Royally Kidnapped by the Prince novel Chapter 51

THAYER

“Where’s my son?”

I was startled by my father’s words. Then I froze like a corpse when I sensed him behind me. He was probably with my mother.

I ruined everything. Now, I realized what I had done. I probably lost the woman I loved as well.

“Son?”

I was fucked-up mess. Shaking, I turned around to face my parents and the consequences I would face. But it wasn’t what I saw before my blurry eyes.

“How are you holding up?” my father asked.

I shook my head. My emotions were everywhere. What had just happened was like a freight train running over me. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to erase those images out of my mind. Jealousy stabbed me in my chest, and I lost control. I just couldn’t bear someone or those men touching Kennedy.

A hot warm liquid rolled down my face. I bit the trembled on my lip, wiping off the tear on my face.

“Honey, we’re gonna fix this. Ash is already asking the men he hired to watch Kennedy. We still haven’t heard from her, though,” Mom said, rubbing my arms.

“After what I said, I doubt if she ever talks to me.” Guilt and regret shouldn’t mix because it made a man insane.

“Everything is gonna be okay. I don’t believe even for a second that Kennedy could do such things in those images.”

“So did I,” my father agreed.

“Yeah, but I already fucked up.” Tears threatened to fall again. 

My body shook. I dragged myself down to the floor. I realized the damages I’d done to my family and Kennedy. If there was one person to blame for this was nothing but me.

“Your Highness.” It was Ash’s voice. 

“Any news?” my father asked him.

“I think I got something, but we have to confirm the flight.”

“What flight?” I snapped my gaze to Ash. 

He didn’t even bother to look at me. “If what the men I hired said was true, Miss Gilby and her friends booked two flights. One to Hollywood and the other to Las Vegas. They lost them before the flight to Vegas took off. The flight to LA was three hours after Nevada.” 

“Those pictures were taken in LA. Am I right?” my mother asked.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Well, finally, there’s some good news.

***

I woke up with a terrible headache. Those images flashed in my head again. They said the show must go on. The PR advised me not to cancel any public appearances. 

My popularity just dropped fifteen percent. Most of those comments were saying that they couldn’t rely on me anymore. That was how people could quickly judge someone like they knew every fucking bone in my body. I couldn’t blame them, though. I, myself, couldn’t trust my decision anymore. I let my emotions clouded my judgment. 

The next day, I arrived to meet Princess Eina. She and I shared interests. We became good friends since she fought to save the animal sanctuary last year.

“I’m sorry to hear about you and your fiancee.”

“Thanks.” I smiled despite the excruciating pain in my chest. The beautiful forest should grant me peace of mind. Right now, I couldn’t even appreciate anything.

“Thanks also for coming over. You could have just sent a representative.” 

“This is the best way to clear my head.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, we have another Arctic fox.”

My chest lightened up a little bit. “That’s great. How did acquire it?”

“One of the hunters found it the Scandinavian forest.” She stopped. “If I can help you with anything, please, Thayer, don’t hesitate. I’m your friend.” She held my arm. 

Heart-wrenching sorrow rolled down inside me. “I know. This is what I just needed for now.”

I boarded the private jet later on. As soon as I locked my seat belt, Ash put a piece of folded paper on the table. He then settled at the back. I didn’t have to unfold to know what was that. I just destroyed our friendship as well. I let my anger, my rage, and my anguish consume me. Now, I started to hate myself. 

Accepting my defeat and mistakes wasn’t easy for me, but for the sake of my friendship with the most important people in my life who would never hesitate to catch a bullet for me or even donated their vital organs, I should do the right thing. 

After the takeoff, the seat belt light turned off. I unhitched my buckle and joined Ash and Lud.

“Let’s talk the elephant in the room, shall we?”

“I’ve got nothing to say. I made peace with my future, and this is my last day,” Ash said, audibly let go of a sigh of relief.