CHAPTER 3

[Prince Philip]

Are you really willing to go through with all this craziness, Felipe? Will you sacrifice yourself for something that can't be undone in the future?

Frederick asks dissatisfied with my choice as he walks furiously from side to side in our father's office.

Even after three days of the warm and almost drastic conversation our family had about the grave misfortune we have to deal with, before the consequences became public and ruined the king's image by bringing chaos over the kingdom, Frederick still did not conform to the arrangement in which I was the principal involved and which I had agreed, that would bring the partial solution to our current problems.

Deep down I understood his motives for acting contrary to the decision made. Frederick, as an older brother, truly cares about me and my choices, so he fears that in the future I may bitterly repent of the choice I made, and that I would do it again if necessary.

I've made my decision, Frederick. And there's nothing to turn me back.

I say pattering my fingers over the crystal bowl containing water I have in my hands.

Besides, you can't forget francesca's our sister, and it's our duty to protect her with our lives.

- But Philip... -Frederick starts protesting and I get my free hand by holding him.

Francesca may even simulate this image of a mature and unwavering woman to the outside world, but we both know that she's just a sensitive girl who lost her mother figure too soon.

I say quietly examining the rest of the content in my cup, just to offer you the time it takes to absorb my words, then I look again towards you and move on.

- Our sister wouldn't survive such scandal, Frederick...

- Caused by herself, Felipe! - he exasperates by cutting me.

So what, brother? How important is that now? What difference does it make to those who belong to guilt or to whom it ceases to belong?

This time It's me who gets angry raising my voice in some tones.

It doesn't matter if Francesca made a mistake, she's my sister, my family, blood from my blood. And I will do everything in my power to protect her from any possible harm that the world or other people might want to do to her.

I say convinced by tending the index finger in riste to your chest with the firm look.

I won't think twice about making any kind of sacrifice if it results in saving you a few pains, and it's clear within my reach.

Frederick twists the corner of his lips in disapproval, but does not rebut my statement with contrary arguments.

And you know, brother, who would also do the same for you or our father. You are my family, the only thing I have most important in life and nothing can be more valuable than that.

-Your love and loyalty to this family are admirable qualities and defects, Felipe.

He comments after a few strange seconds of silence and crosses his arms in front of his body in a troubled but resigned posture, since he had already realized that I do not intend to go back on my decision, since he had given my word of honor.

I appreciate your words, brother. -I answer by sianding the last sip of the cup and depositing it on our father's extensive mahogany table.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but that wasn't a compliment, little brother.

Frederick shakes his head in negative and we laugh, the heavy weather gradually disdoing being replaced by the relaxed.

I love you, brother. I just worry about your happiness, you know that, don't you?

I do know, Frederick, and I'm very grateful to have you as my brother in my life. But you still won't be able to change my decision with these declarations of brotherly love.

I play to then win a flying book, which passes buzzing inches from my head, when I get down just in time for the object to hit me.

- Miserable... -laugh.

-Since I can't change his mind, there's always the easiest option that is to kill him with a non-lethal object...

Frederick says at the very moment that after two knocks on the door, a guard opens it and looks from one brother to the other with the alarmed countenance while listening to Frederick's sentence.

He's just kidding. -the reassurance and the man swallows in dry before being allowed to speak.

I have come to inform your highnesses that the guest has just entered the castle, and that she is awaiting permission to be received by you.

That's great. Frederick turns his eyes sarcastically, yet Ignores his act of insolence and turns his attention to the guard waiting for an order.

-Inform the king and Princess Francesca of the girl's presence in the castle. I mean, stand up. And accompany our guest here, we'il be waiting for her.

Yes, sir. The king had already been informed and is on his way. Only the princess needs to be warned. -he responds and amends it willingly. Is there anything else?

No, that's all. Thank you, Narcise. - I thank you politely.

At your service, Your Highnesses. -he bows and comes out in the same discreet way that he had appeared closing the door right behind him.

I still don't agree with this madness, but I'm going to abide by and respect your choices, brother. Frederick says when we're alone again by letting out a weary sigh.

I'm counting on it, brother. -I feel with my head wishing from my heart that he is telling the truth and does not create any more unnecessary friction.