Royal Kismet

Returning Back

In a hidden chamber

"You are the worst people I have ever met! I gave you one simple task, yet you couldn't even accomplish it. Instead, you allowed my beloved to get hurt. You will all pay for this!" Princess Urana shouted angrily.

"We tried our best, Your Highness, but Prince Mitchell protected the princess. We couldn't get to her," Goro, the leader of the assassins, explained.

"Very well, then. You may leave," Urana said, still furious.

The door suddenly burst open, startling everyone. The assassins quickly scrambled towards the window and escaped.

King Barney stepped into the room.

"Daughter, the moment we have been waiting for is finally here. Our opportunity is right at our doorstep. Prepare yourself. We are going to Riveria," he announced.

Urana's expression immediately brightened.

"That's my father! I love you!" she exclaimed, planting a kiss on his cheek.

She quickly turned to her maids and ordered them to begin preparing for the journey.

ONE WEEK LATER — RIVERIA

After hearing of the attack on Princess Claudia, King Barney had requested an urgent audience to clear his name. The court had granted it, though many whispered that his haste was unusual.

"It is only one week, dear. She will return next year," Queen Eddowen reassured her son, who had once again asked about Claudia's return.

Before Mitchell could respond, a messenger entered the hall.

"Your Majesties, King Barney and Princess Urana of Gomdam have arrived.

King Benny and Queen Eddowen rose to welcome their visitors.

"Long time no see, King Barney of Gomdam. You are welcome to Riveria," King Benny greeted him, extending his hand.

"Greetings, Your Majesties. Greetings, Prince Mitchell. It has been a long time," Princess Urana said with a bright smile.

She stretched out her hand, expecting him to shake it.

Mitchell glanced at her briefly before turning away and walking out of the hall.

Urana's smile disappeared. Embarrassed, she slowly withdrew her hand.

"I'm sorry, Urana. Mitchell hasn't been himself since Claudia left. Please don't take his behaviour personally," Queen Eddowen apologised before hurrying after her son.

"Well, you must be tired from your journey. Go and refresh yourselves. We can discuss other matters later," King Benny said.

He instructed a maid to escort the visitors to their courtyard. Princess Urana curtsied while King Barney gave a slight nod before following the maid.

AT PRINCE MITCHELL'S CHAMBERS

"My prince, according to the information we gathered, Princess Urana was responsible for hiring the assassins. Her father knew nothing about the attack," Riz, his personal guard, reported.

Mitchell chuckled softly.

"Her father is certainly involved in this, or perhaps he has a bigger scheme in mind. Their arrival here cannot be a coincidence. After all, there is no smoke without fire."

"But, my prince, your father hasn't ordered an investigation. Why are you taking it upon yourself?" Riz asked.

"He is testing me. I must prove that I am worthy of the throne."

Mitchell rose from his seat and walked towards the window. Outside, the garden was filled with colourful flowers.

"Claudia, I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes," he whispered, holding the locket she had given him.

IN KING BARNEY'S CHAMBERS

"Father, this is outrageous! Unacceptable! Unbelievable! Look at what Claudia has turned my Mitchell into. Someone is going to pay dearly for this, Father!"

Urana's voice echoed through the room.

"I told you not to worry. I have everything under control, girlie," King Barney replied calmly, seemingly unaffected by his daughter's outburst.

Just then, a pigeon landed on the windowsill. A small piece of paper was tied to its leg.

King Barney untied the message and watched as the bird flew away.

As he read the contents, his expression darkened.

"What? You hired assassins to attack Claudia?" he demanded in disbelief.

Urana lowered her head.

"I'm sorry, Father. My jealousy got the better of me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing him."

"Do you realise what you've done? Prince Mitchell has already begun investigating the attack. He has found a lead, and if he gathers enough evidence, we could be ruined!"

Urana remained silent.

"I'm going to clean up your mess, so stay out of trouble for the next few days. Do not do anything foolish," he warned.

He turned towards the guard standing by the entrance.

"Confine the princess to her chambers until I give further instructions."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the guard replied.

Urana curtsied as her father walked away.

"Yes, Father," she murmured.

However, the moment he disappeared from sight, she raised her head. Her eyes burned with fury, and her hands clenched tightly.

THREE DAYS LATER

Prince Mitchell looked exhausted. Dark circles surrounded his eyes after spending several days investigating the attack, yet he had found no convincing evidence.

Frustrated, he decided to take a break.

"Riz, we are going to the hunting grounds. Prepare my horse," he ordered.

"Yes, my prince."

Riz bowed and hurried away to carry out his instructions.

When everything was ready, Mitchell left the palace. Although the guards wanted to accompany him, he stopped them and insisted on riding alone.

He mounted his horse and rode towards the hunting grounds.

Upon arriving, he changed into his hunting attire and began riding through the forest.

For the first time in days, he felt a sense of relief. The cool breeze brushed against his face as his horse galloped beneath him. The sound of its hooves against the earth made him feel as though he were flying.

Then his thoughts drifted to Claudia.

If only Claudia were here. She would have loved hunting alongside me, he thought.

Suddenly, his horse began running faster than usual.

Mitchell pulled at the reins, trying to slow it down.

"Whoa! Easy!" he commanded.

But the horse refused to obey.

He tried again, but its speed only increased. He looked around desperately, hoping to find someone who could help him. Unfortunately, he had left his guards behind, and the hunting grounds appeared deserted.

Tall trees surrounded him, making it difficult to see beyond the narrow path.

His horse ran faster than usual, then stopped abruptly at the edge of a massive cliff. Mitchell knew his horse — she never disobeyed his reins, but now her eyes were wild and foam flecked her mouth. She had been drugged.

Before he could dismount, he was thrown off.

He tumbled over the edge of the cliff and landed painfully on the ground below.

His head struck the earth, leaving him bleeding and disoriented.

Despite the pain, he tried to crawl towards safety. His strength gradually abandoned him, and before long, he lost consciousness.

AT PLIZA TEMPLE

Princess Claudia sat among the noble ladies, practising her qin.

Unfortunately, the instrument broke for the fourth time.

This time, a sharp piece cut her finger.

She immediately withdrew her hand and stared at the small wound.

"What terrible luck! I'm not learning anything today," she muttered.

She carefully left the hall, which was filled with noble ladies practising their qin.

As she walked towards her courtyard, an unfamiliar feeling suddenly settled in her chest.

Her heart tightened, and Mitchell's face appeared in her thoughts.

She paused for a moment.

"What am I thinking? Mitchell is fine. He is probably out hunting right now," she reassured herself before continuing towards her courtyard.