The night descended upon Amaryllis. Crickets came out, the moon shone in the sky, stars twinkled brightly.

Prince Nathaniel Ferguson sat on an old medieval-style throne, deep underneath the palace in the old abandoned dungeon. Scrolls laid out on the desk before him, a few candles melted half way down sat on top of stacked books, which was redundant due to the torches on the walls fully aflame.

He ran a hand through his black hair, his hazel eyes focused on a scroll in his hands, the words written in a foreign language . "My plan is going perfectly. Soon Amaryllis will regain the monarchy's rule and bring an end to democracy." He declared with pride, lacing his voice, a wide smile on his lips.

His daughter, Princess Victoriana "Tori" Ferguson let out a huff moving her creamy blonde hair to her back. "Dad," she inquired, hazel eyes focused on the magazine in her hands as she laid out on the chaise lounge.

When he ignored her, she frowned and folded her magazine up, setting it down beside her. "You look like a child in a candy shoppe." She pointed, standing up from the chaise lounge. "It's equally annoying and endearing."

Nathaniel lifted his gaze from the scrolls and simply raised an eyebrow at his daughter's words. "Of course, I am very close to achieving my goal. I have to make sure that my plans fall into place at the times I planned or else I will have to start from scratch." He explained, twisting his signet ring around his finger.

Tori frowned as she glanced at her nails idly. "Still, I don't understand your whole motivation about getting rid of your sister and her family when there are other ways of going around it." She commented, walking over to him, she sat down on the armrest of her father's chair.

Nathaniel snapped his head up from some papers and looked over at her. His heart rate quickened as he shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable by the insinuation. "And where on earth could you possibly have heard that? I never told you any such thing." He snapped defensively, denying her comment with a wave of dismissal.

"You didn't have to. It wasn't too difficult to put two and two together," Tori replied, looking at her fingernails nonchalantly. "Besides, do you think you've been subtle in your attempts? I'm not an imbecile. I'm surprised no one else has caught on to your scheme."

Nathaniel prickled, tensing at her words. He narrowed his eyes warily towards her as he picked up a book off the table. "This is not your game, Tori, it is mine. You should be focused on your royal studies, not trying to meddle in my work." He placed the book in front of her.

Tori picked up the book, got off the armrest of his chair and walked over to her chaise lounger. "Dad, I wasn't meddling in your work. I respect you enough to know my place in certain matters." She told him, sitting down and playing the book on her lap.

Nathaniel sighed, his daughter was much like his wife. Headstrong and persistent. He left out a weary sigh, running his hand over his face. "Just please stay out of adult issues." He asked, waiting for her to remain as innocent as she possibly could.

Tori opened her purse and set her mirror and lipstick on the book. "What if I don't want to?" she opened up her lipstick after she opened her mirror and looked into it. "After all, if you do succeed in taking over the kingdom, I would be in line to rule after you." She commented in a sing/song voice before reapplying her lipstick.

Nathaniel frowned heavily at his daughter's words, his gaze hardening. "Victoriana," He stood up, walking over to her until he loomed over her. "Do not talk of such matters so casually, especially since you have no solid proof which way or another." he barked, his voice filled with authority. "If what you say is true, then it deserves the utmost secrecy, don't you agree?"

Tori met his gaze, her expression remaining defiant as she capped her lipstick. "That is true, but who on earth would hear us in the abandoned dungeon you've turned into your own personal lair." she retorted, her tone calm but firm.

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed at her tone, his jaw tensing as he tried to keep himself from snapping at her. "It doesn't matter if no one can hear us. You're talking about treason." He pivoted on his heels and moved back to his desk and makeshift throne.

Tori set her lipstick down, closing her mirrored compact. "Oh, yes, shall I talk more in code?" She retorted again, her tone teetering on condescending. "Forgive me for being straightforward and not sugarcoating the truth like you do."

Nathaniel sat down, and his hands' grip tightened on the edge of the armrest, his knuckles whitening. "You do realize why, hypothetically, if what you said is true, why couldn't I confirm it? You are a terrible liar, Tori. Even as a child, you wear your emotions on your sleeve."

He relinquished his grip on the armrest, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "This is for your own safety. You'd be able to tell the truth in saying you don't know anything, and I never told you anything. Besides, this is my lot in life, not yours." He replied, calming down and keeping his tone even.

Tori scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "My own safety?" She asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, rolling her eyes. "As if,"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched, annoyed at the mockery in her voice. "Yes, your safety," he confirmed, his voice stern as he narrowed his eyes at her. "This doesn't concern you. Try to understand that."

