Charles

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I spent most of today walking through the forest that surrounded the summer-house. I felt the need to clear my head for a bit, and I knew that no one would come looking for me, so I just let myself wander. To be perfectly honest, today was a good day. Let's see how tomorrow will go.

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I completely forgot to update the journal yesterday, but, if I'm truthful, nothing much happened. Unlike today.

It's been six days since I killed my father by setting fire to our mansion.

I left the house early in the morning, hoping to have a pleasant walk through the forest. I didn't leave a note, because why would I? I even left the door unlocked. I know that others might have felt paranoid after doing what I did, but I've never been more relaxed in my life.

That's probably why I almost had my life scared out of me when, around mid-day, I began to hear shouts echoing throughout the forest. Soon enough a royal guard appeared from the foliage, giving me the fright of my life, - his stern face seemed to tell me that they know, they know what I've done, and that now I shall be taken away and punished for all that I've done. From the way he acted, it seemed that he also had similar thoughts to me.

He told me that I shall return with him, and seized my arm. He was taller than me, but also much more lanky. I snatched my arm away, but didn't try to run. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't. I can't recall clearly, but I'm pretty sure my reasoning then was that, even if I ran, there's probably many other soldiers around, and I'd be caught anyway.

We walked back to the summer-house in almost deafening silence, which was occasionally disturbed by the slightly muffled shouts of the other soldiers, probably still looking for me. I distinctly remember repeatedly catching a glimpse of his hair, which was the colour of fire... or freshly fallen autumn leaves. It was hard to distinguish which one. It was a pretty colour, but also probably something because of which the soldier was made fun of as a kid.

When we finally returned, he seized me by the arm again, and brought me into the house, forcefully pulling my along. As I entered the door I saw Mark pacing nervously throughout the room. Upon hearing us enter, his eyes shot up from the floor, and he froze for a moment.

I opened my mouth to give him an excuse to say something, but before I could say anything more than "Mark, I-", he was rushing towards me, throwing his arms around my neck, and squeezing me tightly.

I was completely flabbergasted. As he retreated, he looked me up and down, as if checking for injuries (just as he used to when we were kids). I'll never forget the moment he looked me in the eyes then and there.

As he stared at me, his gaze was teary.

I've never seen Mark cry. Ever.

He hugged me again, less tightly than the first time.

"I'm so glad you're alright... I don't know what I would've done if you were gone, as well..."

I asked him what he meant.

Well, what can I say. My plan did work out in the end.

Lady Pendragon died after hanging herself on the frame of her own bed.

I won.