"Prince David." My butler greeted me with a bow.
"Good morning, Nathan. How many times have I told you to call me just David?" I rolled my eyes as I twirled around in my chair to face him.
"I cannot obey this time, sir. It's disrespectful." I sighed.
"Nathan, we literally grew up together. Stop being so stubborn and listen to me for once." The older boy chuckled then loosened his tie.
Nathan strode toward my desk and glimpsed at my papers.
"War preparations? At 2021?" I laughed.
"These are just assignments that my father bestowed upon me yesterday. He wants me to summarize this entire book."
"The Art of War? Really?" I shrugged. "-Is your father preparing for something?"
"What could possibly be wrong at this age and time other than politics?" Nathan laughed and patted my shoulder.
"Well, young master. Breakfast is ready. Come down when you are ready."
"What about you? You seem to be going somewhere." He stopped, his body tense.
I narrowed my eyes at his suspicious behavior.
"I am just going to see my mother. It's been awhile. I'll join you when I can."
"Aye aye, sir." Nathan then exited my room and left me to fend for myself against this paperwork. Not thinking much about Nathan's theory of my father, I straightened my clothes and headed toward the dining hall.
If something's going on, I am sure my father will enlighten me sooner or later, hopefully sooner.
"Good morning, master." The maid greeted me as I made my entrance to the dining hall.
"Good morning, Bella. How are you in this fine morning?" The young girl chuckled then with a bright smile she answered.
"Delightful now that I have seen you." She winked, bowed then rushed toward the kitchen to prepare the silverware.
I chuckled before I took a seat next to my father.
"Good morning, father." He smiled.
"Good morning, David. I see you have charmed yet another lady." He smiled then patted my shoulder. "You little brat. When did you grow up so quickly?" My father, Richard, ruffled my hair gently.
"Hey! It took me awhile to get this done!" He laughed. "And to answer your funny question, father.. I had twenty-three years and four months to grow this much."
"Yes, I wish your mother would be with us to see how much you have grown." He frowned.
"You still haven't found out what happened?" I clenched my fists tightly.
Father shook his head then sighed. "I think it's about time to give up. It had been too long."
I jumped from my seat as I slammed my hands onto the table.
"You can't! What if it would have been me?! Would you have given up as well? It's your beloved and my mother that we are talking about here!" I let out a calm breath to settle myself down. "-I am sorry." My father looked at me in shock.
He, of all people, had never seen me lose my temper.
"No, you are right. Thank you, son. I'll keep on looking." I nodded then the table took a silent turn. The tension grew heavier with the minute.
"I am glad that you are still with me.." My father admitted. "-If you would have been gone as well, I don't know what I would have done." He turned away from me.
"Father.. No, dad. I am not going anywhere. I promise." I clenched his hand in reassurance. "-I swear to you."
He nodded then took a sharp breath.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"What are you saying? I am your son, of course I'll be here for you as you are for me without asking anything in return. We are family." He seemed to hesitate slightly before nodding.
"Son, I have something to tell you but it has to be said in private. Meet me at my office after dinner. It's something important."
"Is it about the task you have asked me to do?"
"Sharp as always. Yes, yes it is." I nodded.
"I'll see you then. For now, let us eat. I am starving!" Father laughed then agreed.
"Is Nathan not joining us?"
"He came to greet me this morning then disappeared after, so I guess not." Our conversation was interrupted.
"My king, prince, your breakfast will be served shortly." The cook made entrance.
"No need to hurry, Maya. Food is precious but so are you." My father said with a wink.
Maya blushed then ran off to her working station in the kitchen with the other ladies.
"Look who got the ladies hooked now." I elbowed the king playfully.
"You have to admit, I still got this." We laughed as the food was finally served. Our favorites presented neatly on the tablecloths. "-I forgot to mention, your short-temper is worse than your mother's." He took a sip from his favorite red wine.
I gasped, faking hurt. "Why thank you." We both laughed.
**Later that day**
I knocked on my father's office door then silently entered.
"Father, I-" I gasped and ran towards him. "Dad!"
"I am ok. I am ok. I felt dizzy for a second." I sighed then helped him back to his seat.
"Don't scare me like that." My hand clasped my chest tightly.
He chuckled then winced.
"Are you sure that this is just dizziness?" I wrapped my hand around his forehead. "-My lord! You are burning up! I'll get the doctor!"
He grabbed my wrist.
"No, this can wait. I have to tell you something."
"No! THIS can wait! Your health is twenty times more important! Wait here, don't move, I'll be right back!" I released my wrist from his tight grip gently then ran out of the office.
Finding the doctor in his office, I sighed in relief, glad that I don't have to search through the entire palace. I knocked on the door and made my presence known.
"Oh? Prince? What can I do for you?" He smiled brightly.
"My father!" His happy expression then shifted instantly.
"Lead the way." I nodded and we both ran to his office but when we got there, he was gone.