The night after their grand event, Amelia felt a rare sense of peace. She and Alister had successfully countered Lady Constance's machinations, and the evening had been a triumph. As she and Alister prepared for bed, they spoke in hushed tones, their voices filled with hope and resolve.
"You did wonderfully tonight, Amelia," Alister said, taking her hand in his. "I'm proud of you."
Amelia smiled, leaning into him. "Thank you, Alister. We make a good team, don't we?"
He kissed her forehead. "The best team."
Amelia sighed contentedly as they settled into bed. "I just hope this is enough to keep Constance at bay."
"We'll stay vigilant," Alister assured her. "Together, we can handle anything."
But the peace was short-lived. The following morning, as they sat down for breakfast, Eliza burst into the room, her face pale with worry.
"Amelia, Alister," she gasped, "Ethan is missing."
Amelia's heart plummeted. "What do you mean, missing?"
Eliza's voice trembled. "He was supposed to meet me in the garden this morning, but he never showed up. I've looked everywhere."
Alister's expression hardened. "We need to find him. Now."
Amelia's mind raced with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. "Eliza, gather the staff and start searching the grounds. Alister, we need to check his room, look for any clues."
They hurried to Ethan's room, their footsteps echoing in the silent hallways. Inside, everything seemed untouched. His bed was neatly made, and his belongings were in place. Amelia's eyes scanned the room, searching for anything out of the ordinary.
"Look," Alister said, pointing to a piece of paper on the desk.
Amelia snatched it up, her hands trembling as she read the message:
"We have your son. Do not contact the authorities. Wait for our instructions."
Her breath caught in her throat. "Alister, it's a ransom note."
Alister's jaw clenched. "Constance."
Amelia's mind raced. "Why would she target Ethan? This is beyond her usual schemes."
"To force our hand," Alister said, his voice tight with anger. "She knows how much he means to us."
Just then, the door creaked open, and Isabella stepped in, her face a mask of concern. "I heard what happened. Is there any news?"
Amelia handed her the note, her voice barely above a whisper. "They've taken Ethan."
Isabella read the note, her eyes widening. "This is serious. We need to be careful."
"We can't involve the authorities," Alister said. "Not yet. We need to follow their instructions."
"But we also can't let them think we're helpless," Isabella added. "We need a plan."
Amelia's mind was a whirlwind of fear and determination. "We need to find out where they've taken him. We can't just sit and wait."
Isabella nodded. "I'll have my guards discreetly gather information. We can't afford to alert Constance that we're onto her."
Amelia's thoughts were consumed with worry for Ethan. Her heart ached with the fear of what he might be going through. She couldn't lose him.
"Alister," she said, her voice breaking, "we have to get him back."
"We will," Alister vowed, pulling her into his arms. "We'll do whatever it takes."
Hours passed like days as they waited for more information. Amelia paced the room, her thoughts a jumble of fear and resolve. She couldn't stand the thought of Ethan being in danger, alone and frightened.
Finally, a guard entered the room, his face serious. "We've found something. There's been unusual activity at an old estate on the outskirts of town. It's owned by one of Constance's known associates."
Amelia's heart leaped. "That must be where they're keeping him."
Alister turned to the guard. "Gather a small team. We'll go in quietly. We can't risk alerting them."
As they prepared to leave, Isabella took Amelia's hand. "Be careful, Amelia. And bring Ethan back safely."
"We will," Amelia promised, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
They approached the old estate under the cover of darkness, their movements silent and deliberate. Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as they crept closer. She could feel the tension in the air, the sense of danger lurking just out of sight.
Alister signaled for them to stop as they reached the edge of the estate. He turned to Amelia, his eyes filled with determination. "Stay close. We can't afford any mistakes."
Amelia nodded, her mind focused on the task ahead. "Let's bring Ethan home."
They moved through the shadows, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. As they approached the main building, they saw a dim light flickering in one of the windows.
"That's where they're holding him," Alister whispered. "We need to be quick."
With a silent nod, they moved towards the building, their steps careful and measured. As they reached the door, Alister motioned for the guards to take their positions.
Amelia's heart raced as they prepared to breach the door. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, her mind sharp with focus.
Alister counted down silently, and on his signal, they burst through the door. The room was dimly lit, and in the center, bound to a chair, was Ethan.
"Mom! Dad!" Ethan cried out, his voice filled with relief and fear.
"Stay back!" a voice shouted from the shadows.
Amelia's eyes darted to the source of the voice. A man stood there, holding a dagger to Ethan's throat.
"Let him go," Alister demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
The man sneered. "You think you can just walk in here and take him? You're fools."
Amelia stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "We're here to take our son. You don't have to get hurt."
The man's grip tightened on the dagger. "You're not in a position to make demands."
Alister took a step closer, his eyes locked on the man. "We don't want any trouble. Just let him go."
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Amelia's mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the situation.
"Ethan," she said softly, her eyes meeting his, "we're going to get you out of here. Just stay calm."
Ethan nodded, his eyes wide with fear but filled with trust.
"Enough talking," the man snarled. "Back off, or he gets hurt."
Amelia's heart ached at the sight of her son in danger, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Please," she said, her voice steady, "just let him go."
The man hesitated, his eyes flicking between Alister and Amelia. In that moment of hesitation, Alister, moved swiftly. He drew his sword, disarming him in one swift swipe and pulling him away from Ethan.
"Ethan!" Amelia cried, rushing to her son and wrapping him in her arms.
"Mom," Ethan sobbed, clinging to her. "I was so scared."
"I know, sweetheart," Amelia whispered, holding him tight. "It's over now. You're safe."
Alister joined them, his arms wrapping around both of them. "We're taking you home, Ethan."
As they made their way back to the estate, Amelia felt a surge of relief and gratitude. They had saved their son, and they were together again.
Back at home, they sat by the fire, the warmth and safety of their home a stark contrast to the terror they had just faced.
"Thank you, Alister," Amelia said softly, her eyes meeting his. "I couldn't have done this without you."
"We did it together," Alister replied, his voice filled with love and determination. "We're a team, Amelia. Always."
As they sat there, holding their son, Amelia felt a renewed sense of strength and resolve.