The news that Prince Luc would marry a slave girl spread throughout the kingdom. This caused the envy and spite of the well-born noble class and the admiration of the commoners and slaves. The people, at once, came to love their future king. They now saw in him, a man without prejudices, who would treat his people with kindness and justice, since he chose one among their own for his companion. It is true that they were suspicious of the young prince's character, because of the pampering he had received. They thought him to be an uncompromising and selfish man. They rejoiced at the discovery of their mistake.
On the other hand, Ale was also known throughout the farthest reaches of the kingdom, but not as Luc, they didn't think he was just spoiled and selfish. He was feared for his villainous nature that was passed on by word of mouth and even to the nobles, who thought that the king should have sent him to be raised far away from the palace, feared and despised his attitudes. Nobody wanted him as king. But a palace was built for him to reign, and the people who would be ruled by him accepted it resignedly so as not to offend the king. But not everyone thought so and tried to move as soon as they heard that he would be king on that side of the world. There was an invisible line that separated the two kingdoms. And as big as the world was, the horses there were fast and could reach any distance quickly.
Pamela was introduced to many nobles who traveled great distances, curious to meet the woman who had stolen the young prince's heart, as Ale had warned her. But they treated her with kindness even though they knew her origin. However, the palace was not only visited by curious nobles, the vast majority of the commoners also came to see the bride's much-acclaimed beauty up close. Luc made sure that everyone was welcomed as guests and during the months that passed, they stayed busy welcoming people and felt that time passed quickly. Pamela already suspected that she was expecting a child, but would not tell Luc until she was sure.
With a few days left before the wedding, Dartan gathered the men together and called the annual hunt. It was the most fun event in the whole kingdom and everyone liked to participate, everyone except Ale, who always shied away from his father's requests. And so, it was with amazement that they were surprised to find Ale, already ready for the hunt, on the morning scheduled for the big event.
Luc had just finished going downstairs, where he had been accompanied by his father, when he saw Ale.
"What are you up to this time?" He asked as he finished putting on his gloves.
"Well, my brother... I thought you would be happy to see me participating in the fun with the family..." Ale said regretting that Luc had not fallen into his trap of pretending to be sorry and changed for the better. But he decided to go through with his plan anyway.
"Don't be so cynical! I'm sure there's something behind this sudden willingness of yours to accompany us on a hunt.... Is this by any chance how you planned to kill me? By faking an accident?"
Ale smiled.
"You are very suspicious, my brother... But know that I would never attempt against your life, because you are very dear to me."
Luc opened his mouth to dispute what he just said, but Dartan, having a feeling that the two of them would end up hitting each other right then and there, pulled them apart. He turned to Ale and hugged him.
"I'm very glad to hear that you're finally taking an interest in royal affairs. This is how you will learn to govern."
Ale smiled at him and walked away under Luc's gaze, which warned him that he was not fooled.
Pamela had told him about her meeting with her brother, and as the wedding drew nearer, he became more concerned about Ale's plans, for he knew that he would never accept her scorn with humility. Something, he was plotting to get revenge. Luc admitted that he felt more relieved to know that Ale would not be at the palace in his absence. And thinking about it, he was reassured for good. It was better that he stayed where Luc could watch his steps.
Dete approached Luc and informed him that due to the illness of the guard who always started the hunts, he himself would lead the way.
Pamela went downstairs just to say goodbye to her fiancé, returning to her quarters as soon as they left, because she felt sick, nauseous and dizzy, but she hid it from Luc, fearing to worry him, because she believed it was a passing illness or symptoms of her possible pregnancy.
Silence reigned in the palace as soon as everyone had left. The only place where there was movement was in the kitchen, where the women prepared the reception banquet for when everyone returned. Pamela had planned to take part in the preparations, but the nausea she felt made it impossible for her to go near the kitchen and she ended up lying down, imagining her beloved's joy when he revealed to her that the heir was already on his way, and fell asleep.
In her near awakening from sleep, she heard a sound of water spilling near her. Believing it to be Sonia, one of her maids preparing her bath, she opened her eyes and smiled.
Terrified that the room was on fire, she heard hurried footsteps, and before she could see who it was, she was violently pulled out of bed as a sheet was thrown over her head. She started to scream, but was quickly gagged. She felt herself being carried and then thrown carelessly somewhere small and hard and heard voices of men shouting hurriedly.
"Quick! We've got the package!"
"Did everything come out all right?"
"Yes, but go quickly, because it might raise suspicion if anyone sees us."
And soon, Pamela heard the trotting of horses and the rocking of a wagon, and only then did she understand that she was being kidnapped and taken away from her beloved. Her future, if she had any, was uncertain from then on. And her dreams... Probably over.
