Forgotten Wife Let the traitors kneel Down (by Patricia Maradiaga) novel Chapter 13

A Kings Duty

A King’s Duty.

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Alessandro was sitting in his office reviewing some documents when his assistant, Gabriel Astrey knocked on the door with his knuckles and shortly after, entered the office.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, Your Majesty, but there is something I would like to discuss with you.”

Alessandro continued with his work, moving his hand and said to him.

“Go ahead.”

“There is a topic that always comes up for discussion in the court lately,” he said.

“What topic?” The king asked.

“The fact that Your Majesty has been married for four years and still has no heir.”

Alessandro’s hand stopped, and he looked at his assistant as if he wanted to kill him with his gaze, but Gabriel was not intimidated. He had become used to receiving that kind of treatment, so he

continued talking.

“Your Majesty, perhaps you are not aware that there must be a successor, although you may not like the idea, you must have a child.”

“That’s my problem,” Alessandro replied.

“Please, Your Majesty, be aware that it is your duty to the kingdom, there must be a successor to the throne, otherwise the legacy of the royal family will disappear.” Gabriel continued.

“Someday I will have a child, but that is not important right now.” The king said.

“Your Majesty, you will turn twenty–eight this year.”

“How much longer do you plan to wait?” Gabriel said.

Alessandro’s gaze became more terrifying. Gabriel felt he would lose his life at any moment, but he

could not remain silent.

“Let me remind you that children take time to grow.”

“They must also be educated from a young age.”

“Your Majesty cannot continue to postpone the inevitable.” Gabriel boldingly said, hiding his fears.

Alessandro clenched his hand into a fist. His wife was the daughter of his worst enemy, a man who had killed almost his entire family. The mere idea of his child carrying his blood repulsed him. Gabriel was aware of that and told him.

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“I know it’s not easy for Your Majesty, your wife is that man’s daughter.”

“That’s why you should get a concubine.”

“You know that’s not possible.”

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“The heir to the throne being the son of a concubine is not something that speaks well of me or better still welcomed in our tradition.” The king replied.

“Your Majesty, then why don’t you kill that woman and re–marry?” Gabriel asked.

Alessandro laughed bitterly and said:

“Killing her would give King Venobich a reason to start the war again.”

“I won’t put my kingdom in danger just for my selfishness.”

“Even though the idea of being with that woman repulses me, I have no other choice.” The king

said.

***

Winter had ended, Cassian had gone to visit Abril and was thinking about what they would do that day. When he arrived, he was very surprised to see her plowing the land and asked somewhat

confusedly:

“What are you doing?!”

“Spring has already begun.”

“I must start cultivating my garden.“She replied.

“You’re a princess, how can you do such a thing?” Cassian said.

“I’ve been doing it for three years.”

“Although it was difficult for me at first, now it’s easy for me.”

“And as I said before, I’m just a princess in name.”

“I’ve never been treated as such.”

“If I don’t cultivate my own food, I’ll starve.” Abril replied.

“How can you say such a thing?”

“It sounds as if no one takes care of you.” Cassian said.

Abril continued plowing the land and said:

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“After coming almost every day, you still haven’t realized it?”

“Since I arrived here, there hasn’t been anyone taking care of me.”

“I was left to my own devices.”

“If I hadn’t done this, I would have died of hunger a long time ago.”

“And if I’m honest, that’s the only death I don’t desire.”

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Cassian didn’t know how to respond. That day, he returned to the palace early. He went to his brother’s office, he peeked his head through the door, and asked:

“Brother, can I come in?’

“Of course, come in.” He replied.

Cassian sat down in the chair opposite him and hesitated for a moment before saying,

“I’m sorry for interrupting your work.”

“Don’t worry, I was planning on taking a little break to eat.”

“Do you want to join me?” The king said.

“Yes” Cassian replied.

Alessandro and Cassian went to the dining room. In just a few minutes, the servants served a

grand feast for the two of them. When Cassian saw all the food that had been served, he

remembered that Abril had never had a meal like that since he had been visiting her every day. She

always made her own simple meals. Alessandro noticed that his brother hadn’t touched his food

and asked him.

“Are you okay, Cassian?”

“Yes, Lessan,” he replied.

“You don’t seem okay, you haven’t touched your food.” The king said.

“Brother, there’s something I’d like to ask you.” Cassian said.

“Ask whatever you want.” The king replied.

“Do you know what kind of magic Princess Abril has?” Cassian asked.

“No, I’ve hardly talked to her and never asked her.”

“Why?” The king asked.

“It’s just that King Venobich has great magical power, and I was curious to know what kind of

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magic the princess has.” Cassian replied.

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Alessandro had never thought about it since the princess went unnoticed, but if she had the same

magic as King Venobich, she could destroy the royal palace. She could be the perfect weapon to bring down the kingdom from within.

“I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Now I realize I’ve been too careless.”

“I’ll have to take care of it.‘ The king said.

“Lessan, what do you plan to do?” His brother asked.

“First, I’ll make sure of what kind of magic she possesses.”

“I’ll take her to the temple to find out, and then I’ll decide what to do.” The king replied.

“I would like to accompany you.” Cassian said.

“There are many steps in the temple which are not good for your leg.”

“It’s better if you don’t go.” The king replied.

“No, brother, I want to go with you.”

“Please let me accompany you.” He pleaded.

This was the first time Cassian was going to leave the palace since his leg had been bothering him. He had always hated that others saw him limping, which is why he always stayed in his room or in the library. Alessandro couldn’t refuse his request and told him.

“It’s okay, you can accompany me.” The king replied

“Thank you, brother.” He replied, smiling.

“No, I should be the one thanking you for making me see that I was being careless.” His Majesty

replied.

Cassian knew that the princess was not dangerous. However, he wanted to discover what kind of magic Abril possessed, since, thanks to her, he had improved a lot and his leg no longer failed him. Although this improvement was not lasting, Cassian had verified that if he stopped visiting the princess, the pain in his leg intensified to such an extent that it became unbearable and the closer he was to her, the faster the pain disappeared. She had become his medic and he wanted to know the reason why. He would not rest until he found out.