Prince Liam and Arianna got back to the carriage, it was time to return to the palace. Arianna couldn't keep lieing to her self, she had developed great feelings for the prince. The ride was a very quiet and peaceful one. Arianna closed her eyes through the journey back to the palace, she kept reminiscing over all the experiences she has had with prince Liam, those memories brought her great pleasure as she thought of them continuously. She just leaned quietly on prince Liam's shoulders. Prince Liam allowed her be, thinking she must have been tired from the tour. The journey back to the palace seemed shorter, compared to when they were leaving, soon enough they were at the palace.
" My lady ( prince Liam called to Arianna, tapping her softly ) we have arrived. " Arianna opened her eyes, she only wished within her, to be away from the palace and just live a simple and peaceful life with the prince, in a very far away country. Prince Liam gently helped her down from the carriage and soon enough they were inside of the palace.
As they entered the palace, prince Liam heard his name from upstairs, it was his father's voice. The voice didn't sound happy. " See me at once in my chambers " king Lawrence ordered authoritatively. Arianna had to leave immediately, leaving prince Liam to answer to his father.
Prince Liam walked boldly. He knew that what ever his father had to say wouldn't be nice, but he was ready to face it.
" What is this that you're are wearing ? " King Lawrence asked irritably. Prince Liam didn't answer. His father was quiet for a short while...
" When you appear like this in public, what do you think the people of St Lucia would feel about their next king? ( Prince Liam didn't answer again. He just placed his hands into his side pocket, and focused on the ground ) a weakling! That what they'd think, that you're a weakling! "
" Liam I didn't build this kingdom playing ! He said rather more quietly and in a more persuasive manner. I traded my pleasure and leisure for the wellbeing of this throne. Sit Liam, sit down " king Lawrence gestured to prince Liam, taking a sit as well.
Prince Liam just maintained his silence. " I see you're in love huh? " His father asked teasingly. " Do I have a choice ? You got me married ! "Prince Liam said finally speaking.
" You see son ( king Lawrence began speaking again ) I loved your mother very much. But I knew the time to be a lover boy, and the time to be a king ! I decided to get you married to her, because it was a criteria to ascend the throne. Cut off all this distractions,we don't have much time. I have enemies, a lot of them. ( He said letting out a dry and bitter cough ) they'd come for you as soon as they hear that I have stepped down. Son! You've got to be prepared. You can't afford to disappoint the great people of this country. " King Liam said resting his back on the chair he sat.
" C'mon father, it was just an harmless outing, I didn't want her to feel lonely out here. " Prince Liam explained trying to justify his actions.
" Anyways there his more to that outing son ( king Lawrence said waving of prince Liam's explanation ) the family doctor was here, my health is deteriorating. He announced sadly that I do not have much time left. He advised that I rest better, but my position as a king, would always deny me the much needed rest I deserve. Therefore having said that, I want to step down soon enough. " He said coughing again.
"Prince Liam was perturbed. " This means you wouldn't wait till it's end of the year? " Prince Liam asked for clearity.
" I won't survive if I try that son. I'd die before then. However if I can get quality rest and take my medications well, the doctor assures that my life would be spared a little longer. " Prince Liam was hell disturbed. He wished it hadn't been him. I would officially call a family meeting tomorrow morning, and announce when I shall be stepping down. This is the reason I keep saying to you, that you should be prepared.
Prince Liam was speechless...
" You should go and freshen up, and most importantly go and take that thing off, you look terrible " king Lawrence said point at prince Liam's clothes. The prince just stood up and was leaving quietly.
" Liam ! ( His father called again, Liam turned to look ) be strong! Do not disappoint me. "
Prince Liam just walked away quietly...
Arianna had gone to look for Emmaline in the supposed room given to Iris and Emmaline. Iris told her that Emmaline was no where to be found since early morning. Arianna knew something had gone wrong. She felt cold inside. She had a bad feeling, she was scared she had lost Emmaline too. She just sat quietly on the bed, lost in her own thought, when the prince bursted in to the room, with a long face.