42| THEY'RE JUST PAWNS IN SOMEONE'S GAME
2013 Words
Logan found it difficult to fall asleep. His wife was somewhere he didn't know and no matter how much he tried to be optimistic, he couldn't gather the courage to sleep. The weight of the unknown was suffocating, and his mind was a whirlwind of worry and frustration.
With a sigh, he pushed himself out of bed. He wandered down the dimly lit hallway and into the quiet living room, hoping that a change of scenery might offer some semblance of solace.
However, what he found there was Clayton, sitting alone on the couch, his back hunched and his gaze fixed on some distant point. From the look of things, he had been crying. When he saw Logan, he quickly tried to wipe away any traces of tears and compose himself.
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I should just come and chat with you," Clayton said, his voice a little hoarse as he tried to force a smile. Logan took the empty space beside him, noting the tension in Clayton's posture and the turmoil in his eyes. He looked at his little brother carefully for the first time in a while.
Clayton was just a kid, really, despite the life they had been thrust into. Even though he wanted to believe that he was a grown-up like Logan, he knew that wasn't the truth. The situation they were in was far from the ordinary, and their roles as heirs to the throne brought responsibilities and challenges that no one could be fully prepared for. Logan knew his brother was aware of the fact that he was second in line for the throne and that alone was very stressful and now the kidnapping.
"You know, you don't have to pretend to be strong all the time," Logan said gently, his voice filled with empathy. "It's okay to let it out, to cry once in a while."
Clayton let out a nervous laugh, his attempt at humor sounding strained. "What are you talking about? I'm not crying. Just got something in my eye, that's all."
Logan raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Really? Something in your eye that makes you look like you've been through a storm?"
Clayton sighed, his shoulders slumping as he finally let go of his façade. "Yeah, you caught me. It's just... It's all so overwhelming, you know? Arianna is missing, Tiara is missing, and I feel utterly helpless."
Logan understood. He was also feeling helpless but he also knew that he wasn't like his little brother. Not that Logan wished Arianna hadn't come to Clayton's life but maybe his little brother's life would be different.
Clayton was just 19, he wasn't ready to be a father or a husband. Sure, he was happy with Arianna and Logan wanted nothing more than to see him happy but things could be easier if he was a normal teenager who didn't have to worry about royalty, a fiancee, or a kid.
Logan gave his brother's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're not alone in feeling that way. This situation is far from ordinary, and nobody expects you to have all the answers. We'll face each challenge as it comes, and we'll find a way through." Logan didn't know where those words were coming from. They didn't say anything for a while and Clayton fell into his brother's arms. Logan couldn't help but smile because he used to do that a lot as a baby.
As they sat in silence for a moment, a voice interrupted their thoughts. "You boys are up late."
They both turned to see Gail standing at the entrance of the living room. Her expression was a mixture of concern and weariness, mirroring the emotions Logan and Clayton had been grappling with.
"Mom," Logan said, his voice soft as he greeted her. "We couldn't sleep."
Gail walked over and took a seat across from them. "I understand. I've been having a hard time sleeping myself. The worry is consuming. Tiara and Arriana are somewhere and we can't even figure out where they were taken."
Logan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Mom, I can't help but think about the possibility that—"
Gail gently interrupted, her voice soothing. "That your uncle might be involved? I've thought about that too, Logan. I've even thought about my brother being involved too. And if you have suspicions, I won't blame you. We were separated for twenty-six years. A lot can happen in that time, even to someone you thought you knew inside out."
Logan looked at his mother, his eyes wide with surprise. "You're not angry at us for even thinking that way?"
Gail reached out and touched his hand with a reassuring smile. "Of course not. Your concerns are valid. But remember, not everything is as it seems. While it's important to be cautious and question everything, don't let doubt cloud your judgment entirely. There are people who genuinely care about your well-being. Trust your instincts, but also remember that genuine allies exist."
"Thank you, Mom," Clayton said, his voice more steady now.
Gail smiled warmly. "Now, why don't you boys try to get some rest? Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll continue our efforts to bring Arianna and Tiara back."
Logan and Clayton came to the realization that they needed to find a way to unwind, despite the chaos, as Gail's suggestions kept repeating in their heads. A ray of hope started to appear as they bid their mother goodbye as she returned to her chambers.
Logan had slept in fits all night in his chamber, which was illuminated by the rising sun as it peaked through the curtains. He had a dream about Tiara in which memories and worries were mingled, leaving him more worn out than when he had first fallen asleep. He wiped his eyes and sat up, smoothing his messy hair with his hands.
