13 if only...

She said that... The king had you know. "Killed the queen, Williams mother". Natalie said quietly.

What!, he exclaimed feigning surprise. He had known this, as a matter of fact he had shared this secret with the old woman for years. He didn't realize he had to use this or tell it to another soul. Since he knew. It was horrible and that day he had seen her last. He was just fourteen years old. The prince was still a kid then. The king had pushed the queen down the stairs in an heated argument in the darkest time of the night . Of course he thought no one saw him but the cheif roysl servant then a middle aged woman saw him while she was staying up late.he was awake too.

Both of them had always slept late then being a young growing boy. They had being really close. She had told him what she saw and since they had kept it within theirselves. Now he pretended to not ever know this.

Did you know that, she said staring at him.

No!, I am shocked, how did she know this, Sebastian asked.

Well she saw it, it was the most buzzard thing I have heard, she said her face turning sour.

So you font think the king can do a thing like that, he said studying her reaction. He literally killed your family and many others.

That is not what I meant, it his wife, the prince mother....

Oh I see, you are worried about your little friend, he said , frowning.

Not that, the prince certainly do no know this and...

And! You are going to tell him? He asked eyeing her.

I wonder why you keep interrupting me, I didn't even complete my statement.

Why do you keep bringing the prince into our conversations, he asked.

Natalie grew silent, what was wrong with him, why was he suddenly temperate and annoying.

OK what, she shot back. We are actually talking about his mother here, she said defencively.

That is you, not me, I don't care about them.

I have no business caring about that. I thought we were over this prince issue, he said.

I am not even... You know what, let it go, what I was I even thinking. I will never mention it to anyone not even myself. Ok.

She said standing up to put out the fire.

He understood the message, and he stood up taking his leave.

He was already mad and didn't want to say anything either.

He headed straight to his bed in the room, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep but he soon opened them.

This is not working, he said to himself, wondering if he was talking about his insomania or his soon growing feelings for Natalie.

.... .... .... ...... ... ... ... ... ... .... ..

This morning was hazy as Williams didn't know what to expect, despite sleeping late, he had makes sure to wake up very early today, at the arrival of his soon to be bride.

The thought of it made him scoffed but what could he do? Initiate another round of argument with his father which he didn't have the energy for.

The last time he had seen lily, now duchess of alevon was years ago, when they we're still teenagers. She used to come with her parents to the king grand balls he used to hold then soon she had gone faraway to study as her parents said.

That was about seven years ago, he wondered what she looked like now.

He has missed her but she was only a friend. He remembered what Natalie said that night about marrying "you" off and realized it was happening to him. Life catch up at you so fast.

A knock came to the door and he already knew what it was about.

You may come in, he ordered.

Your majesty, the royal servant bowed hid head, your guest is here.

Is that so, he replied. When did she arrive, he asked. Even if it didn't interest him. He knew his father had sent the servant here specifically to inform him.

Few minutes ago, your majesty. He said.

I will be right there, he said.

As the servant left the room.

He sighed . Here we go.

... ... ... ...... ....... ........ ....... .. .

Natalie was making breakfast when the news of Williams bride to be arrival came to her. She nearly spilled the cup of floor she held in her hands.

The prince is getting married , she asked with her mouth open.

Yes my dear, you looked perperlexed the cheif roysl servant said to her that morning.

Emm, she said trying to hide her shock. I meant he is getting married so soon. She said.

Soon you say, what is soon about this, the king is getting old and he is the only child. It is about time already, She said.

And the woman is this his childhood friend he knew years ago, she is veryvbeautiful, the woman said.

Really, Natalie said not impressed, he must be lucky, atleast he knows her. My sister was betrothed to a man who she had never seen before, Natalie said.

Oh, the woman merely said.

I never married.

Why so? Natalie asked knowing fully well that she had been curious about this but refused to ask. But thank the universe that the woman was a great storyteller so she didn't need to stress. She was also becoming fond of her.

I never saw the reason to, it was useless.

Natalie nodded, she knew it was more than that and she was not saying all of it.

There are some things you just don't talk about, Natalie thought. You keep them to yourself until you are ready.

She wouldn't ask the woman, there must be a good reason.

Can you go and serve the king? the woman asked Natalie.

yes.

Natalie took the trays of food, she lined it on the table, that was when she heard the cherry voice at her back.

The woman was laughing loudly with the prince. That must be her, Natalie thought. She turned her face as she saw the slim petite figure of a fair young lady.

Not only was she beautiful, she had the most pretty smile. Okay, the old woman was not exaggerating, she thought.

She was a discovery. No wonders her name is lily. The name suited her well and complemented her looks. Natalie admired her before she could get jealous.

Natalie was still serving the food when the prince and lily walked in. Her eyes and Williams eyes met but he quickly looked away.

She left the there as quickly as she could. She didn't just feel good. They reminded her of everything she was missing.

I am a princess too, a royal blood too. She said her, anger boiling within her.

I am still stuck here, serving the king and his family when it shouldn't be so.

The king had robbed her life and she didn't know how to feel.

But was it the only reason she was angry. Was she expecting the prince to...

What is wrong with you Natalie, he clearly didnr have any interest in her.

... .... ..... ..... .... .... .... .... ....

The palace was in a festive mood, he had no reason to go to the fields today, most of the royal servants were at the palace. So he didn't bother to go.

He had scanned the servant rooms for Natalie but he didn't see her, he must be busy with the cooking. He said.

He heard the prince was getting married, which was not news. He didn't care and didnt fail to show it.

Finally he saw her, she was sitting alone not doing anything opposite of what he thought. He he realized something was wrong.

Natalie, he said as he came to her.

She refused to answer and still sat still.

Had she gone deaf, he said to himself.

Is something wrong? he asked her.

I am busy, she said finally talking to him.

You don't look it, he said.

How do I look, I was doing...

Natalie, I am sorry about last night, he said. I was stressed and took it out on you.

She chuckled. I am not angry about that, she said.

Then what is it? He asked not knowing what to say.

The prince is getting married and we are still stuck here, she said.

I don't get what you mean, you don't want the king to get married? he asked still confused.

They are progressing, they are having their best lives while we are still here. I can't I just can't....

Natalie.

Don't get me wrong but you know what I mean, they have got this great life and future in front of them and we got nothing.

She said.

You are wrong, i have got you and you have got me and we are going to pull this together, he said holding her hands.

She grazed at him and for a second she felt better, no one had ever told her that before.

If only...

Never mind, she was wishing it was the prince again. Ironic how he used to be the pessimistic one but he was encouraging her today.

She hugged him and felt peace instantly,her sister was not wrong, she wasn't alone, this man was here for her and they we're going to acheive this even if she wished it was someone else.