The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1796

"I know what Erik wants, and the moment he shows up, I'm gonna catch him. I want to trade him for Serena's life. Is that okay?" Martin pleaded as he bowed deeply, "Please."

The four exchanged knowing glances, silently concluding that the kid was a lost cause. He was hopelessly devoted to that girl, Serena, who just couldn't see it. Her heart had always belonged to Romeo.

"Just go home." Louisa was adamant about not releasing Serena, "She's hurt Bella time and time again. I'm not about to let her off the hook that easily. And to be brutally honest, if she's really dying, it's Erik's fault. Why hasn't he shown up all this time? If he can ignore his own daughter's life or death, why should you, just her boyfriend, bother?"

"Mrs. Collins." Martin began, but Louisa cut him off.

"Even if you linger around for a day or two, I won't release her. Get that through your head." She said coldly and wearily, not desiring to make any interactions with him, "Go home, Martin. You're a decent man, and I have no intention of having someone escort you out. There's no room for negotiation with me about that girl, so don't waste your energy."

Martin looked to the other elders for support, but they remained silent, evidently in agreement with Louisa.

He knew further words were futile, "My apologies for upsetting you, Mrs. Collins."

He bowed once more, his voice as polite and respectful as ever, "I'll bring Erik back as soon as possible to trade for Serena. It's late; I won't disturb your rest any longer. Goodbye."

He knew he couldn't use force to get her, especially with Bard and Eunice here, their clout partially extended to this place.

The holidays were approaching, and Serena's brothers would be returning home. The Collins family had deep roots in this city. Outnumbered and outgunned, Martin knew that brute force was neither his preferred method nor his style.

There was only one way left: to capture Erik. Erik held the truth about the clinic fire that the Collins family wanted to know. Even if Erik fell into their hands, he wouldn't be killed outright - he'd likely suffer some physical pain at most.