The Problematic Prince

er word, Bjorn left the room.
As the iron door slammed shut, Walter stared at the document on the table.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Upon opening the chunky envelope, a book with crude bindings slid out.
The title read ‘The Name of Love and the Abyss.’ It was the latest release from Hermann Publishing, with the title that had only just been finalised.

   Catherine Owen’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the book.
Her late brothers posthumous works was finally in print and being carted all across the sea.
All of the publishers in Lars might have rejected the poems, but here they were, in all their uncensored glory.

   “Initially, we will begin publishing in Lars.
Most of Lechen’s intellectuals who are intrigued by Gerald Owen are well versed in Lars and this book is sure to generate a lot of intrigue.
Once the buzz has escalated, we intend to release a translated version in Lechen, so that the everyone can have access.
By that point, the book will have already been circulating Lars,” the publisher Hermann, who sat across from Catherine calmly outlined the plan.

   Catherine listened intently, clutching the book close to her chest.
The prospect of having the truth about her brothers death come to light and the woman responsible, brought a sense of relief.

   “Currently, the entire nation is in turmoil over the Grand Duchess’ scandal, so I plan on publishing once that has settled down a bit.
Do you have any thoughts?”

   “I agree,” Catherine nodded hesitantly, “now that its all over, there’s no reason to wait any longer.
If possible, I would appreciate it if the book could be published at a time when it can receive the most attention.”

   “Then lets make a forecast for that eventuality.”

   Hermann grew grave, he was under no illusion about the impact this book was going to have, not only on Lars, but also on Lechen.

   “Whatever you think is best,” Catherine said simply.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Erna had remained asleep through the whole day.
Bjorn drew the curtains to block out the afternoon sun and took a seat in the chair beside the bed, so that he could closely observe her.
He loosened his tie and let out a gentle sigh.

   Erna had spent the last few days resting.
She was determined to follow the doctors orders, to give the child the best start she could manage and it was best he stayed on her side.

   Seeing Erna’s face grow increasingly gaunt, day after day, reminded Bjorn of the toll the pregnancy was taking on her.
It seemed like the child was pushing this resilient woman to her limits.
At one point, just a sip of water was a struggle to keep down, thought it seemed like she was improving a little over time.

   As Bjorn gazed at Erna’s still flat belly, a faint smile graced his lips.
Even if they were childless, he would never abandon this woman to the world.
He couldn’t deny the power her pregnancy had over the public.
As she proved her worth, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.
She might as well have been a true Dniester.

   “Bjorn?” Erna said sleepily, “you came back early.”

   Erna cautiously rose to a sitting position and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
She looked like she was exhausted, an unusual sight for someone that had just woken from a nap.

   “Are you busy?” She was impatient to learn of her father, the anxiety and apprehension curdling her words.

   “I was just on my way to see Viscount Hardy,” Bjorn said.

   It was a shock to her as normally he would have left without saying a word.
Taken aback, Erna sighed and clutched the edge of her blanket.

   “Erna.”

   “Yes?”

   “You…” he wasn’t sure if he should say, but she deserves to know.
“You no longer have a father.
Clear the Hardy name from your life.”

   “What do you mean?” Erna was confused, maybe she was still groggy from sleep, but understanding escaped her.

   “I made a deal with Walter Hardy, to secure his release he had to cut ties.
Your father agreed to these terms.”

   Bjorn gave it two days at most, before Walter called up and agreed.
His daughter was only money to him and being the selfish man that he was, he would not want to go to prison.
His daughter was now only a burden to him.

   “So it is best that you discard him from your life, that’s the only way to keep your peace.”

   Although isolation couldn’t shield Erna from the accusations that were being hurled in her direction, at lease she wouldn’t get caught up in any more of Walters plots.
For Bjorn, that was enough, the criticism’s of the world was fine, but he would not let any one dare shake up the Grand Duchess.

   “Hey Bjorn….I know.” she looked up at him with pitiful eyes, “why did you marry me?”

   “What?”

   Bjorn frowned, confused, a question he was never expecting.
He sounded annoyed, annoyed at being asked such a ridiculous question.

   “The bet,” Erna’s voice cracked, she took a moment to gather her courage.
“The bet you made with your friends, the one that started on the card table at the social club.”