King Arthur raised an astonished eyebrow, surprised to hear the news of Prince James practising swordplay. King Arthur had assigned some people to watch Prince James' every move during his stay at the castle without anyone else knowing, not even the Queen.

In the eyes of the people, King Arthur's indifference to Prince James was the most striking thing. He was strict in raising his son, keeping him locked up in the castle at the back of the palace.

King Arthur did not allow Prince James to see anyone, not even his own family, except Jasmine. Even the Queen's illness and her move from the main palace did not move King Arthur's heart to punish Prince James.

However, King Arthur was still a father; Prince James was his flesh and blood. No matter how hard he trained Prince James, King Arthur still thought of and cared for him daily. That's why he always asked people to watch and guard him from a distance.

King Arthur received information about Prince James from them daily, although what they reported was always the same. King Arthur always listened to ensure Prince James was doing well so he could always see how his son was progressing daily.

Today's news was very different from the usual news he received.

"Why does he suddenly want to play with swords?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, I don't know why Prince James is suddenly playing with swords. Since yesterday, Prince James has been behaving just like any other day. No external factors should influence him; it could be his own decision," the advisor replied.

King Arthur let out a long sigh, not knowing if it was because he was relieved to hear the good things about Prince James' change or because he felt guilty for pushing Prince James so hard that his son finally got tired and changed his mind. He began to learn what he had been demanding all along.

King Arthur thought that if Prince James' change was due to him, then perhaps he had reflected enough and finally realized that what King Arthur had been asking of him all along was right.

"Continue to watch over Prince Arthur as usual and keep me informed of his progress," King Arthur ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Go."

The advisor bowed and paid his respects before withdrawing from the King's presence.

"The boy is finally making the progress I had hoped for; the queen should be pleased to hear this," King Arthur murmured, thinking how happy she would be if she knew this news—not knowing that Jasmine was the first to tell the Queen.

***

"Mother, where are you going?" asked Jasmine.

"To meet your brother, of course."

"But, Mother. Father will not allow you to see James."

The Queen's beaming face vanished instantly, replaced by an uncomfortable frown. Thinking back to King Arthur's unreasonable ban, she felt angry. To this day, she did not understand the King's purpose in imprisoning his son.

Now that Prince James was finally showing some of the progress and changes that King Arthur wanted, the Queen did not know if she had heard the news. What will her reaction be when she hears that good things are coming to Prince James?

"Do not worry about your father; Mother will deal with him later. Dare him to scold you; see what happens."

Jasmine unconsciously swallowed hard; she knew how superior the Queen was to the King. King Arthur could be the leader of a country, highly respected by his people, famous for his firmness and authority, and always praised and well-regarded by the people.

They learned that the admired King Arthur would lose all his authority before the Queen. There is a saying that a great man will submit and obey someone he loves. One can imagine how much King Arthur loved Queen Anna.

"Then I will accompany you there as well."

The Queen nodded in agreement; there was nothing wrong with Jasmine coming with her. After all, the girl went there more often than she did. She couldn't wait to meet James.

Unconsciously, her heart beat faster than usual, and she had no idea how James would react when he saw her again after such a long time. Whether her son had changed much or was still the same James she knew.

But with the punishment and pressure he had been under, the man's personality had changed a bit. Still, the Queen did not question or think about it. It was no longer important to her; she was now thinking about meeting James soon.

"Alright, let's go now."

The Queen left first, followed by Jasmine, who walked by her side. Several servants of the two noblewomen immediately followed them in the same footsteps.

The group walked neither in a hurry nor too fast, but some people who had been with the Queen for a long time knew that the Queen walked faster than usual.

They could imagine how impatient the Queen was when she walked. Even Jasmine had to keep up with the Queen's pace. She understood; after all, the Queen had not seen James for a long time. Her impatience was understandable for the moment.

Some of the Shadow Guards, who the King had ordered to guard the Queen's residence, left their posts. Some followed the Queen in silence without anyone knowing, while others went to visit the King and report what they had seen.

It didn't take long for the Shadow Guard to arrive at the King's residence. In a matter of minutes, they had reached the King's study, kneeling and making a respectful gesture.

The King listened to the report with a calm expression, as if he had expected something like this to happen, sooner or later. The King knew that the Queen could not be stopped.

"Let the Queen go to Prince James' residence, but keep an eye on her from a distance as usual. Go."

The Shadow Guard accepted the King's order without raising its head, rose to salute, and quickly retreated.

"It is indeed time for her to return."