NOT WORTHY TO BE KING: FEARLESS WARRIOR

44| YOU ARE THE RIGHTFUL HEIR TO THE THRONE

Axel's father entered the room just as they discussed their next steps. His presence immediately commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he approached the table. Logan couldn't help but admire the man, it was clear that he had established himself over the years.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," He said, his voice gruff but filled with concern. He glanced around the room, meeting each person's eyes before continuing. "It's clear that we're dealing with a complex situation here. Axel is right; these factions may not be directly responsible, but they could provide valuable information." He looked at everyone before he spoke again. "I also understand that there are suspicions surrounding me due to my proximity to the palace and the royal family."

Logan, Clayton, and Ian exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to respond.

He let out a heavy sigh. "I won't deny that I am a suspect in this matter, given the circumstances. But I need you all to understand something." He paused, his gaze fixed on Logan and Clayton. "I have lived in this palace since I was a young boy. If my goal were to seize power, I would have had ample opportunities over the years. Kidnapping the princesses now, especially in such a brazen manner, would not be a logical step for me."

Logan nodded, absorbing his words. "We understand. It's just that the situation is so dire, and we're grasping at any lead we can find."

"Your family is very big and I am sure you all know that. You are the rightful heir to the throne and since your child is not yet born, that makes Prince Clayton the next in line and then there is also his child that his fiancee is currently carrying." He paused and continued to look at everyone in the room. He then continued.

"Now let's pretend you are not in the picture. Your uncle has been married seven times with eighteen children and another one on the way. Some of your cousins already have kids and that adds to the list of people that are to inherit the throne if you were to die.

"Don't you think it would take me years to wipe out every single one of you? And even if I did, do you think people will not be suspicious?" Everyone in the room kept quiet. Logan spoke after a minute or two of silence.

"I'm really sorry for suspecting you. I don't have any excuse for my behaviour."

Axel's father regarded Logan with a steady gaze, his expression softening slightly. "No need to apologize, Logan. I understand the gravity of the situation, and suspicion is a natural reaction in times like these. We're all under immense pressure to find the princesses and ensure the stability of the kingdom."

Clayton chimed in, trying to break the tension. "We're all on the same team here, trying to get to the bottom of this mystery. Let's focus on finding the princesses and bringing them back safely."

Ian nodded in agreement. "I agree with Clay, we should concentrate on the task at hand. Axel, you mentioned that you had some leads to follow up on regarding the factions. Perhaps we should discuss those in more detail."

Axel leaned forward, eager to shift the conversation away from suspicions and toward actionable plans. "Right. I've been gathering some information on the factions that have recently emerged in the kingdom. There are three main groups we should investigate further."

Logan, Clayton, and Ian leaned in, ready to listen and strategize.

"The first faction," Axel began, "is known as the 'Crimson Cloaks.' They've been active in the northern region, near the border of our kingdom. They're rumoured to have connections with some unsavoury characters from neighbouring lands. Our sources suggest they might have information about the princesses' whereabouts."

Axel's father nodded, acknowledging the lead. "That's a good starting point. What else do we know about them?"

Axel continued, "The Crimson Cloaks are known for their secrecy and their ability to blend in with the local population. They often operate in small cells, making it difficult to track their movements. But we've managed to identify a few key members we can start with."

Logan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "If they're in the northern region, we might need contacts there who might be able to help so we can discreetly gather more information about the Crimson Cloaks."

Axel's father promised Logan that that was easy to accomplish as he has connections there.

Ian added, "And I have connections in the palace who can keep us updated on any suspicious activities among the nobility. We can ensure that none of these factions have infiltrated the royal court."

Axel's father smiled, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Good. It's essential that we use our resources wisely and work together. Now, tell us about the other two factions." he said to Axel.

Axel nodded and continued, "The second faction is called 'The Silver Serpents.' They have a presence in the southern region, primarily in the coastal towns. They're known for their involvement in smuggling and illegal trade. It's possible they've come into contact with the princesses if they were taken by sea."

Ian interjected, "I have connections among the merchants in those coastal towns. I can discreetly inquire about any unusual activities or rumours involving the Silver Serpents."

Axel's father nodded in approval. "Excellent. And the third faction?"

Axel's expression grew more serious. "The last group is perhaps the most dangerous. They go by the name 'The Obsidian River.' They are a shadowy organization with rumoured connections to dark magic and espionage. We have reason to believe they might have infiltrated the capital itself."

Logan couldn't help but shiver at the mention of dark magic. "That's unsettling. How do we even begin to investigate a group like that? We are dragons but that doesn't make us immune to their magic, especially if it's dark magic."

