Curse of affection

Chapter 5

Prince Dominic POV

“Would you like a new mommy?” I wait for the confirmation. My daughter’s answer will make my resolve stronger and know that whether I have made the right or wrong decision.

“Yes” she nods her head enthusiastically and a chuckle escape past my lips at that. I take a sigh of relief knowing that I have made the right decision by agreeing to my mom and dad.

“Will get you one Princess.” I say with a smile.

“yay” she claps her hands at that.

“Now, daddy is going out to complete some work. Will you play by yourself?” I gaze at my daughter lovingly as I ask the question.

“Ok daddy” she says and hops down my lap and starts playing with her blocks. Ruffling her hair, I walk out of the room. The nanny Julia walks in on my way out. I am glad to have the decision I did if it benefits my daughter. I will make sure that what I do is only for the benefit of my daughter and nothing else. This is something which I had never expected to go through in my life once again. But I will do it for my daughter and she needs it.

I walk through this corridor as I reminisce all the moments that I have spent with my wife Isabelle. She was the one who made my life filled with happiness. Before her, all I knew was about how to be the king for my people of Campbell. She came and showed me that Life is much more than that. She showed me that I need to look after my own happiness, in order to keep my people happy.

She always said “A happy mind and heart, keeps the people around you happy” and with that rule I have lived my life, until I lost her. With her all the memories faded away in a blur. There was no laugh echoing in this corridor, only lived a dark princess to bear the loneliness.

Not long, I reached my destination. Opening the door with the lock, I enter inside and closing the door. I turn on the lights and see the dust that has settled on all the canvas on the walls of this room. It has been so long since I last visited here. I gaze at all our pictures with a heavy heart, knowing that she is never coming back.

I sit on the chai, the only furniture in this room and take the picture. A slow traitorous tear slips past my eyes ‘You promised to live forever with me, my love’ I whisper in this quiet room.

‘You promised to be there, always holding my hand, but you left me to be lonely without you’ wiping the tears away, I speak still gazing at the picture

‘Isabella is growing up without you, my love. She is same like you. Mischievous and always happy. You would be proud to see how well behaved and beautiful she looks. I will make sure to fulfill all her wishes. I did everything I could, but I could give her the mother love’

Letting out a sigh, I place the photo back on the table and say quietly ‘Mom has asked me to get married, so that our daughter could have the mother figure in her life. I feel like I am betraying you, my love. But I also know this is the right thing to do. For our daughter’s sake’ with that i walk out of the room and lock the door.

No one comes to this side of the corridor except for cleaning the wing and corridor. This room remains locked always and I like it the way it is. This is my privacy. Once done, I walk out of there with a heavy heart. This is the only thing I can do to settle my heart, knowing she can never come back. People might think me crazy if they find out their future king talking to the empty walls, but this gives me peace and that’s all that matters. What they don’t know, won’t hurt them.

After that, I go to the main living area only to stop on my way as I see the line of servants standing with boxes of gifts to be presented to wherever my parents are going. And knowing them, I see that they were already waiting for my confirmation so that they could proceed as soon as possible.

Mom finds me standing and beams at me with happiness. As the queen of this castle, she did not come near and wait for me to reach her. As I was walking, my assistant immediately follows me. She knows when her presence is needed and when it is not needed. Once I was close by, I greet both of them “Good evening” I greet them with a buss on their cheeks.

“So, would you like to come with us?” asks mom in her professional tone. Dad beside her was standing straight. But I could see the little curve of his lips as he waits for my answer. Clearing my throat, I reply “No thanks mom. I would like to pass this time.”

Giving me a nod, “Very well. It was expected as much”

 “Shall we proceed for the evening?” she asks my dad.

“Sure” with that said they both walk out of the door and the line of servants follow them

Once they were out of the sight, I turn to find my assistant standing behind me

“The day is already over miss Lia, what are you still doing here?” I ask her as I walk towards the office. Knowing I have to sign a few files and check some budget documents of our vineyard stocks.

“Yes sir, it is already over.” She replies and follows me to my office. She waits for me to settle in my chair and then starts “Sir, tomorrow you have to attend a ball organized by the Leightons. And here is the budget file that you need to go through and sign.” With that she passes me the file.

“that’s all for today. Shall I take my leave, your royal highness?” she asks me.

“you may” with that she curtsies in front of me and walks out of the office.

Its been one whole hour since my mom and dad left to attend the function as a guest. I don’t what they might be doing right now, but I hope that whatever they do benefits both me and my daughter. I hope that they have chosen the right girl for my daughter who can give her the love and care she needs as she grows up.

After completing my work, I place all the important papers in a drawer and lock it. My assistant had already cleared everything as she usually does. She is one who is very professional and sticks to her work. She also makes sure my each and every work is in order.

Walking out of the office, I go and check on my daughter, I find her waiting for me. The nanny Julia leaves once I come there. I have asked the maid to bring our dinner here, so that we can have it here.

“Are you ready for dinner princess?” I ask her as I take her in my arms.

“Yes daddy”

“Good” I smile at her and tickle her lightly. Her laugh echoes in the room.

“Stop daddy” she says while laughing.

“okay” I smile at her and we both settle in the living room attached to her room.

After a while a maid knocks on the door, enters when I allow it and places our dinner tray on the table. Once making sure princess is settled, I take a seat opposite her. She waits patiently for me to serve her and myself. She is thought how to behave at dinner tables and when she is among guest. After that we start having our dinner. Only the clatter of our knife and folk could be heard.

After that I make sure to clear the table and help her with the night routine. Once princess has brushed her teeth and changed into her night dress, I bid her good night.

“goodnight daddy” she gives me a sleepy smile.

As I walk out of her room, I think about the things that might change my life, the possibilities of what might happen once I get married. The expectations with which she would come and how I need to break it to her that she will be nothing more then the mother to my daughter and also that she will be my wife in name only.

As I was thinking of all the things, I need to make clear, I stop on way as I realize that I need to hide an important part of my life. I am not sure whether she will run far away once she realizes what I am.