Chapter 22
1065 Words
You just finished your bath with the most wonderful man in the world. You feel safe and it feels as if all your troubles have been washed away. The King has succeeded in making you feel secure and happy again. You can't imagine being with any other man but then you see him sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing my angel, nothing"
"I know something is wrong, please tell me"
"I don't want to upset you again…"
You stand up and walk around the room, thinking.
"Okay, I'm ready, I think you want to ask me what happened?"
"Yes angel, I've been waiting patiently but I can't wait anymore, I want to kill someone for doing what they did to you"
"I'm okay now, James"
He takes your hand in his and looks deep into your eyes.
"I know you're better now but I still need to know who did this to you. Please what can you tell me about your k********g?"
You shy away a little and then stare at the floor.
"Well, I can't tell you much, like I said I was blindfolded. I did see his shoes and it let me to believe that he's not from a poor household. I also know that according to him I did something wrong. He just said that I've been naughty"
You can't help the sob that follows that sentence and the King is right by your side comforting you.
"It's okay now angel. I'll find the man responsible. Would you be able to recognize the man's voice again?"
"I really don't know, most of it was a blur"
Then there's a knock on your door. The king stands up and clearly, he's protecting you. He looks out of the window and sees it's Lady Anabel.
"She can't know I'm here"
"Quick, hide in the bathroom, I'll get rid of her"
The king then walks into the bathroom and you pull on a jersey to hide the marks on your wrists. Then you open the door slightly.
"Anabel?"
"There you are! I've been looking for you all day? What's going on?"
"Oh, uhm…I'm not feeling too well, so I've been sleeping all day"
"Well, then it seems I need to be nursing you back to health? Let me-"
"NO! I mean, don't worry about me, I just need sleep and I really don't want you to catch whatever it is I have"
She steps away from the door.
"Oh…yes, that wouldn't be nice, especially if its something that you need to wear a jersey in sunny weather like this"
"What? Oh, yes, yes that's right. I'm feeling very cold all the time"
"I think I'll send the doctor over to just check on you?"
"No, I'm fine really. I just need some sleep, really"
"Are you sure?"
"I am, now please make excuse for me with the princess. I should be on my feet tomorrow again?"
"Sure, I'll do that. Now please, look after yourself"
"I will"
You close the door and listen as she walks away. You fall against the wall and then turn your head in the direction of the bathroom. The King is standing in the hallway staring at you. Then he comes closer and wraps you in his arms.
"I can't believe this happened to you"
"Neither can I. What are we going to do, James?"
"You don't have to do anything right now. You need to rest and we need to get some bandages on those wrists of yours. People are going to look for me, I've stayed away for too long. I have to go. Will you be okay without me now?"
You stare into his caring eyes and then answers.
"I'll be okay"
"Will you promise me something?"
"Anything?"
"Don't open the door for anyone and I mean anyone?"
"I promise"
"When the night grows old, I'll come again and spend as much time as I can with you. But I first need to get somethings in place?"
"Thank you, James"
He kisses you and you feel his love for you. "I love you, angel. I won't let anyone harm you again"
"I love you too, James"
He takes you by the arm and sits you down on the chair. Then he proceeds to nurse your wrists and then covers them with bandages. He then leads you to your bed and gives you a sleeping pill. You gladly take it and then lay your head down. He lays next to you until you fall asleep.
THE KING
He sees you falling asleep and then rage starts to take over his being. It's almost dark outside but he's determent to find the person responsible. He quietly gets off your bed and then quietly leaves your cottage. He closes the door behind him and starts to walk to the first kingsmen he can find. He then gives instructions that he will be posted outside your door.
"You don't let anyone enter her cottage, do you understand?"
"Yes, your Highness"
He walks straight to the dining hall and every bow as he walks in. Lord Walton is by his side in an instant. Then everyone sits and enjoy their dinner.
"Your Highness, if I may ask, is Lady Winters doing okay?"
"Lord Walton, I'm forever in your debt for finding Lady Winters. Tell me, where did you find her?"
"It wasn't too far from here, sire. Along the road"
"Was she just walking along the road?"
"Yes, sire"
"That's odd, did you see any buildings nearby?"
"No, sire, only thick bushes. I couldn't see anything close by. Sire, did she recall anything about her k********g?"
"No, unfortunately, she was blindfolded"
"Oh, that's a shame"
"I need you to take me to the place you found her, tomorrow"
"Of course, sire but if I may ask, what would you find there? I'm certain that you won't be able to find anything there"
"I need to see it for myself, Lord Walton"
"Yes, sire"
The King then proceeds to eat his dinner as quickly as he can. The princess then approaches him and puts a hand on his shoulder. He jumps just a little at her touch and then turns to look at her.
"Princess, what can I help you with?"
"Your Highness, I was just wondering, where were you the entire afternoon?"
- Writer
