As the door closed behind me, what happened in the master bedroom continued to boggle my mind. I asked myself as I settled down on the bed, ‘What just happened?’. I never expected to have such a light-hearted interaction with James. 
For the longest time, we’ve been nothing but rude to one another. We were always at each other’s throats. However, I shared a laugh with him today. And without any explanation, my mouth called him a father. Mother prayed for that to happen and even she was caught off-guard with it. 
Could it be that I’ve started to warm up to James? 
Someone knocked on my door as I took off my shoes. “Enter,” I answered. 
Gonzalo entered and quickly bowed as he reached me. 
“Always at the proper timing, Gonzalo. I was just about to summon you,” I smiled, putting my shoes to the side. 
“Is there something you need, Your Highness?” 
I nodded. “I want to send a letter to a bakery in the Mortal Realm. It’s called the Winston Bakery. Are you familiar with it?” 
“As a matter of fact, yes,” he nodded. “From time to time, the servants would purchase some of their pastries as their snacks. It is, however, a secret tradition between the servants. His Majesty might have forbidden any contact with their realm because of that. But the servants couldn’t help it,” he explained. 
My brows furrowed. I wasn’t aware that James already forbade anyone from visiting the bakery. Now that Gonzalo has mentioned it, I have to be more cautious with my visits. Who knows what he could do if he finds out that I was the one who’s been breaking his rules? 
“Why do you ask, Your Highness? Did His Majesty find out?” Gonzalo asked. 
I shook my head. “I stumbled upon one of their pastries from a servant. I tried one myself and took a liking to it,” I lied. “I wanted more but I wasn’t sure whom to ask about it.” I cannot tell anyone the truth, even Gonzalo. It’s not just the bakery and my life that I’m protecting but Laura’s. 
Gonzalo nodded. “If you’re craving for sweets, young prince, we can always have the cooks make you something you like,” he suggested. 
“I don’t want to add more to the cooks’ work. I know that they never have much time to do something else because they always prepare our food in advance,” I answered. “And since that incident, I’ve been intrigued with what a mortal bakery can offer.” 
“Understood,” he briefly bowed his head. “Would that be all, Your Highness?” 
“Kindly fetch my quill and a paper. I would like to send a note to the bakers in Winston Bakery on what I would like to have,” I said. 
“As you wish,” he bowed. “Also, this was left by your door,” he then handed over a folded note. 
“Who’s it from?” I asked, examining it. 
“We’re not sure, young prince. The guards said upon their return, this was already at your doorstep,” he explained. 
“Where’s my page?” 
Gonzalo replied, “The guards said he wasn’t able to report to work today. He caught some kind of flu this morning.” 
I nodded. That’s understandable. He has worked non-stop to serve me. He deserves to have a few days away from work. I still have Gonzalo and my guards to watch over me. 
“I would also like to ask if you have any plans for dinner tonight, young prince?” he asked. 
“I’ll call for you when I’ve decided,” I said as I continued to examine the note. 
He bowed quickly and went on his way. 
The note had no indication as to where it was from. The only thing that was on it was my name. The handwriting wasn’t familiar to me either. I’ve studied almost every single handwriting from the members of this household. This one didn’t seem like it came from the castle walls. 
I opened the note and there was a brief message: 
Had a rush with poison, young master? Wrath shall haunt you and bring you to my knees. 
Horrified, the paper fell from my hands. My eyes widened as chills ran down my spine. This person is the one responsible for Lady’s poisoning! But what did they mean by “wrath”? How have I offended someone I don’t know?
James must see this. This is pivotal for the investigation. 
I shoved my boots back on and rushed to the master bedroom. My hands clutched the note and I sprinted through the halls. 
♔♔♔ 
Mother’s giggles were heard as I approached the dining hall. The guards at the master quarters told me that she and James were already having dinner. I recollected myself and knocked on the door. 
The door opened and James’ page appeared, quickly announcing me into the room. As I entered, it was only the two of them who shared the table. 
“Robert, is there something wrong?” Mother asked immediately. 
“Forgive me if I disturbed your dinner. I can return later,” I replied as I was about to turn. 
“No, son, you didn’t disturb anything,” James stopped me right on time. He stood from his chair and asked, “Would you like to join us? We can have a place prepared for you.” 
“I appreciate your offer, James. But I will be having mine in my room,” I smiled as I kept my hands behind me. 
“Is there something you wish to tell us?” he asked another. 
I raised my hand, showing the note. “Someone left this on my doorstep. I think this could help in the investigation of Lady’s poisoning,” I replied. 
“Come forward, then,” Mother said. 
I walked towards them and handed the note over to James. 
“This is definitely a big help, son,” he smiled as he received it. He then opened the note and read its content.