A GAP OF FIFTEEN YEARS
IN THE LANCHESTER PALACE
After the missing of Evelyn both Aldrich and Brandon became cold and emotionless. It's been fifteen years since Evelyn went missing. A lot changed in the Lanchester palace. The cheerful princes were now cold and emotionless. The both of them were still searching for Evelyn but with no luck. The King and Queen who were friendly to approach became intimating. The only person who could keep the palace warm was Mia Lanchester. The only Princess of Lanchester and sister of Aldrich. She came as the warmth of the family and also knew about the missing Evelyn. Due to safety reasons, she was kept away from the palace fifteen years ago. And the Lanchesters were thankful about that, or they could have lost her just like Evelyn.
Avery sighed while making coffee for her husband and son "It's been fifteen years since Evelyn went missing. An another year and she's still not here." Tears streaming down her face while remembering the unfortunate day. " Come back soon, dear. Everyone is longing for you, especially Aldrich and Brandon." Avery wipes her tears silently praying for Evelyn and pours the coffee to serve Aldrich and Adrian. While keeping herself steady she heads towards the living room, where Aldrich was looking at some documents of his company and Adrian reading the newspaper. Avery greeted both of them and served the coffee. Adrian took a sip and sighed. Aldrich as always kept his cold face and continued his work.
This was the daily routine in Lanchester palace. Even if Aldrich was brought in some conversations, he would give one word replies or just nods in approval or disapproval. Brandon was the same. Avery's heart ached seeing them like this, but she knew only Evelyn could fix them. Adrian knew everything, but he too was helpless. He sent a message to Mia, hoping her presence will lighten and relax them. Brandon came and sat beside Aldrich with trembling hands. Aldrich kept his coffee aside and looks at him in concern. Avery and Adrian were concerned too.
Brandon with a trembling voice broke the news " T..there's a clue about princess." Avery and Adrian were happy hearing it, but Aldrich reaction wasn't like them. Aldrich asked in a cold tone, with Maximilian surfacing on his head " Be clear, Brandon." Brandon took a deep breath knowing the severity of the topic. He cautiously said " The river in which princess was seen goes through three countries. The two countries have already notified that princess isn't there, but the third country notified of a family registering themselves around the time princess went missing."
Hearing Brandon, a hope raised among the Lanchester couple. But Aldrich didn't express his thoughts. He asked " How are you sure it is her?" Brandon expected this and forwarded a document to Aldrich. " This country has a very less population. And this family has the only girl of princess age, who is their adopted daughter." Everyone's eyes widened and Aldrich's patience ran thin. He couldn't help but ask " Which village is it?" Brandon pointed the name in the document and said, " Vintage Valley." Hearing the name, Avery held Adrian's hand tightly and frowned. Noticing his parents' behavior, Aldrich glanced at them.
Adrian asked Brandon with doubts in his mind," Who adopted her?" Brandon searched the name and answered him, " Someone named Darvin Quinns." Both Avery and Adrian looked at each other and then said, " He's the son of our old butler, who resigned before moving to the old palace." Aldrich, who was silent the whole time, said, " Why didn't he report this to us?" Brandon, who agreed with him, glanced at the Lanchester couple. Adrian said, " Even we found it odd when he resigned. His son already had a daughter who was two years old by then. So, it may be possible that the adopted daughter could be our Evelyn."
Adrian's words gave more hope to Aldrich and Brandon. Aldrich gave Brandon a sharp look. Understanding the gaze, Brandon excused himself and waited for Aldrich in his study. Soon, Aldrich arrived and gestured for Brandon to sit. While playing with paper weights, " Figure out some way to lure them here." Brandon was surprised to hear this. He asked to clear his doubt, " Won't we confirm first?" Still playing with the paper weight, Aldrich said, " Maximilian believes it's her." Brandon nodded in understanding and headed to carry on the order. As soon as Brandon was out, Maximilian surfaced. " She's there. I can feel it. Something is restricting our bond." The paper weight broke into pieces due to the heavy pressure. Aldrich's eyes were red, indicating Maximilian's anger.