  &quot;I understand that what she did was unacceptable but you should still treat her with respect as a relative,&quot; he replied.
  &quot;I would like to make one thing clear between the two of us, James: I respect everyone that crosses my path,&quot; I moved closer to him, &quot;But when someone gives me a reason not to, then I m sorry. That person won t have any kind of respect from me. The same goes with Elizabeth.&quot;
  &quot;Robert, please,&quot; he said, calmly stopping me from walking away.
  I groaned.
  I m trying my best to have a calm conversation with you, both as a king and as a father,&quot; he continued. &quot;Let us not treat each other with hostility just because of what your aunt did.&quot;
  &quot;James, you re making me act this way,&quot; I replied. &quot;And please, I don t want to talk about anything right now. I just want to be alone in silence.&quot;
  James

  &quot;Gonzalo, you may leave,&quot; I said, my eyes not leaving the sight of Laura.
  &quot;Are you sure, young prince?&quot; he asked.
  &quot;There s no need to worry, Gonzalo,&quot; I smiled at him. &quot;She s a friend of mine. Take care of the letter.
  He then bowed and left me with Laura.
  &quot;Laura?&quot; my mouth finally spoke as I approached her. &quot;Come now, Laura. There s no need for that,&quot; I helped her up. I lifted her face and smiled at her, pleased that she s here right now. &quot;You don t have to do curtsies when it comes to me.&quot;
  &quot;Don t be silly, Robert. You know I have to do that,&quot; she replied, fiddling with her fingers. &quot;I m in your realm, in your kingdom. I have to show you the respect that is given to you here.&quot;
  &quot;Laura, you re no different from me. Therefore, I say that you don t have to be all ceremonial whenever you vi

  When I finally arrived by the door of the master bedroom, I took some time to compose myself before walking in. As I entered, Mother was in a bad state, even worse than before. She looked paler than a while ago.
  I tiptoed in but she felt my presence and turned to my direction. &quot;Robert,&quot; she spoke with a faint smile and a weak voice.
  I walked faster and sat beside her as I reached her. &quot;Mother, I m right here. Gonzalo said you called for me.&quot;
  &quot;It took you a long time to get here. Where have you been?&quot; she asked.
  &quot;I was in the stables, taking care of Lady,&quot; I said, holding her hand in mine. Is there something wrong, Mother?&quot;
  She then turned to the maids, &quot;Please give us a moment alone.&quot; The maids curtsied and left the room, carrying their basins of water and cloths.
  &quot;Mother, what s wrong? What s going on?&quot; I ask

&quot;I understand that what she did was unacceptable but you should still treat her with respect as a relative,&quot; he replied.
  &quot;I would like to make one thing clear between the two of us, James: I respect everyone that crosses my path,&quot; I moved closer to him, &quot;But when someone gives me a reason not to, then I m sorry. That person won t have any kind of respect from me. The same goes with Elizabeth.&quot;
  &quot;Robert, please,&quot; he said, calmly stopping me from walking away.
  I groaned.
  I m trying my best to have a calm conversation with you, both as a king and as a father,&quot; he continued. &quot;Let us not treat each other with hostility just because of what your aunt did.&quot;
  &quot;James, you re making me act this way,&quot; I replied. &quot;And please, I don t want to talk about anything right now. I just want to be alone in silence.&quot;
  James let out a sigh as he nodded. &quot;I understand. I will see you at dinner.&quot; He lightly tap

Chapter 32 Unsettled (b)