He forced himself out of bed and realized it was a new day when he saw the sun coming in through the window. He sighed heavily and got to his feet to start getting ready for the day. Clayton was already in the living room, holding a hot cup of coffee and staring out the window.
"Morning," Logan muttered, his voice rough with fatigue.
Clayton turned to him and offered a tired smile. "Morning, Big brother. Slept okay?"
Logan shook his head, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Not really. It's like my mind won't stop racing."
Clayton nodded in understanding, taking a sip of his coffee. "I get it. I barely slept, I kept trying to convince myself that Arianna was going to join me in bed, that she was there with me."
Just then, a soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Logan glanced at Clayton, then toward the door. "I wonder who that is."
Clayton shrugged, setting his coffee down and heading toward the door. He opened it to reveal Ian. Logan hadn't expected to see him because he knew that as a crown prince, his moves were restricted to certain parts of the palace for his safety from what he had gathered from Axel.
"Morning, guys," Ian greeted with a warm smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Logan shook his head, while Clayton gestured for Ian to come in. "Not at all. We were just... trying to wake up."
Ian chuckled softly. "I can imagine. This whole situation must be incredibly difficult for you both."
Logan gave Ian a tired smile. "You have no idea."
Ian's expression turned more serious. "I want you to know that I'm here to help in any way I can. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, but I want you to know that you're not alone in this."
Clayton nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Ian. We really appreciate that."
Ian's gaze shifted between them. "Do you have any updates? Any leads on where Arianna and Tiara might be?"
Logan shook his head, his frustration evident. "Nothing substantial yet. We're still trying to gather information discreetly. It's a complex situation, and we're being careful not to jump to conclusions."
Ian leaned against a nearby table, his expression thoughtful. "I understand your caution. But if there's anything I can do to assist, please don't hesitate to let me know. Our family might have its issues, but we're still family, and family supports each other."
Logan exchanged a glance with Clayton before looking back at Ian. "Actually, Ian, we could use your help. Since you have connections and resources that we don't, perhaps you could assist us in getting more information without raising suspicions."
Ian's eyes brightened with determination. "Absolutely. Consider it done. I'll make discreet inquiries and see what I can find out. And if you need anything else, whether it's resources, information, or just someone to talk to, I'm here."
Logan and Clayton both nodded, gratitude filling their expressions. "Thank you, Ian. We're lucky to have you on our side."
Ian smiled warmly. "We're family, remember? We'll get through this together."
As they sat huddled around a table, discussing and deciding on where to look first, a knock at the door interrupted their focus. Ian looked up, his brows furrowing. "Expecting someone?"
Logan shook his head, his expression curious. "No, not that I know of."
Ian exchanged a glance with them and then stood up, heading towards the door. He opened it to reveal Axel, who immediately bowed when he saw him.
"Your Highness." Ian motioned for him to come inside and he did.
"Good morning, Your Highnesses," Axel greeted with a nod. "Mind if I join you?"
Logan smiled at him. "Of course not. Any update on your side?"
Axel shook his head. "I've been gathering information about some underground factions that operate in the city. They're not necessarily associated with any particular group, but they often have their own agendas and interests."
Logan leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And how does that tie into Arianna and Tiara's disappearance?"
Axel's expression remained grim. "I've been hearing whispers that there might be individuals looking to make a power move, to create chaos that they can exploit. Kidnappings and disappearances like this might be their way of sending a message."
Clayton clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "So, they're just pawns in someone else's game?"
Axel nodded, his gaze sympathetic. "It seemed that way at first but I've done my research and even though some of them might have been interested in kidnapping two new princesses, they know not to mess with you." He said as he looked at Logan.
"Why?" Logan couldn't help but ask.
"Apparently, they are aware of your reputation." Logan didn't need Axel to elaborate further, he knew what he meant by that statement. He had been to war for years and it was no secret that had he been living in ancient times, he would have been dubbed God of War.
Clayton's expression turned thoughtful as he considered the implications. "So, you're saying that whoever is behind this knows that targeting us directly would be too risky for them?"
Axel nodded. "Exactly. They might be trying to send a message without directly challenging you. It's a way to manipulate the situation to their advantage."
Logan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with the new information. "If they're trying to create chaos, they must have some kind of plan or goal in mind. We need to figure out what that is if we're going to find Arianna and Tiara.
"They might not be responsible for the kidnapping but I doubt that they know nothing about it."
Ian looked at them. "We can use this to our advantage. If these factions are responsible for the kidnappings, we can start digging into their activities, and their motives. That might lead us closer to where Arianna and Tiara are being held.
"Even if they are not responsible, we have to rule out that possibility."
Logan only hoped that they were not wasting their time when they could have spent it looking for other clues.
- Writer
