Kiss Me Not

The next morning, Gavin controlled himself from touching Brione while she was sleeping. She was too sore and he wanted her to rest a little more and sleep. He gave her a loving kiss before he left the bedroom and went to meet Will.

"Good morning," he greeted Will, who was waiting for him in his study.

"My head hurts so bad!" Will complained.

"Who told you to get drunk, huh?" Gavin commented as he opened his closet to get Will some medicine.

"Here, drink this. Tell me when you feel better because we have a lot to discuss so you must stay focused." Gavin said. Will was not yet aware of anything.

After a few minutes, Will exhaled loudly and said, "Okay, fire away, Your Highness. I'm ready."

Gavin then started and Will's face paled as the story progressed.

"Oh my God… I can't believe that you are not Cedric. Oh, my poor friend. What has happened to him?" Will whispered as soon as Gavin finished telling him everything.

"So my father, our King, Brione, and her brother and sister-in-law are the only ones who know about this, right?" Will reconfirmed and Gavin nodded. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Gavin answered and a servant walked in with the coffees and sandwiches he asked for.

Will waited until the servant left the room before he suggested, "Olivia deserves to know this. We both know how much heartbreak she suffered because of you!"

"I know but it's not safe for her to meet any one of us. How about I ask for Brione's help in this matter?" Gavin suggested.

"Yes, it's best if Brione and she meet up and Brione tells her everything. I will set the date, time, and place for the meeting as I have to make sure they talk in a safe public place," Will said and Gavin nodded.

"I'm sure Cedric will be happy to know he has you as his twin. When we were kids, he always said how he would love having a sibling. That is why he was so close to me and Olivia. I am happy because at least now Olivia will know that she still has a chance once we find Cedric alive."

Gavin chuckled and gave Will a teasing look.

"What?!" Will complained.

"Well, my brother Cedric is lucky to have such a loyal friend in you who is willing to back down from the woman he loves for him." Gavin complimented.

Will's face reddened.

"Even though I am not Cedric, I hope we also remain close friends, Will, because I like you very much," Gavin commented.

"Ah! stop that. It gives me the creeps. Too cheesy." Will complained, making Gavin chuckle.

"For when should I arrange your and Brione's flight to country D?" Will asked.

"As soon as we finish fabricating everything that is needed to find me at the island where the ship sunk," Gavin whispered.

"By the way, here is my marriage contract with Brione. I have used my real identity for it. Please do whatever is required," Gavin said as he handed the signed contract over to Will.

"So, you are next in line to inherit the throne since you were the first one to come out of your mother's womb. If Cedric were here, he would be happy because that brute hated being a Prince." Will sighed because he suddenly felt bad that Cedric was still missing.

"It doesn't matter. I am flexible, Will. The throne is not that important, but if I am required to take on this responsibility and if my brother doesn't want it then I will commit myself to it." Gavin stated his opinion. He was willing to help his family in any way he could.

"That's good to hear, Your Highness. I hope things will sort themselves out soon." Will whispered. The two discussed other important things pertaining to State matters.

"I need you to stay here, Will, and assist my father. Kevin will stay with me in country D," Gavin said and Will nodded. The two of them soon went their separate ways.

His father, the King, was busy taking care of the State Affairs, and Gavin could not help but feel bad that he was not able to assist him just yet. He went back to his wing where he had his own kitchen since he preferred cooking for himself.

He was humming and was feeling inspired as he cooked some food for his wife. After he was done, he carefully opened the door to check on Brione who was still sleeping soundly. He immediately came out before he lost control and attacked her again.

He went to his living room and switched on the television to watch the news when suddenly a memory flashed before his eyes…

***

Him bumping into a woman and the folder in her hands fell to the floor. He bent down to help her pick it up.

"What's this?" he asked the woman as he looked at some photos.

"The next scoop. The chief wants me to get more details about Prince Cedric of Country B but it's so damn hard to get a good angle of him. I've been requesting access but his staff is very strict. He will be crowned King soon and the chief wants an exclusive interview with him before that happens."

He looked at the woman and smiled, "How about I help you? I will talk to the chief and see if I can get something. I need an alibi to get out of the country so let me talk to the chief about it?"

****

Gavin creased his forehead. His memories were returning slowly…

"Is that how I ended up knowing about Cedric?" he whispered. He closed his eyes and concentrated, hoping he would remember something more.

"Damn!" he cursed because nothing came to mind. He opened his eyes and slumped helplessly on the couch. He wondered if he ever found out anything about Cedric before his accident but Brione had told him that Gavin left the country because she rejected him and he needed time to unwind, to be away with her.

But what if it was not the only reason? What if there were more reasons for why he had left so suddenly?