ROME
“Your Majesty.”
“Monica.”
The old king’s mistress straightened up with a fake smile plastered on her lips. Although it was quite early in the morning, she was all dressed up in her usual regalia. Her hair was let down and her blood-red dress swept the ground not to forget the tiara she always wore. Her lips were also blood red.
“To what do I owe this visit?” He was quite impatient with Monica, after a somewhat chaotic night with Elora he needed something to eat. His stomach churned with hunger. He had been on his way to the royal dining hall when she stopped him.
“You summoned Kate, sir.” She bowed again.
“And you’re not Kate.” He raised an eyebrow and continued walking. His strides were long so Monica could barely catch up with him. The King suspected she had something up her sleeve.
“She is unwell, Your Majesty.”
“Unwell? I summoned her yesterday, she could have sent someone to tell me that but she went ahead and flouted my order.”
“We’re sorry Your Majesty. She tried to… But she was too weak to even speak.”
Rome knew all it was lies. Kate wasn’t unwell.
“Someone unwell wouldn’t go out of their way to hurt another person. She beat my mistress and her lady-in-waiting. Their faces were mangled with blood!” The king was angry now. “Your children are a major nuisance in the Castle, Monica.”
“Your Majesty…” She bowed. “That girl wasn’t your mistress then and I’m sure Kate had a good reason for what she did. She wouldn’t raise her hand without a reason.”
The king wasn’t surprised. He stared at her for a moment.
“You watch your words. She must have had a reason?” Monica flinched and took a step back. “A reason for beating them? Beating them like slaves?”
“Kate is sorry. We’re all sorry, Your Majesty.”
For the umpteenth time since he met Monica, Rome wondered if she was crazy. Of course, he didn’t believe her story but he didn’t have the time or energy to continue the conversation with his Father’s whore. He knew he’d lose his temper.
He turned, facing her square in the face. “Tighten the leash on your children.” Monica flinched again. “If they so much cause any more trouble here, they will be kicked out.”
She gasped. “I’m your father’s wife.”
Rome glared at her now, causing her to cower. “Mistress, Monica. Not wife. Know your place. You’re just one of the many he has.” With that, he continued to the royal dining leaving a shell-shocked Monica.
“Your Majesty.” Some of the royal servants greeted him as he entered the dining. The room like every other room in the castle was grand. It could seat hundred people comfortably. There was a chandelier that glittered irrespective of the time of the day, and paintings on the wall – the royal family was very fond of them.
The long table at the center of the room contained various breakfast delicacies. One that could feed a town.
The king sauntered to the head of the table and settled in. In front of him was a bowl filled with fruits. He picked an apple and munched on it, then a grape followed. He was in the middle of downing his special morning beverage when Skye walked in.
“Your Majesty.” She bowed.
“Skye.” He wiped his lips with a cloth. “Good morning. Breakfast?” He gestured to the table.
“Of course.” She pulled a random seat. “The apple pie is screaming my name.” She dug into it.
Rome chuckled. “You must have been starving.”
“The training sessions with the guards drained me.”
They both eat in silence, savoring the meal.
Rome cleared his throat. “Elora isn’t aware of the family dinner.” His mind drifted to the previous night.
“I will inform her.”
The royal family dinner took place once a month. It was one usually filled with pent-up tension. One could touch the heavy air. Rome didn’t see a reason for it since nothing good usually came out of it but his great-grandfather had started the tradition, it was deep-rooted in the family.
*********
ELORA
The view from my new room was breathtaking. Watching the sunrise every morning did wonders for me. Especially after the confusing and heated night I had, I needed a distraction. Thinking about the king’s actions drained me and worsened the ache in my head. I had concluded that it was no use trying to decipher his actions.
I tightened the robe around me as I exited the bathroom. Naturally, some maids or ladies in waiting were supposed to bathe every morning but I found it unnecessary and I excused them.
I smelled of roses and cinnamon this morning and the scent calmed me as I picked a dress for the day. There was nothing spectacular happening so I picked a simple lace day dress. As I slipped into the dress, my eyes caught a box placed on the balcony. It was pale red.
I didn’t own a small red box so I was curious.
Who dropped it?
I went over to the balcony and pulled the box open. I didn’t know what I expected but I didn’t expect to see a piece of cloth drenched in what seemed like blood.
