruling family now, you must become the prince and also accept the crownship. It's your duty to our country and you can't escape from this, anymore." Francis firmly said giving no space for Louis to retaliate.

As the prime minister of the country and Edward's godfather, he has the right to lead him in the right way for countries' welfare.

"Till now we have not forced you into anything Edward. Don't forget that you took an oath to serve the country when it needs you the most. Now, it's your chance to stand on your words, young man. Eight years back, before going to Abroad you promised to court that you will return to Kingdom if it needs you, did you forgot?" Francis asked.

Elora placed a hand on his shoulder. "The whole country.. hundred of thousands life's are now depending on your decision, son. If you don't take this responsibility, your paternal incle will step up and take the reigns. He will make his son the crown prince and after your cousin becomes a king, it's going to be nothing but dictatorship. Everyone is now relying on you." she softly said.

"If the crown goes into his hands, there will surely be a rebellion and taking this as an advantage, our enemies will surely strike us too.. making us powerless."

"I'm not claiming that everything will be back to normal if you become the Prince. At least, people will have their trust in the royal family and with their support, we can think of one or other way to bring everything back to normal." his step mother said.

Though she is his stepmother, she never treated him as one. She loves him as much as she loves her own daughter. And, her heart ached to force her son into something he doesn't like.. but..

This is the first and foremost responsibility a member of the royal family has to do. They are born for this.

"Edward, your mother died protecting this kingdom. If you don't make the right decision, her death has no meaning." Francis said.

Louis couldn't help but sigh.

How can he retaliate back when he was 'blackmailed' with his mother's death?

She died serving the country.

And, bring her son, how can he let her efforts go vain?

Taking Crown is inevitable for him and he isn't having second thoughts. He has long back taken this oath to stay loyal to the country and take his responsibilities if the kingdom is at stake.

Now.. it's the time. He understood that and he is willing to serve his country...

But..

But..

What about Brina? Will she be okay with this??

This is the only thought running in his mind now.

.....

Meanwhile, not knowing what's happening downstairs..

Brina woke up, filled with bliss and happiness.

Thinking about something, she smiled and hummed happily before looking around, hoping to see her boyfriend.

Noticing a pink paper on the bedside table, Brina chuckled and took it.

After reading it, she couldn't help but chuckle.

That's really cute of him that he tells her everything. He just doesn't want her to worry over anything!!

How considerate of him!

'All right, let's get ready. I have so many things to do.. yet, after all the night is going to be long.. hehe.' Brina thought, blushing like a doll.

While standing in front of the mirror, she checked herself out, scrutinizing her own body. Then, with her clumsy hands she took all the lingeries out of the bag which she was hiding it from yesterday.

But little she knew nothing is going to happen but in turn, their relationship is now a question.