NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: What are you doing here ?
Junior felt a strange, unfamiliar warmth welling up inside him. It was a feeling he couldn't quite name, something that tugged at his heart in a way he didn't understand. In his past life, all he'd ever known was the cold loneliness of an orphanage. He had no memories of a father, no sense of what a family's love felt like. Now, standing here, he felt something close to it. Before he realized it, a single tear slipped down his cheek.
His father's voice softened further, cracking slightly as he spoke again. "I'm sorry about your mother," he said, his brown eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I knew my other wives were plotting against her. They resented how much time I spent with her… how much I loved her. I should have protected her better. It's my fault that she's gone. If you need someone to blame, blame me." A tear finally escaped, rolling down his golden beard.
Junior stared at his father, unsure how to respond. The mention of his mother stirred something deep within him. Images flashed through his mind—memories from Junior's life. He saw his mother's warm smile, her laughter as she held him close, the joy in her eyes as she played with him. Then, like a dark cloud sweeping over the sun, the memories shifted to her death. The pain, the loss, the helplessness.
After a long silence, Junior finally spoke. A memory of his mother's favorite saying surfaced, bringing a faint smile to his lips. "You don't need to apologize, Dad," he said softly. "Mom loved you. She wouldn't want you to be sad. And, like she always said, 'Always smile to keep the demons away.'"
The words hit his father like a wave. He staggered back slightly, his eyes wide as he whispered, "Always smile to keep the demons away." His voice trembled, and he sank into his chair, burying his face in his hands. "Helen," he sobbed, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry. Please… forgive me." His cries filled the room, raw and unrestrained, as he called out her name over and over, the weight of his grief pouring out in waves.
Junior stood silently, watching the man before him break down. For the first time, he saw not just a king, not just a father, but a man burdened by loss, regret, and love.
Junior hesitated before stepping closer. Slowly, he placed a hand on his father's shoulder, his own emotions swirling. "She wouldn't want you to be sad," he said softly. "We can honor her by keeping her memory alive, together."
"Thank you, my son," said Junior's father, wiping the tear from his face with the back of his hand. The heaviness in his voice lingered, but there was a faint trace of relief beneath it.
"It's no problem, Dad," Junior replied, offering a warm smile. The gesture was small, but it carried a sincerity that eased the air between them.
His father returned the smile, though it was brief. His expression quickly shifted to a more serious one, the lines on his face deepening as he stepped closer. "Junior," he said, his tone firmer now, "you should be careful about your other siblings. I know I've warned you before, but I need you to truly understand,I am serious about this."
Junior's smile faded as his father's words sank in. The shift in tone wasn't lost on him. "I understand, Father," he said, his voice steady but cautious.
His father placed a strong hand on Junior's shoulder, his gaze unwavering. "You might think you know them, but ambition is a dangerous thing, son. In this palace, the desire for power can turn even family into adversaries. Some of your siblings may appear friendly, but beneath the surface, they see you as a rival,a threat to their ambitions."
"I understand father,i will be careful with my siblings " said junior While he let out a yawn due to feeling sleepy .
Junior stepped back slightly, glancing toward the door. "I should probably get going. It's been a long day, and I could use some rest."
His father chuckled softly. "Of course. You've earned it. But remember what I said, Junior. Keep your eyes open."
Junior turned toward the door, his hand resting on the doorknob before he paused. He looked back at his father, a faint smile on his lips. "Goodnight, Dad. I'll see you tomorrow."
His father gave a small wave. "Goodnight, son. Rest well."
With that, Junior opened the door and stepped out into the quiet hallway, his father's words still swirling in his mind. The flickering light of the torches along the stone walls cast long, wavering shadows, mirroring the uncertainty he felt. He walked briskly toward his room, the heavy silence of the palace amplifying the sound of his footsteps.
Once inside, Junior shut the door behind him and let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging as the tension of the day began to ebb away. The room was dimly lit, with moonlight streaming through the tall windows, painting soft silver patterns on the polished wooden floor. Without hesitation, he pulled off his clothes, leaving only his underwear, and dove onto the plush bed. The cool sheets against his skin were a welcome comfort, and he sank into the mattress, ready to let sleep claim him.
Just as his eyes began to close, a faint creak caught his attention. His room door, which he was sure he had shut tightly, was now slightly ajar. He sat up abruptly, his heart racing. Turning toward the door, he called out, his voice firm but edged with caution, "Who's there?"
A familiar voice answered from the shadows beyond the doorway. "It's me, Helen, my prince," the voice said softly.
Junior's eyes widened as Helen stepped into the room. She wore only her undergarments, her figure barely concealed. The thin fabric of her garments revealed far more than Junior was comfortable seeing, her nipples and panties clearly visible in the dim light.
"What are you doing here?" Junior asked, his voice tinged with shock. His gaze darted away from her, his cheeks flushing as he struggled not to stare at her exposed body.