I ordered all the maids to come before me. I needed to find out who this boy's mother was. Maliece had checked the maid registry, and no maids had left or arrived in a year. Everyone was accounted for.
The maids stood before me in a line, their heads bowed. I scanned their faces, but none of them looked familiar.
"Is there anyone here who recognizes this boy?" I asked, holding up the portrait.
The maids exchanged glances, but no one spoke.
"I will ask you again," I said, my voice stern. "Is there anyone here who knows who this boy's mother is?"
A young maid with blonde hair and emerald eyes stepped forward. She was trembling slightly.
"I do, Your Majesty," she said.
I raised an eyebrow. "And who is she?"
The maid hesitated. "She is my dear friend," she said finally. "Her name is Lady Anya."
I gasped. "Lady Anya?" I repeated. "But she is not in the registry."
The maid nodded. "Yes, my lady. She gave birth to this boy three months before she disappeared."
"But why would she leave her own child?" I asked, confused.
The maid looked down at the ground. "I think she was forced to," she said quietly.
I raised my eyebrows. "Forced to?"
The maid nodded. "There was a marquess who would frequent the palace," she said. "He was a powerful man, and he was very interested in Lady Anya. He forced himself on her, and she became pregnant."
I felt a wave of anger wash over me. "That bastard," I hissed.
"Lady Anya was very ashamed of what happened," the maid continued. "She didn't want anyone to know, so she kept the pregnancy a secret. When the baby was born she raised him for a while, then became distant and soon she left the palace. She never told me where she was going."
I shook my head in disbelief. "So this boy is the son of a marquess?" I asked.
The maid nodded. "Yes, my lady."
I turned to the boy. He was staring at the maid with wide eyes.
"Do you understand?" I asked him. "Your mother was forced to have you. She didn't want to leave you, but she was afraid."
The boy nodded slowly. Tears welled up in his eyes.
I hugged him tightly. "It's not your fault," I whispered. "You didn't ask to be born this way."
The boy hugged me back, sobbing.
I looked at Maliece. "Can you convince Evanil to let the boy stay? Also, can we figure out who his father is? He'll need to start taking responsibility." I asked her, using my puppy eyes.
Malace sighed. "I'll try," she said.
Just then, Evanil himself appeared in the doorway. He was tall and imposing today. He had a proud smile on.
"He can stay at his father's support of course." he said, his voice piercing but warm.
"He's the son of a marquess," I explained. "His mother was forced to have him."
Evanil's expression softened slightly. "I see," he said.
He turned to the boy. "What is your name?" he asked.
"My uncle called me Edge," the boy replied.
Evanil frowned. "Edge is hardly a name." he said. "You are welcome to stay here at the palace. We will take care of you. But, allow me to think of a new name for you."
Edge's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? A future king is going to make me?" he asked.
Evanil smiled. "Of course," he said. "You are a child of the palace now. It's my duty to make sure you have a proper name."
Edge beamed. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said.
I hugged Edge again. "I'm so glad you're going to stay with us," I whispered.
Edge hugged me back. "Me too," he said.
I turned to Evanil. "Thank you," I said.
Evanil nodded. "He's your responsibility now," he said. "Make sure he's well taken care of. But oh, tonight I request that you have dinner with me. It's about time we discuss our engagement right?
"Yes," I said "I was thinking the same thing!"
Evanil turned and walked away.
I looked down at Edge. "Come on," I said. "Let's go tell Nanny Emilia."
Edge nodded and followed me out of the room.
As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety. What am I to say or do at dinner tonight?