The King's Last Heir

Page 15

Keith and Warden stepped out to the balcony. The atmosphere was cool and the sky was very dark and full of stars…

Warden steps forward, his hands behind his back as he stares up at the sky.

“Thank you so much for dinner master. I really appreciate it” Keith said.

“Have you ever wondered how government officials make their money?”

This question caught Keith off guard and he stared at the Master in silence.

“I do not understand your question, master,” he said.

Warden returns to stare at the sky and exhales.

“If there is one thing that commoners believe, it would be that the majority of the men working for the King earn their money from their taxes and wages. The lot of their assumptions are very wrong”

Keith glances back at the mansion and towards the expanse of land before them. He saw a few maids and more than five horses on the field..

How else would a nobleman be able to have so much without eating off the King's table?

“I'm afraid I am one of those commoners who believe that those working for the king live such flamboyant lives from taxing the commoners heavily!”

“There are so many things about the royal family that you don't know but I am sure overtime, you find the truth for yourself”

“I am not interested in the royal family. The only business I have there is getting rid of Edward for what he did to my sister”

Warden nodded in understanding almost as though there were some hidden messages in his body language..

“Some of us do get taxes while others have to find a way to keep up with their reputation”

Keith chuckled in disbelief, he clearly didn't believe what he had just said.

“In this world, there are so many things that we think we have answers to but unfortunately, we do not. You are making such assumptions because you feel that is how things should be..”

“Isn't that how things are?”

Warden shakes his head.

“You are very wrong”

“I might be a member of the Royal Court but not a dime from the taxes as ever touched my hands. Since you and your sister stop by my library and steal my books….”

Keith was shocked.

He didn't know that the noble man was aware of how he and Emma used to come to the library late at night to steal books to read!

“Of course I knew you before your sister's death, Keith. How much I know about you, you have no idea”

“Some of the books that you and your sister took from my library were written by me. I sell them to the Nobles and that is how I make my money.”

Keith looked like he didn't believe one thing he had just said but Warden continued.

“It might seem like it not a lot but the moment your position is tied to what you love to do, you could sell it at a higher price”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Keith asked..

“Because of the plan we have in mind, I need you to start seeing things from a different perspective. Not everyone is out to get you”

“And those are how to get you, you better get to them before they do!”

“You have nothing to worry about, I'll do exactly that” Keith assures him.

“Tell me, what would you do if you ever became king?”

“How could I be king if I am not related to the royal family? Even if I was, I would decline the offer” Keith said.

“Why?”

“Likr I said, there are so many peo0ke suffering at the expense of the royal family! I never want to be a part of that!”

Warden taps Keith's back fondly before walking away. Keith stood there, confused. He wasn't sure what their discussion had been about to begin with..

Keith sighed as he recalled that today was Emma's birthday. The young lady would have been eight and ten years old.

He had prepared to buy her a dress she so much admired and take her out to eat whatever she wanted.

Keirh exhaled, clenching his fist tight as he thought of Edward. That bastard has no idea what's coming.

When he gets his chance to get rid of him, he would do so merciless just like Edward had done his sister.

He would make sure he died a slow, painful and agonising death!

Keith stared at the stars in silence until he felt the presence of someone staring at him.

He glanced to his side to see Rose was by the balcony as well.

“Good evening lady Rose” he greeted.

“I believe you are finding it hard to sleep?” Rose asked, ever so gracefully.

“No…I.. I was lost in thought. I should get back to my room now” Keorh offered with a smile.

He was trying his best to avoid Rose or Ellinor would skin him alive and without mercy.

“I could get a maid to prepare something to help with your sleep. And the clothes should be in your room now” Rose offered.

“I am grateful for your kindness my lady but I won't need tea to sleep. I do hope you have a lovely night.” Keith bowed his head and stepped out of the balcony.

Rose watched in silence as she recalled her talk with Ellinor earlier.

She knew Ellinor was irritated by the change of plans. She had trained hard for this ever since learnt about the plan but now, the Master wanted someone like Keith to get the job done.

It must have crushed Ellinor's ego badly but Rose didn't hesitate to give her the talk of a lifetime..

She wasn't sure if that would change anything but knowing Ellinor better than everyone else, things would change for the better..

Rose found herself admiring the way Keith walks. It was unlike her to fawn over a man no matter how incredibly looking he was…

Keith was a walking piece of art! Something too perfect to be ignored..

“Snap out of it!” Rose slaps her chin slightly, finding herself unbelievable!