Ruins of a Broken Vow

King Maxwell sat in his private study, his fingers crawling on his desk as he stared at the document before him. Legal papers. Custody documents. This custody battle was the last thing he needed, but he must fight to regain his heir.

He had given Elena time, perhaps too much. He had tried and hoped that she would come back to him or atleast let Theodore into his life, or realized that keeping his son from him was just impossible and unfair. But she remained firm on her decision, stubborn as ever.

Maxwell exhaled sharply in frustration, pushing the document aside. "She won't just let me in his life willingly." He muttered.

Across from him was his friend, Lord Sebastian, observing the king with a knowing look. "And yet you refused to take him by force. We both know you have the power and the right connections to have your son here with you today if you want."

Maxwell turned his gaze at him in anger. "He's my son, not a prize to be stolen."

Sebastian smirked in disapproval. "And yet, the law is on your side. We both know Elena has no standing against you, not in wealth, not in power. A single decree and I will personally see to it that the boy is brought to the palace tonight."

Maxwell knew that. But the last thing he wanted was for his Son to see him as a tyrant. He had failed them once, he wasn't going to let history repeat itself. Moreover, Theodore wasn't just a name on his document. He was a child. His child. Who needs to be treated with respect and honor befitting for an heir. Still patience has his limits.

He rose from his chair, his mind made up.

"If Elena refuses to listen to reasons, then I will make her understand." He said with his voice low, but with a tone of decree and finality.

Sabastian smirked in disbelief. "And how do you intend to do that? We all know you have a soft spot for Elena."

"I will remind her that no matter how far she runs, she can never outrun a King. If I must have them back or atleast my son, then I must let emotions aside and fight for what is mine." Maxwell wasn't a man who liked to wait. He was used to getting what he wants, when he wants and however he wanted. And right now all he wanted was his son.

"Elena is making this harder than it needs to be."

Sabastian let out a soft sigh. "Women rarely do things the easy way."

Maxwell shot him a sharp look. He knew Elena wasn't just difficult but protective. She was holding on to her experiences. To her, this was reveange. She didn't want her son to grow up in the cold palace that once turned its back on her. But what she didn't understand was the undying love he has for her. He wasn't the same man who couldn't defend her.

"She's forcing my hand Sebastian."

Sebastian leaned forward. "Then use it."

The following day, he made his way back to Elena, for a final attempt at a peaceful resolution. His driver parked in front of a modest apartment building where Elena lived. The thought of the conversation he was about to have, tightened something in his chest. He then stepped out of his car, his presence commanding even in the dim lights of the evening. He barely made it through the entrance before Elena stepped out to stop him.

"You shouldn't be here" she said in a quiet, yet commanding manner.

But Maxwell wasn't in the mood for another standoff. "And you shouldn't have kept my son from me." He bit out, tower over her in an instant. "Yet here we are."

Elena's grip tightened around the door knob. "Lower your voice."

Maxwell let out a humorless laugh. "Why? Are you afraid your neighbors will hear the truth? That the mighty miss goody two shoes had spent years hiding the heir to the throne of a great kingdom like some shameful secret?"

"He's not your heir, he's my son." Her eyes flashed with fury.

"And mine. Or have you convinced yourself otherwise?" Maxwell cut in with a muscle of anger pulling out in his jaw.

Elena staggered two steps back, as if she needed to breathe. "I don't owe you an explanation Max."

Maxwell pushed forward until her back met the door. He then crowded her with his arms. "You don't get to decide." He whispered softly to her ears in a low dangerous voice. "You had your chance to come to me, to figure things out with me, to show how badly hurt you were. We could have figured it out together. Instead, you chose to disappear like a coward."

Elena swung her hand to slap him, but Maxwell held held it before she could.

"Coward you said? You dare call me a coward when you….."

"Enough" Maxwell cut in. "You can hate me all you want, but you won't shut me out. I will be in my son's life and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

Elena breath became fast, her breath rising and falling without control. She ripped her wrist free from his hand. "Get out."

Maxwell took a slow step back, watching her like a weak vessel he could easily crush, yet like a tender heart he wanted close.

"This isn't over" he said with a promise gaze. "You will see me again my darling queen."

He then turned and walked into his car, leaving her standing there. Furious, shaken and afraid. This was only the beginning of the king's rage.