,INNOCENT LOVE

The next morning, during the meeting with the council, Arthur apologizes for being distracted and neglecting his duties.

He chooses not to divulge the details of his personal struggles, keeping his explanation brief.

He simply apologizes and assures the council that his responsibilities will always come first.

After the elders depart, only the family remains. The room falls silent, with no one knowing how to break the tension.

"I don't understand... Why is he so important?! Does he have gold hidden on his body, or wh—" Catherina begins, but Arthur cuts her off sharply.

"If you still know your place in this palace, you'd better keep your mouth shut—very tightly!" Arthur thunders, slamming his hand on the long table. "All of this is happening because of you! You're nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing. From now on, I don't want to see you in court meetings!"

"You can't talk to her like that! She's the mother of your children—your queen!" Jona interjects angrily.

Arthur glares at him, his voice dangerously low. "Brother, my patience with you is running out. Stay out of my business, and it would be greatly appreciated.

You call her the mother of my children—have you ever seen her breastfeed them? Even the innocent babies don't trust her enough to feed from her! She barely even knows what they look like! Every accusation she ever made against Madin was a lie—"

"Of course, it's always about Madin! What's your problem with him anyw..." Jona interrupts, but Arthur is at his throat in an instant.

"Enough!" their father roars, his voice silencing the room. "Jona! Your brother's issues are none of your business. If anything, you should focus on preparing yourself to ask Princess Barbara for her hand in marriage, not meddling in your brother's personal affairs!"

"Personal affairs? Father, if they were personal, we wouldn't be here talking about how he's neglecting his duties!" Jona snaps. "Fine, then! From now on, nothing in this palace concerns me. I'll sit back and wait for your favorite child to embarrass and disappoint you. Then we'll see how highly you speak of him!" With that, Jona storms out of the grand hall.

Catherina follows him, and one by one, the others leave, until only Loretta and Arthur remain.

"Arthur..." Loretta begins softly, cautious not to provoke him. But Arthur doesn't snap at her; instead, he cuts her off gently.

"You know, I never thought Catherina could get into my head. How could I have been so stupid to let her control me? And now I realize it's too late." His voice is thick with frustration.

"Brother, if it was meant to be, it would be. What you and Madin share isn't something that can just be brushed away easily," Loretta says, trying to console him.

"You don't get it, Loretta. I ruined it. I ruined him—over and over again. And now, he's gone. I've searched everywhere, but he's nowhere to be found. He doesn't want to be found, because I destroyed him."

Loretta, at a loss for words, looks at her favorite sibling, who has never appeared so broken until now.

"I just wish I could see him again, to apologize for what I've done—even if he never forgives me, and I can let him go if he wants to," Arthur admits, though he knows deep down that he doesn't mean it. He doesn't want to let Madin go.

"I don't want this to sound like I'm mocking you, Arthur, but I warned you about Catherina. I told you every day that Madin would never do what she accused him of. But you never listened," Loretta says, unable to resist a small scolding.

"Do you think I haven't scolded myself enough?" Arthur retorts, his voice heavy with regret.

"Here's the thing: you'll need to balance your duties and your personal needs. Some people want nothing more than to see you fail. As for finding Madin, I'll help you. But you need to focus on your responsibilities and act like everything is fine. Don't let anyone see how desperate you are. Even if it takes years, I won't stop helping you find him. And when you feel like you're losing it, talk to me. Deal?" she says, her voice filled with determination.

"Deal. Thank you for standing by me," Arthur says, grateful.

"Always, brother."

The rest of the day, Arthur spends in his study, trying—and failing—to focus on his

duties. Madin's words echo in his mind: "Cheat? Are we even still together?"

He recalls Jeremy's insistence that Madin had never cheated. Unable to concentrate, Arthur abruptly stands and begins pacing the palace, trying to appear available while his mind remains in chaos.

Eventually, he decides to visit the dungeons. Jeremy is still in the same position as before, his back against the cold stone wall. Though he looks tired, his eyes burn with determination as Arthur approaches.

"You're back," Jeremy says with disdain. "What now? Another round of threats?"

Arthur steps closer, his expression unreadable. "You're right," he says quietly.

Jeremy blinks, caught off guard. "What?"

"You're right," Arthur repeats, his voice firmer. "About everything—about how I treated him. About why he left."

Jeremy narrows his eyes, wary of the shift in Arthur's tone. "And what do you want me to do with that admission? Applaud you for finally seeing the truth?"

Arthur sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I don't need your approval. I just... I need to fix this. I need to find him."

Jeremy studies him for a long moment. "And what happens when you do? Do you drag him back here to play the part of your obedient companion? Or do you finally let him go?"

The question hits harder than Arthur expects. He doesn't have an answer.

"I don't know," Arthur admits. "But I need to see him. I need to…" He trails off, overwhelmed by his emotions.

Jeremy leans forward, his chains clinking. "If you want to find him, stop thinking like a king. Madin doesn't want your power or protection. He wants your respect. Your honesty. Can you give him that?"

"There's nothing I wouldn't give him, Jeremy. I just need to find him. So, will you help me?" Arthur pleads, almost desperate.

"No," Jeremy says firmly.

"Why not? We don't even know if he's safe where he is! Aren't you worried about that?" Arthur asks, incredulous.

"I'm not going to help you find him because..." Jeremy replies. "..I want him to find himself and own his life—something he's always wanted. He doesn't need everyone dragging him in different directions."

Arthur stares at him blankly, stunned.

Jeremy adds, "And also even if I find him, I won't be speaking on your behalf. I'll speak for myself. I'm as desperate for him as you are. So why find him and bring him to you when I need him myself? Try your luck, and maybe one day, I'll try mine when am set free."

Arthur's face darkens. "You know, I was going to let you go today. But after hearing your filthy plans for him, perhaps you'll stay here until the day I find him."

"Oh, come on, Arthur. I've been on your side since we were teenagers. Don't you think you're being a little harsh? I'm more than just a bodyguard. I'm a friend."

"Yes friend, you're honest and confrontational, you help me process things—but don't forget you betrayed me. If it weren't for you, Madin wouldn't have left. And you let yourself fall in love with him, knowing we were together. Don't make me talk about this things, or I might lose my temper and end you."

"You think I chose to fall for him? Did you choose to fall in love with him too, or it just happened?"

"Whatever," Arthur mutters, walking away—not angry, but weighed down by the enormity of his emotions.

•○•○

Am feeling discouraged because you people read but don't react in anyway, no Votes, no comments, how am I supposed to know if you want me to continue or leave it as it is... come on guys,,, don't be so mean 😥 don't be a ghost reader😶

But there are those who vote and comment, thank you so much, you are the ones keeping me going😍❤