Chapter 21: Awakened Powers

King Albert's eyes darted between the two men, and his expression turned sour at once. He mentally slapped his forehead on seeing Ethan's expression.

"Does anyone want to give me an explanation on what went on yesterday?" King Albert asked with folded arms as he stared at the two Princes.

"Father, it is all his wife's fault, how dare she question my Fiancée?" Edward was quick to pin the blame on both Ethan and Adelaide.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, but he kept quiet. He would rather his brother spew out all the filth from his mouth.

"And so? What did Adelaide say which warranted your erratic actions yesterday?" King Albert questioned. Within him, his anger was reaching its peak.

"She said numerous things," Edward replied with his head lowered.

"Things such as?" King Albert pressed for a more detailed response.

"She accused Madeline of saying she was Ethan's childhood sweetheart, but everyone is aware that Ethan detests Madeline, if anyone finds out she said something like that, she would have herself to blame, and Madeline isn't one to tarnish her reputation."

Edward explained, and towards the end, his voice became lighter, for he didn't trust his words anymore.

Ethan scoffed loudly, which turned the other two men's----King Albert's and Edward's--- attention towards him.

"Do you think Adelaide is the type to lie? If she said Madeline said such a thing, then it is a hundred percent sure that she said such a thing, why would she frame Madeline?" Ethan's words made sense as he eyed Edward who was put in a fix.

"And Father, you know Adelaide better, is she the type to do such a thing?" Ethan asked with a smile, but underneath that smile was a deadly venom no one could go against.

King Albert cleared his throat awkwardly. Of course, he was well aware of Adelaide's character. He trusted Adelaide, and was more tempted to believe her.

"Father, you should not be swayed by his words, you have known Madeline since she was a kid," Edward protested at once when he realized King Albert's wavering.

King Albert immediately shot him a glare. To seem fair, King Albert could issue this order.

"I have heard from both sides, so I have decided that you four needs to increase the bond between yourselves," King Albert started, his eyes darting towards Ethan who had his brows raised.

King Albert coughed before he continued, "so I have decided that you are to have a mandatory horse race."

Ethan smiled meaningfully while wondering what the old man was up to.

Edward, on the other hand, clenched his fists tightly. He was good at horse races, but compared to Ethan, he was nothing which leaves him to wonder what his Father was up to.

"This is a friendly race, and it is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Edward, I don't want you to play any tricks, remember, this race is to build your bond," King Albert directly warned Edward which caused his face to be twisted in anger.

"Won't you give the same warning to Edward?" Edward forced out a smile which was worse than a crying face as he asked the question. If he had known, he would not have asked as he would never have expected his father's reply.

"Ethan doesn't need to be warned, he won't stoop so low to result in tricks, I can trust him, but sadly, I can't say the same for you," King Albert sharply replied, not minding the hurt his words caused his son.

Edward gasped loudly, but seeing the unrepentant look on his father's face, he had no choice than to keep quiet, no matter how the words stung.

__________

"Where is my wife?" This was the first question Ethan asked once he stepped into his Chamber.

"She is tending to the flowers in the garden," one of the maids replied, and Ethan nodded, before making his way to the garden, a smile on his face.

Once he reached the garden, his face changed at once. He could sense some strange energy coming from the garden, and he immediately dashed in.

His frown deepened once he saw the garden, but could not find Adelaide.

'Is her powers being awakened?' Ethan asked himself as he forced himself through the garden which was covered with mist.

"Adelaide," Ethan called out, and one could hear the panic in his voice.

He was searching through the garden, but could not find her, and he was beginning to panic. If anyone saw Ethan this way, there would be a doubt if he was the same Ethan who was always composed despite anything.

After searching for about twenty minutes, Ethan found Adelaide unconscious in a very secret corner, a place which could be missed if one didn't search properly.

"Adelaide," he immediately squatted to her level, patting her on her cheeks at the same time, but it was to no avail.

It was then he noticed a red mark on her forehead while her face was ghastly pale, and his heart sank immediately.

"I didn't expect you to awaken your powers so soon, is my presence that potent?" He murmured to himself as he picked her up, knowing fully well that she would be unable to wake up in her current state.

After a few minutes, Ethan walked out of the garden, and the guards and maids were shocked to see the unconscious Adelaide in his arms.

They wondered what must have happened, but none had the courage to ask. Even if they did, Ethan would not be giving them a reply due to his current state.

Ethan finally made his way into the room, and he carefully placed Adelaide on the bed, while sighing.

Suddenly, someone materialized into his room, and his eyes narrowed on seeing who it was.

"What are you doing here?" He asked at once, putting on a defensive aura.

"Relax, I am here to check up on her," the person replied with pursed lips as her eyes landed on Adelaide who was still deathly pale.

"And why don't I believe you, Mother?" Ethan asked, his voice deep.

It turns out it was Queen Victoria who showed up in the room.

"Alright, I sensed a strange energy, and I know she is the only one who is associated with the energy, so I decided to check up on her, has she awakened her powers?" Queen Victoria asked, and for the first time, a look of concern flashed through her face.

Ethan's face softened when he heard what she said, and he let out a sigh.

"It seems so, the red mark is on her forehead," Ethan replied, his face not leaving Adelaide for once.

"Then I guess it is time you told her the truth," Queen Victoria stated which caused Ethan to snap his head towards her in surprise.