“What did it say?” Mother asked. 
James closed the letter before he turned to Mother. “There’s no need to worry, my love. It was a mediocre attempt to scare our son.” 
She nodded with a smile but her eyes weren’t entirely convinced. She may not do it now but she might talk more about this in the future. “I would like to return to our room, darling,” she said as she stood up. 
James walked to her and gently held her arm. “You go ahead. I’ll follow you right after.” 
Mother nodded and left. Her handmaidens walked right behind her and the guards behind them. 
“My son,” James returned to me as the doors closed. “I will talk to my investigators about this as soon as possible. In the meantime, I want you to be careful at all times,” he started. “Whoever sent this,” he rose the note a bit, “has their wrath prepared specifically for you.” 
“Do you think there’s a possibility that they’ll come after our family?” I asked. 
“That, I’m not certain of, Robert. But because of this, we have to be cautious with our every action,” he continued. “In everything we do, we have to ensure our safety. We can’t have someone stab us on our backs when we’re not looking.” 
I answered with a nod. I couldn’t agree more with him. This matter has escalated much more quickly than what I expected. And it wasn’t just about Lady and myself anymore. It was also about my family. The perpetrator may have their wrath aimed directly at me. However, they can still include my family in this mess. And I will not allow for that to happen. 
“I’ll discuss this with your mother and sister tomorrow,” he added. “For now,” he put a hand on my shoulder, “rest your mind.” 
“Yes, Father. I mean, James.” My heart raced again as my tongue slipped. Why do I keep calling him that? “I shall take my leave then. I know Mother is waiting for you. I don’t want her to wait that long.” I turned around and started walking. 
“Son,” James called, stopping me on my tracks. “You can always call me ‘father’. You know that.” 
I stood silent, not knowing what to say. Emotions rose within me. I didn’t know what to feel. 
This should be an exciting moment, right? 
He wanted me to call him “father”. It’s something I’ve always wanted to happen. But after waiting for such a long time, I don’t know how to react to it anymore. Without turning around, I replied, “Have a good evening, James.” I then proceeded to walk out of the room, struggling to keep a calm exterior. 
♔♔♔ 
I was about to enter my room when Gonzalo called from behind. “Yes, Gonzalo?” I turned and he approached me with a basket in hand. 
“Here’s what you asked for, Your Highness,” he carefully gave me the basket. “Also, the owner wanted to give you this,” he handed a letter next. 
My brows furrowed upon receiving. But as soon as I saw my name, written in Laura’s hand, a smile slowly crept on my face. “Thank you, Gonzalo,” I said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You never failed me.” 
He nodded and I proceeded into my room. As the door shut closed, I put the basket on the table as I sat down. The letter read: 
Robert, this is Grandpa Ben. 
A man from your castle said you asked for the best of our products so I gave every single one on the list. I’m also aware that you want to speak to a certain person through a letter. But I thought that would be too conspicuous. That is why I asked the man to hand over this letter to you. 
As you read this, I’m acting as a bridge between you two. I’m uncertain if the man will keep his word not to open the letter. After this, the person speaking isn’t me. 
Thank you for taking a stroll with me. Though I know our lives were in peril today, every single second with you was well-spent. Forgive me for making you worry too much. I even gave you a tiring job of bringing me back home. 
Rest well, dear prince. 
Cordially, me. 
The handwriting inside the letter wasn’t hers but every word came from her. Her words, the way she spoke in letters, was easily recognizable. Even on paper, her gentleness shone through.
I grabbed a paper and quill, 
Dearest you, 
Ensuring your safety is my pleasure. I’m more than happy to make sure you arrive on your bed without somebody doing unthinkable things on you. To be trusted with your well-being… nothing in this world - not even being a prince - can measure to that. 
Your brief message gave me happiness. And to send it through another fascinated me on how quick you thought of it. With all honesty, I can’t read what goes through your mind. But I guess that would make everything a lot more interesting. 
I want to tell you something. This could’ve waited until tomorrow but I couldn’t bear it on my own. I couldn’t speak about it to anyone here. I have to be cautious with my every step from now on. And I know this will only be safe in your hands. 
Lady was poisoned after I returned home. We didn’t know who did it. But she was saved by James. I also called him “father” by accident. It has happened twice today. I don’t know what it means. 
Could it be that I have forgiven him? Or is it just a slip of the tongue? 
I will wait for your thoughts until we meet again. 
Cordially, me. x 
I folded the letter as I walked towards the window. I opened it and with a simple incantation, I transformed the letter into a paper owl and flew to the direction of Laura. I prayed in mind as I closed the window that the letter would directly reach Laura’s hands. 
I then proceeded to my bed and prepared myself for bed. The image of Laura’s face suddenly appeared in my mind as I prepared myself for rest. Without warning, my mind reminded me of everything about her. Her inevitable gentleness. Her purity. Her kindness. Her heart just radiated from everything. I was blessed to have met her in this lifetime. And I was even more blessed to have her.