Aldric, always the picture of a son carved from duty, felt a ripple of unease beneath his usual coldness. "Father," he said, "You've been under a lot of pressure lately. Don't worry. I've dealt with Lady Celine. Personally. But if it helps you calm down, I'll ensure she poses no further… complications."
"Find her and bring her back!" the King roared, "She cannot give birth to a secret that could destroy the kingdom! I should have known better than to let her escape!" He stood up and began to pace around, "She likes you, doesn't she? She must be devastated and lonely, and will come running into your arms once you find her."
It was Aldric's first time seeing his father like this. The man who was the strongest and the smartest person he ever knew, was now losing his mind over a myth that his ancestors passed down to him.
Aldric was always at the top of the class, top in military training, and even a genius with the sword and the bow. He was everything a future king could be, and that was why the current King never mentioned it until now. He thought he didn't need the Rocheforts' "blessing" to bring greatness to the Diamante Kingdom.
But now, Aldric's capabilities were being questioned. Because his eye color wasn't the same as his father, and his grandfather, and all those who came before him and after his great great grandmother.
"The Viscount's daughter's disappearance could be Lady Celine's doing," the King muttered, calming himself down. He hid the slyness in his eyes, and looked up at his son, "Only she would have the audacity to make such a bold move. It's her revenge for ruining her marriage prospects, no doubt. Look for Lady Celine, and you'll find the missing girl."
Prince Aldric stood up. His appetite was long gone, and he didn't have time for his father's nonsense. He made a deal with Celine just a few days ago, and she seemed like she would honor it. Nevertheless, it was better to start somewhere than to look aimlessly.
"I'll take care of it," Aldric said, lowering himself onto one knee. "Leave everything to me, father."
"Yes...yes, you're right." The King's slumped on his chair, "You're the Crown Prince, her favorite person. This should be easy for you. I trust you will do the right thing. Go. Find her and bring her back."
Aldric left the chamber, his father's words fading behind him.
Only one person could offer the assistance he needed right now: Lucian Arclight.
Lucian's network reached beyond Diamante's borders. Aldric needed his connections to locate Bianca.
The arson and her disappearance weren't mere coincidences. Someone had made a move on the Diamante Kingdom, and it could possibly be the Southern Alliance.
Southern Alliance was a group of smaller kingdoms that joined forces to protect their common interest. Their main goal was to take back the land the Diamante Kingdom claimed and seized years ago.
They took advantage of Rochefort's decline in power, and almost won five years ago. However, the Duke, along with his allies, pushed them back, but it wasn't a victory. The border remained unstable and the fighting never truly stopped.
Aldric had personally led many attacks and raids, and had gained the experience and the reputation. The King entrusted him with the troops, the soldiers, the spies, and everything else that allowed the Diamante Kingdom to prevail against its enemies.
Now, everything was taken away from him, and all because he went against his father's orders. He lost his right to command his own soldiers, and had been demoted to a mere figurehead.
The only way to earn back his privileges was to prove himself, and bring Celine back.
That woman only ever caused him trouble. If it was up to him, he would have hanged her long ago.
But the King's word was absolute.
Aldric had to find her, and drag her back to the castle, whether she liked it or not.
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
Which cover should I keep?
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I also changed the name of the novel and wondered if I should keep the old one [The Villainess's Wicked Charm] or keep the new one [My Villainess Ex wants a Second Chance]. What do you think in terms of luring in new readers? 😅
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