70: You Will Marry Her, Arlan

You Will Marry Her, Arlan

The next morning, in the Royal Palace of Griven, Arlan went to visit his father in his study first thing in the day, before the King of Griven began granting audience to his court ministers. 2

Clad in a tight-fitting, calf length pale blue frock coat, with a black cravat and white waistcoat underneath, coupled with his pure white pants, his appearance could be said to be nothing short of immaculate, like that of a charming prince straight out from a book.

"Good morning, father," the Crown Prince greeted as he bowed before the middle-aged man sitting behind the desk. 

"Good morning, son. What brings you this early to your old man's study?" the King of Griven gestured for him to have a seat, carrying a light smile on his lips.

Arlan sat in the chair opposite the older man who continued going through the important work. 

King Ailwin Cromwell was an amicable-looking man in his fifties, his appearance on the thin side, with sea blue eyes that gave people a feeling of deep lethargy. His ash brown hair was short, like that of a soldier, that was thinning at the sides. Dressed in a luxurious white royal robe, coupled with his warm smile, the older man seemed more like a benevolent priest in a temple rather than the most powerful man in the kingdom. 

"How is your health, father? I heard you barely had an appetite for the past few days."

"I was just feeling under the weather. Do not worry," the King of Griven said with a light smile.

The servants brought a freshly brewed tea for the father and son and left after bowing. 

Arlan looked at his father who was good at hiding his deteriorating body from his family. If not for the King's aide disclosing to him about his worries in private, Arlan would not be aware how poor his father's health was. The word about King being unwell was not suppose to go out and also, King didn't want to worry his family.

"I heard you took care of important matters in Selve," the King asked to divert the topic. "Maxil Selve sent a rather enthusiastic report to the palace, but there are details that could not be read out loud in front of the royal court."

Arlan respected his father's wishes and answered, "Since I was in the area, I thought to clear some dirt along the way. I must say it made visit to Selve even more fulfilling."

"I believe it was a humane way."

"I believe Father knows my way."

The King put the scroll in his hand aside and looked his son straight in the eyes. 

"Arlan, you need to control yourself before you lose yourself entirely."

"I heard the same from Alvera. Father need not worry," Arlan said, sounding as polite as he could, "I heard Duke Rhys had sent Father news related to the remnants of the Verners."

"I will take care of that matter. Do not worry."

"Worry? Why do I feel like Father is worried about the Verners instead of worrying about me?"

"Arlan, the matter related to the Verners needs to be free from bias and prejudice. Their family should be given fair treatment before and during the trial, and due process has to be properly observed ."

"Are you planning to show mercy on a traitor, Father, like in the past? You know what that Philip Verner did."

"That is why we will have their case undergo a trial."

"I was there! I know what he did!" 

"Yes, you are a witness and will take part in the hearing."

"You mean the only witness," Arlan said through gritted teeth.

"You were a child then, and other evidence needs to be considered as well—"

"The most important evidence is my memory."

"You did not even see his face."

"Other than face, there are things that can be used to prove he is the culprit. Once I find him—"

"You are not doing anything." Ailwin slammed his hand on the desk, his gaze sharpening, his dignified demeanor befitting of a ruler. "I am the King of this kingdom. My words are the law of this land. I will decide what to do with them and that is final."

Arlan stayed quiet for a moment. He let out a deep breath before meeting his father's gaze. "The promise I made to myself, I will never forget it. Whatever it takes, it will be fulfilled."

"Arlan!"

"I will have him watch me as I pierce my sword through his granddaughter's body, so he will feel the exact pain I felt." His eyes turned darker, his expression cold. "Father can try his best to save them." 

"That girl, you are not going to touch her!"

"Not me, but my sword," Arlan responded. "I'd rather not touch such a filthy bloodline."

The King felt helpless in front of his son. "You know that girl is important. There is a reason why she was chosen to be your betrothed."

"I don't care about that."

"You should care about what is hidden inside you and if not for her, how it will get out of your hand. Are you willing to give up your life because of your prejudice?"

"I will take care of myself. Thank you for worrying about me, father." Arlan stood up. "I will give that Verner what he deserves and no one can stop me."

"Y-You!"

"I shall now excuse myself, father." Arlan bowed to his father. "Before I forget, the physician I invited from Abetha will be arriving soon to treat you."

The Crown Prince departed from the study, leaving his father helplessly shaking his head because of his stubborn son. 

"This boy and his anger." 

He then rang the bell on his desk to call for a servant.

"I need to find that girl before he finds her. She is the only woman who can survive being his wife," he muttered to himself. "You will marry her Arlan, whatever it takes…"

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