Chapter 65

----- Flashback ------

The moment Ed Ainsworth stepped foot into the Royal grounds, he knew it was over. Everything appeared as a red flag to him. Sure, it was just a simple letter calling him to report information he had collected to the general. He didn't have any foul relations with the Royal Bloods. There was no reason for them to lay a finger on him. But a voice inside his head kept whispering his time was near.

The general listened keenly to each and every detail. Ed's voice wavered slightly as he asked to be pardoned. The general thanked him and granted his freedom. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"I heard you've had a son?" The general sounded amused. Ed was surprised at his knowledge.

"Yes. He's almost 2."

"Good. I'm sure he'll be faithful to the country just like his father."

Sweat trickled down Ed's forehead. He nodded and gave a grin. The muscles in his shoulders felt stiff.

"Goodbye Ainsworth. Good luck raising him."

Ed didn't go home that night. He stayed at his best friend's. Jamie Howards was a bachelor with a mansion too big for his lonely soul. He was a second home to Ed.

"I'm glad you made it alive Ed. I would be lost without you."

Ed chuckled and poured him a drink, "I'm not your lover Jamie. Stop it with your ridiculous words."

"Can you blame me? I'm a lonely old man. All I have is these walls."

"I figure it's time for you to manipulate a lady into your sugar traps." Jamie let out a hearty laugh.

"How's your boy?"

"He's teething already. I don't give him enough time. I'm lucky his mother forgives everything."

Jamie gave a grin. "It makes me happy seeing you with your family. It makes me believe in love."

A sad look flashed across Ed's Blue eyes. "If anything ever happens to me, God forbid.... I want you to take care of them. Will you?"

His face fell. "Don't say such things Eddie. You'll be fine."

"Just please... give me your word.Will you keep my son safe for me?"

Jamie gulped as he promised. The uncertainty in his friend's eyes made his insides churn. He knew it himself. Ed's time was almost over. He had gotten himself into deep shit.