“Are you sure you don’t need anything, Your Highness?” 
“Yes, Gonzalo,” I said as he helped me stand. “I would like to be left alone for a while,” I continued, my lips formed a firm line. 
“As you wish,” he bowed. As he turned around, the trumpets played their fanfare. My family has returned from their visit. Gonzalo looked back at me, waiting for my orders. 
I groaned as I slouched back on my chair. I was too exhausted from the fiasco with Benjamin. Now, I had to face my family in this state. 
“If you would like, Your Highness,” Gonzalo took careful steps towards me. “I could tell Their Majesties that you’re still sleeping. You can have more rest. Leave the explanation to me.” 
I sighed, my hands landed on my thighs. “There won’t be a need for that,” I slowly stood from my chair. I walked towards him and continued, “If anybody should explain Benjamin’s presence, that would be me.” 
He nodded. “I’ll go right ahead and welcome the royal family. I’ll return here should His Majesty look for you.” 
I shook my head. “Unnecessary, Gonzalo. We shall go together.” I walked before him and we made our way down to the Great Hall. 
♔♔♔ 
The family was welcomed by the guards and Nana Olsa as we walked down the staircase.
“Did we have any visitors whilst we were away?” James enquired, handing his coat to the maids. 
“Prince Benjamin paid Robert a visit,” Nana said without hesitation. 
Horrified, I quickly turned to Gonzalo and we shared a frightened look. 
“Is that so? Why was he here?” Mother asked another question. “He should’ve waited for us.” 
“Benjamin couldn’t wait, unfortunately,” I intervened as I quickened my pace. They turned to my direction as I continued, “He said he still had other things to do. Also, good morning.” I smiled as I hugged Mother and Elizabeth. I briefly turned to Gonzalo and raised my brows. 
He agreed as he understood what I hinted on. He then stood beside Nana. 
“Where were you, Robert?” James approached me, fixing his sleeves. “When servants checked your room, you weren’t there.” 
“I woke up early today. I went to Lady’s grave and had a simple picnic with her,” I replied, my hands hidden behind my back. 
“You could’ve told us last night. Or you could have woken us this morning. We were so worried about you,” he said. 
“My apologies, Your Majesty,” I bowed. I slowly stood and added, “I only planned it this morning. I didn’t want to disturb the peace of the castle. That would’ve been rude of me.” 
“You must never think in such a manner, Robert,” James held onto my arm. “Your whereabouts are always important, as well as your safety. You’re the future king of this kingdom. Your life must be preserved.” 
Just when I thought he was concerned for me as a father, he had to say that. The security of the succession was still the priority in his mind. Well, at the very least, he was concerned about me. That was better than nothing at all.
“Now, how about you join us for tea?” he smiled as he retreated his hand. “It’s a good day to be with the family.” 
“I would love to. However, I would like to choose a new champion today. I didn’t want to replace Lady that quickly. But I do need my own horse,” I replied. 
“Can I accompany you?” James asked, hopeful. 
“Thank you, Your Majesty but there won’t be a need for that,” I smiled firmly. “This must be done on my own. To choose a new champion would be… a bit personal.” 
“Will you be back home for lunch, then?” Elizabeth entered the conversation. 
Her eyes were even more hopeful than James. I looked at Mother and James. They all carried the same expression in their eyes. 
Outnumbered, I sighed and gave a light nod. 
“Perfect!” Mother squealed as she walked towards me. “I’ll have the servants prepare a grand meal for us.” 
I smiled, nodding once more. “I shall see you all later.” I gave my bow and headed to the stables. 
♔♔♔ 
As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the bakery, I got off and approached the chauffeur. Sternly, I instructed, “Should my family ask for my whereabouts, tell them that I’m already choosing a new horse. You’re not allowed to tell them the truth.” 
“As you wish,” he bowed. 
Given my permission, he went on his way. I entered the bakery and as expected, it was filled with people. Customers who chose rushed orders lined up until the door. This has been one of the busiest days I’ve seen so far in the bakery. 
“Robert!” a voice surfaced from the noisy, crowded shop. I looked around and found Grandpa Ben waving from the counter. 
I smiled, returning a wave.
He then gestured for me to come forward and patted an unoccupied chair. 
Gently, I pushed through the crowd. I didn’t want to bump into anyone, especially the workers. “Grandpa Ben,” I greeted as I reached the counter. 
We shook hands before he replied, “Have a seat, son.” 
I raised my voice in order for him to hear my response, “That won’t be needed, Grandpa Ben. I won’t be staying here for long.” I leaned in and spoke by his ear, “I was wondering if I could take Laura with me to choose a new champion.” 
His brows furrowed as I stepped away. “A new horse? What happened to your Lady?” 
“Uh, someone poisoned her,” my lips formed a thin line. “She was buried yesterday.” 
Shocked, Grandpa Ben immediately held onto my hands. “Oh, my dear boy. I’m very sorry about your loss.” 
“It’s all right, Grandpa Ben. I don’t want to spend the rest of my days, sulking in a corner,” I smiled in reassurance. “I already mourned for my Lady. I’m certain she doesn’t want to see me miserable until my very last breath.” 
“Well, as you can see, Laura has her hands full at the moment,” he briefly pointed at Laura. She was preparing a big load of dough for her fellow bakers. He turned back to me and said, “You’ll have to wait for the chaos to die down a bit.” 
I nodded. I sat on the empty chair and replied, “Then I shall wait.”