The men arrived at the palace proudly showing off their hunts, all excited about the huge table that had been improvised with lots of food and drink for their arrival. But when they noticed that the women, instead of welcoming them with a party, were waiting for the men, all gloomy, while Martha wept disconsolately and looked angrily at Luc, shaking her head, they realized that some misfortune had happened and they all remained silent. An abnormal silence for that number of people filled the entire room.
Luc, sensing that something horrible had been done to his beloved, dismounted and approached Martha. Martha, in tears, informed him that a murderous fire had taken the life of her little girl. With inexpressible eyes Luc ran to Pamela's quarters and was accompanied by Ale and his father.
He stood in the doorway and watched for a moment before entering, the incinerated body lying on the bed. He approached, but was not followed by his relatives as he entered the room; they preferred to let him say goodbye in his own way. They just watched him so that he would not commit anything against his own life.
Luc stood right next to the bed and watched the lying body, with no emotion, no tears of grief streaming down his face as he looked at the body. Dartan remembered that he had reacted in the same cold way when his mother died. Luc stopped at his arm, where the bracelet he had given her when they had spent their first night together was. He looked at every corner of the room that had been destroyed by fire. There was nothing left of her to serve as a souvenir. He would only keep in his memory her sweet, fresh face and tender lips, which that morning had opened into a jovial smile when he went to say goodbye. He watched the body intently and when he noticed the hands placed in the direction of the deceased, in addition to all the details observed, he raised his head with a certainty in his gaze and turned to the door, where everyone was watching him with regret.
"Where is Sonia?"
No one answered him. No one knew that that would be his question. Luc took one more look at the body and then walked away. As he passed by Dete, who only now Luc, was aware of his presence, he ordered.
"Call Sonia! I want to see her right away! I'll be in the library."
Dete left to carry out the order with his thoughts in turmoil. Luc was his brother to him and he didn't know how to console him of that pain that was also his. When Luc was passing by his father, his father could not hide the sadness in his soul.
"My son... I am so sorry..."
"Not yet my father! We'll talk later!" Luc replied walking past them, but refusing to face any of them. He couldn't bear to see them with compassion in his eyes.
But the answer he gave his father, would stick in the minds of those who heard and began to imagine that the prince was mad. Ale looked worried as he heard his words and Dartan associated them with grief.
Luc was sitting in the chair that was his father's, when the door opened and Sonia shyly entered and bowed.
"You sent for me, your highness?" Sonia asked with a hoarse voice and swollen eyes. She had probably been crying. And deep inside, she feared that she would be judged guilty for the sad end of the one who would be the future queen.
"Sit down." Luc ordered pointing to a chair opposite hers.
"Yes, your highness." She obeyed.
"I am going to ask you some questions and you must answer them with great certainty.... If you have doubts about the answer, say you have doubts. And if you do not know, say so also without fear. Can I trust you to do so?"
"Of course, sir."
"Good! Where were you when the room caught fire?"
"I prepared the water for her bath and was already on my way, when I heard the screams and smelled burning before I saw the smoke..."
Luc smiled sadly upon hearing the answer.
"You were there before the fire?"
"Yes, sir."
"When you left her, how was she?"
"Not very well... She was complaining of dizziness and nausea. She asked me to leave because she wanted to get some sleep before she took a bath.
"That's strange... When she went to say goodbye, she didn't seem to be feeling sick..."
"She did not wish to worry your highness, sir, for a few days ago the doctor examined her and assured me that there was nothing wrong with her."
"She was examined?"
"Yes, sir."
"Why was I not advised of this?"
"On her orders that she did not wish to bother your highness with her problems, all the more so since the doctor could not tell what her problem was..."
"She knew she could trust me and that I would always support her.... She told me much more intimate things, I don't understand why she kept a simple consultation from me..."
"I can't tell you the reason your majesty..."
"Well, let's get back to the point..." Luc said not wanting to lose focus. "Do you remember, if you left any candles, candlesticks or lamps lit?"
"Sir... It was still daylight! We didn't start lighting the lamps until late afternoon. Sure enough, not a single one was lit."
"Who was the first to discover the fire?"
"Sir, the questions you ask.... Do you think it was a crime?"
"Sonia, I need you to answer me precisely, so I can know for a fact that it occurred. And everything, so far makes me think that it was yes, a crime."
"Excuse me sir... Well, as I was coming to bring the bath water, accompanied by the other ladies, who were also bringing water, we heard her screams and ran into the room, which was on fire. I called for her several times as we tried to control the flames with the water we were carrying, but she didn't answer. I assumed she had escaped. But when the flames were brought under control, we discovered her body lying on the bed, as you yourself have seen.
Luc had a startle.