Tori turned to face him, pulling her legs up beside her on the lounge. "It concerns me, especially when you're the one plotting treason behind your own sister's back just because you were the first born and didn't get the crown because you were born out of wedlock."

Nathaniel's expression darkened significantly at her statement. He struggled to keep his flaring anger with his daughter at bay so he wouldn't lose his temper. "Tori, tread very carefully with your next words." He warned, the authority in his voice returning with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He took an exhale through his nose, flexing his death grip on the armrests of his chair. "Do not try to downplay my grievances as mere pettiness. You are far too young to understand my motives, and you lack the ability to empathize."

Tori bristled at his words. They hit too close to home, more so than she would like to admit. "Forgive me," she apologized, clearly seeing he was struggling to keep from lashing out. "I just wish you wouldn't treat me like a child... I'm nearly eighteen."

Nathaniel's expression softened slightly as he heard her apology, his anger subsiding a little bit. "That may be true. However, you lack the wisdom that comes with being an adult. You must learn that sometimes one must leave a little out to keep things open to interpretation, so there is no need to lie, and then you can have deniability without the possibility of backlash or consequence."

Tori mulled over her father's words. She hated to admit it, but he was right, and even though she could see through his scheming and plotting, her father had never confirmed or spoken directly about it in front of her. "I see your point,"

Nathaniel nodded, leaning back and resting his elbows on the armrest. "The fewer people who are aware of my plan, the better." He added, all anger melted away in his voice and was replaced with a gentle tone.

The thick steel doors opened and Francis Court walked in. His boots thumped against the damp cobblestone as he came to a stop at the foot of the stairs leading up to the makeshift throne and desk. His almost bleached blonde hair had been revealed from when he had taken off his hood and pulled down his mask.

His dark brown eyes glanced up at Nathaniel and bowed to him, one hand rested over his heart while the other folded behind his back. "You're highness." He greeted curtly, having the utmost respect for Nathaniel.

Nathaniel glanced up as he heard the heavy doors open and the sound of his most trusted confidante, spy, and guard's footsteps on the cold stone floor. "Ah, Francis, what brings you here?" He nodded at the polite bow, recognizing the man's respect.

"Dinner is ready," Francis informed, straightening up while placing both hands behind his back. "Unfortunately the royal family has not attended, and rumor has it they haven't been seen all day."

Nathaniel abruptly stood up and scooted his chair back, the legs screeching against the floor. "I beg your pardon?" He growled slamming his hand down on the table with a deep frown. "Have not been seen all day? Is the palace staff so oblivious to what goes around?" He sat back down and rubbed his temples.

Tori looked over at her father, hesitant about adding her own two-sense but she decided to go ahead anyway. "Perhaps they got spooked over the poison attempt on Natalia at breakfast? If I was in their shoes and knew someone was trying to kill not only me, but my whole family after connecting the very obvious dots, I'd go into hiding." She matter-of-factly commented, crossing her legs.

Francis hesitantly nodded, his eyes shifting between Tori and Nathaniel before speaking. "That is an understandable explanation for their disappearance," he affirmed, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "That would explain why a plane was seen leaving the kingdom earlier today,"

"A plane- and you did not think to tell me sooner about a plane leaving the kingdom?" Nathaniel's voice boomed before he let out an exasperated sigh. "Francis, boat or ship is the primary means of transportation to Amaryllis. A plane is only for diplomatic purposes since we do not have a public airport."

Francis tilted his head, his brow furrowing as well. "My deepest apologies. It did not cross my mind. I was preoccupied at the moment with acquiring your father's ceremonial sword at the museum. Unfortunately, I still have not been able to swap it with a fake."

Nathaniel pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "I know you're more than capable, hence why you are my right hand man, my confidant, my personal spy and guard. How did something like that not cross your mind? You are normally more aware, what is going on?" He asked rhetorically, frustration creeping into his voice.

Francis shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet Nathaniel's gaze, guilt flickering across his face. "I apologize again, your highness. I did not mean to overlook- there is no excuse for my carelessness. Rest assured, no mistake like that will happen again." He reassured Nathaniel, bowing respectfully to him.

Nathaniel took a deep breath, trying to calm his frustration, his blood pressure through the roof per usual. "Very well," He nodded, acknowledging Francis's apology and reassuring words. "See to it that this never happens again, Francis."

