25
The king was pleasantly surprised but happy at the same time. He had been worried that his son would not get a woman to love sooner if he still insisted on waiting for his other half. The reason why he married Early himself was because he and the former queen had been childhood sweethearts and proceeded to lovers at the age of eighteen and got married at twenty but his son’s case was different. He had no interaction with the female gender. Justin was known for his passion in horse riding and hunting.
” I am happy for you my son and am sure whenever your mother is, she’s proud of you.” His voice was full of pain and longing. Justin knew that his father was loyal to his wife but he also knew that too much pain could be poisonous.
” Father, why can’t you just move on, it’s been years?” He asked but regretted asking the next moment.
” If I were to ask you to forget about her, would you do it?” His father countered with a question that Justin knew the answer very well. No, even if his Miranda was no more, he could never see himself loving another woman just as much as he loves her.
His silence was the answer his father sought for. ” You see, you aren’t married yet but you can’t picture a future without her. If it wasn’t for the fact that you were still young and the country still needed me, I would have already followed your mother. Only by her side do I belong.” The King replied.
” Please father, don’t say that.. not only the kingdom, even I need you so please stop saying such inauspicious things.” Justin pleaded.
” My son, I know as a father I have failed you. I was never the father you wanted me to be. I was absorbed in dealing with the country’s matters and my grief over your mother that I neglected my fatherly duties. If there is a next life, I’ll make it up to you…” His words were cut short by his violent coughing. Recently, the king’s health started to deteriorate. The doctor’s had said that the King was suffering from heartache and that no medical skills could cure him. When Justin received the news, he had silently wept. His father was the only person remaining as family and he didn’t want to imagine the chaos that would cover the land Incase he died. He was the pillar holding the State together and Justin also knew that he wasn’t the right one to take the crown, he was never interested in state affairs but also knew that he had no choice. He was the last direct descendant to the throne and sooner or later, he’ll have to stand in position as the next thing that he dreaded the most.
” My son, I know I don’t have much time left. I can hear your mother calling me and the only thing that has been stopping me from joining her is your marriage. Now that you’ve found her, hurry up and bring her home so I can give you my blessings. You should also consider retiring from your hobby and take State matters seriously. You are afterall the next King.” His father said in a weak voice.
” Okay father, I’ll do as you say.” He has to. For his father to rest assured, he had to. For the sake of millions of people who depend on the Royal family for their safety, he can’t allow the rebels to exploit his father’s weak health as a loophole to attack the country.
After the father and son duo chatted for a while, they dropped the call with Justin promising his father that he’ll be bringing Miranda home the following weekend.
Justin then decided to call Ronald, his buddy. He wanted to share the good news with him but much less to rib it to his face that his baby steps finally paid off.
” How come his highness decides to call me this late?” The mocking voice of Ronald greeted Justin the moment the call was answered. ” Why? Can’t I call you, I am the future king and I can do what the hell I want!” Justin retaliated. He knew that Ronald was out to taunt him but the reason remained unknown to him.
” Oh it’s nothing your highness, just wondered if you need more advice on how to approach your tigress.” Ronald replied.
” You don’t have to worry about that, my looks and confidence are enough to bring any woman I want on my knees. I dare not ask for your shitty advice.” Justin bit back. The two always ended up arguing all the time but this time no one seemed to want to back down.
” Did I tell you? The call was on recording, I wonder if I should send this to Miss Lambert?”
” You dare?” Justin said threateningly.
” Why wouldn’t I dare your highness, it’s you who said it not me.” Ronald taunted.
“Aren’t you determined to ruin things so much for me? Are you really my brother? Forget it, I’ll let it slide for now. Anyways, I have good news to share.” Justin said excitedly, his voice taking a hundred and sixty degree turn.
” Shoot, I don’t have a whole night. I still need to finish my business here and go cuddling with my dearest.” Ronald replied impatiently. He had Left on a business deal and now he was dying to go back home to his Ava.
” No need to throw dog food at me, I also have a woman and unlike you, I can spend the night in her arms doing anything I want to her.” Justin retaliated. Ever since his Best friend got reunited with his childhood sweetheart, they can no longer hold a decent conversation without hearing the name Ava somewhere.
” Okay go ahead and try something funny with her, let’s see if you won’t get your balls kicked.” Ronald replied with a stifled laughter that annoyed Justin the most.
