35 His father's son.

And why would you say so, he asked the man who had stepped out before him.

I don't know, it just sounds so strange, that that man all of a sudden is here and he us trying to help us.

He is not just going to help us, we are also going to help him, he...

Why all of sudden, you believe and all this, I thought he was the enemy.

You thought wrong, we all thought wrong, he isn't.

Really?

I saw him, yes, I saw him when he took princess Natalie away, he didn't look like he is the good person to me and if you all want to join him, fine, you can.

He looked back at the crowd of other men, anyone wants to join me, I am going with prince Williams, he said aloud.

No one moved, they all we're silent like they didn't hear me.

He sighed, I guess I am alone in this, he murmured then he went into the tent and took his belongings, leaving.

Should I go after him? One of the men asked the leader.

No, he can go, he is of no use anyways, we all are more than enough for this quest.

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

He carried the final sand with a shovel and threw on the grave, he successfully buried the old woman.

He stood, now upright looking at the heap of loosed soil that was covering the body, he hoped it was enough to conceal the act he had done moreover the undying guilt lingering in his heart.

She had took care of him when he was a lad until he grew up, did she deserve this?

She had also hide the truth of his birth from him. Maybe she did?

Whatever, she was dead now and it was too late to cry over it.

He left there like nothing had happened,no sooner than when he entered the house that he was welcomed by the messengers from the other rebels. They has accepted his offer.

He said that they all will be here first thing tomorrow morning to join you, the man had added.

He smiled, showing all his teeth and told him, I will be expecting their arrival.

His plans were working and he could not wait to accomplish his mission. Now that the other rebels we're on his side, Williams wiil not be able to get his desired amount of men to join his army. That means it was going to be an easy win for him. Amd natalie, he would make sure she never set foot in that her so desired home ever again.

She will suffer for her betrayal.

All these won't have happened if his father had accepted him as his son and not williams. The royal family only married from rich and influential families like them and would not consider a poor royal servant like his mother, as a matter of fact they would have accused her of trying to use the family to enrich herself. Little wonder he was killed by his precious little son he had so cherished.

They had had their time, this time was his, and he was not going to deter even for any reason.

At its worst, he might even kill his little brother.

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

The coronation went smoothly and for the first time in many years, he saw so many people in the palace.

Last time, many people were here was his mother's funeral, his father used to throw balls before she died but he stopped after she died, maybe he was been haunted by her.

"You are so stubborn just like your mother"

he couldn't count how many times, he had told him this. His mother had proved unc hanging and she died. He had erased her.

was he also doing the same, by fighting for justice for himself and others he had been oppressed one way or the other by tyrants?

By tyrants who didn't consider anybody or anything even their families to fufil their selfish needs.

Was he stupid for trying to stop sebastian?

He could just surrender and avert the incoming blisters he would get from Sebastian fury.

This was not his right anyway...

How does it feel to be king? She asked him before coming to his front then flashing the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

Not bad, I must confess I don't feel different, just weariness from meeting the crowd of people and yes, "the bad memories". The palace is not so blissful as it looks.

Just know who you are doing this for? Let that guide you, she said, her two hands on his shoulders, she looked like she was scolding him.

"I know and you too, you have made so many sacrifices for this. "

Forget me, if I don't, who will? She said taking her hands off him.

"you are the queen of milerus, you got some power in your hands. "

"Funny, then why do I still like a prisoner?"

He was about to reply her when Gerald and lily appeared from his back.

Your majesty, king williams the first, Gerald teased him.

You all looked delighted, wish I could feel the same, he told them.

You worry too much, take a break?lily cajoled him.

I have my reasons.

And you also have reasons not to, look at us, we are all here for you even Natalie.

He stared at her and she flinched nervously.

This marriage was only an act wasn't it?

It didn't mean anything, he seemed to remind himself but at the same time part of him wished it wasn't. He was sure, she didn't think of him that way.

And we have also planned to get married after all these is settled, she said excited.

Really? He asked looking at Gerald who was already beaming. He nodded.

Ah, they are so in love, he said to himself.

"Well that is great news, atleast something to look forward to. "

The guest had dispersed and they all sat down to eat their diner.

Your parents didn't come? He asked lily after he noticied their absence earlier.

Oh, father was sick, my mother stayed there taking care of him but he had sent his message.

"Oh, I know that feeling. "

You should go back soon, Gerald told her.

I wish to stay more, she grim minced.

But you can't, williams added, you should go to see your father. You know I will be fine.

If I go, I don't know when next I would see you.

I said, I will be fine.

I know.

Natalie, Natalie, lily called her, she had zone out, deep in thoughts.

She taped her softly, she startled as everyone on the table stared at her.

Are you okay? Lily asked her.

"Yes, I was lost in my thoughts, I am sorry. "

"Oh, I am almost convinces there is something in the palace that makes you all so worried. "

Almost immediately, a royal gaurds brought a man who looked worn out probably from walking long distances.

My king, this man says he knows you and wants to see you, he said.

Natalie recognized him as the man who came to her when she was in Sebastian 's abode.

Williams stood up and followed him outside leaving them in their confusion.

He came back almost immediately with a deep frown on his face.

what happened? Natalie said as soon as she saw him.

Bad news, he replied her and also faced the others saying.

The rebels had decided to join sebastian army, he told them.

What! How is that possible? Why? Natalie said to no one in particular.

According to him, sebastian had come to the leader of the rebels convincing him to join his army who in turn did same to the others, he had refused to join them and came to inform us.

This is bad news, Gerald said his mood down.

Where is he? Natalie asked, distorted.

Resting, he had a long walk, Williams told her, his head down.

She left there and went to meet him.

Sebastian must have bewitched them or something, i did not expect this from them at all.

Well, I am surprised too but that is life, you should not be too sure of those that are down for you until it is time to prove it.

What if they had done so in the last minute that would have been disastrous. Now we know who is with or not with us?

That the other worrisome part, williams, who is actually with us, the rebels are like our only hope of getting men for the army but now we are only left with not so many warriors. What do we do?

We are going to think of something, but do me a favor Gerald, take lily home As soon as the day breaks tomorrow, do so. Atleast I know, she will be safe. He said to Gerald.

Lily who had been mute ever since, swallowed hard.

I may be safe now but if sebastian succeeds, I don't think I will be anymore.

He is dangerous, she said to them, her face filled with concern.