The following morning, King Aiden and his council gathered to execute judgment on Kingston, only to find the prison door wide open and the guard missing. "Where is Princess Lynn? Fetch her immediately!" the king ordered Lycan, his voice trembling with urgency.
"Your Majesty, she is nowhere to be found, nor is her maid Clara," Lycan replied, his face pale with worry.
"The princess has betrayed me. She has fled with the stranger," the king said, tears streaming down his face as Queen Isabella wept beside him. "Search the entire kingdom. Find her!" he commanded.
Meanwhile, Kingston, Lynn, Clara, and a few loyal guards were on the run. They traveled through dense forests and over rugged mountains, facing harsh weather and dangerous wildlife. At one point, they were ambushed by bandits, but Kingston's quick thinking and the guards' bravery saved them.
After weeks of travel, they reached the small town of Eldoria, nestled in a valley. Exhausted and wary, they decided to rest and regroup. "Thank you for your assistance. This is where we part ways," Kingston said to the guards. "Come with me, Clara," Lynn requested, her voice firm.
A month later, in Eldoria, Clara noticed Lynn's pallor. "I think you might be pregnant, my princess," Clara said gently.
"No, it must be a minor illness," Lynn replied, though worry creased her brow. "We need to see a doctor, but I have nothing with me."
"I have some money from my salary. You can use it for a check-up," Clara offered, handing over the coins.
Lynn went to the doctor, who confirmed her pregnancy. "You are pregnant, Miss Lynn," the doctor said, his eyes narrowing. "You look familiar, like the princess of the Bloody Kingdom."
"Thank you for your assistance, but I am not who you think I am," Lynn replied, leaving quickly.
"I am pregnant," she told Kingston, her voice weary.
"Is that why you are sad?" Kingston asked, concerned.
"I am not sad, my love. I just didn't see this coming," she replied. "This is our baby. Don't worry, you will get to know more about me," he reassured her.
Two years later, after Lynn gave birth to a son, Kingston insisted on naming him Prince Liam. "We have finally become part of this kingdom," Lynn said, walking around their modest home in Eldoria with Kingston.
"Yes, my love. Can I ask for a favor?" Kingston said.
"What might that be?" she asked.
"I would like to visit a friend in a nearby kingdom," he replied.
"What kingdom is that? Why can't you disclose it to me?" she asked, confused.
"You will get to know soon," he answered, making her more suspicious.
"I won't permit this. You might flee and never be seen again. I will go with you. We started this journey together, and we will end it together," she insisted.
Kingston found it difficult to answer her. "Please, my love, I won't be gone for more than a week," he pleaded.
"I can't stay a day without you. Besides, I don't know your whereabouts or your roots. How can I be sure you are not deceiving me?" Lynn replied firmly. "We will go together, including our son. This is the first time you have mentioned your relatives to me."
Kingston stood by the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow on his troubled face. He turned to Lynn, who was sitting on the edge of their bed, her eyes filled with determination.
"Please, Lynn," Kingston pleaded, his voice gentle but urgent. "I need you to stay here. It's too dangerous for you and Liam to come with me."
Lynn shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "No, Kingston. I can't let you go alone. We've faced so much together, and I won't be left behind now."
Kingston sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You don't understand. This journey… it's not just a visit. There are things I need to handle, things that could put you and our son at risk."
Lynn stood up, crossing the room to stand in front of him. She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I trust you, Kingston. But I also need to be with you. We've come this far together, and I won't let fear separate us."
Kingston looked into her eyes, seeing the fierce love and loyalty that had drawn him to her in the first place. He knew she wouldn't back down, but he also knew he couldn't reveal his true identity just yet. It wasn't time to show her that he was a king in hiding, with enemies who would stop at nothing to find him.
"Alright," he said softly, pulling her into his arms. "We'll go together. But promise me you'll stay close and follow my lead. I can't lose you, Lynn."
She nodded, resting her head against his chest. "I promise. We'll face whatever comes together."
Later that night, as Lynn slept, Kingston sat in his quiet place, a small alcove in their home where he often went to think. He stared out at the night sky, his mind racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. What exactly would this be? He wondered. How long could he keep his true identity a secret from Lynn? And what would happen when she finally learned the truth?
He sighed, knowing that the time would come when he would have to reveal everything. But for now, he would protect her and their son with everything he had. He would face the dangers ahead, not as a king, but as a man determined to keep his family safe.
Lynn woke up and noticed Kingston sitting by the window, lost in thought. She walked over to him, her voice soft with concern. "Are you not sleeping?"
Kingston turned to her, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "I have finally accomplished my mission," he said, his eyes shining with warmth. "Winning the heart of the one I have dreamed about."
Lynn looked at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
Kingston took her hand, pulling her close. "You, Lynn. You are the one I have dreamed about. Being with you, loving you, it's all I've ever wanted. And now, it's my reality."
Lynn's confusion melted into a tender smile as she wrapped her arms around him. "You have my heart, Kingston. Always."