Chapter 68

RYKER’S PO.V

I could feel Camilla’s excitement and I immediately knew that she had found something. She wasted no time in turning to my side of the bed and showing me the singular quote. I read it over again but it didn’t seem to make sense. I hadn’t spoken to Leanor much before she died but one thing we- or rather, she- always threatened me over was that she never wanted me to be a cheater like her husband.

Judging by that singular quote, he was in love with this mystery woman and that was at odds with the image I already had of him in my head. I couldn’t tell if Leanor got it wrong or if he had just convinced himself in the moment that he wrote that he was in love with the woman. Despite my confusion, I was still able to offer Camilla a smile of encouragement. It was getting late so I took the book from her and kept a random piece of paper to hold her page.

Camilla was stubborn and she tried to pretend like she wasn’t exhausted but the moment her head hit the pillow; she was out like a light. I found it harder to fall asleep. There were so many thoughts going through my head at the same time. The thoughts had been plaguing me since the first day we had the misfortune of meeting Frederick. I was unsure if during all of this, I would be able to properly protect my family.

After a lot of tossing and turning, I managed to fall asleep. I was up early as usual and Camilla woke up while I was getting dressed. I reminded her about Audrey and it was clear from the guilty look on her face that she had forgotten. She was quick to get ready and when we got to Audrey’s room, her entire face lit up. I could tell that she didn’t expect Camilla to come. I watched as they interacted and I noticed Christine sneak in. It was clear that she wanted to say something.

I grabbed her upper arm and pulled her out of the room. “What is it?”

She retrieved a piece of paper from her back and I wasted no time in taking it from her. It was another page from a journal and this time, it was detailing how Frederick’s first birthday was spent.

– “Frederick dropped this off last night. I think he is doing some sort of countdown until the final day. I’m guessing this means that he is still within the palace borders but I don’t understand how he hasn’t been seen yet. He would need to eat.”

“He might have people within the palace walls,” I finally let out the

thoughts that had been bothering me for a while. “Whether we like it or not, it is something that we should consider. How many guards have seen this?”

“Only the four who were watching the back entrance because that is where he placed this one. Although, I am sure it is only a matter of time. before the news spreads. Guards like to talk and the servants will overhear. I just don’t want it to get into town because that is where we might have a problem on our hands.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are a few people who weren’t happy when my aunt was ruling. They felt that she wasn’t a direct descendant and she was a woman.copy right hot novel pub