Chapter 9: The Vanished Prince

Adrian was a bright child from a young age. Adrian had always been kind-hearted, unlike his father, a brutal king, and his maternal and paternal uncles, who were ruthless rulers. He most likely inherited his compassion and dignity from his mother, a woman known for her kindness and generosity. It is often said that a person's personality emerges from childhood, and Adrian was no exception. However, he had inherited some characteristics from his father. Adrian was an exceptional horse rider, surpassing even his father's abilities. He had a thorough understanding of the kingdom's politics, economic reforms, and financial strategies that could help the country thrive. However, he had witnessed his mother being beaten by his father for no reason at times. He despised such cruelty and vowed never to become like the kings before him.

Adrian wanted to bring about change in a unique way. He secretly established a community service program, which was highly unusual in the late fifth century. He formed a covert network of scholars, healers, and traders who worked together to provide food, medical care, and education to the poor. He believed that true leadership was about empowering others rather than using fear to control them. His father, on the other hand, saw such endeavours as foolish and ineffective.

Adrian would be the next king, according to the grand announcement made on the full moon night. This decision contradicted his wishes, but he had no way of changing it. That night was his last in the palace. Before midnight, he confronted his father, challenging the forced decision. Instead of providing an explanation, his father chastised him and cruelly suggested that if he wanted to be different, he should begin by torturing his mother.

Adrian was not present when the servants went to wake him up the following morning. He vanished without trace. His mother used all of her resources to find him, but to no avail. Despite this, she never lost hope.

This was all Kendalina knew about the lost prince. She shared this information with Aria as they browsed the finest fabrics for Princess Marina's upcoming royal wedding to Prince Louis VI of Wedo, a neighbouring kingdom. It was supposed to be the biggest royal event in years, with lavish celebrations planned.

Aria had spent nearly three weeks at the royal palace and had learnt to adapt. She still missed her family, as did Rogers. They decided to meet only occasionally to avoid suspicion. Rogers had accepted a position as the palace's horse caretaker four days prior. When they met briefly, they exchanged a few words while trying not to draw attention.

Aria and Rogers were both members of the palace's servant community, living in special cottages assigned by Lord Percival, the Queen's trusted manager, and his assistants, Mistress Eleanor and Master Hugh. When Aria first arrived at the palace, she persuaded the Queen that she was a refugee discovered and sheltered by Kendalina. She claimed that her family had been separated during a civil war in a nearby village, and that Kendalina helped her escape. Kendalina had included more details to make the story more plausible.

Aria's refined sense of fashion and knowledge of royal preferences drew the Queen in right away. Aria felt like a daughter to the Queen, as if they shared an unspoken bond. That moment was enough for Aria to gain the Queen's trust.

A week after starting at the palace, Aria overheard a group of guards discussing Prince Adrian's disappearance.

"He must have run away like a coward," one of them scoffed.

"Or maybe he met a worse fate. The king was furious that night," another whispered.

"Perhaps he joined the rebels," another guard speculated. "If he did, he's as good as dead."

Aria couldn't control her anger. "Shut up!" she snapped. "Prince Adrian is not a coward, and I have faith that he will return. He is alive, and he will reclaim his rightful place."

The Queen, who was walking nearby, heard Aria's outburst. She immediately removed the guards from their positions and approached Aria. To Aria's surprise, the Queen hugged her tight.

"You don't have to worry, Your Highness," Aria reassured her. "I will find him. Your son is a remarkable person, and I am certain he is safe."

The Queen held her close once more before whispering, "I know, Aria Bennett."

Aria stiffened in shock. She had never revealed her full name to anyone in this era.

The Queen smiled gently. "I now understand where you truly come from, and I swear to protect you from anyone who may seek to harm you."

And now they were looking for luxurious fabrics and accessories for the royal bride. The opulence of the marketplace was captivating. Aria couldn't believe she was a part of this world. Yet, amidst the dazzling gowns and golden tiaras, she had only one thought: she needed to find Prince Adrian.