As Father slept Thomas covered his face with the pillow he was holding.
“Father, please forgive me” He whispered as he smothered him.
When Father did not move he removed the pillow and placed it on his side. With no regret, he walked out of the room and out towards the stables. He knew Father would not be checked on until later on in the evening so this gave him enough time to ride far and compose himself.
As he arrived at the stables, he grabbed David’s horse Hemi and rode away. The stable hands did not find it unusual. Thomas frequently did this. When he was far enough that he cannot be heard, he jumped off the horse and began screaming. He could not believe what he had done. And there was no turning back. He knew that by the time he returned to the Castle, Father would have been found. He kneeled near a tree and sobbed.
Late that afternoon, Father’s caretakers found him. They had said he passed in his sleep. Mother was destroyed by the news. I was just arriving from Willshire when Shyanne told me.
I quickly went to Mother, who sat sobbing next to Father’s lifeless body.
“Mother…” I said.
She motioned for me to come to her.
“I am so sorry I was not here when Father passed.” I added.
She sniffled and asked “Where is Thomas?”
“I do not know, maybe he is out riding. Let me go search for him.” I replied.
As I turned around to leave, Thomas stood in the doorway. I could see the grief on his face but the grief I thought I saw and the real grief he was feeling were different. His was an act.
“When did he pass?” Thomas asked as he walked towards me.
“This afternoon, his caretaker told me, he passed in his sleep.” I answered.
He kisses my cheek and continues “Was Mother with him?”
I nodded no.
He walks over to Mother and hugs her. Father looked so peaceful.
Father’s death would be a strong hit to Landford and the Monarchy.
The grief was overwhelming for me because now I was left alone with Thomas. At least, with Father there, Thomas could not intimidate me too much, but with Father gone I knew Thomas was going to take full advantage.
Mother’s depression overcame her and she died soon after Father.
Now the true battle began.
Who would rule Landford?
Thomas or I?