Chapter 7

Henry reared back; did she just talk back at him? "What did you say?" He demanded in deadly calm voice.

"I said maybe you should" She glared at him. "It's obvious you don't want me here if not because the King asked you to, you just hate me! I'm not a child, nor a slut, since you always find ways to point that out, so let me do you the great honor. I quit!" It was as if something possessed her. She snagged her bag, from the table, turning to leave, but Henry's voice stopped her.

"Don't you dare take another step, outside that door young lady" he commanded, walking closer to her.

She felt his presence behind her, more like the heat and tension emanating from him.

"You don't want to be treated like a child yet, here you are throwing a tantrum, behaving like one, and don't turn your back on me"

Kezia reluctantly turned to face him, with her chin up, prince or no prince she is tired of feeling this way.

Nobody has ever talked to him in that manner of tone before; it's shocking, but kind of refreshing in a way. Finally the daring girl he met years ago came out to play. Truth be told he has been too hard on her, maybe it's because deep down he knew he is attracted to her, and being defensive is the only way to keep his distance.

He had another flashback episode overnight, relieving the night of the attack, another reason why he was a bit cranky this morning.

"Fine, I am sorry if I make you feel like am calling you a slut, I will never disrespect a lady like that, and I don't hate you" he sighed, "how about we start all over again?" He asked gently.

Her eyes widened, Prince Henry is apologizing? Is she hearing things? She wondered.

"What do you say, truce?" He asked again, jolting her out of her thought.

"Apology accepted Sir, and I'm sorry too" she whispered. She shook his outstretched hand, feeling a jolt of electrical current rush through her veins. Kezia wonders if he feels it too, but nothing in his expression gives that away.

"Good, now let's go back to work, we have a lot to do, and Martha is not feeling well, so you need to work faster" he explained to her.

"OK Sir, tell me what you need" she replied, as she settle down to work.

Kezia didn't realize it already lunch time, lots to do, and Martha absence affected her in a way, but she was managing quite alright. Henry is a tough boss to work for. He runs his business like a tight ship. It's no brainier that he is successful at what he does. Now that both of them has decided to call truce, working for him is now a lot easier.

She did not want to do anything that will make things revert back to the way it was before. So if she has to waive lunch until she is done with the pile of work she has in front of her, she will. Henry has asked her to sort out the new clients from the old ones, and to profile them appropriately. Her stomach growls, causing her to wince a bit. "I miss Martha" Kezia mutters to herself. At Least she would have help her out with some snacks. She breathe a sigh of relief when she finally finished, promptly mailing Henry for his review.

The intercom rang, halting her from stretching her aching back. "Hello"

"Hello, see me in my office" Henry's gruff voice answered back.

Kezia smooths her dress down, before crossing the room to his door, knocking softly before pushing it open. She found him behind his massive table, looking as fresh as he looks in the morning, unlike her. "You called Sir?"

"Yes, I did, please sit.—" gesturing to the chair across his table, "— I saw your mail, great job. I must say I didn't expect you to finish with it today, guess you didn't go for lunch?"

"No. I missed lunch" She replied.

"Guess as much; Order us something to eat from the restaurant across the street. I think their details should be on Martha's computer. We can't allow you to starve to death, my father will kill me" he said with a hint of smile teasing his lips.

Kezia was pleasantly surprised, "Alright Sir, will do that right away. Excuse me." Leaving his office to make arrangement for them. Fifteen minutes later their lunch was delivered. Kezia ordered the same thing for both of them— Fried rice and chicken. It felt surreal for Kezia, having lunch with Henry at work, right in his office. There's a corner in his office designed for having a eat out. He was more relaxed and calmer with her, but Kezia was still not sure that he will not revert to his old self.

"So why Library Science?" Henry ask casually as he wipe his mouth with the napkin.

"I find it fascinating and I enjoy reading a lot. I guess I'm more comfortable around books, it ushers me into a whole new world, places have never been and all" she whispered.

Henry did not miss the dreamy look in her eyes has she talks about books, it made him feel jealous of those damn books.

"Interesting. You are welcome to read some of the books here anytime you want" gesturing to his bookshelf. He smiled at the surprise in her eyes, she was clearly not expecting him to say that " my father told me you are the one to thank for the new face lift of the Royal Library?" he ask.

"Yes Sir" not meeting his gaze. "Like I said I enjoy being around books, guess that's why I decided to study it" she chuckles nervously.

