Secrets of the Crown

Chapter 6

It didn't take long for Reed to come back. Just like Luke said, he went off to look for the bandits that were after the kids. They all ended up in jail.

The kids were over the moon to hear they were safe. They couldn't wait to get home, but they wanted Luke to make good on his promise.

We all made our way back to the palace. It was getting late, and only a handful of guards greeted us. Luke told the maids to go and get some clothes for the children, feed them, and make beds for them.

Reed added that he had tracked down family members of Dino and Jessie that had been searching for them for nearly two months.

I'm so happy that after all they've been through, it's all over in one day. I'm so glad we went to East Forest. I'm so happy Luke and Reed helped those kids out.

After the kids were tucked in, I went over to check on them. I said I had to go for a while and would be back the next morning.

They made me promise and so I did.

Before I left the room, Dino was crying. I overheard that he left a toy in the forest. Jessie told him that he would just buy him a new one but Dino said it cannot be replaced because it was a gift from their mom.

I didn't know what else to do, so I just let Jessie take care of him.

Luke was waiting for me to send me off. "Let General Wiltone know that I'm sorry for sending you off this late. He must be really worried now."

"I believe the word is angry," I smiled. "Don't worry. I'll explain everything to him. Thank you again, Luke."

I looked over to Reed who was standing near Luke. "Thank you for helping those kids, Reed. I really appreciate it." His cold eyes opened just a bit wider. He must have been surprised that I didn't bother with the formalities about his name.

General Wiltone was waiting for me outside the mansion, just like I thought he'd be. He was so happy to see me come off of the coach that he gave me a big hug.

"What happened to you?" he asked, looking at the beautiful dress he bought for me.

"It's a long story, father. Let's talk about it inside? Don't worry, I'm okay. Prince Luke and Sir Slyfield keep me safe."

I told him everything that had happened in the east forest. I explained about the kids and how Prince Luke and Sir Reed had helped them out.

He was happy to hear that I enjoyed my time. He could hardly believe that the rumors about Prince Luke were true.

"What do they say about him?" I asked.

He grunted. "He's a good man when he's not at the palace."

"It appears that you're not pleased, father."

"The wedding date went off without a hitch. They might actually consider you for Prince Luke. I just wonder if your father approves. Furthermore, I am worried that you may find that you are fond of him."

I didn't know why, but maybe he's just not ready for me to get married yet. "Father, you don't need to worry about that. There is no official statement yet."

He gave me a serious look and clasped his hands on his desk. "What will you do if it happens? Will you put up with it?"

In addition to having grown up knowing him, I have lived with him for a year. I am aware of the manner in which he expressed himself. It gives me chills.

I was unable to respond. I was unsure of what he was referring to. However, I have a feeling that he was aware that I do not intend to marry the prince.

"Maud, be mindful of your heart. There is great danger in playing with fire."

I just ducked my head and smiled to cover up the nervousness I was feeling. "I know you're exhausted, so go get dressed and go to bed."

I said goodbye and started to walk away, but then I stopped and said, "I'm going back to the palace in the morning." I closed the door without waiting for an answer.

I woke up the next morning to a call from one of the maids I had asked the night before to get casual dress ready for my trip to the palace.

"Lady Maud, apologies but Lord Wilthone has ordered me not to allow you to leave this day."

I got up from my bed and swung the door open. The maid was taken aback when she saw me running through the halls to his office. "Father!" I called him out, catching my breath.

"You can't go today, Maud," he said without even looking at me; he was working. "I've already taken care of it. I have sent a letter to the Palace to inform them of the situation."

"What situation?"

"There have been reports of thieves scoping out the area, so it's not safe to go outside until they're caught."

"But, Father—"

"Don't be stubborn and do what I tell you!"

It was the first time he had ever yelled at me. I was so shocked by his outburst that I knew I had to do what he said.

However, I promised the children. I can't let them down. I snuck back into my room to be in a dress suit for horseback riding. I was careful not to let anyone see me. I knew by now that the guards were all over the place, and besides, I was going straight to the palace, what could possibly go wrong?

I made it to the stable with ease. Everyone was busily getting ready for the day. Father was still at his office, probably completing all the necessary paperwork before going out to scout with the guards.

My reasons for going out may seem petty to him, but to those children, it means something. A promise is a promise. I know what it feels like to be promised to come back but never to return.

The usual route to the palace isn’t guarded. The guards must have been searching other areas. I didn’t feel safe to go that way. So I decided to try a different way. It was a section of forest that would take me to the Palace. It’s not too far off the main road, so if something goes wrong I can easily get back.

That's when I thought about Dino's toy - he left it in the woods. With the way I'm going, it shouldn't be too long before I get there.

I changed my route and headed toward the eastern woods. The plan was to get there as quickly as possible, grab the toy, and head straight for the palace.

I knew it was risky but I am already here. I might as well go for it.

I arrived just a few minutes later and went inside the cottage without any problem. I went inside the house and looked for the toy. All I knew was it was a toy. Luckily, there are only a few things left inside the cottage and most of them are broken furniture. I lifted the only sheet of the dirt and saw what I was looking for: an old and dirty stuffed toy dog.

As I turned to leave the cottage and walk away, a man's shadow blocked my way out.

"This must be my lucky day," he said, holding out his hand to me.

I knew right away that I was in trouble. I grabbed an old chair and hurled it at him. I caught him by his shirt and hustled him into the cottage. As I ran out, I did not forget to put the toy in my dress pocket.

I aimed for my horse, but it was no longer there. I ran, not looking back, as quickly as I could.

But the guy who was chasing me wouldn't let go. He was quicker than me, which isn't really surprising, since he must have been a thief. He got ahead of me by leaping from tree to tree.

"There's no point in running away." A middle-aged man in a merchant's suit and a half-face mask revealed himself. "You're such a wonderful piece of material, young lady. Your hair alone will bring me a great deal of gold!" He laughed maniacally.

I turned around to try to get away from him, but he grabbed me by the hair, put his hands around my throat, and smothered my face with a cloth that was filled with something fragrant.

For a split second, I thought I might be able to fight him off, but then my head started to spin and my legs and arms started to get weaker by the second. I was trying to push him away from me, but my eyes started to close until everything went blank.