The Red String Of Faith

This chapter is beta by Kylee.

Chapter Thirty-four

Even though Jamie told him not to, he couldn’t help but to look for the lost prince. He just couldn't stand seeing that sad look on Jamie’s face every time he visited him and the other two babies. Nicholas slid off his horse. He walked over to the small stream he had come upon and splashed some water onto his face. When he was done, he stood up and walked over to his horse. He decided to walk his horse instead of riding it as he was not really in a hurry to return to Anders’ castle empty handed. He heard the sound of footsteps behind him before he heard his name being called. With one hand already reaching for his sword, he recognized a familiar voice calling his name. Nicholas spun around and was greeted by the sight of Eli looking as happy as the day he had left Zhanthia.

Eli smiled brightly at Nicholas “Sorry to surprise you Nicholas but I have something that belongs to Jamie. Would you come with me to get him right now? He's with Conor.”

Nicholas gave Eli a tight hug first before following him to his small but cozy cottage. It was not very far from the small stream. When they reached Eli’s home, Nicholas could hear the sound of a baby crying its lung out coming from inside.

“Conor, I asked you to put the baby to sleep not make him cry!” Eli said to Conor when they entered the cottage.

"It’s not my fault that he refuses to sleep Eli. I tried everything already but he won't stop crying," said Conor.

Eli took the little prince from Conor, and right away the baby stopped crying. Then he looked up at Nicholas, “Will you help me bring him back to Jamie? He must be really worried about this little one.”

“Ana!” uttered Nicholas. “How did he end up with you Eli and how did you knew that he was Jamie’s?” asked Nicholas. There was no doubt in his mind that the baby in Eli’s arms was Jamie’s son Ana with that soft black hair and those adorable blue eyes, staring up at Eli.

“If you really must know Nicholas, I wanted to know how Jamie was doing. I was worried about him. As soon as Conor and I buried Ran’s body we came here. Before I continue, I want to say thank you Nicholas for what you did for me. If it wasn't for you, Conor would still think that I was the one who died that day.”

“Eli, there is no need to thank me for something as small as that. You are important to Jamie and I. We both care about you very much and you didn't deserve what our king did.”

Eli laughed and gazed down at Jamie’s baby. “I was the doctor who helped Jamie with his birthing. It wasn't easy for me to disguise myself as Anders’ doctor, but Felix, Anders’ son helped me. Plus the poor doctor was more than willing to let me take his place when he heard that it was the king of Zhanthia who needed him, and not his king.”

“I see. That explains how you knew that this little guy was Jamie son. Just one last question.”

“I bought him from the white Zhanthia. That man approached Conor and I, asking us if we wanted to buy the baby from him for a good price because he needed money. Since I recognized the baby as Jamie’s son, I didn't hesitate to pay the man for him.” Eli answered before Nicholas could ask him. “Conor wanted to kill the man!” he added with another laugh.

“Eli, you are a true friend to our king’s consort. Jamie will be so happy to hear that you were the one to save his son.” Just as Nicholas said that, the little prince began crying again, and Conor who had heard enough of the baby crying grabbed his cane and made his way out of the cottage for some peace and quiet. Nicholas and Eli chuckled softly.

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Jamie was putting Fey to sleep in the crib when his door opened and Nicholas came walking in with Ana. Tears of happiness filled his eyes right away. His son Ana was alive and well, asleep in Nicholas’ arms and wrapped in light red cloth. “I found him!” he heard Nicholas announce with a big smile on his face. He ran over to them and Nicholas gave his son to him. He held the baby as tears of happiness slid down the side of his face. “Oh thank you Nicholas for finding him for me.” Jamie said without taking his eyes off his son.

“Can I ask where you found him Nicholas? Sebastian looked everywhere and still couldn't find him.”

