Chapter 58 - The Queen's Commands

In the dim glow of twilight, Prince Ethan found himself drawn once more to the painting. With a tender touch, he lifted it from its perch, the canvas a portal to a world where his desires were not bound by duty. "Perhaps this time, fortune will smile upon me and grant me the chance to share this with Serena," he whispered, his voice a fragile hope in the quiet room.

As Prince Ethan approached the door, anticipation quickening his steps, he reached out eagerly for the handle. But before his hand could grasp it, a sharp knock interrupted his movement, and Simon's voice called from the other side. "Your highness, the Queen's messenger is here. Her Majesty wishes to see you," came the prompt, breaking the stillness of the room.

Prince Ethan's frustration, like a storm brewing within him, threatened to engulf him. "First Lucas, then my father, then Sophia, then Alexander, and now mother," he lamented, the burden of obligation pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. With a rueful glance heavenward, he addressed the unseen forces that seemed to conspire against him. "Oh, divine providence, when I dared to wonder if matters could worsen, I never imagined you would take it as a challenge."

As Simon awaited a response from inside, he repeated with urgency, "Your highness, the queen is summoning you."

Inside, Prince Ethan's mind churned with frustration and longing. "Just a simple wish—to meet Serena, oh God," he lamented, the artwork in his hand a poignant symbol of his unfulfilled aspiration. "Two days gone, yet every attempt thwarted by interruption."

Standing poised at the door, Prince Ethan responded, "Yes, I am coming." With a yearning glint in his eyes, he paused for a moment, before retracing his steps and carefully returning the painting to its place on the table. With a wistful glance, he silently vowed to return to its beauty later. Then, with purposeful strides, he followed the Queen's messenger, leaving behind the echoes of his unspoken desires in the quiet sanctuary of his chamber.

Meanwhile, As Serena made her way to her room, her thoughts swirled with the memory of the elusive shadowy figure she had glimpsed from her window for the past two nights. Contemplating whom to confide in, she recalled Prince Victor's gesture of offering solace through a token. Yet, her hopes dimmed as she remembered his absence from the palace, his return delayed by nearly a month. Turning her thoughts to Prince Oliver, she hesitated, knowing he was embroiled in his own struggles.

Lost in her thoughts, Serena's senses sharpened as she detected a presence trailing behind her. Could it be the mysterious figure from her window? With a surge of courage, she pivoted, confirming her suspicions as she glimpsed a shadowy figure cloaked in black, skulking nearby. Determined to uncover the truth, she gave chase, her resolve unwavering even as the figure darted through winding paths in an attempt to evade her.

As the shadowy figure sprinted across the dark grounds of the palace, her thoughts raced with caution and strategy. "She's remarkably fast, but revealing my identity now would jeopardize everything. I must bide my time and learn more before sharing the secrets," the figure mused silently. Determined to maintain anonymity, the shadowy figure plotted her next move. "Heading towards a place with more guards will heighten the risk, but as the saying goes, the more dangerous it is, the safer it is," the figure reasoned.

With swift, silent steps, the shadowy figure veered towards the heavily guarded area, figure's heart pounding with the thrill of the chase. As it disappeared into the shadows of heightened security, Serena's relentless pursuit faltered, thwarted by the mysterious figure's speed and cunningness. Instead, her attention was drawn to a familiar voice resonating from nearby. "Serena," he called. It was Prince Ethan, who was on his way towards the Queen's residence.

Serena turned towards the sound of Prince Ethan's voice, finding him standing before her with two guards in tow. "Why are you here, Serena? This area is restricted to those with explicit permission; unauthorized individuals are not permitted." His question was laced with genuine curiosity and worry.

Serena deliberated, grappling with the decision of whether to reveal the shadowy figure that had been trailing her for two nights and days. Before she could decide, Prince Ethan's words cut through her thoughts, his tone carrying a mix of disappointment and disbelief.

"Well, isn't this luck, Serena," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with incredulity. "I had planned to meet you and present the painting, but circumstances prevented it. Now, in this unexpected encounter, I find myself without the painting I wanted to share." He mentally chided himself, "Well, Ethan, way to go! You wished to meet her, and guess what? Wish granted! But apparently, I forgot to specify the whole painting part in my little chat with the heavens above. Note to self: be more specific next time!"

With a neutral tone devoid of the excitement Prince Ethan hoped to elicit, Serena responded, "Oh, the painting is completed."

