WebNovels

Chapter 21 - 21

King Julius gives the Prince permission to see whatever information has been gathered. The investigation is simple, her maid has always been an enemy since coming to the Elba Kingdom. She made sure to make the Princess feel safe. Slowly she intentionally began adding poison to her drinks little by little making her feel sick.

When news broke out of her pregnancy she increased the dose, until she accidentally added to much. The Prince began noticing changes, and suspected of treason but the maid discarded his concern reassuring it must be her early symptoms.

Regardless he kept a close eye. On a day the prince had to leave the maid quickly poisoned the Princess, before trying to make an escape. Unfortunately for her the Queen found her in time and quickly locked the Kingdom down.

Princess Stella was rushed with treatments.

With fist clenched by his side he asks where this maid is "She is locked up, she claims to be working alone. We decided that you, should be the one to punish her. She is my wife and I failed to protect her"

Prince Jackson takes Xerxes to the cell, the light reveals a chained up female, blood dripping down her body from being beaten up. "Leave us" before he could say a word she makes things clear "There's no point in asking who made me do it....the answer will be the same"

"Funny that you assume I care. I have a proposition for you, all you need to tell me is what poison you used and I will allow you to walk away"

The maid who barely looks at him grins "Prince Mateo do you see me as a fool? I won't fall for such a thing" her stomach growls a sign of hunger "You must be hungry...shall I get some food for you?some steak perhaps?"

In a low weak voice she chuckles "I have gone days upon days without eating, a few hours is nothing" the prince notices her dedication, he scans her body for any tattoos that would help identify her. On the left side of ber leg just above her knee he spots a mark. "You are from the lower lands, near the dark forest rivers. I'm assuming from a small village where magic is the primary source of weaponry"

The maid frozen in place, her eyes scanning the Prince, he figured who she is. The mind wondering how, she made sure to hide all her markings. In reality the Prince is merely making an assumption. He remembered a conversation he had with Esmeray talking about witches and their markings.

One of those markings, a black fire like mark above the knee means witch, a black magician to be exact. They live isolated, many powerful leaders search them for their work. "You are full of dangerous knowledge my friend. That might get you into trouble...just like having two women from different kingdoms will"

The prince tightens his jaw "shut up. You know nothing of what you speak!" The maid laughs historically "I pinched a nerve I see. Tell me my friend how do you think your first wife will feel about it? Will she leave you? "

The prince slams his hands against the cell door "Shut Up! Don't You Dare Speak About My Wife!"

"Hahah..oh but that's not all is it...oh yes.. your lover, she is carrying a child, yours?...And what is this...haha you've been busy my dear. Your wife too is pregnant....oh that's interesting..but I sense a third person...oh fuck HAHAHA is the child even yours?" The maid begins to laugh louder and louder shaking the cell walls.

Her words stabbing the Prince like broken glass. Her revelations indicate the power she holds, angry he left, her laugh being heard as he walks away.

Days have passed and the Princess only gets worse by the minute. No matter how many doctors and healers are called none can make an antibiotic.

He makes his way back to Celia one more time, he's willing to beg for mercy if need be "I will do anything you ask....just tell me how I can help my sister" Celia's eyes brighten up "Make a deal with me..and I will help you"

Xerxes knows making a deal with a witch is never good. "What deal" he asks hoping of something small like her freedom.

"Give me ten years of your life. In those ten years you will live as you wish, King or Prince that's on you to decide"

"What do you mean by that"

"You know what I mean....you are smart your majesty...but if I must say, get rid of your father and I will let you live long enough to see your children grow. If not you will only see them for five years before your health declines slowly and painful."

Xerxes face drops at the thought of such thing. He can not possibly do such a thing. He leaves the cell with a heavy pressure on him.

He paces back and forth, he knows there is no way out. That night in the darkness of the cell he goes to see her. As he approaches he sees a mix of red and orange flares lighting the hallway of the cells.

Celia chanting words in a language he's never heard, behind her Prince Jackson bleeding from his hand.

"You came in time your majesty..." Celia says sensing Xerxes presence "Since you took so long Prince Jackson made a deal with me.."

He approaches closer, fear covering Prince Jackson like a sheet "What have you done"

"I heard your conversation...I know you are starting a family of your own, I can't let you do anything. "

"What about my sister, have you forgotten about her?"

"No, I should have been more careful, I should have taken better care of her....if this is the last thing I can do for her so be it. She is getting worse I can't afford to lose her, or our baby. Whatever happens from now on, promise me you will take care of them"

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