Claiming The Remnant

Chapter 59

[ Ethyn ]

“Father, I don’t understand what I’m feeling.” There was an ache in my chest and my heart pounded much harder than necessary for the simple undertaking of just conversing with my Father. “She is a dawn truer than any I have ever known. For those precious few moments that we were no more than two people upon the earth and beneath the sky she made the world anew. I was lost in her eyes, an unfathomable depth of blue that spiralled endlessly. If that is not le coup de foudre then I am at a loss.”

My Father watched me for a moment. Thinking things through no doubt. The situation was less than ideal; I was the Crown Prince and she was a criminal.

“My son,” He began slowly, ponderously, bringing me to the edge of the chair, “this is quite the quandary and puts me at somewhat of an imposition. As both your Father and your King I am not entirely sure that pursuing a relationship with this woman is wise nor do I think it is suitable; knowing what I know. However,” I understood what my Father was saying. It made sense despite the fact that the thought of distancing myself from her felt like a dagger to my heart. A small part of my brain had registered my Father calling her ‘this woman’, the sneaky old man was keeping her name from me. “as someone who has loved, and believe me, my love for your Mother was deep and true, I cannot deny you a crack at your own opportunity for happiness of such magnitude. The circumstance may be strange but love - love is… love is something that has beauty beyond what the eye can see, transcends all that is known and permeates all that we are." There was a look in my Father's eyes, a look I knew well. A look that said he was scheming.

"What is the catch here?"

"Not particularly a catch, son, more a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." He sipped his tea with much satisfaction.

"I don't follow." I glowered. "Please, Father, you are giving me palpitations."

"The young lady not only shifted but she lost who she is. Additionally despite our knowledge of the Remnants location we have been unable to claim it. Regardless of the state of her memories she will not be leaving the castle without first relinquishing the Remnant." His face was hard and I could tell that he didn't like his own words any better than I did. "In my mind at least, if there is a blossoming betwixt the two of you then it is a reason for her to stay, and stay comfortably - no matter her mind set."

"I see."

"Duty and love, sometimes they are reflections of each other, sometimes they are opposites. Rarely are they such a tangle." He nursed his cup.

"The burden of my birth." I sighed. "Are there terms?"

"Keep the ruse in place and keep her at the castle." He shrugged.

"And if I want to become entwined with her?" My mouth went dry at the thought.

"It is early days yet, my son, but If she consents, then yes."

"Sooo, I have your permission?" I couldn’t help but feel as though I were a hopeful child.

"To love? No one needs permission to love my dear lad but to court this woman and perhaps have her as your Queen… to say no would make me unable to look at myself in the mirror whereas saying yes is merely terrifying." He flapped his arms in clear exasperation. "My Son… a few words of caution. This woman, as I just said, doesn't know her former self, everything from before the shift is lost to her. However, should she regain them and revert to who she was before…"

"Duty." I nodded solemnly. My Father nodded with me. Despite my affirmation I couldn't help but wonder if it should come to that whether Colette would take the crown. Then I could follow my heart.

"Uh-huh, she has been through much. If you want to be with her then the best course is for you to learn from the horses mouth as it were. The lies between you will be a hurdle of big enough proportions without you knowing what I know." He looked me square in the eyes. "Just remember her truth is her truth but it is not necessarily the reality."

"Yes Father."

"So my Son, how do you intend to woo this lady that has captured your heart so thoroughly in such a brief meeting?" Father smiled, relaxing in his chair.

"With gifts and poetry and my charming personality of course." A cheeky grin split my face. I would garner her affections and use everything that was at my disposal to do so. Hum. What about Willis? "Father, what is the situation regarding Willis?" I was wondering how negotiable it was.

"Willis is, in the simplest terms, acting as a prison guard in disguise. They have done for the last… almost four months."

"Father…" I paused to frame my thoughts into coherent words. "I would be lying if pretended that my initial reason for such an enquiry was not to procure some time alone with mon foudre but perhaps you would like to consider the implications of what you just told me." After a moment of pondering I saw the realisation bubble up.

"Ah shit." He took a deep breath. "You are right Son, I was too focused on one issue. Thank you for bringing it to my attention."

"It is understandable - we both spend so much time not being ourselves that it is almost normal. Willis, however isn't normally undercover for such extensive periods of time, or at least not to my knowledge. It must be taking quite a toll." It wasn’t that I was particularly familiar with Willis but I was more than empathetic. Additionally it wasn’t like Willis didn’t have a bit of a reputation for being a little… unhinged. Although that might be a little harsh.

"I will speak to Willis directly." Seeing the look I gave him, Father elaborated. "Another interesting development is that Willis and the Captain are now an item. There was some difficulty between them a short while ago that resulted in Willis taking a blade to themselves. I fear that I have some responsibility due to the pressure I put them under of late. Therefore, I feel it is important to deal with it personally. Furthermore, though it might be a little soft of me, I don't want to put any extra strain on their relationship. These are unusual circumstances after all."

“I feel like I’ve come back to utter chaos.” A little smile of the teasing variety pulled at the corner of my mouth.

“You have no idea.” Father chuckled with a shake of his head.