Kiss Me Not

After Cedric finished eating dinner, he went to his father's room to check on him.

"I heard Olivia left early and did not join you for dinner. What happened Cedric?" his father enquired as soon as he sat next to his bed.

"Don't stress yourself out, dad. Apparently, there was an emergency in her house so Will took her home. I will call her and find out what happened later okay?" Cedric said with a smile.

Then he added, "Stop worrying yourself, I will help you with the Royal affairs soon. Just give me a few more days and I will take that crown from you whether you like it or not."

"Tsk… I still remember how you used to refuse this throne before. I guess that incident somehow opened your eyes and made you accept this. This is our legacy so we must uphold it, not just for our family's sake but also for the people that look upon us and believe in us, Cedric." Lucas said.

He was pleased with the changes in his son, especially him embracing his fate as the future King of their country.

"Dad…" Cedric whispered. He was hesitating whether to ask or not. He felt embarrassed though.

"Yes, my son?" his father asked. Cedric looked at the nurses around and dismissed them.

"What is it?" Lucas asked again, feeling a bit worried.

"Do you happen to know if I have any birthmarks?" he coughed, unable to ask if he had it in a particular place.

"Hmm, that's a tough question because your wet nurse was the one who took care of you most of the time so I really did not notice it…" Lucas whispered, before looking at Cedric with a frown and asked, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden? Is there a problem? Do you remember something?"

"There's no problem dad. I don't remember a thing. But there were a few flashbacks which I couldn't even understand since they were very short and would be gone quickly. It's not even people that I remember, instead, it's just a feeling of familiarity. I just wonder though why I'm really just an only child. I mean how come it's only me?" Cedric asked, looking intently at his father.

Lucas laughed and said, "There you go again. I often heard you say this when you were young. You always used to ask me why you didn't have a brother to pass the responsibility onto. Unfortunately, like I always said, this father of yours will only look at and love one woman in this lifetime which is your mother."

'This is ridiculous Cedric! Stop being suspicious of your father!' He scolded himself. He could feel the genuine love and loyalty of his father towards him so there was no way that he was not his son!

He sighed and brushed aside this absurd idea about his identity.

"About mom…" Cedric started again because he was told that his mother died while giving birth to him, so he did not know much about her. He wondered if there could be a connection to her mother. Like Gavin was connected to her mother?

Lucas smiled and said, "I have told you a lot of things about your mother but I think you have also forgotten that. I promised I will retell everything to you…"

Cedric nodded because he was curious about his mother. He had seen her in photos and videos and she always looked lovely and beautiful. He had seen videos of her singing him lullabies and caressing her womb while she was pregnant with him.

He could see the admiration and love for her in his father's bright eyes. They would always twinkle with delight whenever he would tell Cedric stories about her.

After a few minutes of talking, Cedric looked at his watch and said, "You should rest early dad. Let's continue talking some other time. By the way, I will fly back to the island tomorrow and visit you again with Brione very soon."

Lucas heaved a sigh and said, "Alright, I'll listen to what Dr. Cain said. I will meet her first but I still strongly suggest that you go out with Olivia because I'm sure you will like her just like you did in the past. You probably don't like her now because you two were separated for a long time so please…"

Cedric shook his head and cut him off by declaring, "I know what I wanted dad and it's Brione. I can only treat Olivia like a close childhood friend but don't expect anything more than that. Don't try to convince me again and let this matter rest because I feel bad that you will get disappointed every time we talk about this.

Dad, please meet Brione first and get to know her because who knows, you might like her too! In fact, I'm sure you will love her and even say that I have good eyes for women," Cedric proudly stated.

"This arrogant brat! Okay fine you can get going. I knew you would leave as soon as you saw me in good health."

Cedric laughed and scolded, "Don't do things like this again okay? Or do you want me to neglect you the next time something like this happens thinking that it's just another trick you're playing behind my back?"

Lucas' mouth twitched in annoyance then defended, "What are you saying?! I'm really sick. Can't you see an IV on my hand? I hate needles and you know that. So why would I willingly go through something like this?"

"Oh right! You actually can't remember it," his father quickly added.

Cedric held his hands and said, "I can't believe that you can entrust the whole country and the people to me but you can't even trust my decision in choosing the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Dad, even if I have lost many memories in my life, I still know myself and I'm confident about my own judgment. If I am confident enough to accept the duties and responsibilities you want me to take then I am also confident too that I chose the right woman.

Even if she has some flaws or weaknesses, I will be her strength and I will fill in for whatever she lacks."

Lucas could only sigh in helplessness because he knew how stubborn Cedric could be.

"Good night dad. I will join you for breakfast tomorrow before I go back to Perdu Island. Work hard and have fun before I dethrone you," Cedric teased before he stood up and headed towards the door.

Lucas watched him leave and whispered softly, as if talking to his late wife, "My dear Cecilia, our boy seems to be ready now. I always wanted him to know only about the good things so until now I kept him in the dark about your death. I don't want him to harbor hate in his heart but every day I fear that the secret will be spilled and he will lose control and get revenge for your death."