"Are you telling me that no one touched her? She is the way you found her? Did you take a look at her after I left her quarters?"
"Yes, your highness. But Martha did not allow anyone to approach and forbade anyone to touch her body, for she was alerted by our cries and ran upstairs to find out what was happening. Then she became afraid that the body would turn to ashes if we touched it. I went in after your highness left to start cleaning the room and she was still as we found her."
Luc stood up and began to walk around the library looking thoughtful. There was a knock on the door and he was told to come in. Seeing his faithful friend, Dete, he dismissed Sonia.
"Thank you Sonia. You can go now."
"Yes sir. I am at your service." She said bowing and left.
Dete waited for her to leave.
"Luc, I came to bring you my regrets..."
"Well, you can keep it to yourself, Dete. I am furious. I have reason to believe that my brother is behind all this and that Pamela still lives."
Dete listened to the prince with even more regret than she was already holding in her heart. Luc, by the looks of it had gone into a state of shock and denial. He must have forgotten that Ale had been with them the whole time. He would call a doctor if he couldn't bring him back to his senses.
"But the body..."
"It's not hers! Think Dete... According to Sonia, and I should add that she enjoys my full confidence, Pamela screamed for help when she noticed the fire and she said that no one touched her when they discovered the body lying on the bed. How could Pamela, in all her desperation, lie on the bed and stay there in a dead body position to be burned alive? And what about the bed? The body lies unrecognizable and burned on top of the bed that was barely touched by the fire? And I noticed other strange details. She was not supposed to be in bed, in that position, and the body was wearing a bracelet that I gave her, but which had disappeared. She couldn't find it. And that hadn't changed this morning when we said goodbye. And there was nothing lit that could start a fire..."
"And you think it was your brother's doing?" Dete said understanding Luc's reasoning and seeing the logic in it.
"I must confess to you, that from the moment we arrived from the hunt, a bad feeling took over my heart, but I never believed that Pamela had died. I am sure that it was his doing. Pamela told me that he made indecent proposals to her and she rejected them. He is a scoundrel! But I have no hope of finding her alive, even though he would never kill her without first raping her to avenge his contempt. He wouldn't bring her back... Pamela, dead or alive, is a lost dream to me. But let Martha bury the person in that bed. She needs the mourning."
"Luc, I agree that your brother is a scumbag, but we must be fair. He wasn't even here! He was with us the whole time. He never liked hunts, but today he made a point of participating. And her bracelet... She might have found it after she left." Dete argued, but even he didn't believe his words.
"Which is all the more reason to be suspicious. She used her presence to ensnare us and lower our guard, while her henchmen, did the dirty work. The bracelet was ripped off her arm without her noticing a while ago and today it was placed on the deceased..."
"Now that I said it... I'm remembering something that may be futile..."
"Say it, man. Every little detail can turn out to be of great value."
"Gaius was not on the hunt."
"What's strange about that? Many people prefer to take the day off to go to the village."
"No, the man who for years has taken upon himself the tradition of commanding the hunts. And it was Ale himself who told me that this one was ill. And the night before, I found Caio in the village hall and he seemed to me to be in very good health..."
Luc looked at him understandingly, before together they came to a conclusion.
"You two are accomplices!" They both shouted at the same time.
"What do you intend to do?"
"Call the guards my friend and search the kingdom, but find this man and bring him here. Alive!"
"What about Ale?"
"I will ask the king to send him to the palace that was made for him."
"The king will not agree to do that! It would be the same as banishing him from the kingdom. For he loves you, he would not consent like that, he would take you for someone cruel and selfish."
"You are right... However I will not be able to continue living under the same roof as such a vile creature."
"You need to be prudent, Luc. We will find the evidence that incriminates him and turn him in. Thus taking away the king's option of refusal."
"Don't count on it. He is very clever and never leaves evidence of what he does.... He's a cold-blooded killer! You know very well that I have no doubt that he killed the queen.... I asked her so much to tell on him... But the idiot, overcome by an insane love, chose to die..."
"But your father would never believe it..."
"Not if told by me, but if revealed by her... The king would protect her, despite her blind love for the one I hate."
"These are bad memories and I fear I am wasting time. While we talk here your brother's accomplice must be out there, quiet. We must be quick."
"Yes. You are right. You must gather the men and go out for a new hunt." Luc said, sounding tired. "And Dete... Search the village or even here in the palace if there have been any women missing.... The one who is there in Pamela's room deserves to have a decent burial and the family needs.... I know you said to let Martha off the hook, but it wouldn't be fair to the victim nor to Martha."
"I'll take care of all that. Don't worry about anything now. Take a shower and go rest." Dete advised and Luc blinked as he stared at him and Dete realized that he was making an effort not to let the tears roll down his face.
