Angelica's father started to act more and more strangely after he told her to never meet the King again. He also stopped her brother from going to his lectures at the castle and told them to never leave the home. Meanwhile, he came home late every night, intoxicated.He would yell a few words no one could understand, and then he would pass out. Angelica was worried for her father and asked him several times what had happened to him, but he always seemed too frightened to tell her. After that night when he first came home drunk, whatever he had seen had been haunting him. But why couldn't he tell them what he saw?Thomas, who went out unlike her and William, would tell her about what happened outside the walls of their home. More young women were found dead, and no one knew what or who was killing them. The people of the town believed it was Lord Rayven. Why she wasn't sure?"Do you think Lord Rayven is the killer?" Angelica asked her brother while they had lunch."No," he said. "Peopl

"What did Lord Rayven want?" Her brother asked once she came back."You will go to the castle tomorrow and start your training," she told him.His eyes widened. "Really? Did he agree to train me?"Angelica nodded.Her brother became excited, but it only lasted for a moment before his face turned sad."What is wrong?" she asked."Father won't let me," he said.Angelica smirked. "He has no choice. I am sure His Majesty asked Lord Rayven to train you so you have to go to the castle."And her father also had to go to the castle. What was he thinking by neglecting his royal duties? The punishment could be severe.What if he was busy trying to kill whoever he wanted to kill? If he killed someone, things would turn ugly.Angelica was becoming frustrated with his behavior. She had been trying hard to make her father and brother get along. She had tried to make his actions appear to be out of care so her brother wouldn't hate him, so her brother wouldn't feel like he only had her, but maybe al

Angelica felt the deeper meaning behind his words. Most people weren't what or who they seemed to be. What they presented to the world was different from their true self. People showed their best side to the world or what they wanted the world to see. They portrayed themselves in a certain way that was beneficial to them.Other times, the reason for hiding their true self could be because of insecurities, shame or fear.What was the King's reason for hiding his true self?Angelica wanted to ask him what or who he truly was, but she knew he wouldn't tell her if he was hiding it. They weren't close enough for him to be vulnerable with her or trust her with his secrets."Are you very different from what or who you seem to be?" she asked instead.An unknown emotion flickered through his eyes before she saw the same sadness as before. "It depends on how you perceive me.""My brother says you are a good person."His lips curved into a wide smile. That truly made him happy. "Your brother is

The next day, Angelica sent her brother with Thomas to the castle for his lectures. She wanted to stay at home in case her father came home. She didn't want to miss the chance to talk to him this time.The whole day went by with her being anxious and unable to focus or think about anything other than her father. It was making her feel sick and she could barely eat."My Lady, you are not eating." Eva said, concerned."I am alright. Prepare some food for William. He must be home soon."When William came back from his training, she was shocked to find him covered in dirt and with bruised hands. He also had scratches on his knees. Angelica became furious to see him like that."What happened?" she asked.He shrugged. "Training.""Like this? Your hands are blue and your knees are bleeding."Her brother sighed. "Angelica, it is hard to train without getting hurt.""Not this hurt," she retorted.He was only ten. He wasn't even supposed to start his training yet and Lord Rayven knew that. How

Angelica woke up early in the morning and as she walked down the stairs, she heard her father's voice coming from the parlor. She was so relieved until she saw him with Sir Shaw. "Father, where have you been?" she asked, going to him. "I had a few things to take care of." He replied. Angelica looked at him with a frown. Just what exactly was he up to? "I was talking to Sir Shaw about your engagement. We will have the ceremony next week.""Father?" She looked at him, appalled. He just came back and already decided she would marry Sir Shaw. "It is my final decision." He said. Angelica stared at him for a long moment, but he ignored her and proceeded to talk to Sir Shaw. Sir Shaw had a slight smirk on his face, rejoicing over her father's decision. His joy would be short-lived because she would not marry him. She would find a way out. Ignoring her father's plans for the moment, she decided to talk about the important matters. "Lord Rayven was here looking for you." "I went by the