The king is in distress.
"What do you mean you cannot find her?" the king was trying to suppress his anger.
"Your majesty, we've been spying her house for over a week now but she never showed up. We even tried searching the whole region for her but we couldn't find her." A man holding a dragon tattooed in his sword reported.
"Are you telling me that she is invisible?!" the king shouted angrily. "I don't want to hear any excuses anymore. I hired you to do this job because I thought you'll be able to handle this secretly! But what now? are you telling me that I chose the wrong man for the job?"
The man instantly knelt before the king. "I deserve to die, your majesty!"
The king is enraged at his man's report but the old herald was a shaman after all. She could predict such things as this--- and yes, she is not an average shaman that's why he wanted to talk to her as soon as possible. Saying that the crown prince is alive and decided to hide… it might be true or could also be a fluke to cause an uproar in the kingdom. the king isn't sure but only the old herald can confirm it.
"Arthur, I need you to find her whatever the cost is. Bring her to me alive and well. but if you need to use force then do everything just to bring her to me. Do you understand?" once again, the king commissioned the middle age man.
"Yes, your Majesty." Then he left the king's presence.
"Milcah, how did we end up like this?" the king was in deep though while standing beside his study table at his private room.
The old herald and the king were best friends before. But unexpected circumstances destroyed their once strong bond. But how could the king blame herald Milcah for her bitterness when she witnessed the extinction of her family by the royal bloods? It was an unfortunate event that the king couldn't even prevent since it was a choice between losing a trusted friend or losing the throne.
Guess that situation showed the real intention of his heart during that time. And even if he wanted to turn back the time, unfortunately, what's done has been done and he can never redeem himself even if he kills his own self. But the heavens aren't deaf since they took his son as the repayment of his sins.
****
"Miss, I thought you went to see brother Liam. Why did you come back so soon?" I was playing with the kids when Jackie spotted me and run towards my location.
"He doesn't need me right now. Someone is already taking care of him." I smiled trying to hide my sadness.
I could see confusion in her eyes but looks like she understood what I meant since she smiled and went on her way. Guess she was doing the kid's laundry. Ah, so hardworking! I beamed but frowned after when I remember what Grace told me when I went to see Liam.
"How dare you show up right now when you know you caused his sickness." Grace uttered when she opened the door to the house.
"T-that's…" I mumbled not knowing what to say. But how did she know? Did Liam told him the story of yesterday? But why? ahhh… right, I forgot… they kinda have a special relationship. Right. well, since Grace is here then I do not have the right to stay here anymore.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean any of these things to happen." I bowed my head in guilt.
"If you are sorry then let Liam rest for now."
"I understand. Then I'll be going back to the lodge then." I turn around to leave when I heard the door shut behind me. Well, I won't blame her if she gets mad at me. What kind of a girlfriend wouldn't, right? hesh!
I am on my way back to the lodge when I heard a familiar voice. Asher!
"Young miss, where are you going? I thought you're going to visit Liam?" I can see the confusion on his face.
"Ah yeah, I did. but he's not yet awake so I left early… I don't think he needs my help either since he already got one." I smiled.
"Ah Grace…" he replied knowingly. "I told her to leave Liam under the physician's care but she insisted to stay. And now we don't have to do anything that much since she's around." he chortled.
"Isn't it a good thing?" I chuckled. Those young men wouldn't need to worry about the house chores since Grace is a responsible woman after all.
"You said it right." We both chuckled before we parted. I don't want to keep him a little longer since I could see a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables. guess he is on his way to prepare for lunch. Ah, how I wish to join them. I definitely missed their noisome titters.
*****
"Brother Asher! You're here!" Rika run to meet the man who just entered the door.
"Oh hey Rika, how's Liam?"
"I think he's doing fine now. Grace had been watching him thoroughly so I think he'll be fine tonight."
"Well, that's good to hear." Asher smiled. "Where's Sheena by the way?" he laid the basket on the table and started to peel some of the apples.
"Ah, she went to see the young miss a while ago. She said she'll bring her here for lunch."
"She went to see miss Diana?" Asher was puzzled. "Didn't she drop by here a while ago?"
"I haven't seen her nor her shadows."
"But I met her down the market road just a few minutes ago." They were still talking when Grace came down to the kitchen to fetch water for Liam.
"Ah, Grace, have you seen the young miss dropped by?" Rika confirmed.
"Yeah, she came but she didn't want to stay for long. she wanted to apologize for causing Liam's fever then she left." she nonchalantly lied. "I told her to stay but she was in a rush to go back to the lodge." He poured some water on the cup she was holding then went back upstairs.
Meanwhile, Asher and Rika was baffled as they unconsciously stared at each other. However, Asher is all the more bemused since he met Diana earlier. The story is quite different if he analyzes it carefully.
The other woman is affectionately taking care of the sick man and the other one tried visiting the sick but didn't have the guts to show up, could this be…. Asher was unconsciously caressing his jaw.
Love triangle??????? No way!