Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“Please notice that the rear of the crypt faces the royal palace in Onisa,” Everand pointed out as he walked to the iron gate that barred the way inside. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but Grandmother died three days after King Xavier passed. After she heard the news, she collapsed suddenly and never recovered.”
“I heard the Dowager Queen’s death quickly followed my father’s, but I never believed it had anything to do with it,” King Victor said stiffly.
“You’ll see. One of the few things she told us on her deathbed was the instructions she’d written for her crypt.” Everand paused and shot a smirk at Victor. “It was ten pages long.”
“Ten pages?” The king gasped.
“She was very detailed in where she wanted her final rest, the building’s appearance, and exactly what it would house.” Everand turned his attention to the combination lock and thumbed in the correct numbers until there was a loud click.
Everand removed the lock and hooked it on to part of the iron lattice of the gate before pushing the double doors open. He stepped away and motioned for King Victor to precede him. “Would you like to go first?”
To Hugo’s surprise, Victor took a step back and shook his head. The color had drained from his face as Everand spoke, as if it were hitting him that maybe he’d been wrong about his grandmother’s affection for him and his father.
The prince didn’t mock him. He simply nodded and threaded his fingers through Hugo’s.
“Are you sure?” Hugo inquired, hesitating.
“Of course. I’d like my fiancé to meet my grandmother.”
“You know, I’ve never officially agreed to be your fiancé,” Hugo teased.
“That’s good, because I’ve never officially asked. Trust me, when I do, it’s going to be a moment you’ll never forget.”
Unfortunately, the warm joy that had blossomed in Hugo’s chest froze as he stepped inside. In the center of the room was the typical white marble coffin that held the remains of Queen Victoria Rosewood, mother of Hubert and Crispin Rosewood as well as Xavier Ryder. However, it was what hung on the walls that caused Hugo’s heart to skip.
Exquisitely painted portraits covered the walls between each of the stained-glass windows. On the left were portraits of King Xavier throughout the course of his life, from infancy to the birth of his son. On the right were portraits of King Victor that also traced the course of his life from birth to his ascension as king. In addition, there were marble shelves that lined the walls below the portraits, and they held mementoes from their lifetimes.
A sharp intake of breath ripped Hugo’s eyes from his surroundings to find King Victor standing just over the threshold. He lifted a trembling hand to his mouth as if to hold in any more pained sounds.
“I was here for her interment,” Everand stated in a low voice. “She never spoke of you or your father. Refused to say one word about her past. But as I walked in here for the first time, I finally understood what you meant to her. She regretted leaving your father behind, but she knew she couldn’t take him and be free.”
“Why…why didn’t she ever say anything? To me? To my father?” Victor’s voice shook.
“Maybe she was afraid you’d hate her. That you’d never be able to forgive her for following her heart,” Hugo replied.
Tears spilled down Victor’s cheeks. “I don’t know if I can.”
“Then don’t.” Everand’s harsh tone drew both their looks. “I’m not sure I could if I were you. I think the only thing you can take from this visit today is the knowledge that she did, in fact, love you and your father very much. She clearly had her own spies keeping an eye on you and collecting tidbits as mementos. She hired the best painters she could find so she could have your likeness around her all the time.” Everand released Hugo and walked to one of the shelves. He opened a dark-wood jewelry box and pulled out a pendant on a long silver chain.
Everand carried it to Victor and held it out to him. “I think you should have this.”
Victor didn’t reach for it. His entire being was tense and withdrawn, seeming as if he didn’t trust anything. “What is it?”
“A necklace she wore all the time. I can’t remember seeing her without it.” He placed it in Victor’s hand and returned to Hugo. “We’ll leave you alone with her.”
Their hands clasped, Everand drew Hugo outside into the afternoon light. Hugo tipped his head up to the sun and dragged in a cleansing breath, pulling the fresh air deep into his lungs. Captain Ryze peeked inside the crypt to check on his king and stationed himself and the other guards outside as protection.
“She fought hard to end the wars between Branem and Wulia,” Everand admitted suddenly. “While she couldn’t speak out against them publicly and appear disloyal, I know she argued with my grandfather and father constantly to find a way to peace. She argued for concessions and peace talks, but you know how hotheaded and stubborn men can be.” He shot Hugo a smirk.