Francis bowed once again, setting a resolve in himself to be more observant and not let any personal issues cloud his judgment. "As you wish, your highness," he confirmed, then vowed. "I will do my utmost to prevent that from happening again."

Nathaniel looked up at his loyal guard and took a deep breath, trying to calm down so his emotions wouldn't overpower his reasoning. "Francis, after dinner, please bring Duke Jae and Duchess Nari to my study." He stood up from his chair, fixing his cufflinks.

Francis bowed once again, before straightening back up. "As you wish, your highness. I will gain information without anyone knowing I am doing that."

Tori gave her father a quizzical look, tilting her head to the side with narrowing eyes as she rose to her feet from the chaise lounge. "What would Duke and Duchess Cheong know about Uncle Vincent and Aunt Natalia leaving the kingdom secretly?" She inquired, grabbing her purse after pulling her dress down by the hem.

Nathaniel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose once again. "They're close to the royals, sharing a special bond and secrets they don't share with anyone else." He informed me, walking around his desk and down the stairs. "Come, dinner awaits."

〰❦〰

After dinner, Nathaniel made his way towards his study that was off to the side of Natalia's. Two guards stationed at the door opened them up with a bow, he walked past them while putting on the worried uncle and brother persona.

"Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me. Dinner was rather quiet. Natalia, Vincent and the children weren't in attendance. I just had to double-check their rooms, but alas, they were nowhere in sight. I am concerned about them, and can't help but worry that something bad has happened." He explained, taking a seat in his chair then motioning for the duke and duchess to sit.

Nari pushed her black hair behind her head, her dark brown eyes reading the man in front of her as she sat down in the chair. "I would not worry too much, Nathaniel. They were at lunch and breakfast, perhaps they had dinner in their rooms then are somewhere in the palace doing their own thing."

Jae ran a hand through his black hair, his own brown eyes focused on the man before him as he sat down beside her. "I agree. I don't think we should be getting worried, considering they seemed in good spirits when we had our weekly meeting."

"It certainly isn't like them to just leave without careful planning and making it known to everyone leaving someone in charge." Nari bluntly retorted while crossing her arms over her chest and exchanging a silent sideways glance with her husband.

Nathaniel rested his elbows on the table, his fingers steepled together as his eyes switched between Jae and Nari. "You're in charge by default if something were to happen or they left, are you not?" He inquired, seeing as they held what little power the royal family had left as long as they were still alive.

Jae frowned, offended by the insinuation despite it being true and what had happened. "Yes, by default, Vincent has put us to oversee what goes on around here, though I doubt that is the case." He interjected before Nathaniel could get anymore words in edgewise.

Nathaniel scrunched his nose, his eyebrows furrowed, trying to be as dumbfounded as anyone would with a hint of skepticism in his eyes. "You're right." He agreed, pausing for a moment before continuing, "But I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss."

Jae and Nari shared another glance, their eyes holding a silent understanding between them.

"We can't blame you for feeling that way, Nathaniel," Nari reassured him, her voice gentle yet firm. "It would be foolish not to fancy that idea, considering the attempts on their lives, as you know."

Nathaniel nodded, his expression hardening as he shifted in his seat. "Exactly." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair. "But why leave so abruptly?" his eyes shifted between the two, skeptically.

"We don't know that for certain." Jae leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other as he laced his fingers on his thigh. "Maybe they are planning a surprise party? Tori's birthday is coming up soon and we all know how she loves surprises and lavish events." He suggested, mentally crossing his fingers.

Nari uncrossed her arms, leaning forward in her chair, her brow furrowed. "She is not that easy to surprise, considering she seems to have eyes everywhere," she probed, hinting that the possibility of them leaving without Tori knowing was silm, despite that they had left already with no one knowing.

Nathaniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're right. Tori does seem like the type to have her nose in everything." He conceded, recalling his daughter's comment about his plans to get rid of the royal family.

He shook those thoughts off, continuing to press the two with further insistence about them having left to see if they'd slip up. "But wouldn't they at least inform us of a last-minute vacation or a business trip?"

Jae shrugged, his tone nonchalant yet his eyes betraying a hint of worry at Nathaniel's persistence. "Hypothetically, perhaps they wanted to keep it under wraps, to avoid any possible commotion or unnecessary attention." He proposed, trying to find a logical explanation.

Nari chimed in again, her gaze turning stern. "If they don't show up by tomorrow morning, then we can worry." She added, her tone leaving no argument as she rose from her seat.

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed as Nari stood up. "Where are you going?" He questioned, a hint of agitation in his voice. "If your hypothetical turns out to be true, shouldn't we plan?"

