Chapter 13
1093 Words
I simply cannot refuse the offer of marriage from the palace. I put myself in this situation and I must take advantage of it.
General Wiltone couldn't believe his eyes when he received the letter of selection from the Palace. He said it was too sudden. I think it is.
But it also means I don't have as much time to figure out who killed my mother.
"I can't let the wedding take place anytime soon. I promised your father your future," he said, thinking about it.
"What do you mean, Father?"
Is he planning to reject the marriage?
"I've signed you with a private educational institution in the western region and you will be leaving in the next three days."
He never revealed to me that he had planned such a thing. "I am of the opinion that the timing is unsuitable, Father. From what I understand, there will be a ball following the selection."
"I will personally visit the palace to request their postponement. If they refuse, you will not be married." He appeared to be pressing me to leave the capital.
"Father, if I may ask, why are you so worried about me getting to the palace? Is there something I should know?"
General Wiltone got up from his chair and looked at me. He said, "You should be the one telling me about your plans."
I swallowed hard as he surprised me with his disclosure. He took a letter from the desk drawer. When I came across the old letter that looked similar to the letter I had for my father, my eyes went wide.
"The look on your face tells it all," he paused. "I received the same letter as your father. I was lucky enough to read it before we went off to war."
"Did you tell my father?"
He shook his head. "I didn't have the courage to tell him, but your father, he knew that I was hiding something from him."
"Did he read it?"
He nodded. "He found the letter and returned to the capital even before the war started."
I am perplexed by his statements. This is not what I have heard from everyone. "W-What are you saying? My father died in that war!"
"I'm sorry, Maud. I should have told you the truth."
"What truth?" I yelled in tears.
"Your father didn't die in the war."
"You brought his body back here, didn't you?" I didn't see him at the time, but that's what I heard.
"I did. On our return journey from the war, I discovered the body in the eastern woods. Initially, I assumed that he had been captured by an enemy. However, there was no indication of any altercation."
"Are you saying... my father was killed by someone from Odrington?"
"I've been trying to get some answers for the past year, but I haven't been able to."
I find it difficult to comprehend what I have been told. How can this be? What have my parents done to deserve this?
General Wilton helped me sit up straight. "That's why I don't want you getting near anyone in the palace."
Shaking my head, I said, "This is another reason why I should do this." My sorrow was quickly replaced by anger. I wiped tears from my eyes. "Tell me everything you know, you must help me."
"I cannot let you be in danger, Maud. You're the only proof that Alfred and Laura existed."
"They deserve justice!"
"People in the minority don't always get the justice they deserve, and only those with a lot of power do. I myself, in this position, can only do a little."
"That's why I wanted to marry the prince. I'll be in the palace."
"Don't be a fool! You're risking your life!"
"Please, Father, I beg you, this is the only way. My parents did not deserve to die."
"I understand what you're feeling. However, from this point forward, we must proceed with caution."
The situation has escalated beyond what I expected. I hear nothing but good words about my parents. How could somebody take their lives away? They should still be with me right now. I have nothing but hatred for the people in the palace.
General Wiltone suggested I go to an educational institution. That way, he'll have plenty of reasons to come and go from the palace. After all, he's my adoptive father and he makes the ultimate decisions, especially when it comes to dealing with royalty.
General Wilthone will inform the palace that we did not anticipate that the selection would take place in the near future, and that I had already enrolled at the learning facility located in the western region and am unable to attend the ball.
However, I do not intend to participate in the program. I have a strategy in place, but I will need Reed's assistance.
"I'll leave tomorrow for the palace," General Wiltone said.
"I trust someone in the palace and I need his help. Can you tell him to meet me?"
His brow lifted. "Someone from the palace? His help? Who might be this person?" he said, stressing his point.
I cleared my throat. I expected this reaction from him. "Sir Reed Slyfield."
"Huh. The prince's royal aide... is helping you?" he crossed his arms.
"He is," I said in confidence.
"You just met this person, am I correct?" I knew where the conversation would go and I had to stop him before this even go further.
"I trust him, father."
"Well. I don't." It's only natural for General Wiltone to trust no one.
"You don't have to. Tell him to meet at the usual place."
The expression on General Wiltone's face was one of surprise. I attempted to correct myself as I realized that my words had sounded wrong.
"I see, so you're meeting this man secretly. For how long?"
I sighed. "Father, please don't put me on the stand on this. We have many important things to do. If you may, I would like to go back to my room."
He nodded a little, stressing his doubtful look at me. Before I left his office, he said, "He'll be on my watch. Don't expect that I'll take it easy on him."
I stopped on my way out. "Not a problem, father, and if this helps, he's an assassin," I said, then headed out.
When I informed my father that Reed was an assassin, I knew he would be even more interested. I wanted to emphasize that Reed is essential to our success.
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