Could it really be such a coincidence?


    Both he and Evadne harbored deep suspicions that Dorothy was indeed Mrs. Ashbourne, Evadne''s mother. Yet, based solely on a document without a photo, jumping to conclusions seemed a bit hasty.


    However, his friend had been working in the royal circles for years, and his intel was unlikely to be wed.


    Dorothy was rumored to be the lover of King Helgen.


    Later, she was framed by the queen, imprisoned, escaped, and then pursued.


    It led to her diving into the sea, drifting from ce to ce, until she found refuge with the Ashbourne family in Skyrim. Every piece of the puzzle seemed to fit perfectly.


    What startled Thaddeus even more was the timing of Dorothy''s pursuit matched the timeline.


    Too many coincidences made them seem less like coincidences.


    Especially today, when the king suddenly summoned Cassius, a stranger to him, to the pce for a meeting, treating him with unprecedented closeness and even gifting him a personal treasure...


    "Bro, did the queen apany you during your pce visit today?" Thaddeus suddenly asked.


    Cassius shook his head gently, "No, the queen was nowhere to be seen the entire time."


    "And the prince?"


    "I heard the prince has been unwell. A few years back, he still made public appearances with the king, attended state visits and charity events. But sincest year, he''s been bedridden, withdrawing from all duties to focus on his health. So, I didn''t get to meet him."


    What kind of illnesssts for two whole years?


    It must be something incurable.


    Seeing Thaddeus''s somber expression, Cassius grew curious, "Thaddeus, why the sudden interest?"


    Thaddeus''s mind was in turmoil, clutching the jade pendant tightly.


    He was overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, feeling as if he was about to uncover a truth that would turn the Ashbourne family upside down, as monumental as revealing the secrets of the heavens.


    All these clues linked together too smoothly.


    He wanted to tell himself it was all just a coincidence.


    But his tongue felt heavy and clumsy, making self-deception impossible.


    "It''s nothing, Bro. I''ve just been a bit out of it these past few days, probably due tock of rest."


    After much consideration, Thaddeus chose to keep everything to himself.


    This matter was no small affair, and without concrete evidence like DNA to prove that Dorothy was indeed Evadne and his brothers'' mother, or to confirm that he and his brothers were the sons of King Helgen, Benedict!


    "You''re just tired."


    Cassius couldn''t see through the deep, ocean-like thoughts of the man in front of him. He sighed affectionately, hisrge hand patting Thaddeus''s broad shoulder, "But soon, we''ll find Evadne."


    ...


    Elsewhere-


    Helgen, the royal pce.


    In a luxurious yet oppressive study, a middle-aged man in a crisp, elegant suit stood with an imposing presence that made people dare not look directly at him.


    He stood with his hands behind his back, backlit by the light.


    "Your Majesty, I''ve secretly sent the cup used by Cassius for DNA testing. The results will be out tomorrow," whispered his trusted secretary, who had been with him for nearly forty years, standing behind him.


    "This matter is of great importance, utmost secrecy is required. Especially from the queen."


    Benedict lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on a photo of him with Cassius on his phone screen.


    His expression was stoic, but his heart was tumultuous, filled with a huge, fervent hope.


    "Rest assured, everything is under control."


    The secretary paused, then stepped forward, his voice softening, "He does bear a resemnce to you, especially when you stand side by side."


    Amidst a whirlwind of emotions, Benedict closed his reddened eyes, a tender smile on his lips:


    "I thought so too."