Charles arrived, his heart heavy with anguish. For weeks, he had been consumed by worry for Benjamin's wellbeing. His efforts to track him down lead only to dead ends. In the midst of his search, he had received frantic inquiries from Liv, who couldn't understand why Benjamin wasn't answering his phone at the clinic. Charles had to make up various excuses, but the guilt was eating at him.
His only solace had been finding an unexpected ally in Ara. She seemed to know more about Benjamin's situation than even he did. She sounded deeply concerned and promised to do her part in the search. Charles felt a slight sense of relief. Finally, there was someone close to Benjamin, a friend they both shared, whom he could actually trust.
While he was in the city, making his usual rounds to Benjamin's clinic in the hope that he might suddenly appear, a child was nearly trampled by his horse. Charles had jumped down to check on the crying boy, only for the child to cling to his leg and then quickly slip a note into his boot before bolting away.
His heart raced as he read it. This was no coincidence. The note was cryptic and blunt: Arrive in Vale alone if you wish to see the doctor. Otherwise, don't bother coming.
He immediately felt relieved that Benjamin was still alive, but it was quickly followed by fury. It had to be Wren Baek. Charles could still see the way Wren looked at Benjamin with that possessive, unsettling intensity. Was this all just a ploy to have Benjamin for himself? Or did it go deeper? Was Wren somehow involved in the murder of all the doctors?
Charles had no idea what was waiting for him in Vale, but he knew he had to risk it. He would find Benjamin, no matter the cost. But, he needed to make an excuse to leave without being noticed. He told his parents that he was looking into jewelry for Shirin and needed to depart. He only shared the truth with Calix and Felix, who accompanied him until they reached the outskirts of Vale, a prosperous northern town in Zephyr.
The town of Vale was small but immaculate. Boutique stores and eateries lined the square at double or triple the prices they would have been in Isadora, and the residents all moved with an air of quiet arrogance. Even the horses drawing carriages were of the finest breeds.
Upon arriving in Vales, Charles was wearing a Zephyrian outfit that allowed him to blend in almost perfectly. His distinctive hair was tucked away under a royal blue cape and a thick coat, and he wore a mask, which was a common sight in the northern cold.
He wondered if Benjamin was alright, or if all of this was really happening or just a setup. He walked around, hoping someone would notice him. Finally, toward the evening as he was about to check into an inn, a tall man wearing a distinct red-collared shirt under a blue jacket and a thick blue coat approached him.
"Sir Charles?" he asked. "Here for a medical check up?"
Charles nodded.
"Right this way," the man said, gesturing toward a waiting carriage.
Once Charles stepped inside and the carriage took off, the curtains were drawn tight. The man didn't say a single word. After an hour of traveling in silence, the carriage finally came to a halt.
Charles stepped out and was escorted into a large mansion. And there was Wren Baek.
"Where is Benjamin?" Charles demanded.
"Your Highness, not even a proper greeting?" Wren asked with a smirk on his face. "Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"Just take me to Benjamin," Charles replied, ignoring the pleasantries.
"Don't worry, he's in safe hands," Wren replied. "But you and I, let's talk first."
They moved into the drawing room, where Charles sat across from Wren, his body rigid and his eyes burning with intensity.
"Why have you taken Benjamin?" Charles asked.
"As I said before, he's safe. You're only here because he requested it," Wren replied, though he looked displeased at the admission.
Charles replied with a deadly calm expression."Make no mistake. I am glad to hear that Benjamin requested me. But know that I will not sit here and do nothing. What you're doing is kidnapping. It's illegal, and I will hold you accountable for this crime. The only reason I haven't taken action yet is for Benjamin's sake. So, what is it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"Benjamin will not be leaving with you. He will stay with me. After you talk to him, you leave," Wren stated firmly.
"And who are you to decide that?"
"Benjamin will choose me. You are already engaged to the Imperial Princess, Charles. What more could you possibly want with him?"
Charles let out a short, dry laugh. "You've been cooped up in here too long, Dr. Baek. Is that really all you have to say?"
"I don't know what you're scheming," Wren countered, his expression darkening. "But if you truly know what's best for Benjamin, you would leave him here."
"We should let Benjamin decide that," Charles replied firmly.
Wren leaned back on to the couch with a sharp, taunting smirk. "He smells like raspberries, did you know that?"
Charles's eyes grew wide with fury. He crossed his arms tightly against his chest to prevent himself from charging across the table and wrapping his hands around Wren's throat. "He told me his pheromones have been erratic lately. But tell me, did you force yourself on him?"
"Me? I didn't have to," Wren said with a sly, knowing look. He watched Charles closely. He clearly enjoyed watching the Prince try his best to remain composed.
Charles looked away. Wren is just trying to provoke me. I need to remain calm, he repeated to himself. "What is it you really want with Benjamin?"
"All of him," Wren said.
Charles scoffed in disbelief. "Are you sure that's what Benjamin wants?"
"He said in time he would reconsider my proposal," Wren replied smugly.
Forced to rely on years of practiced military calmness, Charles kept his voice steady. "I don't believe a word you've been saying. I'll have to hear all of this from Benjamin himself."
Wren's expression turned cold and serious. "Yes, you'll get to talk to him soon. But make no mistake. If you try to get violent at any moment or attempt to take Benjamin away from here, neither of you will leave this mansion alive." He leaned forward. "The Zephyrian soldiers who guard my home are trained assassins. They are in the shadows, watching us even now."
Charles didn't flinch. He met Wren's gaze with a look of pure disdain. "As if that is a threat to me. Just bring Benjamin out here," he replied, unimpressed.
"I'm glad we've come to an understanding," Wren said, the pleasant, shallow smile returning to his face as if he had never threatened him. With that he gestured towards Jae to bring Benjamin.
Benjamin's heart was racing in his chest. He was finally going to see Charles again. It had been weeks since he had last seen him. But the joy was overshadowed by his own worries. Would Charles be upset with him for disappearing? For the secrets he had been carrying?
The moment Charles saw Benjamin, he didn't wait—he ran forward. But when he saw the heavy chains around Benjamin's ankles, Charles's face became contorted with a murderous rage. However, the second his gaze drifted back up to Benjamin's face, Charles's face softened and he pulled Benjamin into a fierce, protective embrace.
Benjamin's eyes were wide from the shock and the realization that Charles was really there. As Charles embraced him, it was as if all the tension had finally left his body.
"Ben," Charles said, as he tucked his face into the curve of Benjamin's neck.
"Charles," Benjamin choked out, burying his face deep into Charles's chest as he took in his familiar scent and warmth.
"I missed you. I missed you so much," Charles whispered against Benjamin's skin, his hands gripping Benjamin tightly. "How have you been? I'm so sorry this happened. I should have… I should have paid more attention to you. I should have protected you from all this."
"I missed you too, Charles," Benjamin whispered.
Wren turned his face away, the sight of their intimacy hurt him, but he forced himself to stay grounded. Patience, he reminded himself. Over time, he would win Benjamin over, especially once Charles was out of the picture for good. Still, the embrace went on for far longer than he could stomach. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he called out to them.
"Are you both ready to talk?" Wren called out impatiently.