Secrets of the Crown

Chapter 15

I returned to the mansion with a sense of relief, knowing that the children were safe and sound. I should not have to worry about them, especially since Reed takes care of them occasionally.

But my plan didn't work out at all. Now I can't talk to Madame Muriel, so what else can I do? It's just another dead end.

Should I really let Reed and General Wiltone do everything?

"Welcome back, Lady Maud!" Sophie said as I stretched out on the stable floor.

"You've been waiting here all day?" She doesn't seem to be doing well.

"I don't have a choice," she said uneasily, "General Wiltone has returned early."

She had to stay outside because I was sure General Wiltone would ask her where I was.

"Don't worry. I'll handle him."

Upon my return, one of the maids informed me that General Wiltone had requested that I be sent to his office immediately.

He was seated at his desk, as usual, completing his paperwork.

"Where did you go?" he said as soon as I entered the door.

"The capital. I just went to visit some friends."

"Who?"

"Dino and Jessie, the kids from before. No worries, I haven't done anything wrong," I said, stepping closer. "So, what happened at the palace?"

"They didn't agree."

I genuinely believed that he could persuade them.

"So, you turned down the marriage?" He looked at me with a dour expression.

"The attempt was unsuccessful, as they requested you to remain in the palace and receive the necessary education."

I knew he didn't approve, so I tried not to smile. He knew I wanted to stay in the palace, which is what I had originally planned to do.

"Will you let me?"

He scowled and said, "Are you going to be alright if you stay in the palace?"

It became apparent to me that he had no choice; the decision was made. He stated, "I will, Father. I promise I won't do anything that could hurt me. And besides, Reed is there."

"Hmm. Him," he whispered.

"Is something wrong?" I was concerned for a moment.

"Nothing. But I talked to him to deliver your message. However, I was not pleased with the outcome of the exchange," he said.

"Why? What happened?"

"What's going on between the two of you?" he asked, his expression becoming annoyed.

"N-Nothing," I lied, looking away.

"He personally asked for your hand in marriage."

I was taken aback by what I heard. "He what?"

What was he thinking?!

"Maud, why are you putting yourself in such a difficult position?" he asks, frustrated. "The Prince and the Royal Aide?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

"Father, I'm sorry that things got a little out of control." I attempted to smile, but I found it difficult to do so. I'm also disappointed.

"A little? This is a huge mess, Maud! Are you trying to get exiled from this country?" he yelled.

"I know you're upset, father, but I just didn't think it would come to this. I'm really sorry." I just put my head down. "I know it's a lot to handle, but I'll do my best to make it right when I find who killed my parents."

He inhaled deeply and then shook his head. “I don’t know what else I can do.”

"Allow me to stay in the palace. We don't have a lot of options right now."

"Very well," he said, rising and facing the window. "You can go in now," he said.

The door opened behind me, and a man in a well-dressed, light-knightly outfit stepped into the room. "Pardon my intrusion, Lady Maud, General Wiltone."

"R-Reed?" I was surprised to see him in different attire. When he looked at me, my face flushed.

"W-What is happening here?" I asked, glancing at them alternately.

"In exchange for you residing in the Palace, the Prince has allowed my request and to let Sir Slyfield serve as your personal knight."

I was speechless and could only cover my mouth with my hand. As I turned my head to look at Reed, I noticed that he was smiling, seemingly enjoying my reaction.

General Wiltone looked at us, cleared his throat, and said, "Sir Slyfield, it is your duty not to let anyone lay a finger on my daughter, including yourself."

"Father, he saved me many times. He would never harm me," I defended Reed, but the two of them were staring at each other.

"Knight, are you aware of what I was referring to?"

Reed nodded. "I never go back on my word, General. I completely understand."

"You may escort the lady to her room," General Wiltone said, standing his ground.

"You must be pissed at me now, Alfred." I heard General Wilton as I left the room, but I pretended not to have heard him.

Reed was walking behind me but I couldn't get over the conversation he and General Wiltone had.

I stopped and turned around. "What just happened?" He stared at me looking completely happy.

"Things just got better for me." He held my chin as delicately as he could.

"S-Stop fooling around, Reed." I tried to avert my eyes, but he drew me in with his gaze.

He smiled and withdrew his hand. "The general handled the conversation at the palace really well. He managed to get us together."

"Us together? He doesn't approve anyone for me."

I resumed walking in order to get rid of the subject that was causing my headaches.

"And just so you know, Father has his eyes on you," I warned him.

"I'm aware of that. Additionally, I am aware that he is helping you with your plan."

"Technically, he's not helping me. He was working on his own. It just so happened to share the same objective," I paused. "I also mentioned that you're helping and that I trust you."

"No wonder why he looked displeased upon meeting me for the first time."

I decided to ignore what ever happened between him and General Wiltone back at the palace. This whole thing happened so fast that my head hurt and I just couldn't keep straight with any new information.

Upon reaching the bedroom door, I stopped. "About getting married to the prince..." I whispered, looking at the door.

"I won't allow it."

"Is it because you asked my father to marry me? It's not that simple." I hesitated for a moment. "Did you really mean it?"

Waiting for his answer gave a sensation of rapid heartbeats in my chest that set off an intense heat that I could feel in my ears.

"With all my heart," he answered.

It felt as if I couldn't breathe. "This was not in my plan, Reed." My voice was shaking.

"Which isn't?" He asked, resting his head on my shoulders.

"These feelings... I have... for you," I whispered. "I'm not supposed to care for anyone. Nothing and no one should matter."

"I'm on your side, my lady. Trust me with anything, including your heart." I felt his arms around me.

I was so overpowered by these emotions that I couldn't hide them any longer. I nodded.

I held his hand that was embracing me. "I don't know how to handle this. Our situation is difficult. I might hurt you unintentionally."

"I will endure everything and wait until you come back to me."