"Sir… there's no improvement in his health. I'm truly sorry," the doctor said quietly. Peter's eyes darkened. "Each and every day, I hand you millions for his treatment, and you're here blabbering nonsense? What kind of doctor are you?" he snapped.
"You may leave," he added coldly, dismissing the doctor with a wave of his hand.As the doctor left, Peter clenched his jaw.
This doctor will be the reason Leo and I fall out. Good thing he still doesn't know the exact amount I withdraw from the company account each day. I just hope he never finds out.
Peter walked up to the bed where Fredrick lay motionless, surrounded by life-support machines. A sorrowful expression settled on his face. I've got your daughter now," he said softly. "Please… try to get well soon. I swear on my name I'll make your wretched brother pay for what he did to you."
Peter's eyes welled with worry. He had done everything. He hired the best doctors from across the globe, tried every possible medication, yet there was no improvement.
Fredrick's condition was like something out of a nightmare. A deadly virus had been injected into his body an unknown, strange, creeping illness that no medical professional could identify, let alone treat.
For twenty long years, Fredrick had been in a coma. The only thing keeping him alive were the machines encasing his fragile form. It was almost unnatural. Only Peter knew where he was hidden. Not even Limestone knew the full truth. He'd lied to everyone his brother, his wife… even his own son. That night Leo's parents died, Peter had been with Fredrick. That was why he arrived late. That was the first lie.
"I've lied to Limestone… my brother… my wife… and now to my own son," Peter murmured, staring at the unconscious Fredrick. "Please… get well soon, Fredrick. Please." Knock knock.
"You may enter," Peter said.
The doors opened, and a regal figure stepped in. You are welcome, Your Majesty," Peter bowed respectfully. "How is my son?" Queen Clarisse asked. Peter took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, but his condition remains the same."
Queen Clarisse's expression fell. She slowly walked up to the bed, brushing her hand over Fredrick's face with maternal tenderness.
"¿Cómo estás…?" she whispered in Spanish, trying to smile through her tears. She wiped the corner of her eye gently. "Peter?" she called out. "Yes, Your Majesty," Peter responded, his tone still respectful. "Enough with the formalities, dear," she said softly. "I'm not in my country and besides, you're like a son to me."
Peter nodded slightly. "Of course. I'll try."
She gave a faint smile, then turned more serious. "Peter… you don't believe in magic and spells, do you? "Come on, Your Majesty," he chuckled nervously. "Do those things even exist? Especially in this modern world?" "They do exist," she said firmly. "And I have only one spell left. It's a strong one. We tried using it on my husband… but it didn't work. He was destined to die. But Fredrick… I refuse to believe his story ends like this."
She turned to the bed. "He's been in a coma, yes. But he's alive. He still has a country to rule, for crying out loud. If this doesn't work… I may have no choice but to crown his brother."
Peter's eyes narrowed. "What kind of spell is this… or should I say antidote?"
Queen Clarisse took a breath. "The Royal Necklace." Peter tilted his head. It was last in the possession of Princess Maita Fredrick's wife. But she died during childbirth. I believe she placed it around their daughter's neck… the child who also disappeared the day Fredrick went missing." She sighed, overwhelmed. "I'm confused, Peter. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't even know where that child is…"
Peter stepped forward, eyes steady. "I completely forgot to tell you but there's good news." Queen Clarisse turned sharply. "What did you say?" "I found her," Peter said, a smile breaking through his usual solemnity. "She's alive." Tears of joy burst from her eyes. "My granddaughter?" she whispered, placing a hand on her chest. "My Princess? "Where is she?"
Don't worry she's under my protection," Peter assured. "And… she's married to my son, Leonard." She's already grown?" Queen Clarisse asked, surprised. Peter nodded. "A grown woman. A beautiful one. Pure Spanish royal beauty. Just like her mother."
"Thank you… thank you so much, Peter," the Queen whispered emotionally. "Now… I feel confident that everything will be okay." She paused. "I'm not sure, but if it's possible… could you check around her neck? See if she's wearing the necklace."
"Absolutely," Peter promised. I have to rush back to Spain… but I swear I'll return in three days," Queen Clarisse said.
"I understand I can't meet her just yet… but can I at least watch her from a distance?" she asked hopefully. "Definitely," Peter nodded. "I'll make the arrangements. And if all goes well… you'll meet her before your flight."
She smiled softly. "You already know what to do."
Author's Note:
Hey guys! Let me know what you think of this twist. We're getting deeper into the Royal roots and secrets. I'll update again as soon as I can, so keep showing love! ❤️