Henry was not expecting to hear Kezia say that, she keeps surprising him. The young lady has got good head on her shoulders like his father will say. This new knowledge only heightens the attraction he felt for her. His gaze strayed to her lips, coated in a soft pink gloss. Her makeup is always moderate and neatly done. Henry thought of how her lips felt against his last night and he felt like having a taste of it again. "Let's get back to work" he declares abruptly. He will not be entertaining such thought.

"Yes Sir" Kezia quickly clear away their lunch plates, disposing them.

IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED, Henry was less intimidating causing Kezia to start liking him again. If she thought for a seconds that the crush, she had on him is under control, this new behavior of his certainly brings out her feeling to the fore front. She kept replaying the kiss in her mind, daydreaming about him.

Martha seems to notice but decided not to say anything. It's of no use making things to be awkward for the young lady. She would rather watch how the whole thing plays out.

Kezia stretched her stiff back, with the hope of relieving herself a bit.

"Long night? Just soak yourself in a warm bath when you get home, it will help you." Martha advised, concerned lacing her voice, noticing the way she was trying to stretch her back. The young lady has been working her ass off. Their boss is a task Master, but he too will have to admit that Kezia is up to the task. Speaking of bosses she wonders why he is yet to resume for work. He is never late, except he is out of town for business or family emergencies.

"I thought you said, the boss told you he will be at work?" Martha asked.

"Well technically I didn't see him face to face, it was his housekeeper that told me, when I knocked on his door this morning. She told me the boss had left an instruction for me, that I should be heading to work, he will join me later" she explained in detail.

"I found it weird though. I mean, we have his itinerary and there’s no plans outside the office for him today. The only time I could remember that Prince Henry did not come in to work was when he was sick, and it was a bit serious." Martha's eyebrows drew together in thought.

"So you think he is sick? But why didn't he just say so" exasperation lacing her voice.

"You know how the prince is, he is a proud man. Let me try calling the house." Reaching for the telephone receiver to call. She waited for a bit before it was answered. It was the housekeeper that answered it. "Hello. Prince Henry's Residence" she answered.

"Hello. This is Martha, Is the boss still at home?"

"Oh hello, I'm not sure the prince will be coming in today, he is resting. But don't let him know I told you, you know he does not like being fussed over. He is not feeling too well and he insisted that I should leave once I'm done with my chores, but I'm worried for him." The housekeeper whispers.

"I guess as much, don't worry I will figure something out. Thank you." Martha replaced the receiver.

"So?" Kezia asked, searching her gaze as if it will give her a clue. "Is he coming, or not?"

"He is not coming. Like I suspected he is not feeling well, and he will rather be alone."

"That man is difficult. He needs to take good care of himself. I mean he works so hard. Guess you can take a man out of the military force but you can't take the military out of him" Kezia said with a shrug.

"The truth is deep down he has a soft heart."

Kezia stares at Martha with a rounded eyes. Are they still talking about the same person? Prince Henry? Soft hearted? He eats people like her for lunch.

Martha chuckles softly at the look on Kezia's face. "Trust me I know. It's just that life has thought him a cruel lesson in the past."

"I guess you know him better than I do."

"I think it will be good if you close from work early today. To check on him, I'm very worried about him."

"Do you think that's a good idea? Maybe you should check on him. You understand him more than I do, and I don't want to get my head biting off, especially when he is going to be cranky." Kezia mutters, biting her lower lip. The two of them just called a truce, and she did not want anything to jeopardize it. Going to his place without an invitation will spells trouble. As much as she would like to check up on him.

"Think about it, you live in the same building, it will be easier for you than me. He needs someone to take care of him even if he behaves and says otherwise, besides I thought you care about him—"

"What? I don't. I mean I do care but not like—" Kezia stutters, heat crept up her face.

"It's okay. You don't need to explain yourself to me. I see how you look at him when you think no one is watching. I know you are in love with him. This is your chance to show him you care" Martha advised soothingly.

"You mean you know? Oh God!" She groaned, using her hands to cover her eyes. "I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it."

"It's alright. No need to be embarrassed" Martha said soothingly, "so have you agreed to close early?"

"Yea I will. If he fires me after, it's your fault though" Kezia pouted, causing Martha to chuckle.

