Chapter 1

Loud knocking on the door made me jolt awake. Considering the fact that I was sleeping on the uncomfortable wooden desk it was understandable even though I slept like a dead person. I cleared my throat to get rid of its hoarseness and said as loudly as possible "Come in". The door opened before I could even finish my short sentence. As usual it was only Nicholas my assistant and childhood friend. He was way too smart and honest since he was little, but when I wanted to make him my righthand man who can fulfill my role when I was absent, he refused saying he isn't qualified for this kind of important job. So, I had no other choice other than suggesting for him to work for me as my assistant. He accepted which surprised me since it was not different than the previous one. But I think it is because I didn't tell him all of his responsibilities.

"Your Majesty I just heard that..." he stopped talking midsentence while frowning which made me wonder if something was wrong with my appearance. I really hoped whatever it is it was not ink or else I would look really foolish, which is not acceptable since I have an important meeting that was supposed to happen in the afternoon.

"Yes, what did you hear?" I asked him while arching my eyebrows.

"Have you been sleeping on the desk?" he questioned me back, ignoring what I said "You look like someone who just woke up after a terrible hangover". Well, what can I say Nicholas always switched from assistant mode to friend mode easily. Ever since we were kids he looked after me like an older brother without any difficulties since I was very antisocial.

"Yes" I tiredly replied trying to fight back a yawn. "So, about my question, what did you hear? I am assuming it is something important, because you look stressed out". I leaned back a little to put my aching head on the headrest.

"Yeah, about that I want to remind you not to take your anger out on me" he said nervously which annoyed me "Just say what you have to say Nick, I am sure I won't punish you".

"Well then I heard that the enemy troops are coming from the south border and-".

"Seriously? How far?" I angrily questioned through clenched teeth. Even though my attention was elsewhere I clearly noticed Nicholas's flinch and quickly realized my mistake. I gave him an apologetic look and said "Look I am sorry for that sudden outburst, it's just I have been on edge since the first attack that caused father to fall ill". He relaxed a bit and said "Thaddeus I know that you are having a very stressful time, we all know, but you should worry about other things too". I glared at him. "What on earth could be more important than doing my duty as a king?" He stared at me with a look that made me feel guilty about snapping at him earlier and softly explained as if he was talking to a child "Your health and family Your Majesty. Princess Caerleon's birthday was yesterday, and you didn't even wish her 'happy birthday' or met her. Even though she is only eleven years old she thinks like a grownup person like you used to do when you were a child yourself. She knows the grave danger your family and the kingdom facing. She just wants you to spend some time together with them because the situation became unpredictable, and you might get separated from them any day now. They will be in the royal garden in the evening so I think you should talk to them after the meeting. What you need right now is emotional support, but firstly a nice bath I presume". While saying the last sentence he wrinkled his nose which made me chuckle. I looked out of the large windows and nodded.

"Sure, whatever you say my friend". He nodded back and when he was about to leave, I remembered something that has been on my mind lately.

"By the way Nicholas have you found anything about Frederick?". He gave an apologetic look and shook his head.

"Oh, alright then, but keep looking, investigate everyone who has been present that day. Well of course if they are still alive just don't stop the search" he straightened and replied with "Yes Your Majesty".

After Nicholas left, I quickly took a bath changed from the outfit I was wearing for three days. I know it may seem very unhygienic, but I didn't have time to even think about daily necessities when Calixtens were fast approaching. I sometimes forgot to eat lunch or dinner ever since I discovered that hunger would disappear if you ignore it long enough. Sitting near the large window I tried to understand why Morfran Orabis would start a conflict between two strong kingdoms. The only reason we the mighty Azariah kingdom is under the threat was because we were too ignorant. We didn't suspect Morfran Orabis the ruler of the kingdom Calixte on the day he was invited to our palace like other rulers of neighboring kingdoms, even though he openly resented us. I guess my father, king Ashford was trying to act nice and friendly since reputation is very important to him. Everyone was invited because it was the day my mother lady Flavia gave birth to my younger brother Frederick. The saddest thing about all this is I didn't even get to see or hold him. He was kidnapped from his chambers. It was a very horrible experience for me since I was the first person to walk in with my father behind. His crib was empty while the five chambermaids and four guards' bodies laid around all dead. That was my first time seeing someone who was killed. I was three years old and till this day it gives me goosebumps. Even though all of the relatives of the dead forgave my father he still blames himself. It was obvious to everyone that Morfran was behind it. Twenty-one years has passed since that fateful day, yet I still remember the details clearly. My mother sobbing on her bed while hugging me and father who was walking around the castle giving orders to everyone nonstop. At that moment I thought that maybe everyone has finally lost their minds because of the bloody scene they witnessed. It was really hard for me to understand the importance of losing someone close to you. After all I didn't even know what a brother was at that time, so I didn't think about anything except the murder scene.

But after ten years my sister Caerleon was born. This time father took extra precautions. There were many guards. When I was called to see my mother and new sibling, I grew anxious by every step I took. I half expected to hear the bad news. I remember being very nervous. But I forgot all of my worries when I held her in my arms. Her adorable hands trying to reach my face were just precious. The purple eyes that been only in our bloodline for generations stared at me in with curiosity. She smiled happily without knowing one of her older brothers were missing. At that moment I made a silent promise to myself that I would find her missing piece of happiness and ever since that day I been searching for him myself even though my father's people were doing it as well. My search has started eleven years ago, yet there were no signs of him. I didn't lose hope and most importantly knew that whoever adopted my brother wouldn't change his name, because in our family when baby is born, they make a special pendant with baby's name and date of birth engraved on it. Frederick fortunately also had one around his neck and it has a unique feature that doesn't allow the owner or whoever tries, to take it off unless they tell a special word which is 'Death'. The amulet is a creation of the witches that are almost extinct. Nobody knows this except from the royal family. Sighing I left my office to attend the meeting that is supposed to happen in the north Wing.