Nathan's pain

“ Uproot the tree that supplied the hot breeze in the palace? What do you mean by that statement, uncle?” Nathan asked with confusion visible on his face.

“ Yeah! There were confusing incidents that led to your disappearance from the palace, so we need to focus on the architect of these problems. After I traveled on a business trip, I came back to find the palace in sorrow. You were nowhere to be found, my dad, Zac Armstrong was found dead and  King Lucas, my younger brother was bedridden. Many warriors were murdered and some were injured. The reason for the attack and the person behind it wasn't yet known to me. Although I have my suspicions, I need to be sure so I won't punish innocent people. I want concrete evidence to bring the bad people and their evil deeds into limelight. That's why we need you to carry out some missions before you can be introduced as the prince of the sorcery kingdom” Alex replied

He Watched as Nathan digested the  new information given to him. He knew the poor guy needed more explanation, but he would only talk when he seemed it fit to question him. 

Nathan still looked confused, then he asked “ I need to know the full story behind my disappearance, then the mission I am to embark on would be made easier for me” He demanded with a straight face.

Alex smirked, that's what he was expecting from his smart and inquisitive nephew and he was happy the calamity that befell him hadn't rendered him useless.

“ As I said earlier, you were born into the Armstrong family, a royal family. The sorcery kingdom came back together after the constitutional monarchy was added into the law of Norway. Both the political power and the monarch would reach an agreement before a new law was passed in the country. All the sorcerers in hideouts were gathered together and they were able to live freely in peace and harmony. Four years after the return of the monarchy system, your mother, Lilly gave birth to your younger sister, Clarrisa and we were all happy for another two years, untiI  I traveled for a business trip, hoping to come back a day before the celebration of your sixth birthday. When I returned, I was faced with the tragedy of your disappearance because some people attacked the palace unaware. The reason for the attack was still unknown, but I'm sure the attack wouldn't be possible without the influence of an insider. The mystery behind the attack and the people involved is what we need to unveil.” Alex sighed as he finished his story.

Nathan's eyes were filled with tears. If not because of the attack, he would have lived the life of affluence and he wouldn't be humiliated or made to suffer.

He folded his fists and he sighed heavily to conceal his pain, “ I still don't understand something, are you saying Martha isn't my biological mother?” He finally asked the question troubling his mind.

“ Martha was your nanny and the chief housemaid. She had been a mother figure to you since you were born. It took Lilly a long time before she could get over the death of her father, Justin. So when you were born, Martha came in, as Lilly was battling with postpartum depression. But Lilly loved you so much and your disappearance had turned her into something else. She went from a loving person to a woman with no emotional feelings. Initially, I was angry that Martha kidnapped you, but I later realized she fled the palace because of your safety. During my investigation, I was made to realize that you are the main target of the attack, and Martha stepped in as your savior” Alex answered.

Uncontrollable tears started dropping from Nathan's eyes. He remembered the love and care given to him by the only woman he ever knew as his mother. “ She never told me she wasn't my biological mother and she didn't give me any reason to doubt her. She loved me and cared for me like her own. She was ready to listen to my rants and complaints as she was my only confidant. I knew she was restless and anytime she sensed something strange, we always moved to another location. Anytime we moved, she changed my school. I kept questioning her for her actions, but she never gave me any reasonable action. Her reply was ‘ I'm doing this for you, one day you will understand the sacrifice I made’. I gave her a hard time because I almost lost it the last time we moved, then she promised me that would be our last relocation. I knew she was forced to stay here because of my stubbornness. Come to think of it, her death was sudden. She was never sick or injured, but she cried a day before her death. Was she killed? Was she murdered because she was protecting me? Uncle, please answer me!” 

Nathan had already stood up from his seat and he was shaking Alex's body as he demanded for answers to his countless questions.

Alex sucked in a breath,he tried to pat Nathan's shoulder but Nathan dropped his hand in anger.

“ I know you have made your inquiries before you came here. So tell me, am I the reason for her sudden death? Was my stubbornness the cause of her death? Answer me!” Nathan's bursted into more tears.

Alex stood up to hug him, but Nathan stepped away from him. He shook his head vigorously, “ I will never listen to anything you have to say until you provide answers to my questions” He said.

Realization dawned on him as he put together the dots and every incident that occurred when Martha was alive. Their lives were in danger and he was too selfish and stubborn to know.

He ruffled his hair, then he gritted his teeth in regret. Mucus and tears continue dripping from his face, “ Ha! I killed her! I killed her with my foolishness! I should have known not to argue with her. Mom, I'm sorry! I should have trusted you, please forgive me for my naivety” He cried in agony.

Megan wanted to move closer to him, but Alex stopped her. “ Allow him to cry, he can't get relieved until he pour out his bottled emotion” 

Everybody present in the living room watched Nathan in pity, but there was nothing they could do to console him. After thirty minutes of self blame and shedding tears, Nathan stopped crying. He dragged himself closer to Alex, his eyes drained from any emotions, then he asked “ Who are they and how do we capture them?”