Chapter 347 - 344: Movements V (1/2)

After that, the session was dismissed. No one approached Charlton, either in fear of getting embroiled in what's happening, or just plainly understanding that he wanted to be alone that instance.

On the other hand, Charlton tried to stop himself from wallowing in despair. He had to think. Right now, this was already the best outcome. Although island Lerise was a secluded island where political prisoners were sent and didn't allow for visitations, he knew that the punishment was already merciful enough as is. The conditions in the prison were bad, and it was the place of nightmare especially to the commoners who were thrown to the dungeons in the lower floors. However, he knew that more likely than not, his father would be placed on a better cell on the upper floors.

The more pressing issue now was him leaving the capital to prove his father's innocence on the account of treason. He had to stay strong not just for himself but also his mother. Gods, his mother. He had to get home now and tell her.

He walked out of the house and rode the car he and his father used earlier. The driver asked where the grand duke was. He shook his head, and just told him to drive.

Inside the car, he thought of many things, like what he needed to do in preparation for leaving tomorrow. How and why the document charging his father come to light. Why it had to happen now.

Then he remembered… Gods. What about Serena? Would she think he really abandoned her?

The timing of the events was really fantastical. But what can he do? These events were beyond his control. Who would have thought that his father did commit said crime in the past and it would come to haunt him today? Clearly even if there's some conspiracy going on against his father, which he was positive that there was, it just so happened that it transpired on that day.

He sighed. Although Serena seems to be acting strange and he wants to solve that predicament, he knew she was strong, and she has her family to support her. On her pregnancy, it might just be false alarm and even if she was pregnant… He shook his head. He loves her and trusts that she loves him too. When she finds out why he left, she would understand. That is if she didn't mean what she said that night. He could only hope that she waits for him.

His father, his mother, they have no one else to rely on that moment but him.

It's not a matter of choice, but if it was, he can only feel guilty to Serena.

--

When Charlton arrived home, his mother was quick to notice that his father was not with him. Her eyes flooded with tears and Charlton quickly went to embrace her to calm her down. When she stopped crying and bawling, he started to tell her everything verbatim.

Georgina was shell shocked. She has never been much for politics, but even she understood that there's someone out there who's targeting their family. The question was who. She discouraged Charlton from leaving the next day as it may be a trap.

Charlton felt like there may be some truth to his mother's words, but it's not like he has a choice. Also, he had to put his faith on the king. For if he wanted to get rid of their family, he would have done so earlier in the house of lords. That is, if he's the one behind it. No need to play with them and have him prove his father's innocence.

Now, on the who's behind this, perhaps he should analyze on the why. Why did they have to do this?