Chapter 32

Third persons POV

After that earth shaking proceeding, everyone was talking about it. When they say everyone they mean everyone, from the elders to even little kids who didn't actually know what was happening. It has been the topic for almost a week. The people were happy with the King's verdict. They praised the King so loudly that it rubbed some people the wrong way. The praises of the King sang by his people ,reached even the quiet castle.

Even the servants were happy with his verdict. It meant their people living outside the castle walls will be well taken care of by the current King. Even though they were dying to congratulate the King, they were too scared to do it. The King was still the King after all, scary. So to show their appreciation they worked extra hard to make sure the castle was perfect.

However, being loved by the commoners meant that the King would become an enemy of the nobles. They saw him as a threat. In previous days they knew he was a threat but they ignored it because the King did not disrupt their work and neither did he stick his nose in their businesses. But now they were worried, the crooked noblemen though, not everyone.

The rest of the noblemen and women were happy with the King. In fact they were so overjoyed by his presence. It meant the King will be more involved in the governance of the country. He was the supreme ruler after all. In the past they were so scared to present themselves before the King because they thought he was crooked but now they trusted him. He had earned their trust with one case.

One person in particular was angry at the King. His motives were not justified but he was angry nother less. His influence on the other nobles was dwindling. They stopped coming to his house to pay their respects and ask for his opinion. Only a few of his close friends came to see him.

This alone enraged him. He had worked so hard to make the noblemen trust him but now they were worried about themselves. Had they forget what he had done for them? Those parasites came to him everyday with their silly problems and he solved them but now where were they?

" This will not do..." He thought with a sinister smile in his face.

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Nalani POV

The castle was buzzing with excitement. Everyday more and more noblemen came to visit the King. They were keeping the King informed on their duties and sending reports of their work. Well, in retrospect they were forced to do that by the King but yea, they have been swarming in every single day. Since they are around they have been treating us as their servants. Bossing us around. It really annoys me. But could I do? I was a servant after all.

The days after that fateful incident the King has been occupied. Leaving his chamber very early in the morning and returning very late in the evening. I could barely keep up with him. I had so much to do as well as take care of the King. It was taking a toll on my body. What wouldn't I give to spend a day outside the castle. See the beautiful scenery and greet afew of my friends. Not really friends more like acquaintances.

Right now I was walking back to the royal kitchen. It was already late. The King might be back to his chambers so it was time to prepare his meal. The king has never been a picky eater, he ate whatever was presented to him. Although all his foods were prepared to perfection, he didn't seem to notice or even care.

" Nalani!" Mrs Smith called.

" Yes Mrs Smith"

" Is it time for his Royal highness's meal?" She asked

" Yes it is. I'm here to pick it up"

" The King has been eating at odd hours, it's getting hard for the Royal chef" she complained

" He has been very busy lately. I can't keep up with him myself" I agreed

" He has been keeping you by his side, making you follow him. Do you even have time to clean his chambers?" She asked

" I try my best Mrs Smith "

" I'm sorry child" she sympathized with me

" Mrs Smith, here is his Highness's meal" a young man I have never seen before was holding the king's food.

" Who are you?" I asked

" My name is Jonathan, the new chef, I'm obviously new here, I started today. Nice to meet you" he said.

" Okay" was the only reply I could come up with.

There was something about him that didn't feel right. I couldn't pin point exactly what but my instincts told me to be careful of him. Why would someone suspicious be in the Royal kitchen? They should have placed him in the stables or as a cleaner. Well it wasn't in my place to judge someone else's job, so I let it go. If he was here it meant either Mrs or Mr Smith trusted him .

I took the tray and headed to the King's chambers. I knocked twice and let myself in. He was already in. I placed the tray on the table and arranged his food. He came out of the bathroom in a towel. Water was dripping down his body as if he didn't dry himself properly. I turned away before he could catch me staring.

"Oh, you are here"

" Yes, your majesty"

I heard the sound of his steps as he dressed himself.

" You can look now" he chuckled

Why was this man playing with me? Did he find it amusing to tease me every day. I have tried to ignore his advances every single day but he doesn't care. He was wearing me out as it is.

" Come and dry my hair" he commanded.

He sat at the edge of the bed , so I stood in front of him. I took the towel from his hands and started drying his hair softly and carefully.

" I'm done your highness"

Before I could move away , he snaked his arms around my waist and held me in place.

" Your highness what are you doing?" I cried out at the inappropriate behavior.

" I want to stay like this alittle bit longer" he said.

He held onto me tightly and rested his head on my chest. He was tall even though he was seated. I let him stay even though my heart beat increased. I had to let him do whatever he wanted. He was growing on me somehow. No matter what I did he somehow bypassed all my walls and kept getting closer and closer to my heart.

My hand rose on its own accord and caressed his head. Slowly touching his hair. His hair was so soft and shiny unlike mine. After ten minutes of standing while holding him, I was tired and he was heavy.

" Your majesty you need to eat before your food gets cold" I urged him

" Oh, food ....yea that's why you are here"

He let me go and went to eat his food. I stood while he ate. Taking care of all his orders while he ate. After he was done , I bid him goodnight and returned to the kitchen where I deposited the dirty utensils.

No one was around so I excused myself. I went back to our room and found Kellen already asleep. I was too tired to take a shower so I got in bed. After sleeping for  not longer than hour, loud sounds disturbed my sleep.

'What was happening outside ' I wondered

Unfortunately I didn't have to wonder for long because our door was kicked open making us jump. Soldiers. Soldiers were in our room. What was happening? Some started going through our things while two of them came towards me.

" Nalani come with us"