I cocked my head, surprised, peering closely. The flowered patterned satin cloth triggered memories. I knew the cloth, it was one my mother owned, I had seen her wear it several times after we were labeled children of traitors. It couldn’t be. It was most likely a coincidence. I was confused. Why was the box here?
There was a piece of paper in the box so I pulled it out too. I turned it over to see the squiggly handwriting. I squinted to make the words out.
“Dear Elora,
It must feel wonderful to be cocooned in the king’s arms. Doesn’t it? Savor what little time you have with the king. I trust you saw my little present. Your mother’s life is in my hands. She lives as long as you do as I say.
My heart pounded against my chest as my eyes scanned through the words. The cloth was indeed my mother’s. That was what I saw her in before my siblings and I were dragged to Hanaerum. Amid my turmoil, I was relieved that she was alive. But how long would that be? Mother didn’t deserve this.
First, this letter is your possession, no eyes apart from yours should see this. As soon as you read it, burn it up.
Second, it is in your best interest to seal your mouth shut concerning the real reason you’re a slave. One word and your mother dies. Your family will be wiped out.
You’re a wise little girl. I trust you to make wise decisions.
Kain Kurt.”
The words jumbled up as tears blurred my vision. I let the tears fall as I squeezed the paper. My greatest fear had come. I picked up the cloth and placed it over my mouth to muffle the sound of my sobs. I heaved and wiped my tears with the back of my hand. Kain Kurt would stoop so low to hurt my mother.
Olivia, Brian, Bennett!
It had been a while since I had seen them. Our usual evening meet-up had been cut short because I didn’t have so much freedom now.
Had they been taken too?
I had thought we would be safe here but it turns out we weren’t going to be safe anywhere. Not even with the king’s influence. I thought I had settled with my fate but reading the letter reminded me of how unfortunate I was.
I gripped the cloth tightly and marched to the fire then threw the paper into the burning fire. I watch with dry eyes as the fire engulfed it. After I made sure it was burnt to ashes, I headed for the door in search of my siblings. I needed to see them. Desperately.
Before I got to the door, I heard a knock. I hurriedly wiped my eyes to get rid of the tears then ran a hand down my body to smoothen the skirt of my dress.
“Come in,” I croak then cleared my throat, “Please come in.”
I didn’t bother asking who it was.
The door opened to reveal Skye.
I subconsciously curtsied. “Your highness.”
Why was the king’s sister in my room?
Her presence seemed to fill the room just like her brother’s so I bowed. She was taller than I was and had dressed in riding regalia that was visibly well-tailored.
She wore a dark green woolen coat over a white linen undershirt and a brown vest tucked into brown wool breeches that hugged her figure. The ensemble was completed with polished knee-high boots. Her ginger hair was packed up in a bun.
Her sapphire blue eyes studied me as I did her.
“Elora.” Skye had to be a morning person. She was alert just as she would be when preparing for battle. Her stance was authoritative.
Her eyes glided over my body and I instinctively shivered. I somehow felt she would be able to see what had happened between the King, her brother, and me.
“You seem shaken. Are you okay?”
I nod and plaster a fake smile for fear that saying a word would unleash tears.
She raised an eyebrow and I laughed nervously. “Of course, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” I rub my palms on my dress.
“Not to waste your time, I’m here to inform you about the royal family dinner. It’s tonight and the king expects you to be present… You’re his mistress now and these are events you are mandated to attend,” she said.
I frowned. “Royal family dinner?”
“Yes, it happens once a month. The extended royal family attends so that is, the king’s father, Monica, and her children.” Skye rolled her eyes. “Kain Kurt…”
I flinched as I hear his name. My heart beat faster, it felt like it would jump out of my rib cage.
“Elora? Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am…”
She eyes me and goes back to filling me with information. “The royal beauticians will come in to prepare you soon. Dinner starts at seven.”
I nodded, trying to put myself together.
She took a step forward. “It’s okay to be nervous at first but remember that you’re the king’s mistress. I must warn you, composure is needed.”
I nod again. Skye gives me a curt nod in return.
“Have a good day.” She bid me goodbye.
I waited till her footsteps fade before running out of the room in search of my siblings.