Arriving at the stables, I started preparing Lady’s food for the night when someone came barging into the stables. “Robert!”

I groaned upon hearing that voice, a voice that I wouldn’t want to hear for the rest of the night. I started walking towards Lady as I asked, “What is it that you want, Mallory?”

“Why did you end our relationship?” she continued to rant as she approached me. “We had a deal about that, Robert. All of a sudden, you’re ending everything for some unknown reason?!

I sighed before turning around, “It’s for your own good, Mallory.”

“I don’t care what you all think!” she started throwing tantrums like a child when they don’t get their way. “All I want is you,” she held onto my arms.

I removed her hands as I replied, “Mallory, I don’t want you the same way that you want me. From the very beginning, I knew that the kind of relationship that we had will only do us harm.” She shook her head as I explained my side, not wanting to accept the truth. I added, “It’s better to end it now before it ends up hurting somebody else.”

I grabbed my water container and walked back into the castle, not even bothering to take a second look at her. She’s done enough damage today. I don’t want any more of her idiocy to destroy the rest of my evening.

♔♔♔

Walking alone in the halls of the castle, Gonzalo was already waiting for me. “Good evening, young prince,” he greeted as he followed closely behind me.

“Good evening, Gonzalo,” I greeted, handing over my water container to him. “Are there matters that I missed while I was away?”

“As of the moment, there’s nothing, Your Highness,” he replied quickly.

“What are the plans for tonight’s dinner?” I asked.

“As I’ve heard from the cooks, they will be focusing on meat tonight as requested by His Majesty,” he said as we made a right turn to another corridor. “However, your family won’t be joining you for supper tonight.”

I stopped walking, turning around. “Why is that?”

“His Majesty is still in his office, he said he has a lot of things to look into. Her Highness took a very early rest, she said she’s been feeling a bit dizzy. And Her Majesty already proceeded to sleep,” he explained.

Mother is taking an early sleep? That’s a bit odd. Most of the time, whenever James is still in his study and working, Mother is usually in the study, keeping him company. Mother rarely makes this kind of decision.

“Kindly have my food sent to my room. I will proceed to my parents’ room to check on Her Majesty,” I answered.

“As you wish, Your Highness,” he took a quick bow and we went our separate ways.

♔♔♔

As I approached the door of Their Majesties’ bedroom, I knocked on the door thrice and when I didn’t receive any response, I entered. As I opened the door, I saw my mother, already in her bed as a maid attended to her.

“Mother?” I called out, closing the door behind me.

She opened her eyes and looked in my direction. “Hello, dear one,” she smiled.

I walked towards her, kneeling by her side when I reached her.

“Please leave us for a while, Dehlia,” she turned to the maid. She took a bow and grabbed the basin of water, leaving the room.

“Is there something, son?” she asked me as soon as we’re left alone. “Do you need anything?”

I smiled as she asked. Always a mother before a queen. “Mother, I should be the one asking you those questions,” I chuckled.

“I am all right, Robert. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all,” she smiled faintly. “I think I’ve been working too much. I do need some time to give myself a rest.”

She may be smiling and telling me that there’s nothing but through her tired eyes and a faint smile, she wasn’t being honest with me. “Mother, it’s obvious that you’re not feeling well. You always work but you never had days such as this,” I replied, both concerned and confused. “Can you tell me what made you so ill that you had to retire early?”

She let out a sigh as she pulled me up, making me sit beside her. “I don’t know either, Robert. When I arrived home, I suddenly felt very weak and cold,” she explained as she held my hands. “I tried to ignore it but as I continued to work, I felt even worse as the day went by.”

“Did you eat something unusual? Was it something that you drank? Could it be something that you smelled?” questions blurted out of my mouth in the hopes of finding the reason behind my mother’s illness.

My continuous questions made her giggle so softly. “You sound so much like your father when you worry too much,” she smiled. “You may not agree with me but you’re so much like him.”

I shook my head as I sighed, “Mother, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me. I will come to you as soon as possible and I will bring you whatever it is that you need.”

“Robert, there’s no need for that. I have Dehlia to take care of me,” she answered, cupping my face with her hands. “And once your father finishes his work, he will be the one to take care of me.”

Why does Mother have to wait for James to finish his duties? Mother is much more important than his royal duties. Without his queen, he would be nothing. He should be right here, right now but instead, he’s locked up in his study.

“Mother, we both know that James is always occupied with his duties,” I replied. “In his absence, allow me to look after you.”

She nodded in defeat. “If you must, Robert. Now, go and have your dinner. Let Dehlia back in.”

I kissed her hands. “Take as much rest as you need,” I forced a smile to comfort her, assuring her that everything will be fine and that I will always be here for her.

“Of course, I will,” she chuckled.

I didn’t want to leave Mother without James here but as long as a maid is looking after her, perhaps that’s enough to assure me that she will be okay. I will still check on her early in the morning.