Nari met his gaze with a calm and measured expression. "There is no 'we' in this, Nathaniel." she stated, her voice unwavering. "You may do what you will, but Jae and I have things to attend to before we retire for the night."

Nathaniel gritted his teeth in slight annoyance, but he kept himself composed. He nodded, acknowledging her reason for departure. "Of course," he replied, his tone tinged with resignation. "I understand,"

Jae rose from his seat as well, smoothing out his shirt. "We must bid you a good evening, Nathaniel, and let us all hope and pray they turn up by breakfast to stop this madness." He curtly nodded, buttoning up his dress jacket.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched ever so slightly. The fact they had danced around his questions and defected so many times, it was painfully irritating. To think he could have gotten any information about of them was a foolish feat.

He fixed his tie as a thought crossed his mind. "Where is your son?" He asked, looking between the two as he suppressed a smirk. "He seems to be missing as well, and I swear I had seen him a few days ago sparring with Cooper."

Jae turned his head towards Nathaniel from the door, unsure where this line of questioning would be going. "On a trip. He does have free will to do whatever he wishes. Last month he was in South Korea to visit his grandmother."

"We don't keep track of our son. We trust him to make his own decisions now that he is nearing eighteen." Nari quickly interjected, her arms crossing over her chest. "We won't put limits on what he wishes and tie him down to stay by our side."

"Ah, yes, how could I forget." Nathaniel forced a smile, mentally groaning since he hadn't gotten any more information out of them. 'They're most definitely hiding something.' He thought to himself, pressing his lips into a thin line.

Tori knocked on the door and slipped into the room. "Father," she greeted with a quick courtesy, her eyes glanced over at Jae and Nari. "Duke Cheong, Duchess Cheong." She greeted them, giving a courtesy nod.

"Victoriana," Nari curtly greeted back, giving a bow, her husband following in suit before brushing past her. "Good evening, Nathaniel," she greeted, walking through the doors and down the hair, Jae followed behind her.

Tori sat down in the chair, then turned sideways and draped her legs off the armrest while pushing up her phone on the desk. "You know how Allison is always on her phone?" She inquired, crossing her legs and bouncing her foot and continued. "She posted a message earlier today about how Natalia and Vincent were limiting her technology use- which sounds unlike them- before going silent."

Nathaniel sat down and leaned back, listening to his daughter. "I am well aware." He commented, pinching the bridge of his nose with a heavy sigh. "Did I not tell you to stay out of adult matters?"

Tori frowned, leaning over and grabbing her phone off the table. "I am almost an adult. I shouldn't be kept out of the loop when I can help! I have skills that would be of value, if you'd just let me use them-" She firmly explained while getting cut off.

"No!" Nathaniel snapped, slapping the desk with his palm, his patience slipping further. "I will not risk you getting caught up in this. You are my only daughter, and I promised your mother I'd do all in my power to keep you safe. This is my battle to fight, not yours, Victoriana, end of story." He reprimanded, his tone harsh and authoritative while his eyes narrowed.

Tori's eyes widened, a flicker of hurt etched onto her face as she slowly stood up. "My deepest apologies," she apologized, trying not to sound jaded by his outburst. "I'll stay out of it from now on." She paused for a beat, clenching her phone in her hand. "Excuse me, I must resume my studies then retire for the night."

She turned on her heels and walked towards the door. She opened them herself while looking over her shoulder. "Goodnight, Dad," she bid him as she stepped out of the door and closed it behind her with a quiet click.

Nathaniel watched his daughter walk out the door. He exhaled deeply, a part of him knowing he should of handled that better. "I wish you were here, " he muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering to his wife's photo on his desk, her brown eyes and golden hair reminded him so much of Tori, it almost hurt.

He shook off the feeling and stood up as he glanced at the photo of Natalia, Vincent, and his nieces and nephews. "One way or another, I'll find you and recall our legacy that you handed away." He snide, brushing past the photo and out the door that opened by the guards.

〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰

A/N:
Hey guys, sorry this is late. I have been working on Shipwrecked Princess, Finding Home and The Royal Charm Academy since I had the chapters already written up so I just added, edited and just shaped it up. You can check out them while you are waiting for an update on this book!

Chapter Talk:
Edit: This round I thought I'd clean it it since it was a bit all over the place. I wanted to show this time how much Nathaniel cares about Tori, which was why he wants to leave her out of his plans. In the previous draft he did enlist Tori's help, this time I didn't want that.

Thanks for reading!