Levan’s objective was unquestionably to ensure the safety of a “normal girl” like Ninym, and he had used Wein’s presence as a cover-up. However, he was also on a mission to deliver the king’s will.
“His Majesty is concerned for your well-being. It’s not safe outside the palace, and you hardly keep any attendants. Although he hasn’t said so outwardly, the king wishes for you to return home.”
Any relationship between a parent and a child could sour. Thankfully, King Owen and Prince Wein were quite close. His Majesty was hounded by royal duties and couldn’t carve out much family time, but Wein understood this and still held his father in high regard. Owen was likewise impressed by his son’s talents. At least that was how everyone else saw it.
As a king and a parent, Owen was naturally worried about his son and heir. Levan had served the nation for many years and could read the king like an open book.
“Of course, I am aware of Your Highness’s concerns,” Levan said. Prince Wein wouldn’t leave the palace for a pleasure trip. “The unsettling air that has permeated the castle since the queen’s passing is quite palpable.”
The queen—King Owen’s wife and mother of Wein and his sister, Falanya. Her death was still fresh in everyone’s hearts and minds. Her health had deteriorated soon after Falanya was born, but all prayers for her swift recovery went unanswered despite the physicians’ best efforts. The queen was the daughter of a minor noble, but it was said King Owen fell for her at first sight. She was beloved by the people, and they deeply mourned her passing. However, dark ambition brewed in the vacuum she’d left.
“How many have acted?” Wein suddenly asked.
Levan frowned. “Countless are vying to become His Majesty’s second wife. Among them, two or three houses intend to remove you from the picture.”
“I see.”
Vassals were after Wein’s life. The prince’s face betrayed very little, but the tension was surely unimaginable. As Raklum listened, he put the pieces together.
Is this situation holding Prince Wein back?
Natra was a diminutive nation, but all admired the royal family. It was no surprise that nobles were scrambling to replace the queen. However, Crown Prince Wein stood in their way.
King Owen was still robust. It was entirely reasonable for him to take a second wife. The birth of another child would undoubtedly cause an inheritance dispute, though. A promising heir like Wein already had the king’s full support. This made him a prime target for any woman who succeeded the late queen. She would need to eliminate any future competition if she gave birth to a boy.
“I’m currently working with General Hagal, and we are prepared to apprehend any malfeasants. The issue will be resolved soon enough, and loyal guards stand at the ready. You will not be harmed, even within the palace walls.”
Hagal was one of the king’s most outstanding and well-trusted generals. He could easily snuff an insolent scheme or two, but his very involvement spoke to the severity of the threat.
I’d heard the palace was on edge but never thought it’d be this bad.
Raklum at last wholly understood why Wein had confined himself to that remote forest, retained only a single attendant with no connection to the palace, and kept the situation private.
He felt no dishonor over being left in the dark. Wein had acted appropriately to preserve his own life, and Raklum admired the boy’s courage and ingenuity. Wein hadn’t even reached his first decade. Were all royals so clever, or was he an exception?
“Your Highness, I would ask your thoughts.” Levan bowed his head. Wein remained silent as if in deliberation.
Raklum didn’t know the prince’s mind, but he would remain by his master’s side until the day he was relieved of his duties. Internally, he gave a wry smile and felt a wave of fresh conviction.
Still, what a strange turn of events.
His thought wasn’t in reference to how he’d been chosen by Wein.
Images of young Wein and Ninym rose in Raklum’s mind. Both were kids who ran away from home. Despite their different circumstances, a boy and a girl who shared no connection had fled their homes and met deep in the forest. Who wouldn’t find it odd?
Come to think of it, how is our other discussion going?
Raklum’s attention strayed to outside the room, when suddenly…
“Forget it! I don’t care!”
…the familiar yet unusually infuriated voice of a young girl echoed past the door. Raklum gripped the sword at his waist and rushed out. The Flahm elder stood in the hall with a bitter expression as she watched Ninym hurry away.
“What’s going on?!” Levan exclaimed from behind Raklum.
“Sorry, Levan. I told her a million times we’re going home, but…”
Far from convincing the woman, it was obvious Ninym had managed only to antagonize her.
“Your Highness…” Levan looked back at Wein with unease. “My deepest apologies. We were in the middle of a conversation, but I ask that you allow me to pursue Ninym.”
It was a sheer miracle that nothing had happened to Ninym after she ran away the first time, but there was no guarantee she’d get lucky twice. If nothing else, the girl needed to be returned to the inn, and quickly.
“It’s fine. Do as you please.”
“Thank you!” Levan bowed, turned on his heel, and raced out of the inn. Wein, Raklum, and the old woman watched him leave.
“What shall we do, Your Highness?” Raklum asked.
“Hmm…”
While Raklum wavered between his compassionate desire to bring Ninym back and his duty as Wein’s protector, the young prince fell silent for a moment.
“Her answer might be different now.”
“What…?”
“Let’s go. I have a hunch as to where she’s going.”
Wein stood and left the room.
After fleeing the inn, Ninym came to sit beneath a large tree she’d found on the outskirts of town while wandering aimlessly.
“…”
Her earlier conversation with the old woman played repeatedly in her head. Ninym had confessed she didn’t want to return to the village and tried to persuade the elder, but it was no use. The woman adamantly refused to listen, and Ninym ran off as frustration gave rise to anger.
Yes, she was a two-time runaway even though her first attempt had already shown this would solve nothing.