,INNOCENT LOVE

Arthur rubs his temples, the memories crashing over him like waves.

Catherina had been methodical, planting seeds of doubt and turning him against Madin one calculated move at a time.

She had claimed innocence while subtly stoking Arthur's guilt over Madin's jealousy.

She had played the role of the victim flawlessly, making Arthur believe he was protecting her and their unborn child.

His hands tremble as he recalls it all. He had been a fool, blinded by guilt and the weight of his responsibilities.

Catherina had played him masterfully, using his love for their unborn child as a weapon.

And now, as he sits alone in the darkness, the realization cuts deeper than any blade. He had failed Madin—not just as a king, but as a man who once swore to protect him.

The search must go on, not only to find Madin but to seek redemption for the mistakes that haunt him.

He tries to push away the memories , but they force their way back in his head uncontrollably.

More memories,,,

••••Another time ,,

The royal court bustled with activity, the nobles murmuring in small groups as they awaited Arthur's arrival.

Catherina moved gracefully through the room, her soft smile hiding the poison she was about to spread.

She approached Lady Eliza, a prominent figure in court. "Lady Eliza," she began, her voice tinged with a careful mix of concern and urgency, "I've heard something troubling."

Lady Eliza leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "Troubling? About what, my queen?"

"It's about Madin," Catherina said, lowering her voice as if to protect a secret. "I've overheard whispers that he's been speaking with envoys from neighboring territories. Specifically, territories that... well, are less than friendly to us. He has hated Arthur so much for marrying me instead of him that he has made personal issue a kingdom's."

Lady Eliza's eyes widened. "You're suggesting treason?"

Catherina sighed, shaking her head. "I'd rather not think the worst, but it's hard to ignore the signs. He's been distant, and I fear his bitterness toward Arthur might be driving him to desperate measures."

The rumor spread like wildfire.

By the end of the evening, nearly every noble in the court was whispering about Madin's supposed betrayal.

When Arthur was confronted with the murmurs, Catherina stood by his side, her expression one of quiet sorrow.

"I wanted to tell you first," she said softly, her hand brushing his. "But I thought it best not to burden you without proof. Now the whole court knows."

Arthur's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening as the seed of doubt Catherina had planted took root.

As always Madin had to stay in the dungeon more days at that time with heavy punishment without Arthur visiting him even once.

○○

The Public Humiliation

The grand hall was filled with laughter and music, the nobles reveling in celebration.

Arthur stood at the head of the room, watching the festivities with a faint smile. Catherina, radiant as always, sat beside him, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly.

Midway through the evening, Catherina rose to her feet, swaying slightly. A murmur rippled through the crowd as she clutched her chest and collapsed.

Arthur was at her side in an instant, his heart racing. "Catherina! What's wrong?"

She gasped for breath, her voice weak. "The stress... It's... it's too much, Arthur. I can't bear it anymore."

"What stress?" Arthur asked urgently.

She glanced up at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "It's Madin. He's been so cruel, so resentful. I try to ignore it, but it's affecting me. It's affecting the baby."

Arthur's expression darkened as the crowd watched in stunned silence. His gaze shifted to where Madin stood at the edge of the room, his face pale with shock.

"I've done nothing," Madin protested, his voice trembling with frustration.

But the damage was done. The nobles whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with judgment.

Arthur, torn between his loyalty to Madin and his desire to protect their unborn child, made a decision in the heat of the moment.

"You've overstepped," Arthur said coldly, his voice carrying through the hall. "Leave."

Madin's face fell, but he didn't argue. He turned and walked out, his shoulders tense with the weight of humiliation.

Catherina, still feigning fragility, smiled faintly as Arthur helped her to her feet.

-__

Arthur remembers it all vividly now: the stolen letters, the rumors, the humiliations.

He had been blind to the truth, a pawn in Catherina's game. Each memory was like a dagger twisting in his chest.

Madin had tried to escape the palace that night but failed terribly , Arthur didn't let him leave regardless of all that.

Madin wondered why he kept him in the palace , was it to make him suffer?

Arthur now, as he sits in the quiet of Madin's former chambers, he wonders if it was already too late to make things right.

He wonders why he was so blind , maybe it was the fear of loosing his unborn child , It's like his eyes just opened after Madin left , seeing now how much everyone in the palace hated Catherina.