“Not yet...” Prince Leonard replied curtly.
“You should listen to her play. It will definitely help with your stress after a busy day,” the pri minister said confidently.
“Yes, please let help entertain you, Prince Leonard,” Regina drawled sweetly.
“I’ll think about it...” the prince replied casually.
Lord Baldirius went on and on about the various accomplishnts that his daughter had managed to gather under her belt throughout the years. Soon enough, the pri minister’s words had faded into nothing more than background noise to Leonard as his mind started to wander elsewhere. He wondered what Mila was doing right now...
...
**Back at the main eting hall**
My hand clenched tightly together in front of as I waited anxiously for the king to voice the reward that he had in mind for . I wasn’t at all excited to learn what it was because I didn’t want anything from the king; however, a strange nagging feeling at the back of my mind told that the king was about to offer sothing that would inconvenience in more ways than one. My teeth bit softly on the inner of my lower lip as I waited for the king to announce his decision.
The only thing that was clear to at that mont was that whatever the king decided, I wouldn’t be able to refuse him. Whatever he wanted to give , I had to take.
“As a reward for your outstanding service, I would like to imdiately relieve you of your duty as a maid and promote you directly to the rank of Honorable Maiden. You will enjoy all the benefits and rights as befitting of a lady and as an honorable maiden,” the king announced with clear enthusiasm before he bead a proud smile down at from where he was seated up on his throne.
An honorable maiden...?
Why would the king want soone like to beco an honorable maiden?
I was too tongue-tied to say anything in response to the king’s declaration. His decision shocked and I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. My eyes shifted from the king to Prince Darius who had a very disturbed expression on his once expressionless face. Just like , I could tell that Prince Darius was more than surprised at the king’s decision. I was right to think that the reward that the king would offer wouldn’t be sothing as simple as a salary raise.
Why can’t I just be a simple maid like before and live a simple life?
“I think your sudden suggestion has shocked her...” Prince Darius spoke up to break the tense atmosphere.
I thanked him silently in my head for stepping in to save when I didn’t know what to say. The king’s attention turned to his son before he laughed a little in amusent. He seed to be in such a good mood while my mind was struggling to keep up with what was happening around .
“Don’t you think she would do well? I personally can’t wait to see her flourish and thrive,” the king said a little proudly.
For a mont, I pictured myself as a weed that was growing out of control and had to be eliminated...
“Don’t worry so much about it, Mila. The king has decided to reward you so all you should do is humbly accept his reward,” Prince Darius advised with a calm and soothing smile.
Easier said than done although I already knew that was my only option. Who knows what the punishnt would be for refusing the king’s orders?
“Thank you, Your Majesty...” I managed to say in a cracked whisper.
“You are more than welco. So as of now, I declare you an honorable maiden. Please fulfill your role well and I look forward to many more of your achievents. I am so sure that you will make proud, Mila,” the king said before he smiled brightly at .
I honestly had no idea where he got all of those high hopes for from, but I didn’t know how to correct him or manage his unrealistic expectations. Suddenly, it felt like a lot of pressure and responsibilities ca with this reward of becoming an honorable maiden. I recalled all of those fancily dressed beautiful won who gathered together in the garden to enjoy an afternoon of tea party and I had to say that it was impossible for to picture myself among them as one of them.
“You may be wondering why I have decided to promote you to this position...” the king began saying; however, Prince Darius stepped forward and interrupted his father.
“Father, let handle this. If things move too fast, it will only confuse Mila...” Prince Darius said sternly.
“Fine. Do what you think is best...” the king muttered dismissively.
I blinked rapidly a couple of tis because I was truly confused about what was happening. Prince Darius’s grey eyes stared at before he let out a soft sigh.
“There is nothing for you to worry about. I’m sure that you’ll be fine...and if not...then I’m sure that soone will be more than willing to help you...” Prince Darius said with a knowing smile.
What is he even talking about? Who will help and what help would I need?
...
**Leonard’s Point of View**
Why won’t this old man stop talking already? Can he really not tell that I’m not in the least interested in any of his daughter’s skills and achievents?
I’ve known Regina for a long ti that none of her achievents or talents can surprise . So what if she happens to play the piano better than she used to or if she can paint perfect watercolor pictures of landscapes?
Nothing bores more than these common skills that these so-called ladies are supposed to have. It didn’t take long for my mind to drift far away from the scene that was unfolding in front of . Soon, the pri minister’s voice and words had faded into nothing but background noise. My thoughts drifted to where it usually drifted these days.
--To be continued...
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