As King Malik made his way towards the ranch, Jericho awaited him, his weapon clasped tightly in his hand. With a bow, Jericho paid his respects to the king, who acknowledged him with a nod.
However, the king’s unwavering gaze fixed upon Jericho, causing an uneasiness to stir within him. In that fleeting moment, fear whispered its way into Jericho’s mind, wondering if the king had unraveled his hidden intentions.
“My king,” Jericho spoke, his voice laced with an undercurrent of concern. “Is there something you wish to share with me?”
He felt uneasy because of the king’s intense stare, and he wanted to know what the king was thinking. That’s why he asked.
The king’s features remained inscrutable as he responded, “Not particularly. But is there something you feel compelled to disclose?”
Jericho’s heart raced, unsure of how to respond. He weighed his words carefully before shaking his head in a denial that masked his true intentions. Without further ado, both men mounted their horses, ready to embark on their journey.
As Jericho followed King Malik, he discreetly surveyed his surroundings, ensuring that no guards were tailing them. His keen eyes scanned the area, searching for any signs of surveillance or unwanted attention. The absence of any sightings filled him with a sense of relief and confidence. A small smile graced his lips as he realized that his mission was on track for success.
Unbeknownst to him, Aurora and Evans emerged from their concealed vantage point. Evans, skeptical of Jericho’s true motives, questioned Aurora’s decision to follow the king closely.
“Do you truly believe it wise to trail after the king and risk encountering Jericho’s malevolence?” Evans inquired, his voice tinged with doubt.
Aurora said, “Do you notice how Jericho is looking around as if he’s searching for something?”
Evans replied, “You’re just being overly worried. Jericho has always acted suspiciously, and the king knows about it. It could be risky to follow them, if the King discovers us, it might be dangerous.”
Aurora’s eyes gleamed with determination as she replied, her words filled with unwavering resolve. “No, we must confirm whether Jericho poses a threat to the king. Once assured of his innocence, we will ensure that our presence remains unseen by the king’s watchful eyes.”
Just as Aurora prepared to stride towards the stables, a voice called out to her, breaking their conversation. It was Daphne, bearing urgent news that the queen sought Aurora’s immediate presence.
Aurora exchanged a glance with Evans, silently instructing him to wait for her. However, before she could utter a word, Evans interjected with a request directed at Daphne.
“Could you please inform the queen that Aurora is unable to attend to her at the moment? There is an urgent matter she must attend to,” Evans implored. Yet, Daphne shook her head firmly.
“No, the queen insists on Aurora’s immediate presence,” Daphne replied.
Evans grew increasingly frustrated and snapped back, “Can’t you assist your fellow maids in times of need?” Aurora swiftly intervened, pacifying Evans and assuring him that she wouldn’t stay long.
“It won’t take long, Evans. Please understand,” Aurora said soothingly to Evans. She then turned to Daphne, her voice gentle but persuasive.
Aurora pleaded with Daphne, thinking she might relent, “Please, Daphne, let us go. You said it’s important, and I hope it truly is.”
However, Daphne didn’t give in to Aurora’s request. Instead, she informed Aurora that the queen urgently desired her presence. Learning this, Aurora made up her mind to follow Daphne. She couldn’t help but wonder what could be wrong with her sister to summon her so early in the morning.
Evans clenched his fist tightly, glaring at Daphne as they walked away, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.
After a brief walk down the corridor, Aurora and Daphne arrived at the queen’s chambers. They entered, and Nneka, the queen, welcomed Aurora with a warm smile. She motioned for Daphne to leave, signaling their need for privacy.
Taking a seat, Nneka’s smile remained fixed, her eyes holding an intensity that unsettled Aurora. The queen wasted no time in expressing her concern.
“Did the king punish you last night? I heard he tends to be harsh when he summons you to his chamber,” Nneka inquired, her gaze unwavering. Aurora’s heart raced her guilt hearing Nneka, now she wondered what she would think of her if she knows, she was in love with the king.
“No, he didn’t punish me,” Aurora responded nervously, struggling to meet the queen’s gaze. Suspicion flickered in Nneka’s eyes, a hint of something darker lurking behind her smile. Just as Aurora tried to calm her racing thoughts, the door swung open, and Daphne entered carrying a tray of Aurora’s favorite food.
“Thank you, Daphne,” Nneka acknowledged warmly as she accepted the tray. Daphne glanced at Aurora, her eyes filled with doubt before she quietly left the room. Aurora’s curiosity was piqued, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the queen before her.
“I arranged for your favorite meal. You have endured so much for our community, and I have not been the supportive sister you deserve since I came into this Palace. Let us enjoy this moment together,” Nneka revealed, her words laced with an unfamiliar sincerity.
Aurora hesitated, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. Was this a genuine change of heart, or was there a hidden agenda? Suppressing her doubts, Aurora managed a grateful smile, accepting the queen’s gesture.
I won’t be able to eat the food now, Nneka,” Aurora explained. “I have to be somewhere, but I promise to eat with you when I come back.”
Nneka replied, “I can’t accept that, Aurora.” Her response expressed her reluctance or disagreement with Aurora’s decision.
Before Aurora could utter another word, Nneka took a bite of the food, her eyes fixed on Aurora’s reaction. An air of tension hung between them as Aurora met the queen’s gaze, her mind racing with uncertainty.
“I assure you, Aurora, there’s no poison in the food, I know you might find me suspicious since we haven’t been close back home” Nneka stated confidently, her voice revealing an underlying determination. Aurora’s response was laden with a mixture of relief and conviction.
“I trust you, Nneka,” Aurora replied, her voice steady. In a moment of solidarity, they both took bites of the meal, their eyes locked in a silent understanding.
Finally, Aurora made her exit after proving to Nneka that she trusted her by eating out of the food, Daphne rushed in, discreetly handing Nneka a vial. Nneka eagerly consumed its contents. Curious, Daphne inquired, “Did she eat the food?”
Nneka replied with a joyous smile, “Yes, now we can anticipate news of her demise.”
A nervous smile appeared on Daphne’s lips, but internally, she carried a heavy burden of guilt, knowing that Aurora might meet a tragic fate.