Chapter 52

"My lady, it's time to get ready for breakfast" a voice startled me.

Mrs. Meyers was standing next to the bed. It was why I didn't see her when I was busy scanning the room. I could have sworn she appeared from thin air like a ghost but well, ghosts don't exist. I have never been superstitious. I didn't believe in a higher power because if he or she existed, they would have saved my innocent father from a fate he didn't deserve.

Mrs. Meyers dragged me to the bathroom used by the former Queen. It was a large room with a huge wooden bathtub. Another servant came in and filled the tub with warm water. They helped me bathe even though I insisted I could do it alone. Subsequently, they helped me prepare for the day. I was dressed in a gorgeous red gown worn by the noble ladies.

"Where did you get this gown?" I asked

Mrs. Meyers and the other servant smiled like they knew something I didn't.

"The King asked the seamstress to prepare it for you and some other clothes when you arrived. They have been working day and night to finish the King's order" Mrs. Meyers explained.

Oooh! So this was the King's doing. I felt delighted at his concern. He always looked out for me even though he didn't say anything.

"Lately the King appears very happy," the other servant who was styling my hair said.

"He does" Mrs. Meyers agreed.

I almost choked on my saliva when I recalled why the King was happy. I hoped my moans were not loud enough to announce to the whole castle I was having sex with the King, which was forbidden by the way. The king is supposed to marry a virgin. I was not a virgin anymore, what was I going to do? I was certain the King would say it didn't matter but it did matter to the old women and men of this kingdom. They were sticklers to the rules.

What was I thinking?

"My lady you are ready," Mrs. Meyers declared.

When I looked in the mirror the person staring back was gorgeous and polished. She could be easily mistaken for a lady of noble birth. I was breathtaking. All it took was some light makeup, styling my hair, and wearing a pretty dress for me to look completely different. If my family hadn't lost everything, I would have been sporting such clothes every day.

"Let go, the King must be waiting"

Mrs. Meyers ushered me out of my chair and towards the dining room where the King was waiting to have breakfast. When I walked in the servants, who saw me first were openly gaping at me. Others had their mouths wide open as they took in my new look.

"Lady Nalani has arrived" someone announced my arrival.

The dining table which housed the King, Sir Stanley, and Kellen, all stood up when my arrival was announced. When they all veered around to look at me I almost lost my balance and fell. Kelly's eyes widened in shock, while Sir Stanley tried to be indifferent. The King didn't hide how happy he was when he took my hand and led me to my seat.

"You look magnificent," he said.

He took my hand and kissed my knuckles before he signaled for the food to be served. We ate in silence while he held my hand refusing to let it go even for a second. Kellen almost swooned at our interaction while Sir Stanley rolled his eyes. I wished I could slap him, at least once.

Unexpectedly, we heard the sound of high-heeled shoes hitting the floor. Evaluating from the footsteps, the person was heading towards us. I wondered who would wear high heels in the castle. All the servants were required to wear flat shoes for their own good. The sound stopped at the entrance of the dining area only to reveal the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Her long blond hair fell in waves over her shoulder. She had piercing blue eyes and a lovely thin figure. If we were compared, I would be seen as fat and short. She strolled into the dining room like she owned the place.

"Ambrose" she called out in a soft almost flowery tone.

The King and Sir Stanley stiffened immediately. She came closer and suddenly hugged the King from behind. Everyone gasped in shock at her courage. I on the hand wanted to know who she was and why she was hugging my man. I looked inquiringly at Sir Stanley but he quickly looked away. Kellen was as puzzled as I was and the King chose that exact moment to let go of my hand. The same hand he couldn't let go of a second ago. Mrs. Meyers found me looking at her and she turned around pretending she had something to do.

Who was she?

"I missed you so much," she said.

Missed him! What did she mean by she missed him?

"Excuse me..."

"Are you speaking to me?" she asked, her chin lying on the King's shoulder. She was yet to let him go and the King didn't push her away.

"Yes, I am speaking to you. Who are you and why are hugging the king?" I asked

" Oooh! You must be new here" she stated

Was she trying to annoy me because she was succeeding?

"I am the king's fiancee" she announced.

My heart fell to my stomach. I couldn't comprehend what she was saying.

"What do you mean fiancee? The king isn't engaged to anyone" I stated

The King was looking everywhere but not at me. On the other hand, Sir Stanley appeared ready to leave. They were both hiding something. Was it true? Was the King engaged? She didn't answer me so I looked at the only person who could answer me honestly. The King's eyes found mine and he was guilty. I didn't want to admit it but it seemed to be the truth. He turned away as if he could no longer look at me.

"We have been engaged for four years" he admitted.