She then took a deep breath, clearing her throat. “It seems your son can already handle certain negotiations himself,” she turned to James. After taking one last sip, she stood up and we did the same. “I guess there’s no reason for me to break the deal on what we agreed on. Your son is very intelligent, very capable. You must be proud,” she smirked at James. “Now, if you gentlemen would excuse me, I have a kingdom to attend to.” We all did our respective bows and she just walked away, keeping her head up high. As soon as she stepped foot out of the room, the door slammed shut.

James turned to me, impressed. “You did well.”

“She sounded like she was insulting us,” I replied as I looked at him. “I never wanted a mother-in-law such as her but since there’s no way of getting out of the marriage, it’s the least I could do. I will never tolerate such behavior.”

“Spoken like a true monarch,” James smiled. “Well, your mother’s waiting. Let’s return to her bedroom.”

We shared a nod and went on our way.

♔♔♔

After I made sure that Mother was taken care of, I decided to send a letter to Princess Lorain about her mother’s abrupt visit. I had a hunch that Queen Marta may tell her children, especially Lorain, of her experience here. She might turn the whole story around, telling her children that we were arrogant monarchs when in reality, she embodied that.

I wrote,

To Princess Lorain,

I hope you are doing well. It has been a long time since we last communicated. I am sending this letter as a way to clear any misinformation your mother could possibly do once she arrived from our kingdom.

She visited us - absolutely a surprise to us - to discuss matters regarding our marriage and she has acted with a bit of arrogance, which is very disrespectful. She doesn’t care about the fact that my mother is currently ill, which is why we haven’t made plans for our wedding. She insulted us in a manner that she thinks isn’t degrading someone.

I know she’s about to be my in-law but I do hope you forgive me for standing up for my family. It sounded quite offensive against her but I won’t let anyone talk down on my family. And that includes you as you’ll soon be a part of our family.

Send me your response as soon as you can.

Prince Robert.

Folding the letter and stamping my seal, I called my page and instructed him to have the dragon messenger send this to the Middle Kingdom as it is very urgent. After he left, I headed straight to the stables and made my way to the bakery. I know that I hurt Laura and I’m not quite sure if she even wants to see me but I have to try.

♔♔♔

Arriving at the bakery, I peeked through the window to see if Laura was inside. Not being able to see as the glass isn’t that clear, I entered and started to look around but to my dismay, she was nowhere to be found.

I began to look for Grandpa Ben but even he was nowhere in sight. And I am not asking Ronald so it’s best to ask a different person.

I walked over to another worker, “Excuse me, madam?”

She turned around and quickly smiled at me. “Yes, sir? What can I help you with?”

“I was wondering if Grandpa Ben or Laura arrived today,” I said.

“I’m sorry, young man but Grandpa Ben left an hour ago and hasn’t returned yet. I’m not sure what time he’ll return but he’ll be here later,” she answered politely.

“And Laura?” I asked.

“Laura hasn’t arrived yet since this morning. I’m not sure why but it’s either she accompanied Grandpa Ben or she’s ill,” she explained. “Is there anything I can help you with? Perhaps a message that you would want to pass on?”

“Is it okay if you tell them that I visited? Especially to Laura, I would want her to know that I came to see her,” I requested.

“May I know your name, good sir?” she inquired.

“Kindly tell them it’s Robert,” I replied with a smile.

“Thank you, sir. I will tell them once they arrived,” she smiled and returned to the kitchen. I let out a sigh and walked out of the bakery but did one last glance before leaving.

♔♔♔

When I arrived back at the castle, all the maids were running around. I looked at everybody, confused. I tried to ask some of them but they wouldn’t answer me. I made my way to the master’s bedroom when I saw James looking out the window.

“James?” I called as I approached him.

“Robert,” he turned to me, his hands behind his back. “The gate master said you went out for a quick stroll. Is there something wrong?”

“Why are the maids running around as if they’re all a bunch of bees?” I asked, a few maids running past us.

“Your aunt has demanded some changes within the castle for your mother’s health,” he replied, letting out a sigh.

“Changes? What kind of changes?” I twisted my face slightly to the left, my brows furrowed.

“She has given a long list of demands but to keep it short: she’s turning the castle upside-down,” he answered.

“Did you tell her that she’s not allowed to enter my room?” I raised an eyebrow.

“She’s your aunt. Let her be,” he tried convincing me. “And besides, it is for your mother’s health.”

“James, my room is my place of solitude and once someone enters my room without my permission, it will be deemed as trespassing,” I replied, furious. Without another word, I rushed to my room, hoping that it’s not too late and that she hasn’t entered my room yet.