Nicholas slowly opened his eyes, his surroundings coming into focus. He found himself in a hospital room, its pristine white walls adorned with paintings that exuded a sense of calm and serenity. The room was spacious and well-equipped, befitting a facility of exclusive standards.As Nicholas glanced down, he noticed the thin tube connected to his arm, leading to a drip that was steadily delivering fluids into his system. The faint beeping of medical equipment filled the air, serving as a constant reminder of his current situation.His gaze shifted, and he saw his father, William, sitting beside his bed, his face etched with concern and relief. The sight of his father brought a sense of comfort amidst the confusion that clouded Nicholas's mind."Dad?" Nicholas's voice was weak, a mere whisper as he struggled to speak.William's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Nicholas, you're awake!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of emotions. "You're in the hospital, son. You coll
Hans stared at the official document in Nicholas's hand, his mind racing with a torrent of conflicting thoughts. Imaginations of his newfound freedom began to form in his mind. No more prison walls, no more chains weighing him down. The advantage of being free again was enticing, a chance to regain all that he's lost. His days in prison had been a harrowing ordeal, filled with resentment and bitterness. The sense of being trapped, confined to a life stripped of authority and influence, had eaten away at his soul. The prospect of stepping back into the world as a free man, with all the opportunities it entailed, ignited a fire within him.But deep down, he felt a nagging sense of caution. There was a catch, a price to pay for his newfound freedom. Nicholas had always been cunning, and Hans knew better than to believe that his nephew would grant him a pardon without expecting something in return.The tension in the room was palpable as Nicholas and Hans locked eyes.Uncertainty
Preparations for Nicholas's departure to find the antidote for his poison were underway. The room buzzed with activity as servants gathered necessary supplies, while Nicholas organized his thoughts and intentions. William observed the commotion with a mixture of concern and disbelief.His expression turned to shock as Nicholas declared that he would be joining Hans on the journey."Nicholas, you can't be serious!" William exclaimed, his voice filled with a combination of worry and frustration. "You're already in a delicate state of health. Venturing out in search of a cure is far too risky. You should be resting, conserving your energy."Nicholas's face hardened with determination as he met his father's gaze. "Resting won't save me, Father. I refuse to sit idly by while the poison consumes me from within. I have to take matters into my own hands. Hans and I will find a way to save my life, no matter the cost."William's concern deepened, and he took a step closer, his voice tinged w
Nicholas, accompanied by Hans and Yumi and a team of loyal subjects embarked on his private jet, prepared for his journey for a cure. With determination etched on his face, he turned to face Hans. "I hope you understand the situation we're in. If we find the cure to my poison, you will be set free and highly rewarded. If I end up dying, you get nothing."Hans brows lowered into a frown. "Just say you have doubts. I can understand it.""I don't have any doubts I can be cured," Nicholas replied, his eyes watchful. "I just want you to be as fired up at this journey as I am."Hans picked up a glass of cocktail that was served to him on the jet and he took a long pull from it. He smacked his lips in delight. It has been a long time since he tasted anything this good. "I have more to lose than you, Nicholas," Hans said. "I will get you that cure even if it's the last thing I do."Nicholas smiled. Hans was a vain easy man. Still it beats him why Hans would have it in mind to murder his gr
Nicholas stood on the balcony of the grand hotel, gazing out across the sprawling city of Valeria. The streets below painted a bleak picture, with dilapidated buildings and worn-out infrastructure. The city seemed to wear the scars of poverty and crime prominently.The atmosphere was heavy with an air of desperation and survival. Criminal activities were the only means for many to make a living around here.The sight of Valeria's crime-ridden streets reminded Nicholas of the state his own country had been in during Harry's reign. It pained him to witness such hardship and suffering once again, knowing the toll it took on the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.Nicholas turned to face Yumi, who stood patiently beside him, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination."Yumi," Nicholas began, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency, "tell me more about the current president of Alora. I want to understand the man who has held power for thirty long years, subjecting
The silence that followed Nicholas's proposition was thick with tension.The air seemed to grow heavier as both men locked eyes, their expressions conveying their conflicting desires.Nicholas broke the silence, his voice steady yet filled with a mix of curiosity and frustration."President Devereaux, I must know why you refuse to sell the oil field. Is there a deeper reason behind your decision?"President Devereaux leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smirk curling on his lips. "Why should I sell the oil field?" he retorted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "It is my greatest asset, the source of my power and wealth. I won't relinquish it for any price."Nicholas felt his anger simmering beneath the surface. President Devereaux's reply revealed a man consumed by his own selfishness and greed. The disdain in Nicholas's eyes became more evident as he listened to the president's self-centered reasoning."I have learned the history of that oil field," Nicholas began, his voic
Nicholas stood frozen in the doorway, his hands balled into tight fists. Anger coursed through his veins, fueled by the overwhelming sense of guilt that washed over him. Guilt for not protecting Mrs. Abigail, for not foreseeing the danger that lurked in the shadows. His failure had cost an innocent life, and the weight of that responsibility settled heavily upon his shoulders.As the realization sank in, another wave of despair washed over Nicholas. The hope for his own cure, the one thing that had driven him to confront President Devereaux, now seemed distant and unattainable. The darkness of his thoughts threatened to consume him, his entire being engulfed in a vortex of anger, guilt, and despair.Yumi and Hans stood by his side, their own grief and shock palpable. They trembled in the presence of Nicholas's aura, his anger radiating from him like a suffocating storm. They had never witnessed him like this before, and the gravity of his rage filled the room, drowning out any
Nicholas emerged from President Devereaux's house, his rage still burning fiercely in his eyes. Yumi, her bow and arrows set aside, stood waiting for him, her eyes filled with anticipation. She approached him cautiously, sensing the storm that raged within him."How did it go?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.Nicholas's face remained locked in a mask of anger, his words dripping with venom. "Devereaux is looking into it," he replied curtly, his voice filled with a dangerous edge.Yumi took a step back, her brows furrowing in confusion. "You believe him?"Nicholas's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and uncertainty. "I'm not sure anymore," he admitted. "But one thing is certain: Mrs. Abigail's killer must be found. Time is running out for me."Yumi reached out, placing a hand on Nicholas's arm, her voice softening. "Your highness, maybe... maybe it's too early to jump to conclusions. I have a feeling Devereaux has nothing to do with Mrs. Abigail's death."A flicker of