A Substitute

'Birthmarks?' Cedric mused.

He did not even know if he had moles on his bodies and much less if he had birthmarks on parts he could not even see. How was he supposed to know that? Should he ask to bring a full-size mirror and look at his butt to check and confirm?

He shook his head at this absurd idea. But on the other hand, he was curious to find out as well, especially now that he had no recollection of his past at all. And he could not ignore the fact that there was another man who looked exactly like him from a different country even though the man was already dead.

He was sure though that he was his father's son because he could feel it in his heart.

'Could it be a possibility that the man Gavin was related to their family too? Could he have been like a distant relative? Or were they what people called 'Twin Strangers'? A doppelganger? Even if these possibilities were really low they were not impossible.'

He continued surfing the net and found more details about Gavin and doppelgangers while he continued to drink his coffee.

He was done and was about to get up to take a quick shower and prepare himself to tour the island with Brione when Will barged inside his room.

Will immediately dismissed everyone inside Cedric's room before he babbled, "Oh my God Cedric! Is he really your twin? Brother from another mother? Or a brother from another father? No, maybe another mother since Her Royal Highness died after giving birth to you or it could be that she gave birth early?"

Cedric's eyebrow lifted up as he scoffed, "Did I need you to investigate the matter if I had an idea about it huh? Did I ask the wrong person here for help? I could have done it on my own but I will be very busy with courting Brione and you know she's my priority at this moment so I won't be able to focus on this fully."

Will pursed his lips cursing himself again for asking the obvious. But Cedric was used to it since he was always like that. It was in his mannerism to comment what he thought and had become a hobby of his to say what he thinks to Cedric forgetting that he was a Prince.

"How about His Royal Highness? Did you ask him?" Will asked and sat opposite Cedric.

"He already has so many things going on right now, Will. If our investigation reaps nothing then we can go to father as our last resort. Let's try finding out on our own instead." Cedric stated. He wanted to do this investigation on his own to make sure that he would not miss a thing.

"Are you suspecting him? Does that mean you trust me more than him? How can you be sure you can trust me? What if I'm part of the conspiracy?" Will questioned with a serious tone.

Cedric looked straight into his eyes and said with a smile, "I know you're not. You're my brother Will, I can feel your love and sincerity towards me."

Will's face twitched as he cringed and said, "You're making it sound like I'm more of a lover than a brother to you! That's a creepy statement, Cedric!"

Cedric chuckled but then his face suddenly lost the smile as he said, "You know what I do to those who try to harm me and my father right Will? Of all the people around me, I believe you are the one who knows me best."

Will gulped and became speechless. Of course, he knew… Cedric was a ruthless man and someone who should be feared.

Will smiled and said, "Of course you can trust me Cedric because I owe my life to you and you are indeed my brother. Now let's go back to the topic at hand..."

There was a long pause after…

Will broke the silence as he commented, "But now that I think of it… His Royal Highness didn't expose you to the outside world much ever since you were young. That's why we two ended up getting close since I was your only friend. You did not even attend school like normal kids.

I mean Royals can do that but he chose to keep you here in the castle and homeschool you. He always makes sure that your privacy is kept. He might know something. Ah, I'm so curious!! I will look into this immediately Cedric."

Then, Will suspiciously scrutinized Cedric from head to toe.

"What?" Cedric barked with a frown on his face.

"It is true that you changed a lot. I mean come to think of it, you always had a weak body since you were young, that's why you didn't go out often unless it was necessary. But after your accident a year ago, you seem very healthy now."

Cedric had heard about it too but their family trusted doctor, Cain, explained everything regarding his body conditions to him. Dr. Cain said that his body had become healthy because he had taken care of it after the accident.

Then he recalled the birthmarks and mumbled, "Do you happen to know if I have any birthmarks on my butt?"

"What the heck?! We never took a bath together even when we were kids, Cedric!! So how the hell would I know?" Will shouted, feeling embarrassed.

"Wait… Are you doubting your identity right now? Could it be…"

Will's eyes rounded, unable to finish his words.

"What? You think I'm Gavin because of the changes you noticed when I came back?" Cedric finished the words for Will.

Will chose to remain silent. But his interest was totally piqued so he said, "I will definitely check and prioritize this matter. Still, if you ask my opinion, I think It's much better to inform His Royal Highness about this matter, Cedric. Even if he is busy, His Royal Highness prioritizes his family first especially you, his only son."

Cedric heaved a sigh and said, "Yeah, I'm working on it. Assistant Sean will let me know the earliest available schedule. For now, just do a quiet and confidential investigation. Gavin's body was never found so Brionse strongly believes that he is still alive. Gather a private search party as well. Search on every nearby island. Who knows… Gavin could be alive."

Will stared at Cedric and asked, "Brione… So her first love was Gavin?"

He had watched Brione's interview with Cedric but Cedric did not want him to look at it since the man was already reported dead by his family in his investigation.

Cedric ruefully sighed and Will could tell his answer by that expression.

"Seriously Cedric? Are you okay being a substitute for someone else's shadow?"