Prince Ethan discreetly motioned for the two guards, Simon and the Queen's messenger, to step back, allowing for a moment of privacy. Speaking in a low voice, intended for Serena's ears alone, he confided, "Yes, I even came this morning intending to show you the painting. But I noticed you were occupied, engaged in conversation with Alexander, and later, you disappeared into the kitchen with him. I didn't want to intrude." His words carried a hint of expectation, waiting for her reaction.

Serena's expression shifted noticeably at Prince Ethan's revelation, but it wasn't one of regret or excitement as he had anticipated. Instead, fear, uncertainty, and unease clouded her features. Summoning her courage, she inquired, "Did you arrive before Alexander and follow me?" Her voice trembled slightly, revealing the turmoil within her.

Confused by her question, Ethan denied any secretive motives. "Why would I follow you secretly, Serena? I arrived only after you were already with Alexander," he stated. Concern flickered in his eyes as he realized Serena's unease. "Was someone following you?"

Serena hesitated, grappling with the decision to reveal her concerns. But before she could respond, the Queen's messenger interjected. "Your Highness, Her Majesty awaits your presence."

Prince Ethan glanced at Serena, his expression hesitant as he spoke, "I'm sorry, Serena, but I must go. I'm rather busy at the moment. I promise I'll come to you later," he assured her. He paused, his tone grave as he added, "And please, leave this area. It's not safe for you to linger here. The guards won't take kindly to unauthorized personnel."

Serena's nod conveyed her unease as she watched Prince Ethan leave, the gravity of his warning weighing on her. With a reluctant step, she turned away, making her way back to her room, her departure tinged with lingering uncertainty.

As Serena retreated, the shadowy figure finally allowed itself a deep exhale, the tension draining from their body. With a swift, fluid motion, the figure dissolved into the shadows, it's presence vanishing without a trace.

As Prince Ethan entered the Queen's chamber, he found her seated, "Come here, Ethan," the Queen commanded, her tone a mixture of authority and warmth.

Prince Ethan obeyed, stepping nearer to his mother. As he approached, he couldn't help but notice the multitude of papers clutched in her hands.

"I've compiled the list," the Queen began, her voice carrying a sense of purpose. "It's not yet complete, but for now, I need you to fetch these items for the designated locations as indicated."

She extended the papers towards Prince Ethan, who accepted them with a sense of duty. With careful attention, he began to read through each item listed.

"Mother, most of these locations are outside the capital," Prince Ethan observed, a hint of concern in his voice.

The Queen nodded knowingly. "Yes, I'm aware," she replied calmly.

Perplexed, Prince Ethan questioned, "Why not assign trusted servants to retrieve the items from the outlying cities? I can handle those within the capital."

The Queen's response was firm. "You want servants to transport these precious and vital items unaccompanied?" she challenged.

Prince Ethan paused, considering his mother's point. "But, Mother, coordinating trips to multiple cities is a monumental task," he reasoned.

The Queen fixed him with a steady gaze. "Who was it this morning who expressed their desire to take on the responsibility of overseeing the preparations for their sister's marriage?" she reminded him.

With a sigh laced with remorse, Prince Ethan admitted, "It was me who said that."

The Queen's expression softened as she nodded in understanding. "Then honor your own words and depart early tomorrow morning to complete the task I've assigned you," she instructed firmly.

"Yes, Mother," Prince Ethan replied, his tone reflecting his acceptance of the responsibility.

"And ensure nothing on the list is overlooked," the Queen added with emphasis.

"Understood, Mother," Prince Ethan affirmed, his commitment evident in his voice.

"Very well. Now, go and prepare for your journey," the Queen concluded, signaling his dismissal.

With a respectful nod, Prince Ethan left the Queen's chamber, a furrow forming on his brow as he examined the extensive list in his hands. "How many days will it take to procure all these items?" he asked himself, frustration evident in his voice. "It'll take more than a week." His frustration peaked, and he let out an exasperated grunt, stomping his foot in annoyance. "But I brought this upon myself."

Simon, ever vigilant, observed the prince's agitation and offered a calming presence. "Calm down, Your Highness," he advised softly.

Prince Ethan took a deep breath, attempting to rein in his emotions. "Yes, you're right," he conceded, addressing Simon. "We depart early tomorrow morning, so ensure that everything is prepared."

As he pondered the task ahead, a pang of yearning washed over Prince Ethan. "It seems I won't be able to show you the painting for more than a week," he lamented silently.