“A very nice couple bought him from that white Zhanthia man who took him. It was by accident that I came upon the couple, and recognized right away that the baby with them was our little lost prince. They were more than happy to return him to you Jamie,” Nicholas lied to Jamie. He had promised Eli before he left with little Ana that he wouldn't tell Jamie that it was Eli who rescued his baby. He didn't understand why Eli didn't want Jamie to know, but it was Eli’s wish and he had to respect that.

“If you run into them again, I want you to thank them for me Nicholas. Or better yet, you should bring them here so that I can personally thank them myself,” Jamie said, this time looking up at Nicholas.

Nicholas was saved from making up another lie to tell Jamie when his king came walking in with Jeffery. As soon as they saw little Ana, they hurried to Jamie’s side and gazed down at the baby in Jamie arms, their faces lit up with joy.

“Nicholas found him Your Highness,” Jamie announced with a big smile, eyes looking straight at Nicholas.

Sebastian and Jeffery both looked up at Nicholas, “Thank you Nicholas. For finding my son, I will grant you anything you want,” said Sebastian.

“That's wonderful Your Highness, then I will wait until later to tell you what I want,” with that said, Nicholas left the room.

“I think I know what Nicholas wants, and I think that I really will have to approve of his choice this time,” Sebastian sighed. Then he glanced at Jeffery. "If I give him what he has been bugging me for, then you Jeffery will never get a chance to make it right with him.” That was all Sebastian was going to say.

Jamie was confused but Jeffery wasn't. He was out the door right away after hearing what Sebastian said. Jamie glanced up at his king. “What is it that Nicholas has been bugging you about?” he asked.

Sebastian just smiled “Why don't we put Ana to sleep with his brothers?” he suggested to avoid answering Jamie’s question.

Jamie nodded his head, and he and the king of Zhanthia walked over to the crib and lay Ana down next to his brothers. They stood and watched the three sleeping babies with their arms around each other.

“Jamie, I was thinking that instead of returning to Zhanthia, we should return to the country of Siren to the small cottage home with the waterfall that you love so much. We could enjoy some time alone with our sons for a month or two without any worries.”

“I would love that Your Highness, although I feel that there is another reason why you want us to return there, besides wanting to please me,” Jamie whispered.

Sebastian laughed quietly. “Yes there is another reason, but it is nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over.” Then he embraced Jamie tighter and rested his chin on Jamie’s shoulder. He and Jamie continued to watch over their sleeping sons until Caelane came to visit. Behind him stood Anders.

Sebastian kissed Jamie on the brow and left the chamber. On his way out, he leaned over and whispered something into Anders’ ear. Caelane and Jamie watched the two walk away together side by side, deep in conversation.

“Now what do you think that was all about? I thought that they hated each other,” Jamie commented with a laugh.

“Maybe they decided to stop hating each other and to start loving each other like brothers should,” remarked Caelane. That earned him another laugh from Jamie.

“I ran into Nicholas on my way here. He informed me that he found Ana and that he was with you. I rushed here like a mad man to see for myself,” said Caelane as he walked over to the crib and leaned over to see the babies. A smile came on his face when he saw little Ana asleep between his brothers.

“Is that why Anders had that look on his face Caelane?”

“What look?” Caelane asked feigning ignorance.

Jamie chuckled, “The look that said that he wanted to beat some sense into you,” said Jamie. “You shouldn't worry him in your condition Caelane,” he added.

“I have never seen anyone make such a big fuss because I wouldn't stay in bed. Let me tell you that he has treated me like a fragile vase ever since that night you had your babies Jamie. I swear that I was about to scream my frustration out at him if I did not get away from him.”

“Caelane, didn't Eli tell you when he left you here?” Jamie asked.

“Tell me what?” Caelane answered Jamie’s question with a question of his own, confused.

Jamie eyes widened with realization that Eli forgot to tell Caelane about his condition. “I think that Anders should be the one to tell you.”