Axel's father leaned forward, his tone grave. "We must tread carefully, but we cannot ignore any possibility. I have some contacts in the intelligence community who can discreetly look into the Obsidian River. We need to ensure they haven't infiltrated the palace or the highest levels of government."

Logan spoke up, his determination was evident. "We'll need to coordinate our efforts and share any information we gather. Time is of the essence, and we can't afford to miss any leads." He couldn't bear to lose his wife and child.

As the group delved into the details of their plan, Axel's father's earlier suspicions seemed to fade into the background. Logan was grateful that the old man didn't press the issue and was willing to help just like Axel had told him when he first came to Mercy to take him back here where he belonged.

A small part of him was not happy with being here and who could blame him? If he had stayed back, his wife and her cousin wouldn't have been kidnapped. Sure, Kaden had kidnapped Tiara back then but this time he couldn't help but feel like it was different and more dangerous.

He hadn't spent more than two minutes here and already his wife had been kidnapped. He didn't know anyone around the kingdom and that meant his hands were tied.

His people had welcomed him back with open arms but he didn't know who to trust yet. His other cousins have promised to help and he hasn't met the others and because of that, he didn't even know if they were happy with his presence in the palace.

As the planning continued, Logan couldn't shake off his feelings of guilt and unease. He understood the weight of responsibility that came with his position as the heir to the throne, especially in these dire circumstances. However, he couldn't help but feel the burden of what had happened to Tiara and the unborn child they had been eagerly anticipating.

Axel's father noticed Logan's inner turmoil and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Logan, I know this is incredibly difficult for you, and I can't imagine what you're going through. But we're here together, and we'll do everything in our power to bring Tiara and the princesses back safely."

Logan nodded, appreciating the support. "Thank you. I just can't help but feel like I should be there with them, protecting them."

Clayton chimed in, his voice filled with empathy. "We all wish we could have prevented this, but dwelling on the past won't help us now. We need to focus on the present and the future, on finding them and bringing them home. My Arianna cannot be out of my sight for too long."

Ian added, "We have a solid plan in motion. With our combined efforts and resources, we're in the best position to succeed."

Axel's father spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "Logan, remember that you being here now is a crucial part of our efforts. Your presence, along with your cousins, sends a powerful message to the kingdom. You are united in your determination to protect your people and your family."

Logan took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "You're right. I can't change the past, but I can do everything in my power to make sure they have a future." He just hoped he wasn't going to be late in rescuing them or he would never forgive himself.

Before Tiara came into his life, he never thought there was ever going to be a woman in his life he loved more than he loved his mother, a woman he would do everything in his power to protect her. Not only did she mean the world to him, but she was also carrying a precious jewel in her womb.

He knew that if something happened to her and their baby, his world would be over and nothing in the world could fix it.

Axel's father nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting the shared determination of the group. "That's the spirit, Logan. We'll find them, and they will be safe. Now, let's continue discussing the details of our plan."

Hours passed as they meticulously outlined their next steps, identified potential allies and informants and considered the risks they might face. Axel's father's experience in politics and intelligence proved invaluable, guiding them in navigating the treacherous waters of palace intrigue and the shadowy world of underground factions.

As the meeting drew to a close, Logan looked at each of them with a steely determination. "We have our plan, and we know what needs to be done. Let's get to work. We'll meet again in a few days to update each other on our progress."

Oh, he knew what he was doing. Even with his cousins and his younger brother around, he couldn't stop thinking about his wife. He didn't want them to see how sad he felt, knowing they would wring their brains trying to find comforting words. Most importantly, he just wanted to be alone.

Everyone was deeply concerned, and their voices held a sombre weight but he longed for the quiet comfort of his own thoughts, where he could sort through the tangle of emotions that had taken hold of him. His wife's absence was a void that nothing could fill. He stared into the flickering candlelight, lost in memories of their time together, and wished for a way to turn back the clock, to erase the pain that had settled in his heart.

His mind wandered to Tiara's smile, the way she was always eager for their love-making. Those intimate moments they had shared were etched into his memory, a testament to the passion they had known together. He yearned for her touch, her warmth beside him, and the way she whispered sweet nothings into his ear. It was as if a vital part of himself had been taken away, leaving an emptiness that seemed impossible to fill.

Even his dragon, usually a source of strength and power ever since he shifted, could sense the void left by Tiara's absence. The majestic creature seemed listless and forlorn. It was as if the bond they shared was incomplete without her, and it weighed heavily on his heart.