Chapter 30
Maximus
POV.
But as the days turned into weeks, my search proved fruitless.
I kept asking around, hoping to find someone who knew Felicity. Eventually, I stumbled upon an old woman who had seen her a few weeks ago. "She was headed towards the forest," the old woman said, pointing in the direction of the trees.
My heart raced with excitement. Perhaps she was still there, waiting for me to find her.
I thanked the old woman and hurried towards the forest. With each step, I felt the anticipation building inside me. I was getting closer.
As I entered the forest, I scanned my surroundings, searching for any sign of her. But she wasn't there.
Annoyed, exhausted and disappointed, I decided to return to the castle.
I felt like I had failed Felicity, and the thought made me want to cry. But I knew that I couldn't give up just yet.
Back at the castle, I continued my search.
Questions began to arise among my people. They wondered why I was so fixated on finding a lone woman, when our kingdom was facing more pressing issues.
My advisors approached me tentatively, hoping to reason with me.
"Your Highness, perhaps it is time to redirect your attention towards the welfare of our kingdom," one advisor spoke up.
I turned to him, my eyes blazing with anger. "How dare you suggest I abandon my quest for justice?" I growled.
"I mean no disrespect, Your Highness. But we have been searching for Felicity for months, and our efforts have yielded no results. The longer you continue this search, the more unstable our kingdom becomes," the advisor explained calmly. I gritted my teeth, struggling to control my rage.
I gritted my teeth, struggling to control my rage.
Another advisor chimed in, "Your Highness, we all understand your pain and desire for vengeance. But the safety and prosperity of our kingdom should always come first."
I gritted my teeth, struggling to control my rage.
He had a point. My obsession with Felicity had consumed me, and it was harming my kingdom.
They all looked at me with concerned faces.
After a moment of silence, I took a deep breath and made a decision.
"You are right. I have been blinded by my desire for revenge. From now on, I will focus on securing the safety and prosperity of our people," I declared.
Relief washed over their faces as they nodded in agreement.
"We shall continue to search for Felicity, but not at the cost of our kingdom," I added.
"Very wise, Your Highness," one of my advisors said, giving me a small smile.
I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders and knew that my advisors' counsel was invaluable. I resolved to listen to them more and to make decisions for the greater good.
My advisors and guards breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that I had finally listened to reason.
It would take time to repair the damage I had done, but I was determined to make amends.
I would learn from my mistakes, and become a better king to my people.
And yet still, Felicity remained beyond our reach. I was growing impatient and desperate, willing to do whatever it took to get her back under my control. And yet, despite my best efforts, she continued to evade us.
I stood in my throne room, feeling the weight of my advisors' words. "Your Majesty, perhaps it is time to find a new woman," one of them suggested. "Someone who is more obedient and suited for the role of a breeder."
My blood boiled at the suggestion. "I have no desire for someone who isn't Felicity," I retorted. "I couldn't find it in myself to settle for less."
"But she disobeyed you, Your Majesty," another advisor countered. "She has shown that she is not fit to be your queen."
I clenched my fists, the anger rising within me. "I never said she would be my queen," I hissed. "But she is still the woman I want. And I will not settle for anyone else."
The advisors exchanged uncomfortable glances, but I didn't care. I was the King, and I would have what I wanted. "I want her punished for her disobedience," I declared. "But I will not replace her."
They bowed their heads in deference, and I dismissed them. Alone in my chamber, I thought of Felicity and how I yearned for her. Despite her defiance, I couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
I would have her, no matter what anyone else said. And I would make her pay for her disobedience in ways she could never imagine.