Chapter 15: The Midnight Meeting

Arthur approached the old windmill, his heart pounding in his chest. The moon was full overhead, casting an eerie glow over the deserted landscape. He had never been to the windmill before, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

As he pushed open the creaky door, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Lady Victoria, her eyes glinting in the moonlight.

"Welcome, Prince Arthur," she said, her voice low and husky. "I see you received my message."

Arthur nodded, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want?" he asked.

Lady Victoria smiled, her lips curling up. "I want to show you something," she said. "Something that will change everything."

She turned and disappeared into the darkness, beckoning Arthur to follow. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should trust her. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he followed her deeper into the windmill.

They climbed a narrow staircase, the steps creaking beneath their feet. Arthur's heart was pounding in his chest, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap.

Finally, they reached a small room at the top of the windmill. Lady Victoria pushed open the door, revealing a stunning view of the castle and the surrounding countryside.

But Arthur's attention was drawn to something else. On the wall, there was a large portrait of a man he didn't recognize. The man was tall and handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a strong jawline.

"Who is this?" Arthur asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lady Victoria smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "This is your father," she said. "The king."

Arthur's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Lady Victoria's smile grew wider. "I mean that the king is not your real father," she said. "Your real father is the man in this portrait."

Arthur's mind was reeling. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His whole life, he had thought that the king was his father. But now, he was being told that it was all a lie.

"Why are you telling me this?" Arthur asked, his voice shaking with emotion.

Lady Victoria's eyes seemed to bore into his soul. "I'm telling you this because you have a right to know the truth," she said. "And because you need to know who your real enemies are."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Lady Victoria's smile grew wider. "I mean that the king is not what he seems," she said. "He has secrets, Prince Arthur. Secrets that could destroy everything."

Arthur's mind was racing. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The king, his father, was a liar? It couldn't be true.

But Lady Victoria's words had struck a chord. Arthur had always felt like there was something missing, something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. And now, he was beginning to realize that it was the truth.

"Who are you?" Arthur asked, his eyes locked on Lady Victoria.

She smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm someone who knows the truth," she said. "And I'm someone who is willing to risk everything to tell you."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.

Lady Victoria's smile grew wider. "Because I believe in you, Prince Arthur," she said. "I believe that you have the power to change everything."

Arthur's mind was reeling. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Lady Victoria, this mysterious woman, believed in him? It was too much to take in.

But as he looked into her eyes, he saw something there that gave him pause. It was a spark of sincerity, a glimmer of hope.

And in that moment, Arthur knew that he had to trust her. He had to believe that she was telling the truth.

"Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Victoria's smile grew wider. "You're welcome, Prince Arthur," she said. "Now, let's get to work. We have a lot to do."

And with that, she turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Arthur to ponder the truth.