Chapter 45

Nalani's POV

The journey to the other castle commonly known as Vain commenced at dawn. Many people, including the noblemen, were not informed. It was kept a secret until we left. Since we were traveling very early in the morning, we dressed down. The King didn't want to be spotted by anyone. The knights had regular clothes and could be mistaken for young people in the Kingdom.

The carriages were divided into four. The first carriage was full of knights. The second carriage was ours. The King and I were the only people inside. The third carriage housed Kellen, Sir Stanley, and two other knights I didn't know their names. The fourth carriage also had knights. A last carriage carried our belongings but it was moving slowly, it could be mistaken as someone else's.

We tried to blend in as much as possible and not to tip anyone off. Most, if not all the nobles were not aware of this trip. The King had some knights stationed outside his chambers to make it seem like he was still around. Mr and Mrs Smith were tasked to keep the charade going. With them, by the King's side, it would go smoothly.

The carriage was silent as the King and I were both consumed by our thoughts. I decided to tell him the truth but I wondered when I would get the opportunity to do so. I might have hated him at the beginning but I didn't hate him anymore. I was in love with him. I didn't want to cause him any harm which is opposed to what I came to do.

He deserved the truth. Right? He wasn't the meanest person to me. He treated me well and saved me from an impossible situation. He deserved to know the truth. It was all I could do for him. If he agreed to forgive me then that is fine but if he decides to never see me again. I will fulfill his wish.

I grabbed one of his hands and gently rubbed it in circles. The thought of him hating me made me feel nervous. I knew I was in the wrong but I hoped, no I wished, he would trust me. His gaze fell on me as soon as I took his hand.

" Is everything okay?" He asked

He could sense my agitation. I stared at his brown innocent eyes. I didn't deserve this man.

" I'm fine. I am wondering how much longer it will take" I deflected, something I was good at.

" An hour," he said grabbing my head and laying it on his shoulder.

" I thought Castle Vain, was further than this"

" The two castles are four hours apart. We have been riding on the carriage for three hours now. We only have an hour to go " he explained

From the stories I have heard, you would think the other castle was at the end of the world. Who would have thought it was that close? This meant a lot of people had not been to this castle. The two castles were separate. They were managed differently. The people from both castles have never interacted. This helped reduce plots against the King.

They both worked independently. Even though one was a vacation home, its safety was taken seriously. Both places were safe heavens for the royal family or what was left of it.

I dozed off immediately after.

I felt a gentle shake awaken me from my dreams.

" Nalani! Nalani! We are here"

I opened my eyes to find the King smirking at me. What was the meaning of that smirk? Did I do something weird in my sleep?

" What?" I asked

" Nothing. You are beautiful even when you sleep" he said making me blush.

The King had a way with words. When did he learn to speak so smoothly? His words filled me with warmth inside.  I wanted nothing more than to continue seeing this side of him.

" You said we were here, let's go," I said before he could see me blush any further.

He laughed. He helped me down the carriage and I was met with the most beautiful castle ever. It was smaller than the main castle in the capital but it was more beautiful. The fountain, the grass, the flowers everything was perfect. This was a vacation home and you could tell just by looking at it.

As I gaped at the structure, I didn't notice all the servants were outside and kneeling before us. It was customary for the servants to receive their King like this. I noticed some kids who were peaking at the King and I smiled. This was me when I met the King for the first time. I was familiar with their behavior. This castle seemed to be way livelier than the other. I was sure I was going to enjoy my time here.

" Welcome your Highness," they said in unison.

It must be nice being the King. Everyone respects you. The King only groaned and walked inside. Rude. I stayed rooted on the ground. After a few paces, he noticed he was walking alone. He stopped and came back. He stood in front of me, pulled me towards him, and carried me in his arms.

" Put me down" I gasped.

I hid my face on his shoulder as he walked past the servants who couldn't hide their amazement. The King decided to show the whole world our relationship. He chuckled at my shyness.

Before I knew it he was lowering me on a soft, warm bed. I let go of him and looked around. His chambers were not as extravagant as the other ones but they did suit him.

" We will stay here for a few days" he announced

" What about the case you were investigating?" I asked

It was weird we left the Castle in the middle of an investigation. He was so adamant about catching the culprit and then suddenly he decided to go on vacation. Things were not adding up.

" The case has been solved"

"What? That was fast"

" I know who did it, but I want to know why" he shared

This means he caught the guy who was pretending to be a knight.

" Nalani?"

" Yes"

" Do you have something to tell me?"