Eleven years have gone by since the attack on the cathedral and the loss of the king. Richard was riding on a horse towards the magnificent giant gates of Gardenia with an emotionless expression. "My king since we are approaching the kingdom , do you suggest we lead the prisoners straight to their dungeons or evaluate our spoils of war first" the army commander addressed Richard turning towards the prisoners. "Separate the men from the women and children and question them to find those who are willing to join the army and dispose of the rest" Richard nonchalantly replied not sparing a look towards the commander. They immediately made their way into the kingdom drawing countless stares from the people. "Did you hear?The king is back from the war and it seems he received quite the bountiful spoils" a woman mutted leaning against the entrance of a Tavern. "So it seems , I heard he's been quite busy with fighting numerous wars lately" "yes that is what I heard too, as a matter of fact people have been speculating that ever since the unfortunate death of the late king, he's not been the same" "humph , you mean after the late king was murdered by a witch who was rumoured to be his lover. I don't know, but I don't think even he could just overlook such a traumatic experience" a group of women discussed looking over to Richard as he made his way towards the castle.
Within the castle;
"Stop ,please stop...ahh What have I ever done to you?" Edgar mutted as he winced in pain gripping unto his bruised ribs. "You have the guts to talk back to me you buffoon,guess I didn't kick hard enough to shut your mouth up" Ivan replied walking towards the injured Edgar. "Brother I think that's enough he's not going to survive if you keep on " Thomas said sparing a glance at Edgar's sorry state."I don't want him to survive" Ivan replied as look of pure hate flash across his eyes. He walk towards Edgar squatting down to meet his eyes "you don't deserve to be in this castle much less a Prince. You disgust me to the core and I'll give everything to see you wither and die. I'm the future king of Gardenia and when that time comes, I'll eliminate you and that peasant mother of yours maybe give her death sentence for having an affair with a married king and boring something like you" Ivan said with utter scorn evident in his tone . Edgar looked at him intently and chuckled ,"don't you think that's too much hate for an eleven year old,I personally don't think the king knows of deeds cause he'll be quite displeased with such insolent behaviour " Edgar retorted smiling playfully. "I hate this mouth of yours ,I truly do!" Ivan said trying to deliver another kick to Edgar but got interrupted by a servant informing him of his father's return and the request for his presence at the dining room. He looked over to Edgar and mutted, "I'll get you later peasant" and Edgar replied," we'll see about about bozo ". Ivan angrily left leaving Thomas who looked at Edgar apologetically and turned towards the direction Ivan left to.
Edgar winced loudly as he tried to get on his feet limping towards his room. Edgar knew he shouldn't provoke Ivan but he couldn't help it knowing how much of a jerk he was . "I should seriously stop blabbing nonsense ,this mouth of mine will be the death of me" Edgar whispered to himself whilst making towards his room. He slowly opened the door to his room noticing his mother staring into nothingness. He stood at the entrance of the door for awhile staring at his lovely mother."mother are you ok " he asked snapping his mother out of trance. " Where have you been? , look at you what happen!?" His mother exclaimed helping him towards his bed." I thought I was the one doing the asking" Edgar retorted smiling playfully. "Why do you always take these things so lightly, I thought I warned you never to fight again. You are so stubborn, don't tell me it was Ivan again?"his mother asked with worry and slight anger."it's ok mother I can take it besides I blame my self for bragging too much " Edgar said with a wry smile. "You are under punishment stating from now, you'll not step foot outside for next following week understand!"his mother continued surprising Edgar as he didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Edgar silently laid on his bed as his mother dressed his wounds. He started wondering about some of the things Ivan sprouted during his beat down. "Mother, can I ask you a question? Why am I the illegitimate son?