​He stopped dead. The woman looked at him with pure bewilderment. In that instant, Max realized his mistake. Despite the long years, he hadn't forgotten the unique curve of his mother’s nose. This wasn't her.

​"I’m sorry," the woman said. "Who are you?"

Max’s face flushed a deep, humiliated red—like an unripe watermelon. "Forgive me... I thought you were someone else."

​He retreated to Maria’s room, finding her awake but haggard. "You’re okay?"

"Max... what happened?"

"I braked too hard. You hit your head, but the doctor says you’re fine."

"I see... Did I say anything stupid while I was out of it?"

"A few things. A name... Arthur."

She sighed. "Just take me home. I need to sleep for a century."

​In the car, Maria sat in the passenger seat instead of the back. A small shift, but Max noticed. "Sitting next to me? I thought I was a villain in your story."

"Just drive and be quiet."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," he mocked.

"Max, please. I’m not in the mood."

​When they reached the Habsburg estate, Maria paused before heading inside. "Max!"

"Yeah?"

"I’m sorry... about everything."

"Whatever. Doesn't matter to me." Max drove off without a goodbye, his mind a whirlpool of thoughts about Johann, Maria, and the woman who vanished sixteen years ago. Where is she? Why did Father hide her from me?

​Back at the palace, Max stormed inside, shouting for his father. He kicked open the bedroom door, catching Matthias and Hanna in an intimate moment.

"Max! Get out! What is this insolence?" Matthias roared.

​Max didn't flinch. He didn't break eye contact. "You’re going to tell me about my mother. Now! Who is she? Where is she? I know you’re hiding the truth."

​Matthias, wrapped in a robe and seething with shame, led Max out to talk. "Why this? Why now? You haven't mentioned her in sixteen years."

"Because I was a fool! Did she have a scandal big enough to destroy you? Is that why you buried her name?"

​"I don't know where she is!" Matthias shouted. "We divorced years ago. She lost the custody battle and I haven't seen her since."

"She lost custody? So... she wanted me?"

"Of course she wanted you, you idiot. She even slapped her own lawyer when the verdict came down. But what does it matter? Are you looking for her just to compensate for your own failures? Hoping someone will finally tell you that you're worth something?"

​Max grabbed his father by the lapels, his voice a low, dangerous hiss. "If I’m a failure, it’s because you failed to be a father."

Matthias shoved him back. "I failed? Or are you just not worth the effort?"

"Stop belittling me!"

"I'll do as I please. I am your father, and I know what’s best for you."

"And I know what’s best for you, too," Max spat. "Shut up and stay out of my life, you boring old man."

​Matthias’s eyes burned with a murderous hatred. He looked like he wanted to burn Max alive right there in the hallway.

​To be continued...

​