“At that very moment, Anders was having a very heated conversation with Sebastian “Like hell will I let you! I won't be satisfied Sebastian with killing you when you are no longer king. What’s the point in that?” Anders yelled out.

“I don't live to please you Anders, and I don't give a damn about what you think of my decision,” snapped Sebastian.

“Shit. You really are serious, you bastard! Father is not going to be pleased to hear about your decision, Sebastian.”

“I know but I'm tired of putting Jamie’s life in danger. As long as I remain king of Zhanthia, his and our sons lives will always be at stake. I think that this is the best decision I have ever made in my life Anders. I have thought this through many times since Jamie was turned into a sparrow. The last straw was when our son was taken from us. I knew right away that to protect my family, I had no other choice than to give up my title as king for a life of peace and quiet with Jamie and our kids. I really like being the king of Zhanthia, but I love Jamie more, just as you love Caelane,” said Sebastian. “I know that if you were in my position Anders, you would do the same. After all, we are brothers No matter how much we hate each other, we think alike when it comes to those we truly love with our hearts,” he added.

“Are you sure about that Sebastian? What about your revenge? Don't you want to kill me? After all I was the one who ordered Conor to kill Hayden.”

“I had my revenge already. Conor already paid for killing Hayden. I was going to kill you too because you were also responsible even though you were not the one who killed him. However that would make Jamie sad and he would never talk to me again. I don't want a repeat of Jamie running off to somewhere again because of my actions. Revenge isn't worth losing the second person I loved with all my heart.”

Anders sighed and turned his face to the side. He stared out the window. “Sebastian, do you know how many innocent people I killed just to get to you?”

“I am not responsible for your actions Anders, just as you are not responsible for my actions. We both hurt and killed many innocent people just to get back at each other, all in the name of revenge. I think that it is time we stop before more innocent people get hurt because of us. Also I want to tell you the true reason why I killed your dad Anders."

Anders spun around and walked over to the door. “I don't want to hear your reason for killing my dad Sebastian, because I already know. The fact that I know what he did doesn't justify your actions. You killed my dad when you could have just kicked him out of the castle for treason. If you had done that, none of this would have happened, and those innocent people that we involved in our revenge against one another would not have lost their lives. That includes Hayden as well.” With that said, Anders left and on his way to collect Caelane from Jamie chamber, he bumped into Jeffery. He flashed the man a mean glare then he continued on.

Four weeks later, Sebastian and Jamie left Anders castle. They sat next to each other across from Nicholas. The three of them each held a baby in their arms. Jamie leaned his head on Sebastian’s shoulder and gazed at Nicholas. "Why do you look so sad Nicholas?" he asked the man.

"Jamie ,he is not sad, just too happy that his wish was granted." Sebastian commented, not letting Nicholas answer Jamie.

Nicholas glared at his king, then he answered Jamie. “I'm sad because I'm going to miss having you around Jamie,” he answered. When Nicholas saw the look his king gave him, he gave his king a smirk.

“Nicholas, I'm not going anywhere. By the way you sound, you make it seem like we are not going to see each other again once the king and I leave for the country of Siren,” Jamie said with a laugh, unaware of Sebastian’s decision.

"Tell me Nicholas, did you and the king of Aria make up with each other yet?" Jamie asked, taking Nicholas by surprise. "Don't look so surprised Nicholas. It is hard to miss the longing look you have in your eyes when he is around, even if you do try to hide your true feelings for him behind your cold and hateful words,” Jamie added.

“I hate him Jamie. He has been nothing but a thorn in my heart ever since we met. Whatever you thought you saw in my eyes, it is not love.” Nicholas turned his head to the side and stared out the carriage window, not wanting to say anything further.

Jamie was smart enough to let the subject go. They arrived at Zhanthia right before sunset. Sebastian left Jamie with Nicholas to pack their clothes. Tomorrow morning they would be setting off with the triplets and the twins to Jamie’s home in the mountains in the country of Siren.