Evans reached the door, prepared to reveal the truth, a sudden realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, leaving him motionless. He remembered hearing Concubine Xena herself say that she would sleep in Jericho’s chamber.
If he informed the king now, it might be easier, hoping that if the king doubted him, he could personally investigate and witness the true nature of his favorites. Evans could fully understand why he despised Xena so vehemently. Perhaps it was because she treated the maids with wickedness and cruelty, like a true villain.
Nervously, Evans approached the imposing doors of the king’s chamber and gently knocked. The king’s authoritative voice from within ordered him to enter, causing his heart to race with trepidation. Carefully, he pushed the doors open, revealing the opulent room beyond.
As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately fell upon Aurora, peacefully resting on the king’s bed. A smile of delight brushed across his face, overwhelmed with happiness that his friend had finally managed to capture the king’s heart.
Evans had always been aware of the king’s love for Aurora. The memories of the king’s past cruelty towards her filled him with fear, yet he couldn’t help but accept that Aurora might be innocent of the accusations, she might not be the murderer of the late king.
Meanwhile, he was a bit scared of what will happen to him and Aurora, the day the king will found out that Aurora and him as being deceiving him about the masked girl
The King looked up from his desk, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, he stated “Evans, what brings you here? And why do you wear such a satisfied expression?”
His cold voice startled Evans, his smile fading as he remembered his purpose”My king, I have delivered the message you entrusted me with, as per your instructions.”
The king noticed the sudden change in Evans’ demeanor and raised an eyebrow, sensing that something weighed heavily on his mind.
Malik leans back in his chair, his voice filled with curiosity noticing that Evans is holding something back, he sensed he wanted to say something “Is there something else, Evans? You appear hesitant.”
Evans bites her lips, taking a deep breath, his voice trembling “Indeed, my king. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you, but… I fear the consequences if my words are not believed.” He said with visible fear in his voice.
Fear gripped his heart as he contemplated the potential repercussions of the revelation if eventually, the king learned of it. The king observed his inner turmoil and called him forth gently, careful not to disturb Aurora’s peaceful slumber.
“Evans, come closer. Tell me what troubles you. You have my attention.” Alpha Malik said softly, giving Evans more courage, yet he wondered why the king sounded soft. He sensed he might not want to disturb the pretty sleeping on his bed, and the thought made Evans’s stomach giggle.
Evans bowed deeply as he moved closer, his voice quivering “My king, I have witnessed Concubine Xena in His Highness’s chamber, engaging in.. intimates.” The word finally came out and he shut his eyes instantly, not wanting to see the reaction on the king’s face.
The king’s eyes flared with anger, his fists clenching instinctively.
And through gritted teeth, he asked “Are you certain of what you’re saying, Evans? This is a grave accusation.”
Evans shaking with fear, his voice barely above a whisper “Yes, my king. I heard Concubine Xena herself mention that she intended to spend the night in His Highness’s room.”
A tense silence filled the chamber as the king processed this betrayal, his rage simmering beneath the surface.
Rising to his feet, his voice laced with fury “Evans went swiftly to Jaguar’s chamber. Instruct him to accompany you to Jericho’s chamber, where my brother resides. I want Jaguar to gather information discreetly, ensuring they remain unaware. Deliver my command to him.”
The king’s deadly aura filled the chamber, suffocating the air around them and sending chills down Evans’ spine. With a sense of urgency, Evans bowed once more and rushed out to find Jaguars, his mind racing with the weight of the king’s wrath and the impending revelation. The chamber remained engulfed in a tense atmosphere as secrets threatened to shatter the delicate balance within the kingdom.
**************
INT QUEEN NNEKA’S CHAMBER – NIGHT
Queen Nneka reclines on a velvet chaise lounge, a crystal goblet filled with amber liquid held tightly in her hand. The chamber, adorned with opulent tapestries and flickering candlelight, echoes her fury and despair. Her eyes, a tempest of anger and heartache, are fixed on the shattered remnants of ancient jugs strewn across the floor.
Her loyal maid, Daphne, kneels before her, her body trembling in the presence of the storm brewing within Nneka’s heart. She gazes at Daphne, a mix of disdain and curiosity warring within her.
Nneka takes a deep swig from her goblet, the taste of bitterness mingling with the alcohol on her tongue. She had always known that the King could seek comfort in the arms of many women as he wanted Yet, Aurora, someone she despised so much, won the king’s heart, piercing her soul like a thousand venomous daggers.
Nneka hurls a broken jug across the room, shattering the silence, she watches Daphne flinch, her fear etched upon her face. Oh, how she revels in the power she holds over her trembling maid. It is a twisted comfort amid her anguish.
The memory of the potion sent by her mother flashes through Nneka’s mind, a dark poison whispers to possess the power to bring about lethal consequences.
“Tomorrow, my dear Aurora shall be your final day on this wretched earth,” she muses inwardly, the weight of her revenge heavy on her heart.
“Daphne” Her voice quivering with trepidation asking for the poison which
she timidly presents the vial, as if fearful of the dangerous power it possesses.
Nneka accepts it with a triumphant gleam in her eyes, knowing that this potion may be her ultimate weapon to bring about Aurora’s downfall
A malevolent smile curls her lips as she gazes upon the vial, her thoughts swirling with wicked intent
Her command to Daphne is laced with a chilling tone, one that sends a shiver down the maid’s spine.
“Prepare yourself, dear Daphne. Tomorrow, when the King embarks on his hunting excursion, bring Aurora into my chamber. Ensure that the meal is ready before her arrival,” she commands, her voice dripping with a mixture of anticipation and malice.
“Okay your highness”Daphne stammers her agreement, her voice barely audible amidst the oppressive atmosphere of fear.
Nneka, observing the maid’s trembling form, toys with her, seeking to unveil the true depth of her loyal servant’s devotion.
“Why do you tremble so, Daphne? Weren’t you once enamored with me, filled with love for your Queen? Or is it fear that now consumes you whenever you’re in my presence?” Nneka asks, her words laced with a mocking tease, though aware that her very existence is a source of terror for the maid now, she has pretended as a nice queen when she entered into the palace making palace maids and servants fall in love with her which didn’t exclude Daphne.
If Alpha Malik hadn’t been a reserved man, he might have believed the rumors circulating about his new queen. Though she portrayed herself as benevolent and compassionate, deep within, he sensed the possibility of her inheriting some of her father’s dark traits. This realization cast doubt upon her feigned demeanor, leaving him questioning her true intentions.
Daphne musters her courage, desperately seeking to reassure her Queen, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and devotion.
“N-no, Your Highness. I am not scared of you. I still love you,” she stammers, her words fragile and fragilely offered.
Nneka’s laughter echoes through the chamber, a cruel symphony of twisted amusement. The realization of the power she holds over Daphne, her ability to evoke both terror and love, only fuels her wicked delight.
“Tomorrow shall be an intriguing day indeed,” Nneka murmurs, her mind spinning with dark possibilities. She finishes her drink in one gulp, the taste of bitterness and vengeance lingering.
She grew restless as she waited for tomorrow to arrive. The passing hours seemed to stretch on endlessly before her eyes. ….