Dete walked over and hugged him and then left. Luc slumped in his chair when he noticed his father in the doorway. He was speechless with surprise and fear. He wondered, distressed, if he heard something, as he watched him greet Dete.
"Yes, my son. I heard everything." Dartan said sitting up looking equally weary, guessing his son's thoughts.
Luc stood up.
"I am sorry my father. I know that your fatherly love judges my words, as it has done other times, as heresy and blasphemy. So I have just made a decision. I am leaving. There is no place for me here anymore. I can no longer live under the same roof as this creature whom everyone thinks of as my brother. And now I ask him to forgive me, because I will always be dependent on him, since wherever I step, no matter how far away it may be, I will still be in what belongs to him. Even if death were to come upon me, I would have to use land in your possession for burial. But I promise you that I will never trouble you again."
Luc was nervous, and without giving his father a chance to contest, he hurried out. He went to his quarters and began to gather his belongings in a bundle. After a few minutes, in which he was already finished, Dartan entered his room without knocking.
"My son..."
"Don't say anything! I'm already leaving! I was just gathering some belongings.... If you'll allow me to take them. I can't listen to you defend Ale anymore. This ends here. I hope you'll be happy. Because I never will be after having not only my most precious gold taken from me, but life itself. Because she was my life!"
"Luc..."
"I would also like to take Dete, if that one agrees to accompany me and you allow it. We were practically raised together and grew up together. I have a great appreciation for him."
"Luc! Shut up! Let me talk!"
Luc was startled by his father's tone and resignedly crossed his arms waiting for the words he would hear. Probably reprimands. His father would not allow him to leave like that, after he accused his brother of unforgivable things.
"I've been thinking..." Dartan began. "That I have erred greatly in raising my children. And I'm sorry that I allowed each of them to do as they pleased. I should have been tougher. My biggest mistake, however, was when I judged them. Because I believed that one was too cruel and the other too kind. Neither of them is cruel. Much less kind. They are strong men, and in spite of the pampering, determined and ready to face the world. However, with different views on what is good or what is bad. One went to the right path, and the other was lost in his baseless grudges. He disguised and repressed this feeling inside himself. And the resentment grew, like a well-tended plant, and turned into hatred. He began to see everything and everyone as enemies, ignoring the love he feels for his own and how much he is loved, and committing unforgivable acts that I never imagined possible..."
"I'm sorry you feel that way my father." Luc's eyes, for the first time, left his face wet. "As I said, I am leaving so that you will no longer have to live with my impure feelings." He looked once more at the bundle, where he had placed his belongings. "I will not take anything that reminds me of this place, and my provenance, for I would only take bitter memories, and the worst of them, are your words spoken here today, thrown in my face that wounded me like a poisoned spear. You have just taken my last breath away."
With those words Luc walked to the door, where he was about to leave when his father stopped him.
"Wait, you've got it wrong... It's not you, the son who said you carry only hatred in your heart."
Luc turned around and stared at him suspiciously.
"And by any chance, would you say such things about... Ale?"
"Yes."
This simple answer from Dartan left Luc amazed.
"Really, it wasn't easy to accept that truth..." Dartan assumed in a mournful voice.
"How did you find out? Because it is obvious that you would never believe my words alone."
"I already suspected it. And when I heard you put it, my suspicions in loud words, I can no longer doubt it, though mortally stricken."
"And what are you going to do?"
"I don't know yet. In spite of everything, he is my son and I love him very much.... And I can't accuse him either, because I have no evidence against him and I'm afraid I'm making a mistake in condemning someone without any proof."
"Then you must let me go, for I will no longer be able to live under the same roof as the one who, on top of everything else, robbed me of the only reason for living. The only shelter my heart has ever known."
"Do not grieve my son, for I will have him take possession of the throne in the other palace."
"Yet you insist on giving him half the kingdom? On making him a king?"
"Yes. For I cannot go back on the word I have pledged to the counselors, who already count it a certainty that we will have the kingdom divided for five years. And I also promised that I would do so to your mother."
"You are the king. You can go back. But don't think you are fooling me. You take this action to guarantee Ale a future of comforts. But so be it. As long as you no longer have to cross paths with him every day..."
Dartan smiled satisfied at Luc's quick acceptance. He didn't want Luc away from him. The love he felt for that son was so great, he didn't know how it could fit in his chest. On the other hand, as much as he knew his other son was a murderer, deep down he wanted and hoped he wasn't. Her heart wouldn't admit it. Deep down, it didn't believe that Ale was capable of killing his own mother, or even kidnapping his brother's fiancée. But it wasn't until a little later that he had proof of this. And his heart would bleed that day for the second time after the death of Leah.