6 CHAPTER 6: What did I get into?
Geanos slumps in his office chair and pressed his temple. The growing headache was due to the main event of today's series of events.
"haah..."
He recalled the stern face of Aerysha before her carriage moves away. He recalled her beautiful face glaring at him. He recalled her blushing face and ... the kiss... He clenched his fist. He couldn't believe that he would witness Aerysha kissing another guy and it's the King of Amaris of all people. He was resolved to cancel the annulment so Aerysha can have a chance at finding true happiness, not a forced marriage with no love in it. He believes that he is not the right man for her. He is the Duke and the most suitable bachelor for any woman in the Kingdom but along with it were abundant of expectations and burdens that are both heavy and arduous. His current political position has all the nobles and aristocrats swarming around him for attention. Because of the only prince being a child people are looking up to him as the next heir to the throne or if not a King Regent. Aristocrats and Nobles are watching his every move, waiting for another rumor to spread. He didn't care about any rumors about him circulating in the high society but it's different if it would affect anyone close to him. Although he knows that Aerysha has her own rumors to deal with but he didn't want anything to be tied to him.
'Why am I so concerned... it's good that the engagement was annulled but I don't feel good...'
He recalled King Kale's face. His face gloom in the memory of Kale's arrogant face.
He was in deep thought while leaning on the chair with closed eyes when the butler entered his office.
Saani: "My Duke, Sir Paul told me to deliver a message. He said that Lady Valencia has reached their mansion safe and sound."
Geanos looked at his butler who just entered and nod.
Geanos: Very well. I will retire for the night you don't need to prepare or assist me.
Saani: Yes, my Duke.
***
Aerysha was flustered she was pacing back and forth and Elin was not saying anything while waiting for her Lady to speak.
Aerysha: Elin... I did a mistake...
Elin looked at her with troubled eyes. She doesn't understand a thing her Lady is saying.
Elin: My Lady what happened?
Aerysha looked at Elin with helpless eyes.
Aerysha: I made a huge mistake. I... knew the name Kale sound familiar but didn't know he would be the King of Amaris. Yes, I am sure now he is the King of Amaris Elin! Help me!
She ran and hold Elin's hands and Elin knew she was deeply troubled.
Elin: My Lady, what could have happened?
Aerysha: I... I-I k-kissed the King...
Elin's eyes rounded in shock.
Elin: M-my Lady you did what?!
Aerysha: I-I kissed him and Geanos watched the whole thing.
Elin pulls her hands from Aerysha and covers her mouth. Aerysha looked at her teary-eyed.
Elin: W-why?
Aerysha turned around and went back to pacing back and forth.
Aerysha: I-I .. went inside to look for the Duke because I heard he will be there and so I can directly ask him about the annulment but then right after I got in, I realize I do not have the annulment agreement so I was about to go back to the carriage when I heard another carriage arrived.
After I heard the Duke's voice speaking with the Countess, I then watched them or to be precise I peek and try to eavesdrop on their conversation but all of a sudden a man caught me peeking and I didn't know who he was. I was really afraid to get caught eavesdropping at a secret meeting of the Duke so I- I, because the situation calls for it. I kissed the man thinking that they would leave us be and pass by us if they saw us but t-the man started kissing me back and he was the King of Amaris a-and they went there for him!
Elin, what do I do?! This is a mess!
Aerysha's eyes were open wide and Elin didn't know if she would laugh or sympathize with her. This is the first time she saw Aerysha frantic with worry. She was shocked to hear that she kissed a guy out of her own volition but to kiss the King of another country is more shocking and what's more it was witnessed by none other than Duke Clavren. Her fiance'! (Author: well ex-fiance now lol)
Elin: Lady Aerysha, you only did what you think is right at that moment. It seems to be a problem b-but you have signed the annulment of your engagement so it's not an issue anymore right?
Elin explained with fire in her eyes while holding Aerysha's hands. Hoping that what she said is correct.
Aerysha: RIGHT!
Suddenly her lady's eyes sparkled and agreed with conviction.
Aerysha: YES! RIGHT!
(but what about King Kale???)
***
The next day.
Aerysha: What are you doing here your majesty?
Her whole body was stiff. She was woken up early and was forced to dress appropriately for the visitor. She wasn't even expecting a morning visit right after what happened yesterday. She was caught off guard by this sudden visit by the King of Amaris. Oh Elin we did not think of a solution about the King!
The King was standing with his back on her. He was inspecting the view outside the verandah looking below the garden of the mansion.
Kale: Your garden is a sight to see. It would be nice if you could take me to tour the Marquis' Mansion...
Kale slowly turns his head in Aerysha's direction who just arrived at the drawing-room and gave her a small smile. The servants went in and prepared the tea. The maids were blushing while giving a side glance to Kale who exudes authority with his handsome face. He is tall and his beautiful blonde hair is slightly swaying in the wind. He has a well-built and proportioned body.
Kale completely turned around and look, his eyes were fixed on Aerysha. She looks so beautiful yet so stiff.
Aerysha dismissed the giggling servants before she replied.
Aerysha: I would love to your Majesty. However, I am afraid that rumors will start and we wouldn't want that.
'Pfft!'
Aerysha's eyes were confused. 'Why is he laughing? Is something funny?' He seems to be a person who loves to laugh.
Kale: My lady, you don't have to be so stiff with me. Loosen yourself a bit and just call me Kale.
After, what you did to me yesterday I think we have gotten close don't you agree?
Kale teasingly explained.
Aerysha's face becomes stiffer while blushing. 'This man!' No. She needs to correct this misunderstanding. She needs to apologize that's the solution. Yes!