********

Kezia knock on the main house door softly, but there was no response. Self-doubt hit her. This is not a good idea; she shouldn't have allowed Martha talked her into it. Taking a quick breath, she knocked again this time a bit louder. Kezia tried the handle and door pushed open in her grip. She steps inside with caution. "Where could he be" she questioned silently. Moving further into the living room.

"Prince Henry? Boss?" She called out; still it was silence that greeted her. Kezia was about to turn back, when she heard something like a whimper coming from where she suspected his room is. She knock softly, "Sir? Are you okay?" Easing the door open gently. The sight of him covered with sweat on the rumpled four poster bed, muttering inaudible words cause any form of doubt or fear to flee. The cover cloth barely covering him, leaving him in a black brief.

She rushed to his bedside, dumping her handbag on the floor. "Prince Henry, please wake up. You are scaring me" concern fills her, as he wreathes on the bed like he was in pain. Henry whole body is burning up. Swinging to action she dashed into his bathroom, snagging a towel from the nearly stacked ones. Kezia placed it under the tap, to get it soaked with water, quickly wringing the water out. She dashed back to his bedside, placing the towel on his forehead. Hoping it will calm him down a bit. She switched the towel to his naked torso to wipe the sweat, before switching it back to his head.

"What do I do? God" forehead puckered with worry. She left the towel on his forehead, reaching for her bag to rummage inside for her phone. She promptly dialed Martha's number.

"Hi. Thank God you answered on time. I'm about to lose it here" she babbles.

"Slow down and tell me what happened. Is he okay?"

"No he is not; he needs a doctor to check on him. He is burning up; please tell me you have his doctor's number"

"I do, sending it to you now, but I just need you to calm down. Don't panic please. Call me once the doctor reaches you."

"Thank you will do." She checked her phone message for the doctor's number that Martha sent, placing it on a speed dial. After the third ring it was answered and a man's voice fills her ear. "Hello this is Kezia; please am I speaking with Doctor Collins?"

"Yes, this is he. How can I help you?"

"I'm calling concerning Prince Henry. He is not feeling well; can you please come to his residence?” She asked.

"Henry? I'm on my way, stay put" ending the call. Kezia dump the phone by the bedside table. Turning back to her patient. Muttering soothing words to calm him down. "It's okay your doctor will soon be here." His eyes flicks open, but not really seeing her, before shutting close again.

It feels like a long wait for Kezia before the doctor arrived, but it was just Thirty minutes. She rushed to open the door for him. Doctor Sean is around the age bracket of Henry. Looking nothing like a medical doctor that is if you look at all those muscles bulging in his black vest, and the beard covering his face. He gave her a smirk at the look on her face.

"It's alright. I get that look often from people, but I promise you that I am a certified medical doctor"

"Oh I didn't mean to stare, just surprised that's all"

"I understand. Now where is the patient" following her into the room.

Sean crossed the room to his side, now in doctor's mode. Concern for Henry Paramount on his mind. He took his temperature, commending Kezia for her quick thinking with the wet towel. "Don't worry he will be fine.” Reassuring her. "It's the malaria that's causing him to be delirious, but the injection I gave him now will make him to sleep soundly. By the time he wakes he should be feeling much better. Just don't leave him, monitor his temperature, and mop him down like you have been doing if his temperature goes up. Call me if you feel it's not looking good, but I know Henry he is a fighter" he finished, gazing down at him with a wistful smile.

"Thank you, I will do just that." Kezia mutters. Walking him out, leaving a soundly sleeping Henry alone.

"So how did you know Henry?"

"Well my parents works for the Royal family, so I kind of grew up in the palace. Now I work in Henry's company" she explains.

"Interesting. So how is working for him" he asked grinning down at her. "Don't bother answering I know my friend. If you need to breathe a fresh air, or just someone to show you around the city call me" basing her farewell, as he enters his car.

Kezia trudged back into the house, a bit relieved now that the doctor has taken care of him. She checked on him again, leaving the door slightly open before slipping into his kitchen to find something she can nibble on. She made a toast bread for herself with tea. Making sure no crumbs litters the gleaming kitchen as she made her way out back into his room. Now that he is sleeping peacefully, her gaze lingers on his body, taking it all in without the fear of him waking up suddenly. His bedroom is exactly the way she imagined it would be, all masculine. A bit impersonal, yet tasteful. Nothing flashy, it was designed to suit his personality. She sighed softly, moving away from his bedside. Kezia slipped into the sofa tucked in one corner of the bedroom. It's going to be a long night, she thought as she curled into it.