17 The king's weird today

After the meeting was over, everyone went back, having a mountain of doubts in their hearts. Mei Yan also went back. Shou, Mei Shu and the king stayed until the crowd was clear. When Mei Shu and Shou was about to leave, the king called Shou and asked him to stay for a while but he told Mei Shu to go back. Mei Shu was hesitated to leave them alone. But Shou made an expression of saying that he will be okay. So Mei Shu left even though she was unwilling.

After she left, the king stood up from his seat and went near Shou. Shou made a bow as a respect. The king looked at Shou in the eyes and said," No need to be formal. Do you want to know why I made this meeting and announced that to everyone creating doubts in their hearts?"

Shou answered formally, " I will not be formal then. Actually I don't know why you did this ,Your Majesty. But in my opinion, I think you didn't think about the consequences like people having doubts. Or else you wouldn't announce such a thing. And what's more... I guess you only thought about solving this problem and clearing your daughter's reputation. She wouldn't be able to get the throne with her current reputation and it will give chance for those who is starving for throne. Am I right? I am just an unknown boy who she picked up. And I have no power, reputation and respect from people. That's a shame for a soon-to-be queen of a kingdom. "

The king was quite surprised to hear those from Shou's mouth. He is still young to have this kind of brain and thoughts. What he said were all true.

The king said in a serious voice: " You are smart and intelligent for your age. I really didn't think about farther consequences. It was too careless of me. Now there will be more problems in the future. I don't wish anything but I want you to take care of Mei'er. She really trusts you. So I sincerely hope you will protect her no matter what." , saying that, the king bowed to Shou.

Shou knew that the king was really sincere just by the fact that he bowed to a normal person like him. So he decided not to bring this up any farther. He held the king's arms and lifed him up saying , " Your Majesty please get up. She has saved my life once and also gave me shelter. I have her gratitudes. I will take care of her at any cost. I promise."

The king was relieved to hear that. He cherished both of his daughters. In other words, they were his life.

The king told Shou to sit down and he himself also sat down and said, " Mei Shu, Mei Yan, both of them are my treasures. Their mother and I love them with all our hearts. Mei Yan has strong heart and she is brave. She doesn't trust anyone easily. But it isn't the same for Mei Shu. She is a kind girl. She treats everyone no matter who they are to her, enemies or others, in her eyes, every human livings including animals , are pitiful. She believes that every actions a person made has a reason. Everyone has their own emotions and thoughts. That's what she always says. And people may say she says those because she hasn't been betrayed. But they are wrong. Mei'er was betrayed once when she was young. And it was by her closest friend. It's actually the second prince of Dark kingdom. Speaking of it, your name is also the same as his. He was her best friend back then. They played and talked everyday. That boy always would buy her presents. They would fight sometimes but they made up again next day. But when the wars started and our kingdoms became enemies , he changed. Mei'er didn't mind and care actually. Of course, he came to see Mei'er one day as usual and stabbed her stomach by his sword. Mei'er was really wounded and wasn't able to become normal for six months. And when she was healed, her mind wasn't okay. She would stay in bed and didn't get out of her room for another six months. But she managed to become normal like before after six months. However, she never blamed anyone and she maintained her trust and respect to everyone. So it's dangerous for her to be alone with that personality. That's why I am asking a favour."

The king sounded really sad and there was voice of worries in his words.

Shou understood that he really wants him to take care of Mei Shu. But Shou is smart after all. He had doubts and suspensions. He said to the king while making eye contact with him; " Your Majesty, I understand your feelings and I know you really are worried about Mei Shu. My apologies if this sounds kinda rude but I have a feeling that you are acting weird today."

The king was startled for a second but he then answered in a serious voice, " You really sounded rude just now. You are just imagining."

Shou said with a smile," I apologize, Your Majesty. Well, I was wondering if your Majesty was sick as your voice also sounded a bit strange. Then I am glad to hear that you are okay. Excuse me then. I will go now. You must have some work to do. Have a great day and take care of yourself.", after saying whatever he wants, Shou bowed and left.

After Shou left , " Didn't you say this is the same as his voice. Did that boy notice? " , the king said in a anger voice. " No no. He was just spouting nonsense. How could someone like him see through the mask? You don't have to worry."

Inside Shou's room, Shou was lying on bed while putting his hand on his forehead, thinking. " Something's really off. The king is not someone who would do something recklessly. And his behaviour was different from the other days. What's more, he and I aren't that close . Don't mention about being close. To be honest, he even hates me. There are many trustworthy people in light kingdom. Why did he request me to take care of his daughter? I should tell Mei Shu about this. "