” Whatever! I just wanted to tell you that I proposed and she said yes to me. You might have started your relationship first but I’ll be the first one to get married.” Justin said proudly. Actually, he just wanted to make Ronald unhappy with the news. He was quite aware that his friend had agreed with his girlfriend that they’ll take things to another level after six months. This was the second month, four to go.
Despite his displeasure, Ronald still congratulated his buddy for taking another milestone in his life.
” Does that mean anytime uncle will be stepping down from the crown?” Ronald asked.
” Yes, it’s about time I take up My responsibilities. My father is in bar shape right now and his health is getting worse each day.” Justin replied.
” It’s okay, you’ll always have me to support you in every step of your path.” Ronald assured him. They have been friends from childhood and the Johnston family has always been the biggest backer of the royal family from behind the scenes.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.
” But I should warn you Justin, the rebels have started making their moves. It seems like they are well informed of the king’s health condition, thanks to your step mother. You will have to tread carefully from now onwards.” Ronald added.
” I know that Ron, it seems like they are worried that they’ll no longer have any benefits now that my father’s health is deteriorating. I still think my father’s move of marrying a rebel daughter was very risky.” Justin mumbled.
” But that was the only way to restore peace back then. The rebels had been on the neck of your father. His own protector died protecting him, for the sake of the people and you, he made a deal with the devil and brought the enemy to this
House” But that was the only way to restore peace back then. The rebels had been on the neck of your father. His own protector died protecting him, for the sake of the people and you, he made a deal with the devil and brought the enemy to this that was the only way to restore peace back then. The rebels had been on the neck of your father. His own protector died protecting him, for the sake of the people and you, he made a deal with the devil and brought the enemy to his house. Now I am sure your step brother will fight tooth and nail for the position as the next thing.” Ronald replied.
” He’s not of royal blood Ronald.” Justin defended.
” But your father was forced to announce him as one and he’s the known prince of the kingdom while you remain in the shadows. Nobody knows you so if war breaks out, he’ll have the support of the people.” Said Ronald, reminding him of the repercussions of staying hidden.
” I’ll figure a way out of this, besides my protector will be by my side all through. I won’t allow myself to lose to that bastard. Who knows what they might turn the country to if they ever gain its control. The royal family has kept the State safe and peaceful, I’ll ensure to do the same.” Justin said, his voice determined.
” That’s the Spirit but I would advise you not to rely too much on your protector. It’s been eight years since the death of the previous protector and he never showed up, who knows whether he is still loyal to the Royal family?” Justin speculated.
” The State has been peaceful so there’s no need for him to show himself. He’s our trump card and can only be revealed after everything has been utilised.” Justin defended. For some reason, he found himself defending this Mysterious protector.
” Am just saying you should be careful. You should start mobilising your own army. Yes, the Royal army is at your disposal but I wouldn’t advise you to depend on them. The rebels must have infiltrated it and placed their secret spies there. It would be disastrous if you solely depend on them. I don’t need to tell you the consequences of that Justin” Ronald said.
” But you know I can’t start doing that, that will cause alarm to the rebels.” Ronald said, letting out a frustrated sigh.
” Of Course you can’t do that personally, that’s Why you need someone you trust for that task, someone who won’t be traced back to you.” Ronald advised.
Thinking about whatever Ronald said, Justin saw the facts in it. He knew that war was inevitable after his father passed away do he could Just start preparing himself for it. He wouldn’t let the commoner’s suffer due to greed of power of a few people.
” Thanks Ron, I don’t know what I would do without you.” Ronald said
” Eeeew! Stop that, it’s disgusting coming from your mouth. I would appreciate it if it’s Ava saying that but definitely not you.” Ronald replied, faking disgust.
” Oh come on, I am Just trying to appreciate your advice. Anyways, I have the perfect person for that job. I think it’s high time I call him back to prove his loyalty. I will need to trouble you to arrange a secret meeting for us. Ensure Nobody knows about it, not even my guards.” Justin said seriously.
” Consider it done, your highness.” Ronald said and both men chuckled. Despite the seriousness of the matter, they’ll always end up making fun of each other. That’s the Bond of their brotherhood.
” Okay, it’s late now. I think it’s about time we get some rest.” Justin said and they dropped the call. But this was bound to be Long for Justin. He couldn’t help but wonder how Miranda will react after she knows that he was no regular Man or the model everyone thought he was. He just hoped she wouldn’t get mad for hiding his true identity from her. He knew that secrets were harmful for relationships and in worse case scenarios, they could break them but he knew his Miranda was intelligent and thoughtful, he just hoped she’ll understand his reasons eventually.