Aerysha: Your Majesty King Kale, I would like to apologize for my misconduct yesterday. I didn't know you were an honorable visitor to our country. If I have known I wouldn't have done such a sinful act just because of the circumstances I was in.
Aerysha said trying to have a calm face but deep inside she was very flustered.
Kale: Oh! No need to apologize. It was a first for me (Kabedon by a woman then kissed lol) but I quite enjoyed it! *chuckles* Plus I would be very disappointed if I wasn't the one you kissed.
Her face becomes hotter she felt that her blush is now up to her neck. King Kale is speaking informally to her. Did he suppress a laugh? This needs to stop. She managed her expression and she hopes she succeeds in covering up her embarrassment. (but she wasn't able to manage her blush lol)
Aerysha: I would like it if we can forget about THAT now your majesty? I made a mistake and this Lady is deeply regretful of her action. Can you please state your business on why you are visiting so early in the morning?
Kale became silent and he went and sat in the chair across her. He just sat there looking at her.
'This woman is really interesting. Although she is pretty embarrassed she looks confident. Hmmm...'
Aerysha was uncomfortable with his silent gaze but she can't show it on her face. He was studying her. Endure it! Endure it! Endure it!
Aerysha: Y-your Majesty...
Kale: Call me Kale.
Kale cut her off before she was to say anything. He is looking at her intently and it is as if his eyes were seeing through her whole body. What nice bluish-grey eyes. It is a rare color. This man is very handsome.
Their eyes locked but she is the first to turn her gaze away.
Kale smiled.
Kale: I want to be your escort to the upcoming banquet. I don't have anyone and I believe you don't have anyone as well since you have annulled your engagement with the Duke.
Aerysha flinched. She quickly returned her eyes to the man in front of her.
Aerysha: I-I don't think...
Kale: I won't take no for an answer. I have already asked the Marquis for permission and he agreed.
Kale remembers that he went to see the Marquis a while ago before calling for Aerysha. He was surprised to see Kale as well but he politely greets him. When he asked him about escorting his daughter the Marquis was shocked. Before he disagrees with him he told him that he knows about the annulment of the engagement with the Duke and he got shocked the second time. He said that his daughter will decide if she wants to be escorted by the King of Amaris and he will be honored.
(Author: The Marquis did not agree though. Kale just took it as a yes. He is not used to someone disagreeing with him lol.)
Aerysha: My father agreed?
Kale: Yes. (Author: Nooo)
Aerysha: But ...
Kale: YES HE AGREED.
Kale repeated the words that his father agreed with a smiling face. Somehow Aerysha felt that he is threatening her. He seems to get everything his way. He is a King after all.
Sigh. What did I get myself into? But if I said no to him he might wage a war in our Kingdom saying the Marquis's House disrespected him. I don't want that!
Aerysha: O-ok your Majesty. Y-you will be my escort.
Kale brightened up and the corner of his lips went up.
Kale: Good.
He stood up and went to her. She didn't know what he will do but she stood up as well. Kale took her hand and kissed it gently. She blushed at the act but remained composed.
Kale felt Otto's presence signaling that he needs to leave the Marquis residence now.
Kale: I would love to walk with you in the garden but I guess it will have to be rescheduled at a later date.
He said to Aerysha while not letting go of her hand. He studied her troubled face and he seems to enjoy that troubled look. He touched her knitted eyebrows in the middle smoothening them.
Kale: You shouldn't show that expression to me.
He leaned and whisper slowly in her right ear.
Kale: If you showed me a cute troubled face I don't know what will I do to erase that expression of your face.
Aerysha blushed so much and stood speechless. She watched as the King's lips curved up a smile. He turned around abruptly and his red cape flutters in the wind.
Kale: I will see you on the day of the banquet Aerysha. I will personally pick you up. Goodbye for now.
He stopped at the door and gave her a handsome smile before he completely disappeared in her sight. She absent-mindedly touched her right ear where the King whispered to her. Her whole body automatically blushed as if steam is coming out of her head.
***
Kale just rode his carriage. Inside the carriage was awaiting Otto.
Kale: Good news?
Otto sighed and shake his head.
Otto: The last trail of the Princess was in a town near here. And the terrible news was that she died at an early age.
Kale: Early? How early?
Kale's face darkened when he asked.
Otto: She died at the age of 26, your Majesty. She has lived a difficult life as a commoner who constantly hides her appearance from the public. She has traveled from town to town till she reached the town of Abbie's Pointe but she has worked as a bookkeeper in the capital of Asterin for a few months. Then...
Kale: Why is she hiding her appearance? And then what?
Otto: Apparently, her appearance wasn't of a commoner and so men were always after her and even got into trouble with the wives of commoners for their husbands were coveting her. And not just common men...
Otto's stopped mid-sentence and looked at Kale. Kale's eyebrow went up questioningly.
Otto: Your Majesty she bore a son at the age of 20 with a noble. But strangely we couldn't find out the name of the noble. It is covered up meticulously.
Kale: What of the son? We need to find him.
Otto: That too. It is said that the boy disappeared...
Kale clenched his fist. What the hell! After years and years of investigation still nothing. We thought that we finally caught a trail but what now if the boy just disappeared when he was young? And what if he is dead already?
Kale touched his forehead suddenly he felt that all is for naught. He allied with Asterin so he and his people can freely come and go and carry on their investigation with the excuse of him finding a concubine in this country.
Otto: Your Majesty, there is one more thing. We are currently looking for the woman who helped the Princess gave birth. She is the one who took care of them while they were in Abbie's but she is no longer residing in that town.
He suddenly regained his composure and hope fills his heart.
Kale: Find her no matter what.
Otto: Yes your Majesty.
