Philip pov
I felt the wetness on my cheeks as my eyes fluttered. As my senses seemed to recover, I felt unendurable pain all over my body. It felt like my head was torn into pieces and even a slight moment was enough to shake all the parts of my body. My gut wrenched as I moved and all the bile rose up to my mouth.
"Son, are you awake?" I heard my mother calling me and with difficulty, I tried to concentrate on her face.
"Mother.. Mother, did father agree?" I tried to hold her hands with anticipation and anxiety. But only silence mocked me, making my heartbeat faster.
"Mother, what did father say?" I asked again, pressing her hands further. A stream of tears left her eyes shattering all the hopes I had!
"Why! Why could he not send anyone else to my place? Why? I am his son too!
All my life.. All my life I did what he wanted. I worked hard all my life to get his appreciation. When other kids were playing and learning, I went to town to learn business. When everyone was in the academy and reading books, I was working double time to take over all the markets and yet getting the best marks in the whole academy. Did he not say that I am his best kid? I have excelled more than Leonardo, Elena and Kathrine. Didn't he say he will give me everything I ask for. For the first time in my life, I have asked for something. I did not want to leave the empire, mother. I cannot leave the empire. If he is displeased, ask him to send me to the poor areas, mother. Do anything but please.." tears started pouring my eyes and i choked on my words when i saw her helpless face.
"Why, why.." the words turned incoherent and my thoughts jumbled up. I have always thought that even if it's a bit, my father loved me. But now that reality has stuck me, all the illusions shattered.
"It is not like your father did not understand you, Philip." her words were like a pinch of salt rubbed on my wounds.
A sardonic laugh left my lips, " he wants to help you. But that man, Cassius, said only you would be able to handle the work as you are a genius in the field of business.
Your father requested him a lot. He even offered Leonardo to go to your place but Cassius did not agree.
It seems that the emperor of the Forchestier empire trusts him a lot. So, he denied when Cassius was so much against it. Your father can not let the peace treaty go. He did not have a choice.
I.. I apologize to my son. I could not save you." her shaky words burned me to the core.
"You are sorry! Sorry! Could a mere apology be enough to save me? Could a mere sorry fill my wounds? Your apology could not do anything mother. Leave me alone. I did not want to hear another word!" her silent cries turned into vials as she tried to touch my cheeks but I moved away.
I did not need her love and sympathy if it did not save my life. I did not need false promises if they could not grant me my happiness.
She sighed as she took back her hands, her face was filled with grief and regrets, but it only looked mocking my destiny to me.
"Philip, my son, you have to leave for the Forchestire empire in an hour or two. I have prepared all your luggage. Please eat something before you leave." she whispered as she left. Knowing well that I would not let her hug me.
I would not let her love extinguish the fire that's burning inside me. I will flame it further until it burns everyone who was responsible for my demise.
And I will start with the demise of Cassius, then the emperor of the Forchestier empire and it only ends with the demise of my own father.
"Cassius, since you are so adamant in bringing your destruction to your home. I will grant you your wish." the letter crumpled and fell on the ground as my hands started to bleed again.
I moved and stood up. But I could feel that my body was weak, injured and each step was like thousands of needles were pressed on my skin.
"My lord, you still need to eat a lot of medicine and change the bandage." I laughed at the absurdity of the care they were showing towards me.
I was nothing but a pawn in their game. Then did it really matter that i was healthy or not! Oh yes! They would need me in good condition, so that they could use my brain all my life.
I ignored the man who kept calling me and reached my chamber.
I took out my notepad and wrote the last letter I could.
The ink of the letter turned blurry with the tears falling over it, but no matter how much I controlled, they did not listen to me at all.
"Nadia"
"Yes, your highness."
"Pass this letter to her. But remember, even her family should not know."
"Yes, your highness." look at my condition, even maids were looking at me with pity now. A self deprecating laugh escaped my lips as she left the room.
"I am sorry, Stella. I could not fulfil my promises. I hope one day you will forgive me, but at the same time I will always stay in your memories. Do not punish me by forgetting me as I will return one day only for you."