Back at the palace, king Maxwell sat in his study, deep in thoughts, with flashes of his encounter with Elena. The raging images of her, the pain in her voice, the boy, and her sharp utterances. He knew he had wronged her, even though he had no control over what happened. But couldn't understand the level of bitterness she had towards him.
A knock on the door, interrupting his thoughts. "Enter," he commanded.
His Special Advisor entered the room, slightly bowing before speaking. "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
King Maxwell stared at him with anger and desperation in his eyes. "Watch them closely. Find out everything there is to know about Elena's life these past eight years. Where she's been, how she's survived, and more importantly, how she's raising my son."
"And the child, your Majesty?"
He instantly got up with rage and a firm but quiet voice. "He belongs to the crown."
A pause, then a bow. "As you wish your majesty."
The door shut behind him, leaving Maxwell to his thoughts.
Immediately, his mother stepped in. "May I speak with you son? I know it's been a hectic week and I'm…"
King Maxwell cut in immediately, interrupting his mother. "I do not wish to discuss this with you, mother. You have ruined my life once, now is my turn to fix it. I demand to be left alone" he commanded.
His mother paused, with a melancholic, remorseful expression in her face. Then turned around and walked away with the doors closing behind her.
All Maxwell needed at this point, was how to bring back his long lost queen and his heir. Whatever it may cost, loss, love or war. He was ready to face it.
This was not just about a lost love anymore, this was about his heir.
"Hold on…" he muttered to himself.
"What if I approach her personally and charm her with my heart? I know somewhere in there, there might be just a little bit of love left for me."
The following day, he journeyed back to the city to see Elena. The evening air was cool as she walked home from the cafe, the quiet hum of the town surrounded her, distant chatter from passersby. Her steps slowed, sensing a movement behind her following her like a shadow. She knew she wasn't alone.
"Elena," her name echoed in a deep commanding voice.
She stopped, turned sharply, and there he was. King Maxwell, standing a few feet away. Dressed in something much simpler this time, but there was no mistaking his royal aura. He had come today not as a king, but as a man who lost the only woman he ever loved.
He looked up his gaze. "You shouldn't be here Max."
"I had to see you my love."
Elena folded her arms in seriousness. "And what max? Sweep in like a Prince Charming, expecting me to forget everything?"
He took a step closer. "I don't expect you to forget, Elena. Your anger towards me is very valid and understandable. But I won't pretend the past eight years haven't haunted me like a horror movie. I never stopped thinking about you my queen." His voice was smooth with regrets.
She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "And you expect me to believe that? You let them destroy us Maxwell. I was pushed out of your life like i meant nothing."
Maxwell's gaze darkened with teary eyes. "It wasn't me Elena, it wasn't my doing. I was weak. I knew nothing about that night. Well I'm not trying to push blames, but I'm here to take responsibility for my action. Give me a chance my love." His voice dropped lower and softer as he continued. "Do you think I wanted to loose you? Every night, I wondered where you were. If you were safe. If you ever thought about me for a second."
Elena hated the way this made her feel. Her heart nearly betraying her emotions. She had spent so long burying the past, convincing herself she had moved on. But seeing him like this, hearing those words, and the way he looked at her, it was a bit convincing but she needed to be strong.
She took a step back. Struggling to get her words out, she then yelled. "You don't get to just show up and act like you cared"
"But I did, and still do." Maxwell responded immediately, cutting her rage with a soft smile. "Elena, we were more than just a love affair, you were my everything. I fought the entire royal household, broke every royal protocol just to have you by my side. I'm still that man Elena."
"Yet you still betrayed me." Her voice tightened.
"I was a fool." He responded.
She hated that, despite everything, he still had the power to harness her emotions and made her feel something real.
Slowly, he reached for her hand. She didn't move. His warmth was so comforting, familiar and infuriating all at once.
"Elena," he lifted her hand to his chest. "I want more than just forgiveness. I want you back, together with our son."
She immediately snapped out of the moment. Ripped her hand away with a storm ranging in her eyes. "Then you will be disappointed." She turned on her heels and walked away.
Maxwell stood there, and watched her disappear into the night. Watching her try hard to fight her feelings. He had tried. He had given her the chance to talk, to find common grounds. But if she refuses to let him in as her lover, then she should be ready to face him as a king.